Main Page

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

Today's featured article
The Xá Lợi Pagoda raids were a series of synchronized attacks on Buddhist pagodas in the major cities of South Vietnam on August 21, 1963. The raids were executed by the Army of the Republic of Vietnam Special Forces and combat police, both of which took their orders directly from Ngo Dinh Nhu, the younger brother of the Roman Catholic President Ngo Dinh Diem. The Xá Lợi Pagoda, the largest in the South Vietnamese capital, Saigon, was the most prominent of the temples raided. Over 1,400 Buddhists were arrested, and estimates of the death toll and missing ranged up to the hundreds. At first, the Ngo family claimed that the army had carried out the raids, something their ally the United States initially believed. However, this was later debunked, and the incident prompted the US to turn against the regime and begin exploring alternative leadership options, eventually leading to Diem's overthrow in a coup. In South Vietnam itself, the raids stoked widespread anger. Several high-ranking public servants resigned, and university and high school students boycotted classes and staged riotous demonstrations, resulting in further mass incarcerations. As most of the students were from middle-class public service and military families, the arrests caused further upset among the Ngo family's power base. (more...) Recently featured: USS Arizona – McDonnell XF-85 Goblin – Adenanthos obovatus Archive – By email – More featured articles...
Did you know...
From Wikipedia's newest content: ... that Strict Baptists travelled from miles around to the remote Zoar Chapel (pictured) in East Sussex, so stables for 40 horses were built at the back? ... that Ed Walker, who reenlisted in the U.S. Army specifically to go to Alaska, was the last surviving member of Castner's Cutthroats? ... that in certain rural areas of Denmark such as Fanø, Læsø, and in parts of Western Jutland local musical traditions dating back to the late 18th century were maintained well into the 20th century? ... that in 1972, foggy conditions meant rescue crews at O'Hare International Airport were unaware a second aircraft had been involved in a crash until 28 minutes after the accident? ... that the granite gilia can grow in lava-based soils? ... that the builder of Chirton Hall received a gift from the Countess of Northumberland of materials from the demolished Warkworth Castle to build it? Archive – Start a new article – Nominate an article

In the news
Positive Slovenia, led by Ljubljana mayor Zoran Janković (pictured), wins a narrow plurality in the Slovenian parliamentary election. After 541 days of negotiations, a new Belgian government is sworn in, with Elio Di Rupo as prime minister. United Russia, with incumbent President Dmitry Medvedev at the top of the party list, wins a majority of seats in the Russian legislative election. The first summit of CELAC, a bloc of Latin American and Caribbean nations, takes place in Caracas, Venezuela. The United Kingdom expels all Iranian diplomats from the country following an attack on its embassy in Tehran. Wikinews – Recent deaths – More current events...
On this day...
December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Roman Catholic Church); Bodhi Day in Japan 1432 – The first battle of the Lithuanian Civil War between the forces of Švitrigaila and Sigismund Kęstutaitis was fought near the modern town of Ashmyany. 1854 – In his apostolic constitution Ineffabilis Deus, Pope Pius IX proclaimed the dogmatic definition of Immaculate Conception, which holds that the Virgin Mary was born free of original sin. 1912 – Leaders of the German Empire held an Imperial War Council to discuss the possibility that war might break out. 1980 – Former Beatle John Lennon (pictured) was assassinated in the entrance of the Dakota apartments in New York City. 1991 – Leaders of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine signed the Belavezha Accords, agreeing to dissolve the Soviet Union and establish the Commonwealth of Independent States. More anniversaries: December 7 – December 8 – December 9 Archive – By email – List of historical anniversaries It is now December 8, 2011 (UTC) – Refresh this page

Today's featured picture

White-headed dwarf gecko with missing tail

A White-headed dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus picturatus) whose tail is missing due to autotomy, the act of an animal severing its own appendages, usually as a self-defense mechanism designed to elude a predator's grasp. The detached tail will continue to wriggle, distracting the predator's attention. The lost body part may be regenerated later.

Photo: Muhammad Mahdi Karim

Recently featured: Seaweed farming in Indonesia – Regent Parrot – Karnataka High Court building

Archive – More featured pictures...

Other areas of Wikipedia

Community portal – Bulletin board, projects, resources and activities covering a wide range of Wikipedia areas.
Help desk – Ask questions about using Wikipedia.
Local embassy – For Wikipedia-related communication in languages other than English.
Reference desk – Serving as virtual librarians, Wikipedia volunteers tackle your questions on a wide range of subjects.
Site news – Announcements, updates, articles and press releases on Wikipedia and the Wikimedia Foundation.
Village pump – For discussions about Wikipedia itself, including areas for technical issues and policies.