  A new model for the formation of active galaxies is described. A key feature
of this model is the idea that the birth of black holes in the centers of
supergiant galaxies is strongly influenced by the large-scale distribution of
matter in the universe. This conjecture can successfully explain two observed
phenomena: the alignment of the radio, optical and infrared axes of
high-redshift radio galaxies, and the alignment of present-day cD galaxies with
their environs. Other recent observational tests of this theory are also
discussed.
