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Today's featured article The Australian Cattle Dog is a breed of herding dog originally developed in Australia for droving cattle over long distances across rough terrain. Crossbred in the 19th century from Australian dingoes and dogs from Northumberland, the Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized, short-coated dog that occurs in two main colour forms: with either brown or black hair distributed through a white coat, termed a "red" or a "blue" dog. It has been nicknamed a "Red Heeler" or "Blue Heeler" on the basis of this colouring and its practice of moving reluctant cattle by nipping at their heels. As with dogs from other working breeds, the Australian Cattle Dog has a high level of energy, a quick intelligence, and an independent streak. A robust breed, it has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. It responds well to structured training and forms a strong attachment with its owners. Australian Cattle Dogs now participate in a range of activities beyond the herding they were bred to do, including competing with their owners in dog sporting events and working as assistance dogs. (more...) Recently featured: Warkworth Castle – Thurisind – American Livestock Breeds Conservancy Did you know... From Wikipedia's newest content: ... that the Arab Spring has revved up the Saudi Arabian "Women to drive movement" (poster pictured)? ... that on January 10, 2012, two new Republican members of the New Jersey General Assembly were sworn in, both named Christopher Brown (Christopher A. Brown and Christopher J. Brown)? ... that some oxohalide ions contain a linear M—O—M structure (where M = W, Ru, Os)? ... that artisan botanist John Horsefield was born "dead" but went on to champion the "ignorant and degraded" Lancashire textile workers? ... that Q.U.B.E., an indie puzzle video game, was developed by Toxic Games without having a single programmer on its team? ... that on the Glee episode "The Spanish Teacher", Ricky Martin sings "Sexy and I Know It" and Elvis Presley is covered in Spanish?

In the news The European Union imposes an embargo on future oil contracts with Iran. British novelist Salman Rushdie (pictured) cancels an appearance at the Jaipur Literature Festival in India, and four other writers leave the city after reading excerpts from The Satanic Verses, which is banned in the country. In a binding referendum, Croatian voters approve the country's proposed accession to the European Union. Boko Haram claims responsibility for a series of attacks in northern Nigeria that killed 185 people, two weeks after a similar set of assaults. American singer Etta James dies at the age of 73. On this day... January 26: Australia Day (1788); Republic Day in India (1950); Liberation Day in Uganda (1986) 1841 – Commodore Sir James Bremer (pictured) raised the Union Jack at Possession Point and formally claimed Hong Kong as a colony for the British Empire. 1907 – The Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III, the second oldest military rifle still in official use, was introduced into British military service. 1950 – Indian independence movement: India officially became a republic under a new constitution, with Rajendra Prasad as its first president. 1998 – In a nationally televised press conference, U.S. President Bill Clinton denied having "sexual relations" with intern Monica Lewinsky. 2009 – Rioting broke out in Antananarivo, Madagascar, sparking a political crisis that led to deposing of President Marc Ravalomanana. More anniversaries: January 25 – January 26 – January 27 It is now January 26, 2012 (UTC) – Refresh this page

Today's featured picture Panoramic view of the old town of Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, taken from Deutz, on the other side of the river Rhine at dusk. Visible from left to right are the former Lufthansa corporate headquarters, the Deutz Bridge, Great St. Martin Church, Cologne Cathedral, Museum Ludwig, the Cologne telecommunications tower Colonius, the Hohenzollern Bridge and the blue lights and reflections of the Cologne Musical Dome. Photo: Ahgee Recently featured: Pixie's parasol mushroom – Ernest Borgnine – Saint Paulin Church fresco

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