Wikipedia:Main Page history/2012 November 24

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From today's featured article
RAF Northolt is a Royal Air Force station in South Ruislip, 2 NM (3.7 km; 2.3 mi) east by northeast of Uxbridge in the London Borough of Hillingdon, West London. Approximately 10 km (6.2 mi) north of London Heathrow Airport, the station also handles a large number of private civil flights; its location near the A40 road link with central London and close proximity to Ruislip Gardens tube station has also made it popular with business people and politicians. Northolt has one runway in operation, spanning 1,684 m × 46 m (5,525 ft × 151 ft), with a grooved asphalt surface. Originally established for the Royal Flying Corps, it has the longest history of continuous use of any RAF airfield. Before the outbreak of the Second World War, the station was the first to take delivery of the Hawker Hurricane. The station played a key role during the Battle of Britain, when fighters from several of its units, including No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron, engaged enemy aircraft as part of the defence of London. More recently the station has become the hub of British military flying operations in the London area. RAF squadrons, including No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron are based at RAF Northolt. (Full article...) Recently featured: Microsoft Security Essentials – Illinois – Conservation of slow lorises Archive – By email – More featured articles...
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From Wikipedia's newest content: ... that the brain coral Ctenella chagius (pictured) lives far from the rest of its family? ... that Chapal Bhaduri is, as of today, the last living female impersonator in Bengali folk theatre? ... that Cornwall Terrace was one of the earliest buildings constructed in Regent's Park? ... that Cyril Sewell was the leading run-scorer during a South African cricket tour of England at the age of just 19? ... that the Roman Harbaqa Dam in the Syrian Desert was reused by the Umayyads in the eighth century to supply water to the nearby palace of Qasr al-Hayr al-Gharbi? ... that the timing of mountain building can alter the shape and thickness of alluvial fans? Archive – Start a new article – Nominate an article

In the news
Mohamed Morsi Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi (pictured) outlaws challenges to presidential authority. Israel and Hamas agree to a ceasefire to conclude a week-long escalation in hostilities in Southern Israel and the Gaza Strip. Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving perpetrator of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, is hanged after his mercy petition is rejected. In the East DR Congo conflict, the March 23 Movement seizes control of Goma, capital of the North Kivu province. Former Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader is sentenced to 10 years in prison for corruption. Recent deaths: Larry Hagman Syrian civil war – Wikinews – More current events...
On this day...
November 24: Feast day of Vietnamese Martyrs (Roman Catholicism); Teachers' Day in Turkey 1227 – High Duke of Poland Leszek I the White (pictured) was assassinated during a diet of the Piast dukes. 1642 – A Dutch expedition led by Abel Tasman reached present-day Tasmania, Australia. 1863 – American Civil War: As part of the Chattanooga Campaign in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Union forces captured Lookout Mountain, helping them to begin breaking the Confederate siege of the city. 1922 – Irish Civil War: Author and Irish nationalist Robert Erskine Childers was executed by the Irish Free State for illegally carrying a semi-automatic pistol. 1976 – The Çaldıran-Muradiye earthquake in eastern Turkey killed at least 4,000 people. More anniversaries: November 23 – November 24 – November 25 Archive – By email – List of historical anniversaries It is now November 24, 2012 (UTC) – Refresh this page

Today's featured picture

Stephen Merchant (b. 1974) is an English writer, director, radio presenter, comedian, and actor. He is best known for his collaborations with Ricky Gervais, with whom he co-writes and co-directs the popular British sitcom The Office, co-hosts The Ricky Gervais Show, and co-writes, co-directs, and co-stars in Extras.

Photo: Carolyn Djanogly

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