Wikipedia:Main Page history/2012 March 31

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Today's featured article
Body Count is the eponymous debut album of American heavy metal band Body Count. Released in 1992, the album material focuses on various social and political issues ranging from police brutality to drug abuse. The album presents a turning point in the career of Ice-T (pictured), who co-wrote the album's songs with lead guitarist Ernie C and performed as the band's lead singer. Previously known only as a rapper, Ice-T's work with the band helped establish a crossover audience with rock music fans. The album produced one single, "There Goes the Neighborhood". Body Count is best known for the inclusion of the controversial song "Cop Killer", which was the subject of much criticism from various political figures, although many defended the song on the basis of the group's right to freedom of speech. Ice-T eventually chose to remove the song from the album, although it continues to be performed live. While the album received mixed reviews, it was ranked among The Village Voice's list of the 40 Best Albums of 1992, and is believed to have helped pave the way for the mainstream success of the rapcore genre, although the album itself does not feature rapping in any of its songs. (more...) Recently featured: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception – William Walton – Court of Chancery Archive – By email – More featured articles...
Did you know...
From Wikipedia's newest content: ... that the front gate of Gambir Market (pictured in 1922) was rebuilt in a different traditional Indonesian style every year? ... that Jubbet ad-Dib was established near Bethlehem by Bedouin from the Bani Harb in 1929? ... that despite missing their four best batsmen, the Matabeleland Tuskers cricket team won the final of the 2010–11 Logan Cup? ... that after winning the 2000 Guineas in 1932, the racehorse Orwell started as the 5/4 favourite for the Epsom Derby, but finished ninth and was found to be lame afterwards? ... that Janja Kantakouzenos was executed together with his two brothers, four sons, and twelve grandchildren? ... that the gender of an East Canary Gecko is determined by the temperature at which the egg is incubated? Archive – Start a new article – Nominate an article

In the news
In the Gambian parliamentary election, the incumbent APRC party wins an absolute majority of seats in the National Assembly. The fourth BRICS summit is held in New Delhi. The Deepsea Challenger completes the first solo voyage to reach the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, the deepest point on Earth. Macky Sall (pictured) is elected President of Senegal. The African Union suspends Mali after President Amadou Toumani Touré is ousted in a coup d'état. The Mahon Tribunal into political corruption in Ireland concludes with findings against high-profile politicians, including two former Taoisigh. Wikinews – Recent deaths – More current events...
On this day...
March 31: Earth Hour (20:30 local time in various areas, 2012); King Nangklao Memorial Day in Thailand; César Chávez Day in various U.S. states 1822 – Greek War of Independence: Ottoman troops began the massacre of over 20,000 Greeks on the island of Chios. 1889 – The Eiffel Tower was inaugurated in Paris, becoming a global icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. 1930 – To avoid government censorship, Hollywood movie studios instituted their own set of industry censorship guidelines, popularly known as the Hays Code. 1964 – Brazilian Armed Forces led an overthrow of Brazilian President João Goulart (pictured) and established a military government that would last for 21 years. 1992 – The USS Missouri, the last active United States Navy battleship, was decommissioned in Long Beach, California. More anniversaries: March 30 – March 31 – April 1 Archive – By email – List of historical anniversaries It is now March 31, 2012 (UTC) – Refresh this page

Today's featured picture

Atelopus certus is a species of toad endemic to the Darién Province of eastern Panama. Much of its range falls within the Darién National Park, a protected area and World Heritage Site. It is classified as endangered, primarily due to the advancing wave of chytridiomycosis moving through Central America.

Photo: Brian Gratwicke

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