Wikipedia:Main Page history/2011 March 28

the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

Today's featured article
Rhodocene is a chemical compound with the formula Rh(C₅H₅)₂. Each molecule contains an atom of rhodium bound between two planar systems of five carbon atoms known as cyclopentadienyl rings in a sandwich arrangement. It is an organometallic compound as it has covalent rhodium–carbon bonds. Biomedical researchers have examined the applications of rhodium compounds and their derivatives in medicine and reported one potential application for a rhodocene derivative as a radiopharmaceutical to treat small cancers. Rhodocene derivatives are also used to synthesise linked metallocenes so that metal–metal interactions can be studied; potential applications of these derivatives include molecular electronics and research into the mechanisms of catalysis. The value of rhodocenes tend to be in the insights they provide into the bonding and dynamics of novel chemical systems, rather than their direct use in applications. (more...) Recently featured: Drapier's Letters – Acrocanthosaurus – Radiohead Archive – By email – More featured articles...
Did you know...
From Wikipedia's newest articles: ... that John Howell, who built St John's Church (pictured) in Hastings, England, to the design of E.A. Wyon, arrived in town as a poor boy and became the mayor? ... that a novel type of aerodynamic arrowhead, the Abu Madi Point, was found at the prehistoric site of Abu Madi, Egypt? ... that following its construction in 1574, Coldham Hall remained the property of the Rookwood family for almost three centuries? ... that the Cayuga Nature Center has a rope climbing / rope bridge course? ... that the music video for Rufus Wainwright's song "April Fools", which appeared on his eponymous debut album, featured cameo appearances by Melissa Auf der Maur and No Doubt's Gwen Stefani? ... that although he never competed in the final round of an America's Cup race, yachtsman Gerry Driscoll permanently changed the way teams prepare for that event? ... that ex-boxer Boone Kirkman earned his nickname because of his habits while hunting with his father? Archive – Start a new article – Nominate an article

In the news
Geraldine Ferraro (pictured), the first female major party vice presidential candidate in the United States, dies at the age of 75. Approximately 250,000 people march through London to protest against government spending cuts. Archaeologists in Texas find evidence suggesting that human settlement may have occurred in the Americas 2,500 years earlier than previously thought. In Canada, a federal election is scheduled after the Conservative minority government loses a vote of non-confidence. Security forces open fire on protesters in Syria, killing at least 20 people. Earthquake in Japan · Middle East and North Africa protests Wikinews – Recent deaths – More current events...
On this day...
March 28: Teachers' Day in the Czech Republic; Serfs Emancipation Day in Tibet 193 – Praetorian Guards assassinated Roman Emperor Pertinax and sold the throne in an auction to Didius Julianus. 1802 – German astronomer Heinrich Wilhelm Matthäus Olbers discovered 2 Pallas, the second asteroid known to man. 1942 – World War II: In occupied France, British naval forces successfully disabled the key port of Saint-Nazaire. 1979 – A partial core meltdown of the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station (pictured) near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S., resulted in the release of an estimated 43,000 curies (1.59 PBq) of radioactive krypton to the environment. 2003 – Invasion of Iraq: In a friendly fire incident, two members of the United States Air Force attacked the United Kingdom's Blues and Royals of the Household Cavalry, killing one and injuring five British soldiers. More anniversaries: March 27 – March 28 – March 29 Archive – By email – List of historical anniversaries It is now March 28, 2011 (UTC) – Refresh this page

Today's featured picture

Lauxaniidae (Homoneura sp. pictured) is a family of flies, consisting of around 1,800 species distributed worldwide. Individuals are generally small (less than 5 mm/0.20 in long) with large compound eyes and often brightly coloured. The majority of species are found in the tropical regions of Asia and the Americas, but species are also found in more temperate regions.

Photo: Fir0002

Recently featured: Fort Mason, San Francisco – Eastern Yellow Robin – Reference ranges for blood tests

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.