On Sept. 21, 47 years ago, Doctor Stephen Jay Gould and Doctor Niles Eldredge formulated the evolutionary theory of punctuated equilibrium. Though the contents of the paper are admittedly far more complex, the central argument is that evolution was not a slow and steady process, but rather, one that occurred in a series of fits and starts. Consequently, the pair are credited for a massive development in the field of evolutionary biology, and Gould himself is now often [remembered] (https://jacobinmag.com/2017/05/stephen-jay-gould-science-race-evolution-climate-change) as one of the greatest biologists of the 20th century.

Sept. 21 also marks several unfortunate moments in the historical development of colonialism, including the [Battle of Palikao Bridge] (https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2F978-3-319-30584-4.pdf). 159 years ago, towards the end of the Second Opium War, this obscure battle enlisted tens of thousands of combatants on both sides and was integral in enabling British and French forces to capture Peking. This enabled them to force the Qing into a new diplomatic arrangement. This agreement granted the European powers an even greater and more disproportionate influence over East Asia, and caused the eventual cessation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Peninsula to British control.

However, this date is also important in the fight against colonialism. Sept. 21 marks the birth of Ghanian revolutionary [Kwame Nkrumah] (https://www.sahistory.org.za/people/dr-kwame-nkrumah). Both the first President and first Prime Minister of Ghana, Nkrumah was instrumental in leading the nation to independence from the British. Aside from this massive feat, he is also well regarded for his contribution to Pan-African thought.

Another important event that happened on this date transpired in the world of professional swimming. At the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Anthony Nesty [won] (http://www.qn-sports.com/21st-september-1988-swimmer-anthony-nesty-coming-out-of-no-where-to-be-surinames-only-olympic-medalist/) the gold medal for the 100m Butterfly. Representing Suriname, his victory made him the first person of African descent to ever win an Olympic swimming event, and the individual who thwarted Matt Biondi's attempt at seven gold medals.

September 21st marks the release of several classics, including one that redefined the genre of fantasy. In 1937, a Professor of Anglo-Saxon named John Ronald Reuel Tolkien published the first edition set of The Hobbit. Having now sold over 150 million copies worldwide, the novel has also spawned a series of award winning sequels, produced several film adaptations, and has inspired authors ranging from Robert Plant to George R.R. Martin.

Additionally, 49 years ago, the New York Times printed an issue containing what would be the first incarnation of its Op-Ed column, something that is now a staple of modern journalism. Although opinion columns were commonplace in journalism since the 1920s, this expansion has been lauded for both enabling more opinions to enter the public discourse, and for reinvigorating public interest in print media through the publication of more sensational material.

Finally, to take it all back home — or at least home adjacent — there is news from Dubai. On this day, 15 years ago, Emaar Properties began working on the structure that was meant to be the tallest in the world. Six years later, and after obtaining some financial assistance from the Abu Dhabi government, the building would open as the icon that is the Burj Khalifa.