Wikipedia:Main Page history/2011 December 22

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Today's featured article
Issy Smith (1890–1940) was a British-Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to eligible forces of the Commonwealth and United Kingdom. Smith (pictured at left), the first living Jewish recipient of the Victoria Cross, was also awarded the French Croix de Guerre (with palm) and Russian Cross of St. George (4th class). Born to parents residing in Egypt, Smith travelled to Britain as a child stowaway and first volunteered to serve in the British Army in 1904. He emigrated to Australia after discharge, where he remained until mobilised as a reservist in 1914. As a corporal in the 1st Battalion, The Manchester Regiment, Smith was engaged in the Second Battle of Ypres. On 26 April 1915, Smith, on his own initiative, recovered wounded soldiers while exposed to sustained fire and attended to them "with the greatest devotion to duty regardless of personal risk". His conduct secured a recommendation for the Victoria Cross, which was awarded to Smith in August 1915. (more...) Recently featured: "A Rugrats Chanukah" – McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink – Egbert of Wessex Archive – By email – More featured articles...
Did you know...
From Wikipedia's newest content: ... that the songs of the Pied Butcherbird (pictured) have inspired and been incorporated into musical compositions of Henry Tate, Olivier Messiaen, Elaine Barkin, John Rodgers, and John Williamson? ... that the 2007 Morocco–Spain diplomatic conflict arose after the announcement of the impending visit of the King of Spain to the Spanish autonomous cities Ceuta and Melilla? ... that a band or singer can only qualify for the UK Indie Breakers Chart if they have never had a Top 20 hit on the UK's mainstream charts before? ... that in 1884 Frederick Stanley Arnot determined that the Zambezi, the largest river flowing into the Indian Ocean from Africa, rose near Kalene Hill? ... that some 3000 to 5000 people were killed in Haiti in 1804 in an ethnic cleansing that targeted white people? ... that what Matthew Morrison calls "the most spectacular [marriage] proposal I've ever seen" is scheduled to occur on Glee in January 2012? Archive – Start a new article – Nominate an article

In the news
Russia's largest stock exchanges, MICEX and RTS, merge to form MICEX-RTS. North Korea announces the death of Supreme Leader Kim Jong-il (pictured). Czech writer and first President of the Czech Republic Václav Havel dies at the age of 75. The FIFA Club World Cup concludes with FC Barcelona defeating Santos FC in the final. Tropical Storm Washi hits the Philippines, killing more than 950 people. Russia is accepted for membership in the World Trade Organization. Wikinews – Recent deaths – More current events...
On this day...
December 22: December Solstice (05:30 UTC, 2011); Yule and other winter solstice festivals (Northern Hemisphere, 2011); Mother's Day in Indonesia 1769 – Having been soundly defeated in battle, the Qing Dynasty agreed to terms of truce, ending the Sino-Burmese War. 1939 – Indian Muslims observed a "Day of Deliverance" to celebrate the resignations of members of the Indian National Congress over the decision to enter the Second World War at the request of the United Kingdom. 1974 – Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli voted to become the independent nation of the Comoros. 1988 – Brazilian unionist and environmental activist Chico Mendes was murdered at his Xapuri home. 2008 – An ash dike ruptured at a solid waste containment area in Roane County, Tennessee, US, releasing 1.1 billion US gallons (4,200,000 m³) of coal fly ash slurry (aerial view of damage pictured). More anniversaries: December 21 – December 22 – December 23 Archive – By email – List of historical anniversaries It is now December 22, 2011 (UTC) – Refresh this page

Today's featured picture

Connie Mack (1862–1958) was an American professional baseball player, manager, and team owner. The longest-serving manager in Major League Baseball history, he managed the Philadelphia Athletics for the club's first 50 seasons of play before retiring at age 87 following the 1950 season.

Photo: Paul Thompson; Restoration: Lise Broer

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