Wikipedia:Main Page history/2011 April 2

the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

Today's featured article
Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas is the third book of Maya Angelou's six-volume autobiography series. Set between 1949 and 1955, the book largely spans Angelou's twenties. In this volume, Angelou describes her struggles to support her young son, form meaningful relationships and forge a successful career in the entertainment world. The work's 1976 publication was the first time an African American woman had expanded her life story into a third volume. Scholar Dolly McPherson called the book "a graphic portrait of the adult self in bloom", while critic Lyman B. Hagen called it "a journey of discovery and rebirth". In Singin' and Swingin', Angelou examines many of the same subjects and themes in her previous autobiographies, including travel, music, race, conflict, and motherhood. Angelou depicts the conflict she felt as a single mother, despite her success as a performer as she travels Europe with the musical Porgy and Bess. Her depictions of her travels, which take up 40 percent of the book, have roots in the African American slave narrative. (more...) Recently featured: Cock Lane ghost – Sir Richard Williams – Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons Archive – By email – More featured articles...
Did you know...
From Wikipedia's newest articles: ... that, in 1960, Volkmar Wentzel photographed Capt. Joseph Kittinger making a record-setting 102,800-foot (31,300 m) skydive (pictured)? ... that, even though the Valle d'Aosta is surrounded by the Alps in the far northwest region of Italy, nearly 90% of its wines are red and rosé made from varieties like Petit Rouge? ... that the titular character of the 15th-century romance Sir Degrevant was called the "perfect romance hero" precisely because he was untouched by love? ... that the larva of the Texas beetle, Brachypsectra fulva, can live for over two years without feeding? ... that Charles Edward Roehenstart was the natural son of a Catholic archbishop and a duchess? ... that Revlon named a fragrance "Charlie" after the company's founder, because competitor Estée Lauder released one called "Estée"? ... that, after leaving UCLA and the University of Georgia, basketball player Nicole Kaczmarski started waiting tables at Outback Steakhouse? Archive – Start a new article – Nominate an article

In the news
Alassane Ouattara At least thirteen people are killed in an attack by demonstrators on a UN compound in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. Mayotte officially becomes France's 101st department, as approved by 95% of the population in a 2009 referendum. Forces loyal to Alassane Ouattara (pictured) begin to besiege Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire's former capital and largest city. Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa resigns amid ongoing civil war. Syrian Prime Minister Muhammad Naji al-Otari and his cabinet resign amid anti-government protests. An explosion at a munitions factory in Khanfar, Yemen, kills 150 people. Earthquake in Japan · Middle East and North Africa protests Wikinews – Recent deaths – More current events...
On this day...
April 2: Malvinas Day in Argentina 1513 – Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de León reached Florida, becoming the first European known to do so, purportedly while searching for the Fountain of Youth in the New World. 1801 – War of the Second Coalition: British forces led by Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson (pictured) defeated the Dano-Norwegian fleet at the Battle of Copenhagen off the coast of Copenhagen. 1911 – The Australian Bureau of Statistics conducted the country's first national census. 1973 – The Liberal Movement broke away from the Liberal and Country League in South Australia. 2002 – Operation Defensive Shield: Approximately 200 Palestinian militants fled the advancing Israel Defense Forces into the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, starting a month-long standoff. More anniversaries: April 1 – April 2 – April 3 Archive – By email – List of historical anniversaries It is now April 2, 2011 (UTC) – Refresh this page

Today's featured picture

Derek Jeter is an American baseball player for the New York Yankees. He plays shortstop and has been the team captain since 2003. Jeter debuted in the Major Leagues in 1995, and the following year he won the Rookie of the Year Award. In 2000, Jeter became the only player in history to win both the All-Star Game MVP Award and the World Series MVP Award in the same year. In addition, he is a multiple winner of the Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards, and is the all-time hit leader for the Yankees.

Photo: Keith Allison

Recently featured: The Ugly Duchess – Eiffel Tower – Men's sandals

Archive – More featured pictures...

Other areas of Wikipedia

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