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ב״ה
SIE Library
SIE Library Sichos in English Sichos In English Volume 34
Shabbos Parshas Mikeitz, Zos Chanukah, 2nd Day of Teves, 5747 (1987)
Free translation from the talks of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson
Every Home a Chabad House, 5747 (1987)
In Those Days — In Our Times: Didan Notzach, 5th Day of Teves, 5747 (1987)
1. This year the celebration of Chanukah is unique in that both the first and final days of the holiday fall on Shabbos. This reflects the nature of the year as a whole. It is a Shemitah year, a year which is "a Shabbos unto G‑d." Furthermore, Rosh Hashanah ("the head of the year") also fell on the Shabbos.
The Shabbos-like quality which relates to Chanukah is expressed in the Haftorah. The Torah readings for Chanukah of these Shabbosos continue the descriptions of the gifts of the Nesi'im and thus, are no different than the Torah reading during the week. In contrast, the reading of the Haftorah communicates a unique message connected with the Shabbos.
The service of Chanukah is characterized by the principle, "Always ascend higher in holy matters" as expressed in the addition of a new candle each night. This principle would lead to the assumption that the second Shabbos of Chanukah possesses a higher quality than the first. This higher quality should be expressed in the Haftorah of the second Shabbos which should reveal a more elevated dimension than the first.
The first Haftorah of Chanukah describes Zechariah's vision of the Menorah while the second Haftorah describes the fashioning of the Menorah in the time of King Solomon. On the surface, Zechariah's vision is on a higher level, revealing wondrous qualities that will only by realized in the Menorah of the Messianic age. (Indeed, a direct allusion to the Messianic era is made in the conclusion of the Haftorah, in the verse, "Behold, I am bringing My servant, Tzemach.")
In contrast, the Haftorah of the final Shabbos merely describes the fashioning of the Menorah without mentioning any detail. Furthermore, from the statements of our Sages, it appears that this Menorah was not used in the Beis HaMikdash. Rather, the Menorah made for the Sanctuary in the desert was used instead.
Furthermore, the Rabbis explain that there is reason to change the order of the Haftoros and read the description of Solomon's Menorah first since this is the chronological order in which the events occurred. However, since the vision of Zechariah was associated with the second Beis HaMikdash which is connected with the Chanukah festival and since it is associated with Messianic prophecies, it is given precedence. This rationale appears to run contrary to the principle of "always ascend higher."
Indeed, one may question why the passage connected with Solomon's Menorah was chosen as a Haftorah. The passage describes the fashioning of the vessels of the Beis HaMikdash including among them mention of the Menoros (plural) which Solomon made. The Menoros, however, are not given any special notice. Mention of them is made only as part of the totality of the vessels in the Beis HaMikdash.
Furthermore, in the passage that is recited as the Haftorah, no mention is made of the dedication (Chanukas) of the Beis HaMikdash. In the Bible, the very next verse mentions the dedication of the Beis HaMikdash, however, this is not included in the Haftorah although it would be an obvious connection to Chanukah which celebrates the rededication of the Beis HaMikdash by the Hasmoneans.
[This difficulty is further emphasized by the fact that the Torah reading associated with the final day of Chanukah describes the sum total of the offerings brought during the dedication of the altar of the Sanctuary. Therefore, the mention of the dedication of the Beis HaMikdash would appear more appropriate to be chosen as the Haftorah.]
These difficulties can be resolved through the explanation of another concept: Our Sages declare: Were the Jews to observe two Shabbasos according to law, they would be redeemed. The question arises: Why is it necessary to observe two Shabbasos? On the surface, the entire concept of Shabbos stems from the initial Shabbos of creation. Indeed, each week represents a repetition of that cycle — to explain the concept in Kabbalistic terms: Shabbos represents a transcendence of time. Therefore, each week the cycle of time is begun again. The same spiritual qualities that were revealed on the first Sunday are revealed again. This is alluded in our statements made before reciting the Psalm of the day: "Today is the first day of the Shabbos..." Accordingly, since each Shabbos is a reflection of the first Shabbos, why is it necessary for the Jews to observe two Shabbasos? The observance of one would appear sufficient.
This question can be resolved as follows: In Likkutei Torah, the Alter Rebbe explains that each Shabbos has a twofold nature. Thus, the two Shabbosos mentioned in the Talmud are actually two dimensions of the same Shabbos. (On this basis, the Alter Rebbe resolves the contradiction between the Jerusalem Talmud which states that it is sufficient for the Jews to observe one Shabbos for Mashiach to come and the Babylonian Talmud which requires the observance of two Shabbasos as quoted above.)
The twofold nature of Shabbos is reflected in two types of service, one which conforms to the limitations of the world (the service of the Tzaddikim) and a second service which transcends those limitations (the service of Teshuvah).
Another comparison between these two services can be taken from the statements of the Alter Rebbe in Tanya who explains the Talmud's interpretation of the verse: "And you shall see the difference between one who serves G‑d and one who does not serve Him." Our Sages explain that "one who serves G‑d" is a person who reviews his studies 101 times, while "one who does not serve Him" is one who reviews his studies only 100 times.
Reviewing one's studies 100 times is also a high level. One hundred is ten times ten; i.e., the ten powers of the soul as they are interrelated each one with the other. By studying a concept one hundred times, one causes the subject matter to permeate every aspect of one's personality. The person is, nevertheless, still operating within the context of his personal limitations, his nature and his habits. Therefore, this service is referred to as "not serving G‑d."
By studying the subject matter an additional time, one goes beyond his habits and nature (even those habits and nature which are "holy"). Therefore, "it is considered as equivalent to all the previous study. [Indeed,] it surpasses them... and makes one worthy of being called a servant of G‑d."
This is the nature of a twofold service. It involves not merely a quantitative addition, but rather rising to a different level of service, an unbounded quality. The deed which one performs that lifts one into this level of service is insignificant. The emphasis is on transcending one's limitations and the slightest activity can lift one into this realm.
Based on the above, we can understand the twofold nature of Shabbos: Shabbos is above the limitations of the world. The service during the six days of the week is a service of limitation and the service of Shabbos involves transcending those limitations. This is the meaning of the statement: The service of Shabbos is twofold, i.e., it reflects a level which transcends limitation.
From a deeper perspective, the statement: "The service of Shabbos is twofold," can be interpreted as two levels of service beyond limitation (two Shabbasos):
one which is considered as beyond limitation in comparison to the limitations of the world; and
one which transcends all limitation, which does not differentiate between the concepts of limitation and infinity at all.
The latter level is reflected in our Shabbos behavior in which we do not necessarily involve ourselves with transcendent spiritual matters. On the contrary, on Shabbos, we are involved in basic physical activities, eating, drinking, and the like. Nevertheless, it is through these physical acts that the unlimited spiritual pleasure of Shabbos is revealed.1
In this context, we can understand a deeper implication in our Sages' expression, "Were the Jews to observe two Shabbasos according to law...." The Hebrew for "according to law," כהלכתן, also relates to the word הליכה, progression. In particular, Shabbos is associated with two levels of progression, "an ascent from below to above to arouse the sublime pleasure," "a descent from above to below,... revealing the sublime pleasure on a lowly plane."
The first progression relates to the lower level of Shabbos mentioned above, [one rises from the limitation of the weekday service to the transcendence of Shabbos]. The second progress reflects the higher level of Shabbos, [i.e., because a level nullifying all limitation is revealed, the level of sublime pleasure can be expressed in our material world].
The second level of Shabbos is "a microcosm of the world to come," the era where the light of G‑d's infinity will be revealed within this world. Since G‑d's essence transcends all limitation, and is above all concepts of above or below, it allows for the revelation to reach souls as they are enclothed within bodies in this material world, reflecting G‑d's desire to have a dwelling place within the lower worlds.
The above concept provides a basis to explain the two Shabbosos of Chanukah. Chanukah is associated with the illumination of darkness — therefore, the Chanukah lights are kindled after sunset — as expressed in the verse "The L‑rd will illuminate my darkness." "The L‑rd" refers to a level of transcendent light which is revealed on Chanukah.
In particular, the illumination of the darkness on Chanukah is connected with two different concepts:
1) The revelation of the light in a place of darkness, [i.e., the extension of the light into a place where it would not naturally shine];
2) The transformation of the darkness and its becoming a place fit for the revelation of light.
The second concept is a much more profound new development. Although the extension of light into darkness is also a new development, [the newness involves only an extension of light beyond its natural boundaries]. However, the definition of light and its function do not change. In contrast, the new development which effects the darkness [represents an essential change of definition]. This is possible only through the revelation of a quality that transcends the definition of light.
We find a parallel to this in our service. Study can be compared to light for intellect is the highest of human potentials and [performs a function similar] to light. Deed, in contrast, is the lowest of our potentials and thus, can be compared to darkness.
Our Sages stated, "Study is great because it brings to deed." This statement reflects two different concepts:
a) An advantage in the realm of study. Deed is a barometer to see whether the study is as it should be. When study is "great," it "brings to deed."
b) An advantage in the realm of deed. On a deeper level, deed can be seen, not only as a barometer of one's study, but as a service in its own right. In the Messianic age, deed will be greater than study. That level, the true "greatness of deed," is brought about by study.
These two levels are also reflected in the two Shabbasos of Chanukah: The first Shabbos reflects the greatness of the light, its ability to shine even within the darkness. The second Shabbos reflects the revelation of the quality above light which effects a change within the darkness itself. Thus, this reflects the two levels of Shabbos explained above, the lower level which reflects the transition from a limited light (the light of memale kol almin) to an infinite light (the light of sovaiv kol almin), and the higher level reflecting a quality that transcends all concept of limitation.
This difference is reflected in the Haftoros2 which are associated with these two Shabbasos. The Haftorah of the first Shabbos, the vision of Zechariah, describes the function of the Menorah within the Beis HaMikdash, i.e., it relates to the quality of light. The Haftorah of the second Shabbos deals with the preparations for making the vessels in the Beis HaMikdash among them, the Menorah. Thus, it relates to darkness, a material entity as it exists before being elevated and refined, and its transformation into the ultimate of holiness, a vessel for the revelation of G‑dly light.
Thus, we can see how the two Haftoros reflect a process of "ascending higher in holy matters." The first Haftorah describes the revelation of unlimited light, while the second Haftorah relates to a level which transcends all definitions of light and darkness.
The above has ramifications regarding our service of spreading the wellsprings of Chassidus outward, taking "the light of Torah and the candle of mitzvah" and placing it "at the entrance to one's house [pointing] outward." This allows the light of Pnimiyus HaTorah, the oil of Torah, to permeate the outer reaches.
This involves two new developments: one in regard to the light; its extension into the outer reaches, and one in regard to the outer reaches; that they become transformed into a place which is fit for the revelation of light. This comes about through the influence of a level that transcends entirely the concept of light.
To express the above in simple terms: When one lights "the candle of G‑d, the soul of man," in another Jew, kindling it until it burns on its own, one reveals the greatness of G‑d's light. When, however, one meets a Jew in the outer reaches and points out the Jewish identity which is shared and, on that basis, strikes up a conversation, [a deeper interaction is taking place]. Although one has not kindled any light, this activity resembles making the vessels in the Beis HaMikdash. It takes place within darkness (the menorah has not been lit). It is rooted, however, in the highest of levels for the essence of the Jews transcends all concept of light.
Ultimately, this activity will also bring to the illumination of the Jews soul with the light of Torah (as in the Beis HaMikdash, ultimately, the vessels were used for a sacrificial purpose). However, kindling that light comes afterwards. The second Haftorah speaks of a more fundamental and essential service, taking a physical entity (and not only gold, but silver and brass as well) and making it into a utensil to be used in the Beis HaMikdash, G‑d's dwelling.
May everyone make full use of the all the revelations of Chanukah. May the efforts of Mivtza Chanukah, spreading the observance of Chanukah outward, illuminating the darkness, be continued in the following days, "advancing further in holy matters." May these activities — including the establishment of Chabad houses in every community and each individual's efforts to make his own house a place for study, prayer, and deeds of kindness — illuminate the darkness of exile and hasten the coming of the dedication of the third Beis HaMikdash.
To put the concept in Kabbalistic terminology: The lower level of Shabbos represents an elevation of the worlds; i.e., an elevation from the level of speech (the revelation during the week) to thought or an elevation from the immanent light (memale kol almin) to the transcendent light (sovaiv kol almin). The higher level of Shabbos, however, reflects a level which transcends all limitations entirely until there is no difference between the lower level of Shabbos and the everyday weekdays.
It must be noted that the very reading of the Haftorah is associated with Chanukah and the transformation of darkness into light. One of Antiochus' decrees was the prohibition of the public reading of the Torah. As compensation, the Rabbis instituted the reading of the Haftorah, selections from the works of the prophets which paralleled the content of the Torah reading. Even after the decree was nullified, the practice of reading the Haftorah was perpetuated. Thus, we see how a decree against the reading of Torah ultimately led to a new Jewish custom, an increase of light.
A free translation from a talk of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory.
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There was this half-empty bottle of Joseph Phelps Backus Vineyard that I took home from a housewarming party.
The bottle had been open for a few hours, though had been forgotten in the sudden mood change to beers that the night sometimes brings. The Wine For Sophisticated Homies slipped this bottle under a jacket and spirited it away for further inspection. What follows is our review of the 2002 Joseph Phelps Backus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.
This wine is reminiscent of the first book you ever analyzed deeply without any prompting from a teacher. Its complexities range from tannins so heavily layered you might think you were pulling back the plush-chair equivalent of an onion, to a cocoa powder dark chocolate thing that juxtaposes an almost constant hint of charred earth.
A brooding guilt will envelop you as you sip this plumberry tonic, like a prizefighter gripping and ungripping victoriously bloodied knuckles. In its youth, it might've smacked you around before leaving without so much as a single appearance of the velveteen black fruits it now espouses…like so many a stolen communion wine chug. Such is the dangerous backbone of this beauty. The graphite, like pencil shavings blown from college-ruled paper wherein you are required to write "I will not steal wine from Sister Mary's lockbox," over and over and over again until you have proffered a palatable penitence, smudges the glass.
Only fourteen years of age, and already it shows a complex personality, but there is another decade of ambition within these legs, particularly if the wine shaves on a daily basis and always remembers to put on lotion. I'm sorry, what was it we were talking about again?
24 out of 27 Top Hats.
On a recent evening dressed in crisped suits with expertly executed bowtie charm, the Wine for Sophisticated Homies sipped upon a dazzler made by the Ernest Remy Grand Cru Champagne House. Their Oxymore 2008 Vintage Champagne is a Cuvée we felt was worthy of discussion. What follows are the feelings we were left with.
There is a clearly evident prestidigitation being performed by the nimble-fingered winemaker at Ernest Remy.
In their presentation of Oxymore, they claim to bring the collision of wine and art into being in bottle form. One can hardly argue after seeing the magnificent wreckage of delicate flavor entered into evidence upon each new touch of the glass to the lips.
I should like to tell you that this wine deserves to be drunk from a vintage champagne coupe by a women in a subtly revealing Evening gown. Complexity like collarbones, winding and arched.
A Quidditch Snitch Golden hue envelopes the glass as dried apricot and perfumed honey coat the praline finish. This is cheese plate accoutrement in a glass, delivering tiny snake bites of popping pleasure to the tip of the tongue as it shows the quality of it's age even now, though it could be kept much longer in order to reveal itself as an even more illustrious product in its mid 20's. Glorious orchard fruits and dried varieties show deference to the brioche-nut-bread of this Godspell of a wine. Prepare to be enraptured. Dress appropriately for the occasion.
15 out of 17 Top Hats.
The town council is holding it's annual Cherry Festival at the soda fountain and your invited. Cuff your jeans and slick back your hair and get ready for what will inevitably turn into a coming-of-age teen musical, wherein the baddest of dudes will at some point sing in perfect harmony. This wine invites you to leave all pretension at the doorstep.
This wine is every red fruit you've ever considered when making a list of red fruits. It's berry picking at its' most American. Think of juice running off an everyberry popsicle in the middle of July with some blond girl staring at you from across the pool as her hair blows in front of her face. And she's got this red bike parked nearby. And there's this dog playing tug-of-war with this guy in a bathing suit. They're all there.
This wine is a poodle skirt and a bobbed ponytail. It's nervous glances up on Lover's Lane. This wine wants to be poured into Rubenesque goblets and drunk passionately while waxing poetic on the merits of freckles under bronzed skin. The palate sings sassafras hymns. Bunches of wisteria and white rose dance around the outer edges like ballet figurines silhouetted in a campfire's glaze. And speaking of which, that toasty marshmallow oak? It'll sneak up on you and hug you and hold you like sinful smores melting you into sleeping bag submission.
This wine is all the things you miss when they are gone, and all the longings of the last nights of freedom.
Oh to be young and beautiful.
9 out of 10 Top Hats.


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NSA surveillance: 'Grave breach of trust,' says Merkel
German Chancellor Angela Merkel questioned U.S. President Barack Obama regarding NSA surveillance of her cell phone on Wednesday. The White House denies suggestions that the U.S. government is currently monitoring her communications, but would not comment on past practices.
AP Photo/Jens Meyer
This file photo shows German Chancellor Angela Merkel checking her mobile phone in Stralsund, Germany. Merkel complained to President Barack Obama on Wednesday after learning that U.S. intelligence may have targeted her mobile phone, and said that would be "a serious breach of trust."
By Noah Barkin Reuters
The German government has obtained information that the United States may have monitored the mobile phone of Chancellor Angela Merkel and she called President Barack Obama on Wednesday to demand an immediate clarification, her spokesman said.
In a strongly worded statement, the spokesman said Merkel had told Obama that if such surveillance had taken place it would represent a "grave breach of trust" between close allies.
"She made clear that she views such practices, if proven true, as completely unacceptable and condemns them unequivocally," the statement read.
White House spokesman Jay Carney, responding to the news in Washington, said Obama had assured Merkel that the United States "is not monitoring and will not monitor" the communications of the chancellor.
When pressed on whether spying may have occurred in the past, a White House official declined to elaborate on the statement.
"I'm not in a position to comment publicly on every specific alleged intelligence activity," the official said.
The news broke as Secretary of State John Kerry, on a visit to Rome, faced fresh questions about mass spying on European allies, based on revelations from Edward Snowden, the fugitive former U.S. intelligence operative granted asylum in Russia.
French President Francois Hollande is pressing for the U.S. spying issue to be put on the agenda of a summit of European leaders starting on Thursday.
He also called Obama earlier this week after French newspaper Le Monde reported that the National Security Agency (NSA) had collected tens of thousands of French phone records in a single month between December 2012 and January 2013.
The NSA appeared to be targeting people tied to French business and politics as well as individuals suspected of links to terrorism, the paper said.
Merkel is not the only foreign leader whose personal communications may have been monitored by the United States. Last month Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff called off plans for an October state visit to Washington because of similar revelations.
Different atmosphere
On a June visit to Berlin, Obama defended U.S. anti-terrorism tactics, telling reporters at a joint news conference with Merkel that Washington was not spying on ordinary citizens.
Revelations before the trip of a covert U.S. Internet surveillance programme, code-named Prism, caused outrage in a country where memories of the eavesdropping East German Stasi secret police are still fresh.
"Trust is an important currency in political relations, and while Merkel is an extremely rational person and would probably assume Obama didn't know about this, it will create a different atmosphere between the two," said Volker Perthes of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs in Berlin.
The revelations may hamper efforts to clinch a new free trade accord between the United States and Europe by the end of next year.
Earlier this month, a second round of negotiations on the deal was cancelled because of the U.S. government shutdown. Reports the U.S. bugged EU offices have also cast a cloud over the talks.
A German official, requesting anonymity, said the government had been alerted to the latest spying activities by Der Spiegel, a weekly magazine which had obtained a U.S. document with Merkel's telephone number on it. Germany then confronted U.S. officials with the document.
"Between close friends and partners, as Germany and the U.S. have been for decades, there should not be such monitoring of the communications of a government leader," said Merkel's spokesman in the statement. "This would be a grave breach of trust. Such practices should be immediately stopped."
The White House statement said Merkel and Obama had agreed to intensify cooperation between the U.S. and German intelligence services to protect the security of both countries.
"The United States greatly values our close cooperation with Germany on a broad range of shared security challenges," Carney said. "As the President has said, the United States is reviewing the way that we gather intelligence to ensure that we properly balance the security concerns of our citizens and allies with the privacy concerns that all people share."
Test your knowledge How well do you know the world of spying? Take our CIA and NSA quiz.
Merkel berates Obama on spying, joins parade of 'shocked' world leaders
France joins the list of US allies angry over NSA spying
https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Latest-News-Wires/2013/1023/NSA-surveillance-Grave-breach-of-trust-says-Merkel

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


One of the logo design concepts Red Horse Dezign designed for a new company that wanted a green apple theme.
Ward's Lawn Maintenance in Riverview and Lakeland, FL is thrilled with their magnets for their trucks (and their business cards)!
Here's an ad I did for CSO Law which ran in the Osprey Observer.
Red Horse Dezign designed the logo for Cheval's summer camp to coincide with BSAC's summer camp logo and theme.
This is the first sign that's going to go near the street for KORE's Saturday morning Bootcamp.
The Spring 2012 Newsletter, The BSAC Beat just launched for Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center. It gets deployed to their email list, and provides BSAC with statistics to show what pages are viewed most and much more.
This was the outdoor banner for Camp BSAC 2011: Are You Ready to ROCK? At Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center.
Here's an old watercolor I did of a horse named "Sassy" forever ago!


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Home / News / Features
Dutch referendum on EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and indirect effects on Moldova, Op-Ed IPN
The Euro-skepticism in relation to Ukraine can easily spread to other European states, targeting other DCFTA countries, in particular the Republic of Moldova, which now faces a serious deficit of positive image following the theft of the billion and the amplification of the phenomenon of 'captured state'...
Dionis Cenuşa
The Dutch referendum on the Association Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine of April 6, 2016 reveals how non-uniform the public opinion in the European states is. This plebiscite shows that the opinion shared by a Euro-skeptic minority can be included in the public agenda by democratic methods. The referendum also shows that the EU policy on the Eastern Partnership countries is not understood by many of the European citizens.
The Netherlands should not be regarded as the only country where the Euro-skeptics are against the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine. France, the UK or other EU states, where the anti-European views gain popularity, can combine forces with the Dutch people. But these cannot initiate plebiscites so easily. Also, the problem resided not strictly in the opposition to the development of the EU – Ukraine relations, but in the attitude of the Dutch Euro-skeptics to the EU. For them, Ukraine represents rather a pretext for showing their attitude to the EU, not a simple method of penalizing the Ukrainians.
Besides the Dutch Euro-skeptics, Russia uses the referendum to discredit the EU and prevent the coming into force of the Association Agreement with Ukraine. In this regard, the Russian propaganda efficiently exploits the shortcomings of the Ukrainian state (corruption, political instability, armed conflict in the eastern region that is fueled by Russia), manipulating the Dutch public opinion as well the European and Russian ones.
Indirect effects on Moldova
Surely, the Dutch referendum does not directly affect Moldova. There are yet indirect aspects that should worry us. We therefore should understand that Ukraine is a key country for the Eastern Partnership and thus for Moldova too. That's why the offensive against the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine, launched through the Dutch referendum, is aimed at the EaP.
Also, Ukraine has a huge impact on the economic stability and security of Moldova. The obstacles to the European agenda of Kiev can easily affect the Moldovan interests too.
Moreover, we speak about the 'contamination effect' that the Dutch referendum can have on the European public opinion. So, the negative attitude to Ukraine, even if this is shared by a reduced number of Dutch people, could strengthen in the Netherlands and other European states. Furthermore, the negativism expressed in relation to Ukraine could be easily extended to other DCFTA countries. This refers first of all to Moldova, which is already in the focus of the European public opinion over the huge frauds committed in its banking system and the escalation and development of the phenomenon of 'captured state'.
Instead of conclusion...
The Eastern Partnership and, respectively, the signatory states of the Association Agreement with the EU are victims of the shallow informing that leaves room for erroneous interpretations and inimical positions among the European citizens. This is the partial explanations of the Dutch referendum whose result is beneficial to the Dutch and non-Dutch Euro-skeptics and to the Russian propaganda.
The indirect effects of the Dutch referendum on Moldova are evident, though they are mainly neglected. The affected image of Ukraine and the postponement of the Ukrainian European agenda (by delaying the ratification of the Agreement by the Netherlands) can have implications for Moldova. Furthermore, the Euro-skepticism in relation to Ukraine can easily spread to other European states, targeting other DCFTA countries, in particular the Republic of Moldova, which now faces a serious deficit of positive image following the theft of the billion and the amplification of the phenomenon of 'captured state'.
The voter turnout in the Dutch referendum held on April 6, 2016 was of about 32%, the minimum threshold needed for validating the referendum being exceeded. Over 60% of the participants in the referendum voted against the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement.
Dionis Cenușa is a politologist, holding an MA degree in interdisciplinary European studies from the College of Europe.
Areas of interes: European integration, European policies, EU's foreign policy, migration and energy security.
Follow Dionis Cenuşa on Twitter
IPN publishes in the Op-Ed rubric opinion pieces submitted by authors not affiliated with our editorial board. The opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily coincide with the opinions of our editorial board.
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2022, year of geopolitical crises. Op-Ed by Victor Pelin
Top Seven Forecasts for the Eastern Partnership in 2022: Stress Test for Local Reforms and Pressure from Regional Geopolitical Competition. Analysis of Dionis Cenușa
Romania, 15 years in EU. Missed chance for Republic of Moldova
Drivers who make dangerous maneuvers pose a social threat, psychologist
2021 brought twice higher stress levels to surgery wards. Neurosurgeon Grigore Zapuhlyh
In 2021, I started to feel lack of spontaneous interactions and socialization. Psychologist Tatiana Buianina
2021 left us with accomplishments for persons with disabilities, but there is place for the better. Local councilor Elena Crâșmari
They pulled the curtains and turned off the light in justice sector. Judge Victoria Sanduța
2021 left us with inner satisfaction, but with very low salaries. Musicologist Svetlana Bivol
Maib starts reinventing its way of working by initiating an enterprise-wide Agile Transformation


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Robert Pattinson Vs. Michael Keaton: Here's Who Played The Better Batman
Frazer Harrison/Getty
By Shane O'Neill/March 7, 2022 9:08 pm EST
This article contains spoilers for "The Batman." Reader beware!
A staple of DC Comics' roster of heroes for well over 80 years, you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who isn't at least aware of Batman. Debuting in "Detective Comics" #27, the character has gone on to become nothing short of a pop culture phenomenon. Not only has he starred in countless comic book storylines of his own and appeared in those of others, but he has become an icon in video games and animation too. Of course, he's probably best known for making the jump to the big screen in live-action.
The Caped Crusader's cinematic tenure began way back in 1943, courtesy of actor Lewis Wilson, paving the way for numerous thespians to don the cowl in the decades to come. In fact, in 2022 alone, three different actors will play the Batman across two different projects. First and foremost is Robert Pattinson, who suits up for the first time in "The Batman," followed by both Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton in "The Flash," who are returning to the role after hiatuses of varying lengths.
After a handful of outings as the Dark Knight, "The Flash" will serve as Affleck's goodbye. However, Keaton and Pattinson are likely to stick around in the DC universe for some time. So, it's only appropriate to ask the burning question: between these two versions of Batman, who's better? Let's break their performances down and see who comes out on top.
Pattinson: the inexperienced, brooding hero
Warner Bros./DC Entertainment
In a tale set outside the DC Extended Universe — the home of such films as "Justice League" and "Wonder Woman" –, Robert Pattinson gets to make the titular hero all his own in "The Batman." As he embarks on his second year as a costumed vigilante, it's clear that he's still sorting things out. He refuses to kill yet fights with ferocious aggression, his suit and Batmobile are well put-together but far from sleek, and his ability to keep up appearances as Bruce Wayne is virtually nonexistent. All he cares about is vengeance and keeping Gotham's criminals on their toes.
Though his brooding, stoic personality doesn't disappear, as Pattinson's Batman goes after the murderous Riddler (Paul Dano), he shows a lot of character development. He sharpens his detective skills by investigating crime scenes and breaking down Riddler's ciphers, working collaboratively with the Gotham City Police Department all the while. Additionally, he helps clean up a flooded Gotham and save lives after Riddler's attack on Gotham Square Garden, which turns him from a frightening creature of the night into a full-fledged hero in the eyes of the people.
Robert Pattinson plays an excellent Batman whose strengths lie in his observational skills and commitment to his vigilantism. It'll be interesting to see how he evolves down the road.
Keaton: the seasoned, mysterious legend
Michael Keaton depicted Batman on two occasions: 1989's "Batman" and 1992's "Batman Returns." With Tim Burton in the director's chair, it should come as no surprise that each film kept things dark, stylized, and mildly campy. Under the Batman persona, Keaton's Bruce Wayne seldom said a word, preferring to slink in the shadows and intimidate his enemies before engaging in combat. As a result, he'd become an urban legend in Gotham — one that the GCPD had no desire to speak about publicly or lend any credence to the existence of if they could help it.
Clearly an established crime-fighter, Keaton's Batman carried an arsenal of useful gadgets, kept his Batmobile close, and had access to a variety of resources via his Batcomputer. Unlike Pattinson, he had no qualms about killing his unlawful enemies, and he had refined his public face as billionaire Bruce Wayne. Although, his personal attachment to the likes of Vicki Vale (Kim Basinger) and Selina "Catwoman" Kyle (Michelle Pfeiffer) often complicated his late-night activities. It's also worth noting that he sleeps hanging upside-down. Get it? Like a bat!
In Tim Burton's wacky vision for Gotham City, Michael Keaton's generation-defining turn as a larger-than-life Batman fits right in. Without him, who knows where superhero movies would be today?
Verdict: Pattinson narrowly takes the win
Robert Pattinson and Michael Keaton's respective takes on Batman both come with their own pros and cons. Still, be that as it may, it's hard to deny that Pattinson is the better of the two when taking the source material into account. He's smart, resourceful, and eventually learns to care about making Gotham a better place for those unfortunate enough to live there. Sure, he may be a tad inexperienced and still has to work on balancing his time as Batman with that as Bruce Wayne, but it's evident that Pattinson wanted to do right by the comics with his performance.
At the same time, Keaton deserves plenty of credit for what he did and continues to do with Batman. His performances renewed interest in the character, launched a franchise, and cultivated a strong following of DC fans that are keen to see him return in "The Flash." However, with his violation of the no-kill rule and lack of interest in actually improving life for the people of Gotham City, among other things, he misses the mark as far as a faithful comic adaptation goes. There's not necessarily anything wrong with that, but in this context, it worked against him.
Pattinson and Keaton are each great in their own right, but when it comes to depicting Batman as he is on the page, the former narrowly takes the win.


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RAVI SONI SET TO SHINE IN KNRC
Ravi Soni, Baldev Chager's co-driver, will be one of the top co-drivers competing in the sixth leg of the national auto race. The race will take place on September 2 and 3 in Nanyuki's Ole-Naishu and Greystones neighborhoods. Along with Raaji Singh Bharij, who will operate a Skoda Fabia, Ravi Soni has joined Minti motorsport drivers' ranks. After testing with Raaji Singh Bharij, Ravi Soni has stressed that he has the potential to be among the top drivers in Nanyuki.
The KNRC series for this year has already been set up in Nakuru, Eldoret, and Naivasha.
While veteran driver Carl "Flash" Tundo took first place in the KNRC Safari race, current leader Karan Patel has four victories to his credit. The KNRC Nanyuki Rally will start and finish at Greystones.
Due to concerns about a Russian strike, soccer matches were resumed in Ukraine on Tuesday, in an Olympic stadium that was empty and bomb-barricaded.
In the game, which took place six months after it had been halted, Shakhtar Donetsk and Metalist Kharkiv played to a goalless draw.
President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested the return of the Premier League matches to motivate the citizens of the country. The matches have been replayed one day before the nation celebrates Independence Day.
President Zelensky has warned Russia against carrying out attacks in Ukraine when it celebrates its independence day. On February 23, a day before the second leg of the 2021 and 2022 seasons got underway, Russia started conquering Ukraine.
The dispute surrounding the Ajax winger's move to Old Trafford is still a topic of intense discussion between Manchester United and Anthony's agent. The Brazilian is aiming to leave his current club, Ajax, and join Manchester United. Several of United's offers have already been turned down by Ajax.
In addition, United is anticipated to reject Chelsea's bid for star defender Harry Maguire. The defender who cost United 80 million euros from Leicester three seasons ago was contacted by Chelsea last week for information on his availability
BY: EDWIN.W.MURUNGA


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Le match de poule de la Coupe du monde de rugby 2015 opposant l'Afrique du Sud et le Japon le  à Brighton en Angleterre voit le Japon l'emporter 34-32 et constitue ce qui est considéré comme la plus grande surprise de l'histoire de la compétition et le plus grand exploit du rugby japonais. Ce match est également connu comme le « miracle de Brighton ».

Alors que les  sont l'une des meilleures nations mondiales avec notamment deux sacres en 1995 et 2007, et que le Japon n'a jusque là remporté qu'un seul match dans toute l'histoire de la Coupe du monde, les  maîtrisent leur match du début à la fin, s'appuyant sur un gros pack et une belle résilience, et remportent la victoire à la surprise générale. Le sélectionneur australien Eddie Jones, qui a repris cette sélection en main en 2012, et l'arrière Ayumu Goromaru, qui a inscrit , sont les grands artisans de ce succès.

Malgré la victoire, le Japon ne parvient pas à se qualifier pour les quarts de finale, tandis que l'Afrique du Sud finit première du groupe et terminera troisième de la compétition après avoir perdu en demi-finale contre la Nouvelle-Zélande, futur vainqueur. Cependant, ce match a un impact favorable sur l'image du rugby japonais, qui doit organiser l'édition suivante de la Coupe du monde en 2019.

Contexte

Historique

Le rugby a été introduit en Afrique du Sud par les colons britanniques au milieu du . La première fédération de rugby sud-africaine, la South African Rugby Board, est créée en 1889 (pour les Blancs) et la première tournée des Lions britanniques en Afrique du Sud en 1891 marque le début de l'existence du pays sur la scène internationale. Après avoir passé des périodes pendant lesquelles l'Afrique du Sud était l'une sinon la meilleure équipe du monde (1919-1939 ; 1949-1955), le pays s'isole de 1970 à 1991 dans un contexte de lutte contre l'apartheid. Après avoir manqué les deux premières éditions, l'Afrique du Sud participe à sa première Coupe du monde en 1995, qu'elle remporte. Depuis lors, ce pays est installé parmi les toutes meilleures nations mondiales du rugby à XV : il prend part aux Tri-Nations (avec la Nouvelle-Zélande et l'Australie), qui deviennent le Rugby Championship avec l'intégration de l'Argentine en 2012, et remporte de nouveau la Coupe du monde en 2007.

Alors que le rugby est également introduit au Japon au milieu du , les premiers pratiquants japonais sont les étudiants de l'université Keiō en 1899. Le sport se développe très bien localement au début du  sous les auspices de l'alliance anglo-japonaise, et les premiers matchs internationaux ont lieu dans les années 1930, avec une tournée en Colombie-Britannique en 1930 puis avec la réception du Canada en 1932. La sélection japonaise participe à toutes les éditions de la Coupe du monde, mais n'y gagne qu'une seule rencontre (contre le Zimbabwe en 1991) et subit notamment une défaite humiliante et traumatisante lors de l'édition de 1995 contre la Nouvelle-Zélande (145-17, le plus grand écart jamais réalisé). En 2006, le Japon intègre la Pacific Nations Cup  qu'il remporte en 2011 et en 2014 (ex-aequo avec les Samoa).

Jusqu'à cette confrontation lors de la coupe du monde 2015, l'Afrique du Sud,  du classement World Rugby, et le Japon, , ne se sont jamais affrontés.

Coupe du monde 2015

Les Sud-Africains ont eu une année 2015 difficile. Ils ont dû faire face à une importante polémique sur les quotas de joueurs blancs et noirs juste avant le Mondial, l', un micro-parti du pays, ayant même demandé que les  ne partent pas à la Coupe du monde s'il n'y a pas plus de joueurs de couleur, prétendant que les critères de sélection sont . En 2015, le sélectionneur du pays se voit imposer un quota de 30 % de joueurs  ; Heyneke Meyer appelle finalement 9 joueurs de couleur  et reçoit le soutien public de Bryan Habana, star de l'équipe et Noir. Sportivement, l'Afrique du Sud subit aussi une défaite historique, chez elle, face à l'Argentine (25-37), à l'occasion du Rugby Championship 2015, dont elle finit dernière, sans aucune victoire. Cependant, les observateurs font remarquer qu'il ne faut pas enterrer une équipe qui relève toujours son niveau lors des coupes du monde.

Les Japonais, dans le  de la  en tant que qualifiés comme meilleure équipe asiatique, ne font pas figure de favoris, la deuxième place du groupe étant a priori dévolue au vainqueur de la confrontation entre l'Écosse et les Samoa. Quand Eddie Jones, Australien de mère japonaise, devient en 2012 le sélectionneur de l'équipe du Japon, alors  mondiale, il s'inquiète de la défense perméable des Japonais et fait appel à Max Mannix, ancien treiziste ayant évolué sous les ordres de Warren Ryan au sein des Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, qui a révolutionné le système de défense. Jones fait aussi appel à l'entraîneur de football Pep Guardiola pour obtenir des conseils d'animation offensive afin de faire du Japon une équipe  et cherche à faire un travail en profondeur pour changer la mentalité japonaise, en lui donnant davantage . Il s'inspire aussi d'un entraîneur français (non cité) qui utilisait des drones pour que les joueurs puissent voir leur façon de jouer et leurs mouvements et consolide son staff de l'ancien talonneur international français Marc Dal Maso, spécialiste des avants. Il a pour tâche de redonner confiance aux Japonais dans ce secteur, en leur apprenant  C'est ainsi que le finaliste du Mondial 2003 avec les  parvient aussi à faire prendre conscience à ses joueurs qu'un exploit contre l'Afrique du Sud est possible. Le Japon est, depuis son mandat, sur une phase de progression importante, ayant remporté des matchs de prestige contre le pays de Galles en 2013 et l'Italie en 2014, et possédant , selon l'ancien pilier international français d'origine sud-africaine et conseiller des  Pieter de Villiers. La sélection japonaise demeure néanmoins inconstante, à l'image de sa piètre  à la Pacific Nations Cup 2015, avec une seule victoire sur le Canada.

Jusqu'au début de la rencontre, les cotes du match sont très favorables à l'Afrique du Sud (avec notamment des cotes à 28 contre 1 ou 33 contre 1), les observateurs voyant l'opposition japonaise comme une formalité pour les double champions du monde. Eddie Jones répète que cette confrontation sera , même s'il affiche des ambitions élevées et affirme que ce match pourrait bien chambouler le classement final du groupe.

Le match

Contexte du match

Afrique du Sud – Japon est le quatrième rendez-vous de la compétition, le premier de la . Il se tient dès le lendemain de la cérémonie d'ouverture et du match d'ouverture entre l'Angleterre et les Fidji, remporté par le pays organisateur sur le score de 35 à 11.

Le coup d'envoi est prévu le  à  UTC+1 dans le Community Stadium de Brighton, l'une des treize enceintes retenues pour accueillir la compétition. Ce stade ayant ouvert en , c'est alors l'un des plus récents à accueillir un match de rugby. D'un coût estimé à  de livres sterling, il se veut l'un des plus modernes du monde à son ouverture.

Le stade a une capacité de  et fait presque le plein pour ce match, avec .

Ce stade ne reçoit qu'un seul autre match de la compétition : Samoa – États-Unis, comptant également pour la , qui se tient le lendemain et s'achève sur le score de 25-16.

Composition des équipes

Résumé

Première mi-temps

L'arbitre Jérôme Garcès siffle le début du match et Patrick Lambie tape le coup d'envoi.

Les Sud-Africains sont très durs dans les impacts dès le début du match, mais le Japon résiste et parvient à se dégager. À la suite d'une faute en mêlée des , Ayumu Goromaru ouvre le score d'une pénalité à la , surprenant déjà les observateurs (0-3). Les Japonais enchaînent avec une belle action à la main menée par le demi de mêlée remplaçant des Highlanders Fumiaki Tanaka et les Sud-Africains concèdent une deuxième pénalité, que manque Goromaru. Le Japon se procure à nouveau un bon ballon d'attaque, mais les Sud-Africains obtiennent un  et Lambie dégage son équipe.

Dans la foulée, les Rouge et Blanc obtiennent une pénalité et l'ouvreur sud-africain rapproche son équipe de la ligne d'en-but japonaise. La défense nippone résiste aux assauts adverses mais concède une nouvelle pénalité, que Lambie envoie à nouveau en touche. À la , l'Afrique du Sud débloque enfin son compteur en inscrivant en force le premier essai du match par François Louw (5-3) ; Lambie transforme.

Après des échanges de coup de pied de dégagement entre Pienaar et Goromaru, les «  » refont parler leur puissance et marquent un essai par leur pilier droit Jannie du Plessis, mais il est refusé. Les Japonais se dégagent et même s'ils souffrent en mêlée, parviennent à remonter jusqu'à la moitié de terrain adverse. Ils obtiennent une pénalité, tapée en touche. S'ensuit un maul impressionnant de la part des Japonais, qui passent la ligne d'en-but ; Garcès refuse l'essai mais revient à une faute sud-africaine : les Japonais tapent à nouveau en touche. Ils rééditent leur mêlée ouverte et font montre d'une puissance  pour finalement lancer le troisième ligne aile d'origine fidjienne Michael Leitch, qui aplatit à la  sous le vacarme du public, qui n'en revient pas de l'audace nippone (7-8). Le Japon, qui montre qu'il a aussi un pack puissant, repasse devant et alourdit la marque après la transformation de Goromaru (7-10).

Sur le coup de renvoi, les Sud-Africains mettent la pression aux Japonais et obtiennent une pénalité que Lambie expédie en touche. Les  imitent les  et marquent un essai en force à la suite d'un maul pénétrant à la retombée de la touche, par Bismarck du Plessis (, 12-10). Lambie manque la transformation. La fin de cette première mi-temps voit les Japonais s'appuyer sur une  en résistant aux assauts des Sud-Africains. À la surprise générale, ces derniers mènent à la pause de seulement deux points.

Le consultant d'ESPN Rob Bartlett se montre stupéfait du scénario de cette rencontre et de la force mentale des Japonais, qui auraient pu douter après l'essai sud-africain ; il loue aussi  et la défense dans le jeu courant des Japonais. Il estime que si le Japon se libère davantage, il pourrait créer la grosse surprise à la fin du match. De son côté, l'ancien rugbyman sud-africain et champion du monde 1995 François Pienaar analyse cette première mi-temps comme étant un coup de maître d'Eddie Jones, qui a prévu un plan où son équipe a imposé un rythme très élevé, mais se demande si les Japonais sauront le tenir tout le match.

Deuxième mi-temps

Dès le début de la deuxième période, Goromaru profite d'une position de hors-jeu de Tendai Mtawarira pour inscrire trois points de plus et repasser devant (, 12-13). Dès la minute suivante, après un cafouillage japonais et à la sortie d'un ruck, Lood de Jager profite d'une défense désorganisée pour partir au ras, courir sur  et inscrire un essai , qui permet aux Sud-Africains de reprendre l'ascendant (, 19-13).

Mais alors que les spectateurs croient que la  est enfin lancée après ce début de deuxième mi-temps haletant, les Japonais remontent  leur retard, par deux pénalités de Goromaru (, après une faute dans un ruck ; , qui fait suite à une très belle attaque nippone) pour égaliser à 19 partout. Heyneke Meyer choisit ce moment pour changer toute sa première ligne et fait entrer Adriaan Strauss, Trevor Nyakane et Coenie Oosthuizen.

Les Sud-Africains remettent la pression offensivement et finissent par obtenir une pénalité à la suite d'une phase de ruck. Le choix de la tenter fait huer le public, mais Lambie ne tremble pas, malgré la distance (, 22-19). Meyer procède à nouveau à un changement important en remplaçant toute sa charnière : Handré Pollard et Fourie du Preez remplacent respectivement Lambie et Pienaar. La  mondiale cafouille son rugby dans ses propres , ce qui aboutit à une nouvelle pénalité pour les Japonais, que ne manque pas Goromaru (, 22-22). La foule exulte à nouveau, séduite par le déroulement improbable de ce match.

Après un dégagement directement en touche d'un rien de Tanaka, les  reprennent de leur contenance et repartent à l'attaque depuis le camp japonais. Le talonneur Adriaan Strauss fait un numéro en repoussant puissamment son vis-à-vis puis en faisant un cadrage-débordement sur l'ailier japonais Kotaro Matsushima pour inscrire un nouvel essai ; après la transformation d'Handré Pollard, l'Afrique du Sud mène 29-22 à la  de jeu.

Dans la foulée, le Japon est pénalisé plusieurs fois, et les  veulent tuer le match en continuant d'attaquer, mais un déblayage à l'épaule de Coenie Oosthuizen énerve Garcès qui ne sort pas un carton jaune mais offre une pénalité au Japon. Les  expédient le cuir dans les 22 adverses, et utilisent le lancement de jeu en première main pour faire parler cette fois la vitesse des trois-quarts qui combinent et marquent un très bel essai par l'omniprésent Ayumu Goromaru (). Ce dernier transforme lui-même son essai et égalise à nouveau à 29 partout.

Les Japonais subissent à nouveau sur le renvoi et les Sud-Africains repartent à l'attaque avec un Pollard très vif qui crée des brèches dans la défense, qui sauve de peu un essai sud-africain. Garcès revient à un hors-jeu nippon et l'ouvreur adverse en profite pour refaire passer son équipe devant : 32-29 à la .

Tandis que l'on pouvait penser qu'après ces offensives concrétisées par Pollard, le Japon accuserait le coup et que l'Afrique du Sud , c'est tout l'inverse qui se produit : les Japonais étant plongés , toute la fin du match les voit attaquer inlassablement. Oosthuizen est à nouveau coupable et cette fois l'arbitre l'exclut, laissant les Sud-Africains terminer la rencontre à 14 (). Tandis que Karne Hesketh entre en jeu, les Japonais vont en touche pour continuer à mettre la pression et parviennent à passer la ligne d'en-but, mais l'essai est refusé à la vidéo car il est impossible de voir si le ballon a été aplati sous la masse de joueurs écroulés. Mêlée pour le Japon, qui obtient une nouvelle pénalité : alors qu'on est dans les arrêts de jeu, le capitaine Michael Leitch n'écoute pas son entraîneur qui lui indique de prendre la pénalité pour assurer un match nul  et demande une nouvelle mêlée sous les hourras d'un public qui n'en croit pas ses yeux et reste debout jusqu'à la fin du match. La mêlée s'écroule et Atsushi Hiwasa introduit à nouveau . La mêlée japonaise souffre, mais le 9 parvient à extraire le ballon et à l'écarter. Après plusieurs points de fixation, un beau mouvement de trois-quarts traverse tout le terrain dans la largeur jusqu'à Amanaki Mafi, qui élimine deux défenseurs pour lancer Karne Hesketh, qui aplatit le ballon en coin, scellant le score du match (32-34) sous l'ovation du public. La transformation non réussie et la fin de match sifflée, les spectateurs exultent ; les Japonais dans les tribunes sont en pleurs, tout comme les joueurs, qui font deux tours d'honneur pour célébrer ce qui deviendra .

Statistiques

Statistiques globales

Statistiques individuelles

Réactions et analyse

Réactions des protagonistes
Le sélectionneur sud-africain Heyneke Meyer définit cet événement comme  et présente ses excuses à la nation ; Bryan Habana a lui aussi le sentiment d'avoir . Le capitaine Jean de Villiers admet avoir pris un coup derrière la tête et être embarrassé mais rend hommage au Japon à qui il faut donner tout le crédit de la victoire, l'Afrique du Sud n'ayant jamais su contrer des Japonais qui n'ont rien lâché. De manière générale, les Sud-Africains préfèrent se promettre de tout remettre à l'endroit pour le prochain match contre les Samoa et de s'inspirer de la France, qui, lors de la Coupe du monde de 2011, a perdu en poule, mais est parvenue en finale.

Le sélectionneur du Japon Eddie Jones reste calme et veut rappeler ses objectifs : . Ayamu Goromaru met en avant l'énorme et difficile travail préparatoire effectué pour arriver à marquer l'histoire et se déclare ravi d'avoir non seulement surpris les fans japonais mais aussi ceux du monde entier.

Pour Karne Hesketh, le public soutenait le Japon ; il estime que c'est quand les Japonais décident d'aller chercher la victoire au lieu de taper la pénalité pour obtenir un match nul à la toute fin du match qu'ils ont obtenu son respect.

Sur Twitter, de nombreux joueurs professionnels des autres pays  se montrent extrêmement surpris et enchantés par la performance du Japon.

Réactions et analyses des journalistes
Consultant d'ESPN pour couvrir le match, Rob Bartlett est à chaud dithyrambique :
Tom Hamilton, également d'ESPN, se montre très critique vis-à-vis des Sud-Africains en résumant le match au , reprochant à la  mondiale de vouloir absolument passer en force quelle que soit la position ; la flèche d'attaque n'a pratiquement pas eu de ballon au contraire des arrières japonais, et il estime que somme toute, le Japon a été meilleur dans tous les compartiments du jeu. Il considère que l'entrée de Fourie du Preez a enfin donné une direction au jeu  quand il est entré (), mais l'équipe s'est tout de même désorganisée et a semblé fatiguée, appuyant cette impression sur le fait que trop de joueurs revenaient de blessure. Pour L'Équipe, Richard Escot est lui aussi à chaud dithyrambique vis-à-vis des Japonais et extrêmement critique vis-à-vis des Sud-Africains : ceux-ci sont  et auraient livré le plus mauvais match de leur histoire en Coupe du monde.

La presse japonaise n'hésite pas à mettre en une l'exploit de son équipe nationale, malgré une popularité bien moindre que d'autres sports comme le base-ball, le football et même le football américain; elle reconnaît sa portée  et se montre fière que le Japon ait .

En Afrique du Sud, cette défaite est vécue comme un , comme . Les journaux locaux critiquent vertement le staff et demandent à ce qu'il y ait des changements en profondeur, tandis que des images de joueurs sud-africains abattus tournent en boucle à la télévision.

Pour Coudry du Figaro,  et inattendues, et la métamorphose des avants japonais est à mettre notamment au crédit de l'ancien talonneur international français Marc Dal Maso, dans le staff depuis 2013, comme l'atteste l'essai sur un groupé pénétrant (le premier des trois). Escot met lui aussi en avant la performance des Japonais dans le secteur de la mêlée ainsi que dans leurs mauls, pourtant l'arme de prédilection des Sud-Africains, comme le confirme le joueur sud-africain évoluant en France Coenie Basson. Selon les statistiques officielles, la mêlée japonaise a remporté sept mêlées sur sept sur introduction propre et l'ensemble de l'équipe a réussi 83 % des plaquages.

La presse est unanime sur le fait que ce match constitue la plus grande surprise et le plus bel exploit de l'histoire de la compétition et du rugby japonais. Le sentiment que les petites nations ne veulent plus être des faire-valoir est régulièrement mis en avant, de même que celui d'avoir assisté à un match  qui restera dans les annales.

Conséquences et impact

Dans la compétition

En poule

Le Japon rebat les cartes pour les qualifications pour les quarts de finale : capable d'avoir battu le favori du groupe , l'Écosse et les Samoa sont désormais à sa portée.

Seulement quatre jours plus tard, le Japon affronte le « XV du Chardon », qui fait son entrée dans la compétition. Plus frais, les Écossais font exploser les  (45-10), qui avaient résisté une mi-temps (12-7 à la pause). Le Japon ne se démobilise pas et remporte les deux autres matchs, contre les Samoa (26-5) puis les États-Unis (28-18). De leurs côtés, les Écossais perdent contre l'Afrique du Sud (34-16) mais remportent les autres matchs (dont celui contre les Samoa d'un rien ) avec une plus grande marge et récoltent des bonus offensifs que n'a pas su récolter le Japon, qui s'arrête aux portes d'une qualification historique malgré un ratio de victoires égal à l'Afrique du Sud et à l'Écosse (3 victoires ; 1 défaite). Le Japon devient ainsi la première nation à remporter trois matchs en Coupe du monde sans pour autant se qualifier pour les quarts de finale.

De son côté, malgré sa première défaite contre une équipe du Tier 2 qui lui apporte tout de même deux points de bonus (offensif, pour avoir marqué 4 essais ; défensif pour avoir perdu de moins de 7 points d'écart), l'Afrique du Sud s'est ressaisie en écrasant tous les autres adversaires de la poule pour finir première. Elle se qualifie ainsi pour les quarts de finale.

|}

Attribution des points de classement : victoire : 4, match nul : 2, défaite : 0, forfait : -2 ; plus les bonus (offensif : 4 essais marqués ou plus ; défensif : défaite par 7 points d'écart ou moins).

Règles de classement : 1. résultat du match de poule entre les deux équipes ; 2. différence de points ; 3. différence d'essais ; 4. nombre de points marqués ; 5. nombre d'essais marqués ; 6. rang au classement World Rugby en date du .

Phases finales

Le Japon éliminé, seule l'Afrique du Sud poursuit l'aventure.

En tant que première de la poule B, l'Afrique du Sud est opposée à la deuxième de la  . L'Angleterre, l'une des favorites de la compétition, ne se qualifie pas pour les phases finales de  Coupe du monde après sa défaite surprise d'un rien contre le pays de Galles (25 – 28) puis celle, beaucoup plus claire, contre l'Australie (13 – 33), et c'est le pays de Galles qui termine deuxième, derrière l'Australie.

Le quart de finale entre l'Afrique du Sud et le pays de Galles a lieu le  à Twickenham, à Londres, et les Sud-Africains l'emportent 23-19 grâce notamment à un essai en fin de match de Fourie du Preez. Une semaine plus tard, et bien que menant à la mi-temps (12-10), les  s'inclinent dans le même stade d'un rien (18-20) face à la Nouvelle-Zélande, future lauréate de la compétition. Finalement, l'Afrique du Sud termine troisième de la Coupe du monde en dominant l'Argentine 24-13.

Après la compétition

Devenir des joueurs
Ayumu Goromaru, grand artisan de la victoire, voit sa cote exploser à la suite de la Coupe du monde. Une statue en bronze le représentant dans sa fameuse position de préparation au tir au but est érigée à Tokyo en son honneur en . Cependant, sa notoriété l'étouffe et il choisit de quitter pour la première fois le Japon en 2016 afin de rejoindre les Queensland Reds, franchise australienne évoluant en Super 15, puis le RC Toulon en France, dès la fin de la saison. Malgré , il ne regrette pas ces expériences et, en 2019, Goromaru est toujours considéré comme l'un des deux sportifs japonais les plus , avec le joueur de tennis Kei Nishikori. Il ne joue plus avec le Japon après la Coupe du monde, mais après deux ans à l'étranger, Goromaru retourne au Japon, où il joue au Yamaha Júbilo et retrouve la tranquillité. Il conserve néanmoins un statut d'icône de ce sport au pays.

L'auteur de l'essai victorieux, le natif de Napier (Nouvelle-Zélande) Karne Hesketh, vit lui aussi le succès de façon un peu pesante, voyant son essai diffusé en boucle à l'excès. Il joue encore deux fois pour la sélection japonaise mais refuse d'intégrer les Sunwolves, la franchise japonaise destinée à intégrer le Super Rugby. En effet, sa conjointe, l'internationale néo-zélandaise Carla Hohepa, prépare la Coupe du monde féminine 2017 qui se tient en Irlande, et il devenait difficile d'élever leur premier enfant dans ces conditions. Finalement, seule la star féminine du rugby mondial a continué sa carrière internationale.

D'origine tongienne, Amanaki Mafi, lui aussi brillant pendant la Coupe du monde 2015, s'engage en 2017 pour la franchise australienne des Melbourne Rebels, évoluant elle aussi dans le Super Rugby. Cependant, deux ans plus tard, un scandale éclate en Nouvelle-Zélande, à la suite d'une rixe avec son coéquipier, l'international australien lui aussi d'origine tongienne Lopeti Timani, qui finit mal : Mafi est accusé de violences graves et de séquestration. Après une période où il a été banni des terrains, la fédération japonaise autorise l'un de ses meilleurs joueurs à réintégrer la sélection ; il prend ainsi part à la Coupe du monde 2019 au Japon, dans l'attente de son procès, prévu pour début 2020 en Nouvelle-Zélande.

D'autres joueurs qui ont pris part à ce match historique ont poursuivi leur carrière et participent à la Coupe du monde 2019, tels que le capitaine Michael Leitch , le demi de mêlée Fumiaki Tanaka  ou le rapide ailier Kotaro Matsushima, lui aussi parti pour les Melbourne Rebels avant de rejoindre ses compatriotes au sein de la franchise japonaise.

Perspective de la Coupe du monde 2019

Peu avant la Coupe du monde, le Japon souffre d'un grave contre-temps pour l'organisation de l'édition suivante de la Coupe du monde au Japon (ainsi que des Jeux olympiques d'été de 2020) avec son stade olympique de Tokyo, dont la restauration a été abandonnée car trop chère () et est impopulaire. Cette victoire donne un fort coup de projecteur sur le Japon, qui devient une équipe de rugby crédible et bénéficie du même coup d'un très bon coup de publicité pour l'organisation de son Mondial.

Quatre ans après les événements, cette rencontre est toujours considérée comme  et  et des  jamais réalisés lors d'une Coupe du monde. De ce match, qui a , Max Mannix, membre du staff d'Eddie Jones lorsque celui-ci a pris ses fonctions de sélectionneur de l'équipe japonaise, réalise en 2019, à l'orée de la Coupe du monde se tenant au Japon, un documentaire, . Il cherche à comprendre les raisons d'un tel exploit et raconte l' d'Eddie Jones, sa façon d'étudier les moyens d'améliorer son équipe et comment il a réussi à convaincre des joueurs comme Michael Leitch et Ayumu Goromaru que l'exploit était possible. Pour cela, il a soumis les internationaux japonais à des entraînements très durs, ce dont témoignent Leitch, Goromaru et Toshiaki Hirose, qui a dû accepter de céder le capitanat pour cet objectif. Le film sort au cinéma le  au Japon, ainsi que sur la plateforme Amazon Prime.

Eddie Jones, devenu sélectionneur de l'Angleterre après avoir quitté ses fonctions avec la fédération japonaise , revient en 2019 au Japon à l'occasion de la Coupe du monde, dans la peau d'un favori. Il a conservé une partie de son staff : l'Australien Scott Wisemantel, responsable de l'attaque de 2012 à 2014, et Steve Borthwick, responsable des avants. Avec eux, il revient au même camp de base que quand il était avec le Japon, à Miyazaki, où l'équipe loge au même hôtel et s'entraîne à la même salle de musculation. Eddie Jones prie au même sanctuaire shintoïste, où quatre ans auparavant, il a prié pour que son équipe fasse un bon résultat en Angleterre.

Notes et références
Notes

Références

Annexes

Bibliographie
 .

Filmographie
  , de Max Mannix (2019).

Articles connexes
 Coupe du monde de rugby à XV 2015
 Effectifs de la Coupe du monde de rugby à XV 2015
 Afrique du Sud-Japon en rugby à XV

Liens externes
 .
 .
 .
 .

Japon 2015
Afrique du Sud 2015
Rugby à XV en 2015
Coupe du monde de rugby à XV 2015

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Last weekend, my family visited Corpus Christi and we resided at the Springhill Suites hotel!
It was quite lovely and our little one enjoyed the bright colors and the architecture of the hotel! The Springhill Suites staff was amazing as well!
Our suite on the 4th floor was amazing, we had a pull out couch and our king-sized bed. It was great for the little one when she awakened at night and wanted water. The walk-in shower, the trendy sink and counter space, and the toilet were hidden behind a barn door-style door with frosted glass. Very trendy!
The hotel featured a fitness room, lots of outdoor sitting areas, a breakfast/night bar, and a neat indoor pool. With each of these areas, guests had to arrive early or risk not being able to take advantage of the amenities. For example, we were excited about swimming in the pool on Saturday night at 5pm, but after we dressed and arrived at the pool, there were around 25 people in the pool area (complete with beach balls). We definitely should plan ahead next time.
The Springhill Suites staff were amazing! They were very accommodating, especially the staff who worked in the breakfast area! One of the ladies from Chicago were simply OUTSTANDING!
If you are every in the Corpus Christi area, please make plans to visit this hotel. Great location and it is close to EVERYTHING!
Do you like the Springhill Suites? We sure do! We are definitely a Marriott family!


The Milton City Council has approved a $2.3 million construction services agreement for the Northeast Crabapple Connector Project, intended to give motorists a way to bypass congestion in the downtown Crabapple area.
CMES Inc., which submitted the lowest of three bids for the work, is charged with constructing the connector including grading, asphalt paving, storm drain installation, sidewalks and landscaping, according to a staff report to the council.
The construction agreement calls for the creation of a roundabout at Charlotte Drive and Mayfield Road, and an extension of Charlotte from Mayfield to Birmingham Highway.


text:
module AviGlitch

  # Base is the object that provides interfaces mainly used.
  # To glitch, and save file. The instance is returned through AviGlitch#open.
  #
  class Base

    # AviGlitch::Frames object generated from the +file+.
    attr_reader :frames
    # The input file (copied tempfile).
    attr_reader :file

    ##
    # Creates a new instance of AviGlitch::Base, open the file and
    # make it ready to manipulate.
    # It requires +path+ as Pathname.
    def initialize path
      File.open(path, 'rb') do |f|
        # copy as tempfile
        @file = Tempfile.new 'aviglitch', binmode: true
        f.rewind
        while d = f.read(BUFFER_SIZE) do
          @file.print d
        end
      end

      unless AviGlitch::Base.surely_formatted? @file
        raise 'Unsupported file passed.'
      end
      @frames = Frames.new @file
    end

    ##
    # Outputs the glitched file to +path+, and close the file.
    def output path, do_file_close = true
      FileUtils.cp @file.path, path
      close if do_file_close
      self
    end

    ##
    # An explicit file close.
    def close
      @file.close!
    end

    ##
    # Glitches each frame data.
    # It is a convenient method to iterate each frame.
    #
    # The argument +target+ takes symbols listed below:
    # [<tt>:keyframe</tt> or <tt>:iframe</tt>]   select video key frames (aka I-frame)
    # [<tt>:deltaframe</tt> or <tt>:pframe</tt>] select video delta frames (difference frames)
    # [<tt>:videoframe</tt>] select both of keyframe and deltaframe
    # [<tt>:audioframe</tt>] select audio frames
    # [<tt>:all</tt>]        select all frames
    #
    # It also requires a block. In the block, you take the frame data
    # as a String parameter.
    # To modify the data, simply return a modified data.
    # Without a block it returns Enumerator, with a block it returns +self+.
    def glitch target = :all, &block  # :yield: data
      if block_given?
        @frames.each do |frame|
          if valid_target? target, frame
            frame.data = yield frame.data
          end
        end
        self
      else
        self.enum_for :glitch, target
      end
    end

    ##
    # Do glitch with index.
    def glitch_with_index target = :all, &block  # :yield: data, index
      if block_given?
        self.glitch(target).with_index do |x, i|
          yield x, i
        end
        self
      else
        self.glitch target
      end
    end

    ##
    # Mutates all (or in +range+) keyframes into deltaframes.
    # It's an alias for Frames#mutate_keyframes_into_deltaframes!
    def mutate_keyframes_into_deltaframes! range = nil
      self.frames.mutate_keyframes_into_deltaframes! range
      self
    end

    ##
    # Check if it has keyframes.
    def has_keyframe?
      result = false
      self.frames.each do |f|
        if f.is_keyframe?
          result = true
          break
        end
      end
      result
    end

    ##
    # Removes all keyframes.
    # It is same as +glitch(:keyframes){|f| nil }+
    def remove_all_keyframes!
      self.glitch :keyframe do |f|
        nil
      end
      self
    end

    ##
    # Swaps the frames with other Frames data.
    def frames= other
      raise TypeError unless other.kind_of?(Frames)
      @frames.clear
      @frames.concat other
    end

    alias_method :write, :output
    alias_method :has_keyframes?, :has_keyframe?

    def valid_target? target, frame #:nodoc:
      return true if target == :all
      begin
        frame.send "is_#{target.to_s.sub(/frames$/, 'frame')}?"
      rescue
        false
      end
    end

    private :valid_target?

    class << self
      ##
      # Checks if the +file+ is a correctly formetted AVI file.
      # +file+ can be String or Pathname or IO.
      def surely_formatted? file, debug = false
        answer = true
        is_io = file.respond_to?(:seek)  # Probably IO.
        file = File.open(file, 'rb') unless is_io
        begin
          file.rewind
          unless file.read(4) == 'RIFF'
            answer = false
            warn 'RIFF sign is not found' if debug
          end
          len = file.read(4).unpack('V').first
          unless file.read(4) == 'AVI '
            answer = false
            warn 'AVI sign is not found' if debug
          end
          while file.read(4) =~ /^(?:LIST|JUNK)$/ do
            s = file.read(4).unpack('V').first
            file.pos += s
          end
          file.pos -= 4
          # we require idx1
          unless file.read(4) == 'idx1'
            answer = false
            warn 'idx1 is not found' if debug
          end
          s = file.read(4).unpack('V').first
          file.pos += s
        rescue => err
          warn err.message if debug
          answer = false
        ensure
          file.close unless is_io
        end
        answer
      end
    end
  end
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Writing, Research & Advisory
I have published widely in the international press including Prospect Magazine, the Irish Times, the Sydney Morning Herald and the International Herald Tribune and am regularly contracted to write reports, articles and think-pieces tailoring my writing for a range of audiences. I am currently working on a book on the right to freedom of thought for Atlantic Books.
A respected authority in the human rights field I am regularly invited to give evidence and advise the UK and European Parliaments, international organisations like the UN and civil society organisations. My work has featured in academic and legal journals including the New Law Journal and the European Human Rights Law Review. As a Research Fellow at Roehampton University, I have a good academic network and can bring together teams with complementary expertise to deliver complex research projects. I am currently working on pre-litigation research thanks to a grant from the Digital Freedom Fund scoping out the potential for using the rights to freedom of thought and opinion in legal challenges on digital rights.
I provide policy and strategic advice on a range of human rights law issues relevant to business, the public sector and civil society.
For formal legal advice I can be instructed through Doughty Street Chambers.
For book related queries contact my agent Charlie Brotherstone at Brotherstone Creative Management
Selected articles:
Sort Portfolio:
Research and Advisory
Prologo LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS, LA DEMOCRACIA Y LA IGUALDAD EN LA ERA DE LOS ALGORITMOS Y LA INTELIGENCIA ARTIFICIAL (in Spanish)
Gernika-Gogoratu
In Freedom of Thought / Research and Advisory / Writing / Writing, Research and Advisory
Regulating around freedom in the "forum internum"
In Writing / Writing
Data Daemons: Protecting the Child's Right to Dream
freedomreport.5rightsfoundation.com
The Virtues of Virtual – A philosophy of how dispersed organisations succeed.
Philosophy at Work
Small State International Financial Centres: A Chance to Reclaim the High Ground on Human Rights?
Integration and International Dispute Resolution in Small States
Freedom of thought, belief and religion and freedom of expression and opinion
Human Rights of Migrants in the 21st Century
On Human Rights and Screening in Border Security and Management
UN Office for Counter Terrorism
In Research and Advisory
Human Rights and Screening in Border Security and Management
Written Submission to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee's Inquiry on Fake News
In Research and Advisory / Writing
House of Lords EU Justice Sub-Committee – Brexit Acquired Rights Inquiry
Towards a comprehensive EU protection system for minorities
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS): Border management, fundamental rights and data protection
Brexit and the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice
Rethinking Freedom of Thought for the 21st Century
European Human Rights Law Review
Brexit, Human Rights and Self-determination—a Perfect Storm in the British Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories?
Big tech's ability to get inside our heads is a challenge we must address
In English / Writing / Writing
Are tech companies threatening freedom of thought and democracy?
The strange human rights question raised by dating apps
Copyright Susie Alegre | Privacy Notice | Website designed by Freshpage


text:
Defining niche construction
Scientists like to define their terms. They believe that it is imperative to pin down key concepts so as to remove ambiguity as to what they mean, and how they are bounded. Definitions, it is argued, facilitate clear thinking and consensual analysis across scientific communities. Philosophers of science, on the other hand, who prize clear thinking, are frequently sceptical as to whether definitions truly fulfill this function. The trouble is that there is an infinite regress associated with definitions. For instance, the question 'What is an innovation?' might elicit a definition 'a new idea, method or invention', which invites the corollary question 'What is an invention?', in a recursion that could be pursued ad infinitum. What this means in practice is that definitions tend to have a fuzzier existence than most scientists might like to believe. Readers often possess subtly different understandings of a term's meaning. One reason for this is that it is impossible to anticipate all new findings: think, for example, of the extraordinary complexities that have been discovered about the relationship between DNA base pair sequence and the construction of amino acid chains, and how those discoveries stretched earlier molecular definitions of gene. Definitions can't pin concepts down in any absolute sense, nor remove all ambiguity, although they can and do help scientists to communicate. Does that mean that scientists are wasting their time searching for definitions? No. Definitions fulfill an important function by guiding research programs. The question to ask when defining a concept is 'What job do we want it to do?'
Such considerations are relevant to the definition of niche construction. In the Glossary to our book1, John Odling-Smee, Marc Feldman and I defined niche construction as 'the process whereby organisms, through their metabolism, their activities, and their choices, modify their own and/or each other's niche'. Of course, we had to then go on and define an evolutionary niche, as 'the sum of all the natural selection pressures to which the population is exposed' (which in itself was a departure from classical ecological niche definitions, although one well-received by the ecological community2). Ideally, we would have gone on to define what we had meant by selection pressures, but one has to stop somewhere.
A feature of our characterization of niche construction is its breadth. Our definition encompasses the construction of environmental modifications that have evolved as adaptations (such as birds' nests) as well as environment-changing by-products (such as plant litter). It includes physical perturbations of the environment (e.g. digging a burrow) and relocations in space (e.g. migrations). It includes environment changing activities that have evolved through standard biological evolution as well as those that are learned and culturally transmitted (e.g. human agricultural practices).
The breadth of our definition reflected the job we wanted the term to do. We wanted to draw scientific attention to the diverse ways in which organisms modify environmental states, and the myriad of important ecological and evolutionary consequences that follow from these activities. What the above activities have in common is that they modify selection, as well as flows of energy and matter. A narrower definition risks neglecting important processes and feedbacks that fall outside it.
Some researchers have questioned whether such a broad definition is optimal. Richard Dawkins3, for instance, recommended that we reserve the term niche construction for environment-modifying adaptations, and described other modifications as 'mere niche changing'. This would bring the definition of niche construction in line with his own concept of the extended phenotype4. Dawkins' concern was that it would be dangerous to lump together adaptations and by-products in the same conceptual bin, as that might lead researchers to jump to the conclusion that all niche-constructing outputs are adaptations. This is a legitimate concern, and were researchers commonly to make this error our definition of niche construction would be counterproductive. In practice, Dawkins' worries are not an issue because, at least at a conceptual level, it is easy to distinguish niche-constructing adaptations from niche-constructing by-products. There are now well over a thousand scientific articles on niche construction and among them I do not know of a single case where a researcher has muddled adaptations and by-products. Ironically, I am aware of cases where researchers have described human artifacts such as spears and arrowheads as extended phenotypes which, as these are not biological adaptations, entails precisely the error that concerned Dawkins.
Such confusion notwithstanding, Dawkins' extended phenotype concept does a useful job. It exemplifies what he calls his central thesis, which is that 'an animal's behaviour tends to maximize the survival of the genes for that behaviour, whether or not those genes happen to be in the body of the particular animal performing it'. The extended phenotype is a valuable concept for researchers whose focus is on the evolution of niche construction, but of lesser value for researchers whose focus is on the evolutionary consequences of niche construction.
Niche construction does a different job to the extended phenotype, and guards against a different concern – which is why there is a market for both concepts. Our concern – in our eyes a greater worry than the issue identified by Dawkins – is actually captured by Dawkins' description of niche-constructing by-products as 'mere niche changing'. Why mere? Does this not imply an assumption that by-products are not likely to be evolutionarily consequential, a conjecture that remains widespread across several scientific fields?
Some critics of niche construction theory once said to me 'the trouble with your definition of niche construction is that it confuses the beaver's dam with the beaver's dung'. For me, that is exactly wrong. It is a virtue of our definition that it encourages researchers to treat the beaver's dung with the same serious consideration as the beaver's dam (and, as described above, such consideration seemingly does not lead to confusion). It is precisely because it is far more obvious that beaver's dams are ecologically and evolutionarily important than the beaver's dung that our definition is potentially of value. Subsequent research vindicates our stance. For instance, seabirds typically feed at sea and defecate on land, and their guano is a major source of nutrient transport from oceans to land. The significance of the seabird equivalent of dung was brought home through the introduction of arctic fox predators onto the Aleutian Islands, which devastated the bird population and hence the supply of nutrients, and transformed these islands from lush grassland to barren tundra5.
Such studies highlight how by-products play critical roles in ecosystems, and can drive eco-evolutionary dynamics, a point that is increasingly recognized. The distinction between an adaptation and a by-product is important, but characters do not have to be adaptations to be evolutionarily consequential. Nor do they have to have evolved through natural selection of genetic variation. Human agriculture, urbanization, deforestation and so forth have transformed patterns of natural selection on other species6-9, driving countless evolutionary events, and initiating both speciation and extinction, in spite of the fact that there are no human genes for agriculture, logging, or building cities. The fact that acquired characters, such as human learning and culture, are not excluded from definitions of niche construction is a major reason why many human scientists embrace and use the concept.
Might the definition of niche construction be too broad? Some critics of niche construction theory believe so10. They are concerned that our definition 'includes everything an organism ever does'. If everything that all living organisms do is niche construction, can the concept still be useful? Naturally, I believe it can.
Many commonly deployed terms – for instance, phenotype or environment – are even broader than niche construction, but still do a useful job in evolutionary explanations. While, strictly speaking, everything that an organism does could potentially impact its environment, in reality many, perhaps most, of these effects are trivial, being overwhelmed or immediately negated by other processes, and (depending on the researcher's focus) can safely be ignored. I stress depending on the researcher's focus because what is trivial and what is not hangs critically on the question at hand. As Richard Lewontin11 pointed out, homoeothermic animals are surrounded by a layer of warm moist air, which to researchers studying beaver dam building is probably largely irrelevant, whilst for researchers studying the ticks that live in beaver fur is potentially significant.
There are now many hundreds of empirical studies of niche construction, and in every single one the researchers concerned have focused on the significant niche-constructing effects of interest and ignored (or sought to hold equal) other effects deemed less important. Researchers interested in hermit crabs' modification of mollusk shells focus in on this niche-constructing trait ignoring their traces in the sand12, while scientists interested in the modification of fruit niches by fermentation in yeast concentrate on this character, disregarding other ways in which yeasts change their world13. In this respect, niche construction research is hardly unusual. All science involves focusing on the potentially important factors whilst disregarding others.
If a broad definition of niche construction presents few practical problems, might it nonetheless generate conceptual problems? Does niche construction lose its explanatory power if 'everything that an organism ever does' is niche construction? No. The fact that niche construction is a universal property of living organisms means that it is not an interesting claim – indeed, it is a tautology – to assert that a particular organism engages in niche construction. However, it does not follow that the niche construction of all organisms is evolutionarily or ecologically important, or that all the ways that a given organism might modify its environment are evolutionarily or ecologically consequential. These are empirical questions, that must be addressed on an organism-by-organism and trait-by-trait basis, and hence remain worthy of investigation. Researchers commonly distinguish between niche construction and evolution by niche construction14, and not all cases of the former will result in the latter.
Note too that there is hardly anything extraordinary about a definition that applies universally to life. Everything that a living organism does from conception to death is an aspect of its development, according to many definitions. Does that mean that development is not a useful scientific concept? Of course it doesn't. The term development is still bounded, as there are phenomena in the world that pertain to non-living organisms, and because there are questions that can be asked about living creatures for which features of development are not relevant. Moreover, the ubiquity of development amongst living organisms is hardly crippling, since researchers do not attempt to study 'everything that an organism ever does' in a single study, but rather focus in on a small and manageable part of it.
Exactly the same issues pertain to natural selection. According to most definitions, every time an organism dies or is born evolution has occurred, possibly through natural selection, and each such event affects the frequency of every single gene in the population. Potentially, everything that an organism ever does can affect its chances of survival or reproduction, and/or of its offspring's or relatives' chances of survival or reproduction, and/or of their descendants' survival or reproduction, into the forever distant future. Natural selection and genetic drift have clear and distinct definitions, however what we call drift may be weak, inconsistent or unsystematic effects on fecundity and survival. In practice, the boundary between selection and drift is a fuzzy one. Yet, in reality this presents no practical problems to the evolutionary biologist, who measures and models changes in the frequencies of particular traits or genotypes in particular populations, ignoring other factors judged to be of lesser relevance in the given context.
Nor is it a problem that 'everything that an organism ever does' simultaneously meets definitions of niche construction, development and potential causes of natural selection. The three terms remain useful because they do different jobs, encouraging researchers to focus on distinct questions and processes.
Niche construction as a conception has proven no more difficult to implement and study than development or natural selection. At the same time, fascinating new phenomena, which we never dreamt of when we coined our definition, have come to light and been investigated as niche construction. Donahue15 points out that flowering time and germination time can be niche-constructing traits in plants, as they strongly influence the environmental conditions and hence selection experienced by the plants and its descendants. Likewise, Sultan16 emphasizes how developmental plasticity allows organisms to experience a different, and often more favorable, physical and biotic environment (e.g., the production of 'sun leaves' or 'shade leaves' will influence how much light the plant experiences). Such instances delight me, as it means these phenomena have been explored with all the advantages of recognizing the commonalities with, and insights garnered from, other niche-constructing phenomena. In the process, they enrich our understanding of how organisms actively modify their selective environments.
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Kevin N Laland
Professor of Behavioural and Evolutionary Biology, University of St Andrews