Wikipedia:Main Page history/2012 February 15

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Today's featured article
Tom Driberg (1905–1976) was a British journalist and politician who was a Labour Party Member of Parliament between 1942 and 1974. On retirement he was raised to the peerage, with the title of Baron Bradwell. After his death (grave pictured), allegations were published about his long-term role as an MI5 informant, a KGB agent, or both; however, the extent of his involvement with these agencies remains uncertain. Driberg never held ministerial office, although he rose to senior positions within the Labour Party and was a popular and influential figure in left-wing politics for many years. After leaving Christ Church, Oxford, in 1927 he joined the Daily Express and in 1933 began the "William Hickey" society column; he later contributed regularly to various left-leaning journals. As a biographer his subjects included the press baron Lord Beaverbrook and the fugitive British diplomat Guy Burgess. Driberg was a practising homosexual whose risky and often brazen behaviour frequently shocked or amused his colleagues. His friends included respected figures from literature and politics alongside outsiders such as the black magic practitioner Aleister Crowley and the Kray twins. Throughout his life he maintained an unvarying devotion to Anglo-Catholicism. (more...) Recently featured: Cattle Egret – Piano music of Gabriel Fauré – The Red Badge of Courage Archive – By email – More featured articles...
Did you know...
From Wikipedia's newest content: ... that according to Russian sociologist Daria Khaltourina (pictured), Protestantism influenced positively the capitalist development of social systems through the promotion of literacy and Bible reading? ... that the fourth Rebbe of Radomsk, founder of a network of 36 Hasidic yeshivas in pre-war Poland, paid for the education of over 4,000 students out of his own pocket? ... that the Marlow, Buckinghamshire gastropub, The Hand and Flowers, owned by chef Tom Kerridge, is the the first pub to receive 2 Michelin Stars? ... that the Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman I assumed the title "Vatapi-kondan" or "taker of Vatapi" after his victory in the Battle of Vatapi against the Chalukya king Pulakesin II in 642? ... that, starting in 1989, Selena's brother A.B. Quintanilla III was the main songwriter for her songs? ... that the extinct incense-cedar Calocedrus huashanensis is one of only three conifers found in the Ningming Formation? ... that the remains of moats, mottes and a moot are among the 27 scheduled monuments in Maidstone, England? Archive – Start a new article – Nominate an article

In the news
In its maiden flight, ESA's Vega rocket successfully launches LARES and eight other satellites. Amid protests, the Greek Parliament passes austerity measures by the country's interim coalition government, led by Lucas Papademos (pictured). Adele wins six awards, including Record of the Year and Album of the Year, at the 54th Grammy Awards. In association football, the Africa Cup of Nations concludes with Zambia defeating Côte d'Ivoire. The Artist wins seven awards, including Best Film, at the 65th British Academy Film Awards. American singer Whitney Houston dies at the age of 48. Spanish judge Baltasar Garzón is banned from the legal profession for 11 years after being convicted of illegal wiretapping. Wikinews – Recent deaths – More current events...
On this day...
February 15: National Flag of Canada Day; National Day in Serbia 1898 – The United States Navy battleship USS Maine exploded and sank in Havana, Cuba, killing more than 260 people and precipitating the Spanish–American War. 1900 – Second Boer War: British cavalry under Major-General John French defeated Boer forces to end a 124-day siege of Kimberley, present-day South Africa. 1989 – The Soviet Union officially announced that all of its troops had withdrawn from Afghanistan (pictured) after a nine-year conflict. 1995 – Kevin Mitnick, the most wanted computer hacker in the United States at the time, was arrested and charged with computer fraud and wire fraud. 2005 – Three former PayPal employees launched the popular website YouTube, where individuals and companies can upload, view and share videos. More anniversaries: February 14 – February 15 – February 16 Archive – By email – List of historical anniversaries It is now February 15, 2012 (UTC) – Refresh this page

Today's featured picture

A female Calliope Hummingbird (Stellula calliope), the smallest bird found in Canada and the United States, feeding insects to chicks. Found mostly in western North America (although vagrants have been found in New York and Connecticut), it is migratory and winters in southwestern Mexico.

Photo: Wolfgang Wander

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