Wikipedia:Main Page history/2011 September 17

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Today's featured article
Gumbo is a stew or soup that originated in southern Louisiana during the 18th century. It consists primarily of a strongly flavored stock, meat or shellfish, a thickener, and the vegetable holy trinity of celery, bell peppers, and onions. Several different varieties exist. Creole gumbo generally contains shellfish, tomatoes, and a thickener. Cajun gumbo is generally based on a dark roux and is spicier, with either shellfish or fowl. Sausage or ham are often added to gumbos of either variety. After the base is prepared, vegetables are cooked down, and then meat is added. The dish simmers for a minimum of three hours, with shellfish and some spices added near the end. Gumbo is traditionally served over rice. The dish combines ingredients and culinary practices of several cultures, including French, Spanish, German, West African, and Choctaw. It was first described in 1802, and was listed in various cookbooks in the latter half of the 19th century. The dish gained more widespread popularity in the 1970s, after the United States Senate cafeteria added it to the menu in honor of Senator Allen Ellender. Chef Paul Prudhomme's popularity in the 1980s spurred further interest in gumbo. The dish is the official cuisine of the state of Louisiana. (more...) Recently featured: Sherman Minton – Bodiam Castle – MissingNo. Archive – By email – More featured articles...
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From Wikipedia's newest content: Nils Erik Bæhrendtz and 14-year-old Ulf Hannerz in Kvitt eller dubbelt ... that a judge's error on the first episode of a television game show (pictured) hosted by Swedish television director Nils Erik Bæhrendtz introduced a new term into the Swedish language? ... that Bethel Strict Baptist Chapel in Robertsbridge was founded by a "mystical Micawber"? ... that the Dorrigo waratah and its relatives have had red terminal flowers for over sixty million years? ... that Ottoman officer Ahmed Niyazi Bey never lived to see his estate, the Saraj, completed? ... that Darlenys Obregón helped set a national record in the 4 × 100 metres relay in 2005? ... that a former owner of Ascog House on the Isle of Bute kept a litter of pigs in his bedroom? Archive – Start a new article – Nominate an article

In the news
Helle Thorning-Schmidt Helle Thorning-Schmidt (pictured) is designated to become the first female Prime Minister of Denmark after a centre-left opposition coalition wins the Danish parliamentary election. At least 96 people are killed and more than 100 others are injured in an explosion and resultant fire at a fuel pipeline in Nairobi, Kenya. At the US Open tennis tournament, Novak Djokovic wins the men's singles and Samantha Stosur wins the women's singles. The Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the first civilian nuclear power facility in the Middle East, officially begins operating in Iran. A Tanzanian passenger ferry en route to Pemba Island sinks, killing at least 240 people. Wikinews – Recent deaths – More current events...
On this day...
September 17: Oktoberfest begins (2011); Constitution Day in the United States. 1176 – Byzantine–Seljuk wars: The Seljuk Turks prevented the Byzantines from taking the interior of Anatolia at the Battle of Myriokephalon in Phrygia. 1630 – Puritans of Massachusetts Bay Colony founded the city of Boston. 1944 – World War II: The Allies began Operation Market Garden (pictured), the largest airborne operation up to that time. 1948 – Swedish diplomat Folke Bernadotte was assassinated by the militant Zionist group Lehi. 1978 – President of Egypt Anwar Al Sadat and Prime Minister of Israel Menachem Begin signed the Camp David Accords after twelve days of secret negotiations at Camp David. More anniversaries: September 16 – September 17 – September 18 Archive – By email – List of historical anniversaries It is now September 17, 2011 (UTC) – Refresh this page

Today's featured picture

The Golden Parakeet (Guaruba guarouba) is an endangered species of Neotropical parrot that lives in the drier, upland rainforests in the Amazon Basin. Males and females appear alike, being mainly yellow with green in the outer wings and with an all-yellow tail. It has a breeding system that is almost unique amongst parrots, as pairs are aided by a number of helpers which aid in the raising of the young.

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