Politics & Current Affairs — September 19, 2010

Rally to Restore Sanity

“Comedians Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert inspired to hold rally for sanity in Washington DC after Reddit online campaign.” The Guardian reveals the source of the comedians’ fountain.

bigthinkeditor

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

“Comedians Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are about to attempt the impossible: satirising the rightwing TV personality Glenn Beck wth a ‘Rally to restore sanity’ in Washington DC—inspired by a single headline on the social news website Reddit. In an obvious poke at the stage-managed sanctimony of Beck’s ‘Rally to restore America’ earlier this month, Stewart and Colbert will hold duelling rallies on the National Mall on 30 October—just three days before the US congressional midterm elections. During his Daily Show apearance on Thursday, Stewart announced his plans for a ‘million moderate march’, saying: ‘Think of our event as Woodstock, but with the nudity and drugs replaced by respectful disagreement.'”

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Guest Thinkers

Jon Stewart Tells Larry King that Rally to Restore Sanity Won’t Be Political…But Expert Says Impacts Will Be

Last night on CNN, Jon Stewart told Larry King that the Rally to Restore Sanity “is in fact not a political rally,” and instead will be an extension of the […]

Map showing migration routes across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans to the Indian Ocean, with sightings marked by colors and dates.

Strange Maps

Hungry or horny? Whale makes record swim halfway across planet

In 8,000-mile journey, a male humpback ditches Colombia for Tanzania — however, scientists don’t know why he made the trip.

A person with a backpack stands on rocky terrain, contemplating the distant, mist-covered volcanic mountain under a clear blue sky, pondering the longevity of nature's breathtaking beauty.

Business

How to build something that lasts

Welcome to The Nightcrawler — a weekly newsletter from Eric Markowitz covering tech, innovation, and long-term thinking.

In the depths of space, a spiral galaxy twists like a cosmic Kraken, its bright core and distinct arms encircled by a sea of stars against the dark expanse.

Starts With A Bang

Devouring “the Kraken” led to the modern Milky Way

Did the Milky Way form by slowly accreting matter or by devouring its neighboring galaxies? At last, we’re uncovering our own history.

A man in a suit and tie speaks at a podium with a microphone, gesturing with his right hand.

High Culture

In Carl Sagan’s death, an amazing life lesson

“Carl faced his death with unflagging courage and never sought refuge in illusions.”

Up Next

Guest Thinkers

The Amish Crisis

“The religious sect that rejects modern life is spreading from its traditional heartlands, but scandals are damaging its benign image.” The Independent profiles the Amish.