Wikipedia:Main Page/Yesterday
From yesterday's featured article
The black-throated loon (Gavia arctica) is a migratory aquatic bird that primarily breeds in freshwater lakes in northern Europe and Asia. It winters along sheltered, ice-free coasts of the northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans. First formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, it is about 70 centimetres (28 in) long and can weigh from 1.3 to 3.4 kilograms (2.9 to 7.5 lb). In breeding plumage, it has mostly black upperparts, a grey head and hindneck, white and black sides, mostly white underparts and flanks, and a mostly black throat. The loon builds an oval-shaped nest about 23 centimetres (9.1 in) across, in vegetation on or near the breeding lake. It usually lays two eggs, brown-green with dark splotches. Chicks are fed a diet of small fish and invertebrates, contrasting with the mostly fish diet of the adult. Overall, the population of this loon is declining, but the species is not threatened. It is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement. (Full article...)
Did you know ...
- ... that Doc Edgerton created a stroboscope that he used to take high-speed photographs of bullets being shot, insects flying, and drops of liquid (pictured)?
- ... that Michael Jerrell was the only player from the NCAA Division II level to be selected in the 2024 NFL draft?
- ... that Crystal Castles canceled their studio recording plans for "Not in Love" because of Robert Smith's demo vocals?
- ... that architect John Henry Hirst designed at least nine Grade II listed buildings, including Cambridge Crescent, Harrogate, which hosts the newsroom of the Stray Ferret?
- ... that Nosy Komba is a destination for both ecotourism and illegal logging?
- ... that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder and first president of Bangladesh, experienced his birthday in jail eight times?
- ... that Hadriana in All My Dreams, published in 1988, was the first novel by a Haitian author to win a major French literary award?
- ... that Hendrik Wortman oversaw the early development of the Zuiderzee Works, which dammed off the Zuiderzee to create arable land in the Netherlands?
- ... that though Donatello was a Bardi, he was not a Bardi?
In the news (For today)
- In cycling, Katarzyna Niewiadoma (pictured) wins the Tour de France Femmes.
- Doctors strike and protests occur across India after the rape and murder of a female physician in Kolkata.
- Paetongtarn Shinawatra becomes Prime Minister of Thailand after Srettha Thavisin is dismissed by the Constitutional Court.
- The World Health Organization declares the mpox epidemic to be a global health emergency.
On the previous day
August 26: Heroes' Day in Namibia; Women's Equality Day in the United States
- 683 – Second Fitna: The Battle of al-Harra was fought between Umayyad forces and the rebel defenders of Medina at a lava field northeast of the city.
- 1748 – The first Lutheran denomination in North America, the Pennsylvania Ministerium, was founded in Philadelphia.
- 1914 – First World War: The German colony of Togoland surrendered to French and British forces after a 20-day campaign.
- 1959 – The Coatzacoalcos earthquake struck near the Mexican state of Veracruz, killing 25 people.
- 1968 – The U.S. Democratic Party's National Convention opened in Chicago, sparking four days of clashes (pictured) between anti-Vietnam War protesters and police.
- James Franck (b. 1882)
- Sue Bailey Thurman (b. 1903)
- Barbara Toomer (b. 1929)
- Efren Reyes (b. 1954)
From yesterday's featured list
The discography of Basshunter, a Swedish singer, comprises five studio albums, two compilation albums, 30 singles, five promotional singles and seven remixes. The Bassmachine, Basshunter's debut studio album, was released by Alex Music on 25 August 2004. In April 2006, he signed his first contract with Extensive Music and Warner Music Sweden. His single "Boten Anna" charted at number one on the Danish singles chart, where it stayed for fourteen weeks; it was certified triple platinum by IFPI Danmark. "Boten Anna" also reached number one in the Swedish singles chart and was certified platinum by IFPI Sverige. His second studio album LOL, released on 28 August 2006, charted in the top five in Sweden, Denmark and Finland. The album was certified platinum by IFPI Finland and double platinum by IFPI Danmark. (Full list...)
Yesterday's featured picture
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George Roper was a four-masted iron barque that was built for service between England and Australia, launching from Liverpool in February 1883. On its maiden voyage, it carried 3,842 tons of cargo, including railway track for the Victoria State Government, liquor, chemicals, drapery, and dynamite. It reached Australia in July, but got caught on the reef at Point Lonsdale while being towed into Port Melbourne. The ship sat there for nearly two months before breaking up and sinking on 26 August 1883. The wreck remains under 4–5 metres of water and is accessible to recreational divers. This photograph by the German-born photographer Fred Kruger shows George Roper's wreck at Point Lonsdale before it sank. Photograph credit: Fred Kruger; restored by Adam Cuerden
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