Wikipedia:Main Page history/2012 February 28

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Murasaki Shikibu (c. 973 – c. 1014 or 1025) was a Japanese novelist, poet and lady-in-waiting at the Imperial court during the Heian period. She is best known as the author of The Tale of Genji, written in Japanese between about 1000 and 1012. In about 1005, Murasaki was invited to serve as a lady-in-waiting to Empress Shōshi at the Imperial court, probably because of her reputation as a writer. She continued to write during her service, adding scenes from court life to her work. After five or six years, she left court and retired with Shōshi to the Lake Biwa region. Murasaki wrote The Diary of Lady Murasaki, a volume of poetry, and The Tale of Genji. Within a decade of its completion, Genji was distributed throughout the provinces; within a century it was recognized as a classic of Japanese literature, and had become a subject of scholarly criticism. Early in the 20th century her work was translated; a six-volume English translation was completed in 1933. Scholars continue to recognize the importance of her work, which reflects Heian court society at its peak. (more...) Recently featured: John McCauley – Alboin – "Hey Baby" Archive – By email – More featured articles...
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From Wikipedia's newest content: ... that the large Baroque pilgrimage church complex in Mariánská Týnice (pictured) served its religious purpose for only eight years? ... that American baseball players Brett Jackson, Jeff Beliveau, James McCann, Tuffy Gosewisch, Matt Clark, Pete Andrelczyk, Matt Shoemaker, Justin Cassel, Chad Tracy and Andrew Garcia won silver at the 2011 Pan American Games? ... it is widely suggested that the publication of the novel Oromay, depicting the Eritrean War, led to the disappearance of its author, Baalu Girma? ... that the Standard Plaza was the largest office building in Oregon when it opened in 1963? ... that Admiral Jonathan Faulknor's grandfather, father, son, two brothers, nephew and grandson were all naval officers? ... that third-generation stock car driver Ryan Blaney, who will compete in NASCAR for Tommy Baldwin Racing this year, won his first race at age nine? Archive – Start a new article – Nominate an article

In the news
Buenos Aires rail disaster aftermath The Artist wins five Oscars, including Best Picture, at the 84th Academy Awards. At least 23 people are killed during protests after copies of the Quran are burned at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. A train crash (aftermath pictured) in Buenos Aires kills 51 people and injures more than 700 others. Eurozone finance ministers reach an agreement on a second bailout for Greece. Scientists reportedly regenerate specimens of Silene stenophylla from placental tissue frozen approximately 32,000 years ago. Conflict in Syria – Wikinews – Recent deaths – More current events...
On this day...
February 28: Kalevala Day in Finland; Teachers' Day in the Arab world 1897 – Ranavalona III (pictured), the last sovereign ruler of the Kingdom of Madagascar, was deposed by a French military force. 1935 – Working with polyamides to developing a new viable fiber for the chemical company DuPont, American chemist Wallace Carothers invented nylon. 1972 – U.S. President Richard Nixon's visit to the People's Republic of China concluded with the two countries issuing the Shanghai Communiqué, pledging to work toward the full normalization of diplomatic relations. 1985 – The Troubles: The Provisional Irish Republican Army launched a mortar attack on a Royal Ulster Constabulary station in Corry Square, Newry, Northern Ireland, killing nine. 1997 – In what has been has viewed as a "postmodern coup", the Turkish Military leadership issued a memorandum that eventually precipitated the retirement of Turkish Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan. More anniversaries: February 27 – February 28 – February 29 Archive – By email – List of historical anniversaries It is now February 28, 2012 (UTC) – Refresh this page

Today's featured picture

Two Common Blue Damselflies (Enallagma cyathigerum) mating. The male clasps the female by her neck while she bends her body around to his reproductive organs; this is called a mating wheel. This damselfly species is found throughout Europe. The male is similar in appearance to the Azure Damselfly.

Photo: L. B. Tettenborn

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