Wikipedia:Main Page history/2012 December 2

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From today's featured article
Theobald (c. 1090 – 1161) was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1139 to 1161. He became a monk at the Abbey of Bec in Normandy in the late 11th or early 12th century, becoming abbot in 1137. King Stephen of England chose him to be Archbishop of Canterbury in 1138. During Theobald's term of office, Canterbury's claim to primacy over the Welsh ecclesiastics was resolved by Pope Eugene III in Canterbury's favour. Theobald faced challenges to his authority from a subordinate bishop, Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester, and his relationship with King Stephen was turbulent. On one occasion Stephen forbade Theobald from attending a papal council; Theobald defied the king, resulting in the confiscation of his property and temporary exile. He succeeded in forcing peace on the king during the disorders of Stephen's reign by refusing to consecrate Stephen's son and heir, Eustace. After Eustace's death in 1153 Stephen recognised his rival Henry of Anjou as heir to the English throne, and Theobald was subsequently named regent of the kingdom after Stephen's death. Theobald died in 1161 following a long illness. Efforts were made to have him canonised as a saint, but without success. (Full article...) Recently featured: Princess Maria Amélia of Brazil – Youngstown – Cologne War Archive – By email – More featured articles...
Did you know...
From Wikipedia's newest content: ... that the Château Pastré (pictured) in Marseille, designed by Jean-Charles Danjoy for Eugène Pastré, was a haven for Jewish artists in World War II? ... that the death of Iranian blogger Sattar Beheshti has prompted international outcry and an official investigation, even though his blog had only 30 views during the month before? ... that "Just a Fool", performed by Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton, is the first country music song by Aguilera? ... that the Roman Catholicism of the 2nd Earl of Southampton has been called the key to his unhappy life? ... that there is a toy museum in Ejegod Windmill's old mill house? ... that when he was 42, Fred Ridgeway gave up his career in finance to become a professional actor? Archive – Start a new article – Nominate an article

In the news
Ramush Haradinaj, formerly Prime Minister of Kosovo and commander of the Kosovo Liberation Army, is acquitted of war crimes. The UN General Assembly approves a motion granting Palestine (flag pictured) non-member observer state status. In Formula One, Sebastian Vettel wins the Drivers' Championship for the third consecutive year. In Canadian football, the Toronto Argonauts defeat the Calgary Stampeders to win the 100th Grey Cup. A fire at a clothing factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh, kills at least 112 people. Recent deaths: I. K. Gujral – Joseph Murray – Marvin Miller Syrian civil war – Wikinews – More current events...
On this day...
December 2 1804 – The coronation of Napoleon as Emperor of France was held at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. 1899 – Philippine–American War: A 60-man Filipino rear guard was defeated in the Battle of Tirad Pass, but delayed the American advance long enough to ensure Emilio Aguinaldo's escape. 1942 – The Manhattan Project: Scientists led by Enrico Fermi initiated the first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction in the experimental nuclear reactor Chicago Pile-1 (pictured). 1956 – Cuban Revolution: The yacht *Granma, carrying Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and 80 other members of the 26th of July Movement, reached the shores of Cuba. 1980 – American missionaries Maura Clarke, Jean Donovan, Ita Ford, and Dorothy Kazel* were murdered by a military death squad in El Salvador. More anniversaries: December 1 – December 2 – December 3 Archive – By email – List of historical anniversaries It is now December 2, 2012 (UTC) – Refresh this page

Today's featured picture

Two views of the rings of Saturn: The top half of the image shows the rings in visible light as seen by the Cassini probe, and the bottom is a simulated image constructed from radio signals. Color in the lower image is used to represent information about ring particle sizes.

Photo: NASA/JPL/SSI

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