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LOS ANGELES — The four words were first spoken here on a bright spring afternoon at Camelback Ranch, my astonished syllables joining similar tones of amazement floating from every corner of a crowded press box. "Are you kidding me?" Down to his last pitch in his first spring training game as a Dodger, Shohei Ohtani had just launched a two-run home run. "Are you kidding me?" The crowd gasped in disbelief at the perfect timing and wondrous theater, the four words reverberating around the stadium like an anthem to the unimaginable. "Are you kidding me?" Eight months later, Los Angeles still asks that question. Was Shohei Ohtani's first season as a Dodger really real? Was the best baseball player on the planet even better than that? Could the man with arguably the highest expectations in baseball history actually exceed them? Yes, yes and unbelievably, yes. In being named the National League most valuable player on Thursday — becoming only the second player to win an MVP in both leagues — Ohtani completed a summer decorated with an even higher honor. Most Valuable Season Ever By A Los Angeles Athlete. This city has witnessed many memorable seasons by many legendary athletes, from Magic Johnson's rookie year to Fernando Valenzuela's rookie year to Sandy Koufax's 1963 to Eric Dickerson's 1984 to Shaquille O'Neal's 2000. But never before has one player during one season dominated the sport, transformed the town, awed the world and brought home a championship. After back-to-back playoff collapses, this was not a Dodgers town when Ohtani drove up the freeway from Anaheim this winter. It is overwhelmingly a Dodgers town now. His team was considered a bunch of underachievers before Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract. His team is now World Series champions. There was little international interest in the Dodgers before Ohtani brought his magical aura to Chavez Ravine. The Dodgers are now the most popular baseball team in the world. One man changed everything, an MVP of MVPs, the greatest Dodgers newcomer since Valenzuela, the greatest Dodgers season ever. "It will be a special moment that I will never forget," he said Thursday through an interpreter, after a special season that no one will ever forget. He led the league with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, a 1.036 on-base-plus-slugging percentage, and that doesn't tell half of the story. Ohtani made such an impact, he significantly and unselfishly improved the team before he ever even stepped on the field. By agreeing to annually defer all but $2 million of his contract, he gave Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman the financial flexibility to add other great players. Without Ohtani's generosity, Friedman might not have acquired Teoscar Hernández, Yoshinobu Yamamoto or Tyler Glasnow. Ohtani was a giant before he was a giant. Then the games started and here came those four words. You surely recognize them, because you've surely said them, time and again during a summer of dazzle. "Are you kidding me?" His season began in controversy, as longtime interpreter Ippei Mizuhara admitted to stealing more than $16 million from Ohtani to support a gambling addiction. The scandal was salacious. Ohtani was scrutinized. He was questioned. He was not believed. He finally was cleared, but only after his reputation was put through a wringer. Yet through it all he kept swinging, slugging seven home runs with a 1.017 OPS in the first 32 games. "Are you kidding me?" As the summer progressed, he quietly got stronger and faster, smoothly making the transition to leadoff hitter and base stealer, hitting a dozen home runs in June, stealing a dozen bases in July, all while rehabbing a surgically repaired pitching shoulder. "Are you kidding me?" On Aug. 23 against the Tampa Bay Rays, needing one home run to become the sixth person in the 40-homer, 40-steal club, Ohtani did it with a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning. "Are you kidding me?" On his Aug. 28 bobblehead night, his dog, Decoy, delivered the first pitch in a sprint from the mound to the plate, then in the first inning Ohtani casually stepped up and homered. "Are you kidding me?" On Sept. 19 in Miami, on the verge of becoming the first member of the 50-50 club, Ohtani barged into the record books with arguably the greatest offensive game in baseball history, going 6 for 6 with three homers and two stolen bases. "Are you kidding me?" After consistently stating that he signed with the Dodgers to win a championship, on Oct. 5 he stared down the San Diego Padres in the third inning of his first playoff game and promptly hit a three-run home run. "Are you kidding me?" In the seventh inning of Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees, he suffered a partial dislocation of his left shoulder on a slide into second. Even though the injury was serious enough to later require surgery, he insisted on playing the rest of the Series, and he did so with one arm, his left arm seemingly painfully stuck to his body. In those final three games he still managed a hit and drew a walk and forced the Yankees to account for his presence. "Are you kidding me?" This is not only Ohtani's record third unanimous MVP, it's the first one in history won by a player who didn't play an inning in the field, and he acknowledged Thursday that his inability to pitch led to an increased offensive focus. "My goal was to be able to pitch and contribute offensively and the fact that I knew I wasn't going to be able to pitch this season made me focus more on my offensive game," he said. "Fortunately I was able to produce and get this award which is very humbling." One wonders what he possibly can do for an encore, yet he's already preparing for one, undergoing the shoulder surgery immediately after the season, his elbow rehab in full fling, his aim clear. "The goal is to be ready for opening day," he said. "That includes hitting and pitching." March 18, in Tokyo, against the Chicago Cubs, starting on the mound and batting leadoff ... Shohei Ohtani! "Are you kidding me?" ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.New Jersey governor wants more federal resources for probe into drone sightings

Drone experts rule out US government experiment, unsure of other New Jersey drone phenomenon theoriesAbout 100 cities have banned people from sleeping outside since June when the Supreme Court ruled that a city in Oregon was allowed to criminalize homelessness despite a lack of public shelters. The policy has support from politicians across the country, Democrats and Republicans alike. As housing becomes more expensive and harder to find, the U.S. is seeing record highs in homelessness rates. On one night in January of last year, 650,000 people were homeless — an all-time record, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. In California’s San Joaquin County, Supervisor Tom Patti led an effort to increase restrictions on homelessness. Under the new ordinance, people are not allowed to sleep in cars, nor are they allowed to be in one place for more than an hour. They have to move at least 300 feet every time, meaning they theoretically have to walk 1.3 miles a day. “Letting them stay in place is cruel. We want to prompt them to come to a better place,” Patti, a Republican, told NPR. People now face a fine of up to $1,000 and six months in jail. “We’re not hardcore,” he said. “But we do know that if a person’s trying to build a pallet palace with their blue tarps and tents, we say, ‘No, no, no, you’re not allowed to do this, you are trespassing.'” Patti has suggested an approach focused on reuniting homeless people with family or friends, something that could be detrimental to those fleeing abusive situations. “We’ve now shifted to a ‘Hello? Where are you from? Where is your support network? Let’s help get you back to home,'” he said. In November, the National Homelessness Law Center identified 99 ordinances passed in 26 states that limit sleeping and camping outside, with another 66 still pending. “It’s time for our elected officials to recognize that half of this country struggles to pay rent, and we need to address the affordable housing crisis,” said Jesse Rabinowitz, a spokesperson for the National Homelessness Law Center. “That is the only way we’re going to see fewer people sleeping outside.” Editor’s picks The 100 Best TV Episodes of All Time The 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time “Every bill is a little bit different,” Rabinowitz recently told the Nevada Current. “The main two things they all have in common are that none of them solve homelessness and all of them will make homelessness worse.” In the case of City of Grants Pass v. Johnson , a group suing the city argued that criminalizing sleeping outside violated the Constitution’s protection against “cruel and unusual punishment,” but the Supreme Court’s conservative supermajority disagreed . “Sleep is a biological necessity, not a crime,” liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in her dissent. “If the Supreme Court were to allow for such a punitive regime, then we’re going to have a race to the bottom to make it as uncomfortable as possible for people to survive,” John Do, a senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union in Northern California, told Rolling Stone in March. “Jurisdictions would try to outdo each other in terms of having more costly, more punitive, and more effective measures,” he added. Some cities are exploring solutions. The Denver Basic Income Project, a nonprofit in Colorado, gave more than 800 homeless study participants up to $12,000 over a year with no conditions. The study found a “remarkable” increase in housing. They also found a reduction in public spending and the use of public services. Related Content New Senate Report Decries Conflicts and Corruption at Supreme Court Ketanji Brown Jackson Becomes First Supreme Court Justice to Perform on Broadway Elon Musk Bankrolled the Pro-Trump Troll Campaign RBG PAC Right-Winger at SCOTUS Rally Vows to 'Erase' Trans Ideology 'From This Earth' Denver Mayor Mike Johnston cut funding for the program in October, though, saying that the data did not show big enough changes. Now the program’s future is in jeopardy. Across the country, though, politicians are cracking down on the homeless. In September, the city of Fall River, Massachusetts, banned “unauthorized camping on public property,” creating the possibility of fines in certain situations. The ban prohibits sleeping or camping under bridges, in parks, or on sidewalks. It also allows law enforcement to destroy a homeless person’s belongings, Cities often seize or destroy paperwork people need for housing or employment. “These individuals are sick and suffering,” said Christopher Conlan, who had been homeless on and off for years, said in response to the ordinance. “They could have drug addiction or mental health issues. I would not have the same contempt for somebody who had cancer or heart disease.” He added: “Everybody is somebody’s somebody.”Google has named Debbie Weinstein, a senior executive for the tech giant in the UK, as its president in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Until now, Ms Weinstein has been the US firm’s vice president and managing director in the UK and Ireland, having previously worked at Unilever. She said her focus will be on “unlocking AI-powered growth for everyone”, calling the current AI boom a “pivotal” time for the tech giant. Google has joined many of its rivals in launching a string of high-profile generative AI products in recent times, led by the firm’s generative AI-powered assistant, Gemini. “Europe, the Middle East and Africa is an amazingly diverse and varied region, but the enormous growth opportunity that AI can create is universal,” she said. “My focus will be on unlocking that AI-powered growth for everyone – users, businesses, partners and governments across every part of the region. “I’m excited to be stepping into this role at a pivotal time, in a company where I’ve spent the last ten years and leading a region where I’ve spent much of my life.” Google employs more than 29,000 people across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with 56 offices across 35 countries in those regions working on many of the firm’s largest products, including its search engine, the Android mobile operating system and its Chrome web browser. Its AI research arm, at Google DeepMind, is also led from London. Philipp Schindler, Google senior vice president and chief business officer, said: “This is the AI era and we are only just beginning to see its transformative impact on business and society. “In such a pivotal moment for technology, I’m thrilled we’ve appointed a visionary leader to be our President of Google EMEA. “Debbie brings a track record of unlocking growth that benefits everyone, alongside the passion and focus needed to help our customers succeed, as we bring the best of Google’s Gemini-era to everyone across EMEA.”

(The Center Square) – Although it remains unclear how many Democratic Senators will vote for the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, some House members in the party have explained why they voted yes, despite a controversial provision restricting military-funded transgender surgeries for minors. The nearly $900 billion bill passed the House 281-140 Wednesday, with 200 Republicans and 81 Democrats voting in favor versus 124 Democrats and 16 Republicans voting against it. Most of the NDAA consists of bipartisan agreements, such as pay raises for service members, strengthened ties with U.S. allies, and funding of new military technology. But a critical point of contention is a Republican addition that would prohibit the military’s health program from covering any gender dysphoria treatments on minors that could "result in sterilization.” The must-pass bill is so critical that nearly 40% of House Democrats voted in favor–but not without expressing their disappointment. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., condemned Republican colleagues who, she said, “chose to sully this bill with political culture wars;” nevertheless, she voted in favor. “While it doesn't address everything we asked for and consider important, including the full ability of parents to make their own decisions about healthcare for their children, it marks a rare moment of productive bipartisan agreement on what is arguably the most crucial legislation we take up as a body each year,” Houlahan said. The bill’s provision does not forbid service members’ children from receiving transgender therapy. It forbids the military’s health insurance provider, TRICARE, from covering treatments on minors that “may result in sterilization.” Reps. Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, and Terri Sewell, D-Ala., also voted in favor of the bill despite their displeasure at the ban. “The NDAA is a hugely important bill. We had to pass it, which is why I voted yes,” Landsman posted on X Friday. “However, the anti-trans language that was attached to it was mean and awful and should never have been included.” “I have serious concerns about some remaining provisions that were placed in the bill for political purposes,” Sewell said Wednesday. “Still, the responsibility to support our service members and provide for our national security is one that I do not take lightly, which is why I ultimately chose to support the bill.” Besides the importance of annual military funding, another reason some House Democrats assented to the legislation is because they were successful in axing other House Republican amendments, such as a plan to eliminate reimbursements for service members who travel to obtain abortions. The Senate is expected to pass the bill within the next few days, after which President Joe Biden is expected to sign it into law.

Broncos cornerback Riley Moss is set to return after missing a month with knee injury

Google names UK executive as president for Europe, Middle East and AfricaTORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 22, 2024-- Vena , the only FP&A platform purpose-built to leverage the full power of the Microsoft technology ecosystem, was recognized as a Challenger in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Financial Planning Software. We believe Vena is recognized for its strong presence in the manufacturing sector, its ability to support advanced planning use cases and its innovative AI capabilities through Vena Copilot . While we believe Challengers typically prioritize execution over new features, Vena’s roadmap demonstrates a clear commitment to bridging this gap. Recent enhancements, such as the Vena Export API and the upcoming integration of Vena for Microsoft Teams, aim to extend functionality and streamline financial planning workflows. "We’re pleased to be recognized in the Gartner report," said Hugh Cumming, Chief Technology Officer at Vena. "Our Complete Planning platform is designed to empower businesses by combining Microsoft-powered AI, advanced analytics and seamless integration with the tools they use every day. We believe this recognition reinforces our commitment to providing organizations with the confidence and insights to make agile, data-driven decisions that fuel their success." Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Financial Planning Software, 18 November 2024. *Gartner Methodology, Magic Quadrant, https://www.gartner.com/en/research/methodologies/magic-quadrants-research GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark and MAGIC QUADRANT is a trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. About Vena Vena is the only Complete Planning platform purpose-built to harness the full power of the Microsoft technology ecosystem for FP&A teams and their collaborators. Vena amplifies Microsoft's world-leading productivity tools, cloud technology and AI innovation to make FP&A, operational planning and adjacent strategic processes more flexible, efficient and intelligent. Thousands of the world’s leading companies rely on Vena to power their planning. For more information, visit venasolutions.com . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122781133/en/ CONTACT: Media Contact Jonathan Paul Vice President, Content Marketing jpaul@venacorp.com KEYWORD: NORTH AMERICA UNITED STATES UNITED KINGDOM EUROPE CANADA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DATA MANAGEMENT DATA ANALYTICS TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE FINANCE NETWORKS SOURCE: Vena Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/22/2024 01:45 PM/DISC: 11/22/2024 01:46 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122781133/en

JERUSALEM — Israel’s attorney general has ordered police to open an investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife on suspicion of harassing political opponents and a witness in the Israeli leader’s corruption trial. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara made the announcement in a terse message late Thursday, saying the investigation would focus on the findings of a recent report by the “Uvda” investigative program into Sara Netanyahu. The program uncovered a trove of WhatsApp messages in which Mrs. Netanyahu appears to instruct a former aide to organize protests against political opponents and to intimidate Hadas Klein, a key witness in the trial. The announcement did not mention Mrs. Netanyahu by name, and the Justice Ministry declined further comment. But in a video released earlier Thursday, Netanyahu listed what he said were the many kind and charitable acts by his wife and blasted the Uvda report as “lies.” “My opponents on the left and in the media found a new-old target. They mercilessly attack my wife, Sara,” he said. He called the program ”false propaganda, nasty propaganda that brings up lies from the darkness.” It was the latest in a long line of legal troubles for the Netanyahus — highlighted by the prime minister's ongoing corruption trial. The pair have also had a rocky relationship with the Israeli media. Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of cases alleging he exchanged favors with powerful media moguls and wealthy associates. Netanyahu denies the charges and says he is the victim of a “witch hunt” by overzealous prosecutors, police and the media. The report obtained correspondence between Sara Netanyahu and Hanni Bleiweiss, a former aide to the prime minister who died of cancer last year. The messages indicated that Sara Netanyahu, through Bleiweiss, encouraged police to crack down violently on anti-government protesters and ordered Bleiweiss to organize protests against her husband's critics. She also told Bleiweiss to get activists in Netanyahu's Likud party to publish attacks on Klein. Klein is an aide to billionaire Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan and has testified in the corruption case about her role in delivering tens of thousands of dollars worth of champagne, cigars and gifts to Netanyahu for her boss. According to the report, Bleiweiss also was instructed to organize demonstrations outside the homes of the lead prosecutor in the corruption case, Liat Ben-Ari, and then Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, who had issued the indictments, and protests and social media campaigns smearing political opponents. According to the report, Bleiweiss was a loyal aid to Netanyahu for decades. But while she was ill, it said Sara Netanyahu mistreated her, prompting her to share the messages with a reporter shortly before her death. Sara Netanyahu has been accused of abusive behavior toward her personal staff before. This, together with accusations of excessive spending and using public money for her own extravagant personal tastes, has earned her an image as being out of touch with everyday Israelis. In 2019, she was fined for misusing state funds. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who oversees police and has repeatedly said the attorney general, Baharav-Miara, should be fired over a series of grievances against her, said the latest announcement was another reason for her to be dismissed. “Someone who politically persecutes government ministers and their families cannot continue to serve as the attorney general,” he said. And Justice Minister Yariv Levin, another Netanyahu ally and critic of Baharav-Miara, accused her of focusing on “television gossip.” “Selective enforcement is a crime!” he said in a statement.

Amissiontech is Transforming Industrial Connectivity with Tailored Solutions 12-17-2024 12:20 AM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire From standard products to custom innovations, Amissiontech delivers excellence across industries. Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/uploads/2944489ba996edd5e00b340ea69c7fbf.jpg As a leader in industrial connectivity, Amissiontech Co., Ltd. is transforming how companies handle cable assemblies and connectors. The company, which has its headquarters in Dongguan, China, uses cutting-edge technology, a highly qualified R&D staff, and a customer-centric strategy to satisfy the changing needs of sectors around the world. With more than 2,000 square meters of cutting-edge facilities, Amissiontech [ https://www.amissiontech.com/ ] provides a wide range of solutions, from fully bespoke cable and harness systems to conventional connectors. They are a reliable partner in sectors including manufacturing, telecommunications, and automobiles because of their creative procedures and unwavering dedication to quality. Cable Assemblies for Industry Delivering premium industrial cable assemblies that guarantee dependability, longevity, and effectiveness is Amissiontech's area of expertise. The company uses cutting-edge manufacturing techniques to produce cable solutions for a range of uses that provide exceptional performance in challenging conditions. For customers in need of specialist solutions, Amissiontech's custom cable and wire harnesses are ideal since they are meticulously designed to meet specific criteria. Every stage, from the original idea to the finished product, is managed with accuracy. Investigate further Customer-Specific Solutions Amissiontech excels in developing tailor-made products that seamlessly integrate with client systems. Whether it's a unique connector system or a custom cable design, their team ensures solutions that deliver superior performance. Bulk Cables For large-scale applications, Amissiontech offers bulk cables that guarantee consistent performance and efficiency. These are manufactured to exacting international standards, ensuring reliability at every level. Innovation at the Core Amissiontech doesn't just meet industry standards-it exceeds them. Key highlights include: * Advanced testing for durability in harsh environments * Compliance with ISO9001:2015, CE, UL, IEC, RoHS, and REACH certifications * End-to-end project management, from feasibility studies to final assembly Global Reach and Trusted Expertise Amissiontech's solutions are trusted by clients worldwide, making the company a preferred partner for industrial connectivity. By combining innovation with flexibility, they empower businesses to stay ahead in competitive markets while delivering exceptional value. For inquiries, call +852 6940 5686 or email sales@amissiontech.com For more information, please visit: www.amissiontech.com [ https://www.amissiontech.com/ ] Media Contact Company Name: Amissiontech Contact Person: Support Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=amissiontech-is-transforming-industrial-connectivity-with-tailored-solutions ] Phone: +86 13825290610 City: Dongguan Country: China Website: http://amissiontech.com This release was published on openPR.Soccer-PSV stage dramatic comeback with three late goals to beat ShakhtarENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Cornerback Riley Moss is “good to go” for the Denver Broncos' crucial game at Cincinnati on Saturday. “He's doing good,” coach Sean Payton said Thursday. “He'll be ready to go.” The Broncos (9-6), who would end their eight-year playoff drought with a win or a tie against the Bengals (7-8), have sorely missed the second-year pro from Iowa since he sprained an MCL against Las Vegas in Week 12. The Broncos allowed 26.3 points per game during his absence. With Moss in the lineup opposite superstar Patrick Surtain II, Denver gave up just 16.8 points per game. Aside from allowing defensive coordinator Vance Joseph to go back to employing more man coverage, Riley's return is expected to give the Broncos defense back its bite. “I think he's got an awfully competitive juice, yeah, I would say you definitely felt his absence, not just physically as a player but also his presence," Payton said. Earlier this week, Surtain said, “it’s great to have him back” at practice. “I mean, you talk about a guy who was playing lights-out before the injury, but to see him back out there with confidence, out there practicing, getting his mojo back, it brings a lot of confidence to the team.” Moss has enjoyed a breakout season in Denver with 71 tackles, eight pass breakups and an interception. He played in 14 games as a rotation player his rookie season after recovering from core muscle surgery that relegated him to special teams and spot duty in 2023. Moss wasn't available for comment Thursday as he was receiving treatment during the locker room access period. Moss has been the perfect complement to Surtain because of the physical play, bravado and the production he provides as opposing offenses shy away from Surtain. “It's going to be really good” having him back on the field, outside linebacker Nik Bonitto said. “I mean, I know the work that he's been putting in to get back and just knowing the type of season that he's had I'm just happy that he's going to be able to come back against an opponent like this.” Denver's defense hasn't been the same without Moss. The Broncos allowed 32 points to the Cleveland Browns when former teammate Jerry Jeudy caught nine passes for a career-best 235 yards. Jonathan Taylor’s unforced fumble at the goal line as he was about to score a 41-yard touchdown and give Indianapolis a 20-3 lead saved the Broncos in Week 15 and allowed Denver to seize momentum and get the victory. And Denver couldn’t stop Justin Herbert , who led the Los Angeles Chargers back from a double-digit third-quarter deficit for a 34-27 win last week. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Robert Carter Nicholas IV, a descendant of the local administrator of the 18th-century Williamsburg Bray School, visited Williamsburg on Monday and took a tour of the restored school building that his ancestor supported. Robert Carter Nicholas Sr., known as “the treasurer” because he served from 1766 to 1775 as the last treasurer of the Colony of Virginia, served as one of the trustees of the Bray School, a charity school for free and enslaved Black children encouraged by Benjamin Franklin. The school was in operation from 1760 to 1774. Accompanying Nicholas IV on the visit were his sons, Robert Carter Nicholas V, 22, a student at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and James Wilson Nicholas, 18, a student at Elon University in North Carolina. Nicholas IV and his family have lived for the past 11 years in Madrid, Spain, having earlier lived in the Washington, D.C., area. His sons, while on Thanksgiving break, were scheduled to visit their grandmother in Washington; their father arranged to join them. Because they were going to be nearby, he suggested they visit Williamsburg and the Bray School to learn more about their ancestor and his relationship with the school. Several years ago, while “looking up my family tree on Ancestry.com, I learned about their connection with William & Mary. I then looked at William & Mary and found out about the Bray School,” Nicholas IV said. “The family has long known about Robert Carter Nicholas and his important position in colonial Virginia, but not about the Bray School and its history.” The building that housed the school is being restored by Colonial Williamsburg, and earlier this month was dedicated in the 250th anniversary year of the school’s closing. While the school isn’t scheduled to be fully open to the public until next year, the Nicholas family was able to get a tour while in the area. Dani Jaworski, manager of the Colonial Williamsburg Architectural Collection, was on hand Monday to explain the restoration effort and help answer questions as the Nicholas family toured the building, which sits at the corner of South Nassau and West Francis streets. She agreed that it was rare for a descendant of a colonial resident to visit Colonial Williamsburg. Nicholas V was very interested in various holes in the original wood beams in the building’s first floor. He was told that the holes and discoloration were because of the lathes used for the original plaster of the walls. He also asked about the stairway and banister that he was told were original to the building. “I’m amazed that wood that formed the building,” he said looking around the structure, “is still here more than 200 years. It is also impressive that the building has survived its several moves, including the most recent” to the current site in February 2023. Nicholas IV was impressed with the way the Bray School would be presented to the public and how much extensive research had been done in recent years. “It was nice that an ancestor had played an important role in making it a reality,” he added. Jaworski pointed out that Black descendants of the school’s students recently had signed their names to a portion of the restored structure. The family took an opportunity to look at the signatures that had brought the school’s history up to the present day. A letter from Nicholas Sr., on Nov. 17, 1774, to the Rev. John Waring of Associates of the Bray School in London, told of the school’s status. Nicholas Sr. wrote that Ann Wager “of the Negro School at Williamsburg” had died. “Seeing no prospect” of a continuation, the school was closed. From late 1761 until its closure, Nicholas Sr. had been the principle contact between the school and its London-based supporters. In addition to “managing” the school, the family learned that Nicholas Sr. also arranged for two of his enslaved children, living in town, to attend. In a Sept. 13, 1765, letter also to Waring, he wrote, “I have a Negro Girl (most probably) in my Family, who was taught at this School upwards of three Years & made as good a progress as most.” Another girl, Sarah, born in 1769, also attended in the late years of the school. Both students’ names are found in the list of school children provided by Nicholas to the Bray Associates. In correspondence with the associates, Nicholas explained the school’s plans there were “by no Means calculated to instruct the Slaves in dangerous Principles (i.e., freedom), but on the contrary ... to reform their Manners; & by making them good Christians they would necessarily become better Servants.” Over the years, the building has survived centuries of use, renovations and enlargements and a move from its original site in 1930. It was rediscovered in 2020 by retired William & Mary professor Terry L. Meyers. As he stood on the building’s first floor, Nicholas IV expressed “mixed feelings of an ancestor being a slave holder,” but was pleased that the ancestor was actively involved in doing something good for the students at the school. “We all have a duty to history, accept the realities of it, and try to understand especially the aspects that might make us uncomfortable.” The Bray School in Williamsburg was formed in 1760 with William & Mary President Thomas Dawson and William Hunter, the printer of the Virginia Gazette, as the primary trustees. Dawson died later in 1760 and was succeeded by the subsequent W&M President the Rev. William Yates. In 1761, Hunter asked Nicholas Sr. to join the trustees. Hunter died later in the year after the death of Yates in 1764. Nicholas Sr. operated the school largely on his own. Born in 1728, Nicholas Sr. was a prominent lawyer, patriot, legislator and judge. He served in the Virginia House of Burgesses and its successor, the Virginia House of Delegates. As a burgess he served from James City County from 1766 to 1776 and as a delegate in 1776 to 1777. He was judge of the High Court of Chancery of Virginia when he died in 1780. Virginia politician Edmund Randolph, a member of the Continental Congress in 1779 and Virginia governor in 1786, described Nicholas Sr. as having a “complacent temper; in all his actions he was benevolent and liberal.” Nicholas IV, works in internet technologies, is the great-great-great-great-great-grandson of Nicholas Sr. and descends from Wilson Cary Nicholas, one of Nicholas Sr.’s several sons. Wilson Cary Nicholas, a William & Mary alumnus like his father, served as a U.S. Senator from Virginia from 1799. He was governor of Virginia from 1814-1816. He was born in 1761 in Williamsburg; later he owned a plantation in Albemarle County. Wilson Cary Nicholas also served in the Virginia House of Delegates and in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is buried in the Jefferson burial ground at Monticello, where he lived with his daughter, who was married to Thomas Jefferson Randolph, grandson of President Thomas Jefferson. The legacy of Wilson Cary Nicholas includes Nicholas County in West Virginia and Nicholas Hall, a dormitory at William & Mary. Wilford Kale, kalehouse@aol.com

Until now, Ms Weinstein has been the US firm’s vice president and managing director in the UK and Ireland, having previously worked at Unilever. She said her focus will be on “unlocking AI-powered growth for everyone”, calling the current AI boom a “pivotal” time for the tech giant. Google has joined many of its rivals in launching a string of high-profile generative AI products in recent times, led by the firm’s generative AI-powered assistant, Gemini. “Europe, the Middle East and Africa is an amazingly diverse and varied region, but the enormous growth opportunity that AI can create is universal,” she said. “My focus will be on unlocking that AI-powered growth for everyone – users, businesses, partners and governments across every part of the region. “I’m excited to be stepping into this role at a pivotal time, in a company where I’ve spent the last ten years and leading a region where I’ve spent much of my life.” Google employs more than 29,000 people across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with 56 offices across 35 countries in those regions working on many of the firm’s largest products, including its search engine, the Android mobile operating system and its Chrome web browser. Its AI research arm, at Google DeepMind, is also led from London. Philipp Schindler, Google senior vice president and chief business officer, said: “This is the AI era and we are only just beginning to see its transformative impact on business and society. “In such a pivotal moment for technology, I’m thrilled we’ve appointed a visionary leader to be our President of Google EMEA. “Debbie brings a track record of unlocking growth that benefits everyone, alongside the passion and focus needed to help our customers succeed, as we bring the best of Google’s Gemini-era to everyone across EMEA.”The S&P 500 fell less than 0.1% after spending the day wavering between small gains and losses. The tiny loss ended the benchmark index’s three-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1% and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as US markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, slipped 0.2%. Meta Platforms fell 0.7%, and Amazon and Netflix each fell 0.9%. Tesla was among the biggest decliners in the S&P 500, finishing 1.8% lower. Some tech companies fared better. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.4%, Micron Technology added 0.6% and Adobe gained 0.5%. Health care stocks were a bright spot. CVS Health rose 1.5% and Walgreens Boots Alliance added 5.3% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Several retailers also gained ground. Target rose 3%, Ross Stores added 2.3%, Best Buy rose 2.9% and Dollar Tree gained 3.8%. Traders are watching to see whether retailers have a strong holiday season. The day after Christmas traditionally ranks among the top 10 biggest shopping days of the year, as consumers go online or rush to stores to cash in gift cards and raid bargain bins. US-listed shares in Honda and Nissan rose 4.1% and 16.4% respectively. The Japanese car makers announced earlier this week that the two companies are in talks to combine. All told, the S&P 500 fell 2.45 points to 6,037.59. The Dow added 28.77 points to 43,325.80. The Nasdaq fell 10.77 points to close at 20,020.36. Wall Street also got a labour market update. US applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years, the Labour Department reported. Treasury yields mostly fell in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.58% from 4.59% late on Tuesday. Major European markets were closed, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Trading was expected to be subdued this week with a thin slate of economic data on the calendar.

"We must get our inspiration directly from the Qur'an and draw out this century's understanding of Islam" Mehmet Akif Ersoy / Writer of Turkish National Anthem *** Mehmet Akif Ersoy's poetry not limited to national borders, appeals to entire Muslim world, says expert Mehmet Akif Ersoy, the revered Turkish poet and the author of the Turkish national anthem, still shines a light for the entire Muslim world 83 years after his demise. Ersoy became one of the most well-known figures in Turkish literature worldwide in early 1900s, Necmettin Turinay, teaching at TOBB University of Economics and Technology in the capital Ankara, told Anadolu Agency. Turinay, an expert on Ersoy's literary works and currently working on the latest edition of Ersoy's 1911 work entitled "Safahat", spoke to Anadolu Agency in an exclusive interview at the Museum House of Mehmet Akif Ersoy in Turkey's capital Ankara. His famous work Safahat is a collection of 44 poems in various lengths, including Phases (1911), Lecturing at Suleymaniye (1912), Voices of God (1913), Lecturing at Fatih (1914), Memoirs (1917), Asim (1924), and Shadows (1933). His poems were themed with social problems, philosophical, religious, political and ethical issues. Ersoy's house, in one of Ankara’s older districts Altindag, was once used as a dervish convent. The "Selamlik" -- a part of a house only men can enter -- was assigned to Ersoy during the Turkish War of Independence. Moving from Istanbul to Ankara to live in the dervish convent in 1920s, now converted into a museum, Ersoy arrived there during the most painful and troubled years of foreign occupation in the country, Turinay said. Spiritual leader of Turkish national struggle When Ersoy came to Ankara, the Turkish people had to achieve mainly two things to win the War of Independence, Turinay stressed. The first was to form a new army as the Turkish armies were dissolved with the agreements of World War I, and the second was to encourage the people to join the national struggle with a hope for independence, he stressed. During his speeches at various mosques of Central Anatolian cities, Ersoy gave voice to the faith and spirit necessary for the national struggle, Turinay added. In 1920, Ersoy was also elected the deputy of the northwestern Burdur province and entered the parliament. ‘Free since beginning, to be so forever’ The dervish convent was also the place where Ersoy wrote the lyrics of Turkish National Anthem -- the March of Independence -- Turinay said. On March 12, 1921, the Turkish Grand National Assembly officially declared Ersoy's poem as the national anthem. In the march, Ersoy immortalized his nation's battle for survival, in the wake of World War I, crowning its national liberation in 1921 during the Turkish War of Independence against foreign occupation. After World War I, the Ottoman Empire, one of the greatest empires in history, was destroyed. The British, French and allied forces had shattered the Ottoman Empire, and every part of the country was in captivity. Under those conditions, the national anthem's first words were “Fear not!”. Ersoy began his poem with such a call to give hope to the Turkish and Muslim people against foreign occupation that they can regain their independence, he said. “The Turkish nation has been free since the beginning of history,” said Turinay referring to the two verses of the anthem. “I have been free since the beginning and forever will be so.” What madman shall put me in chains! I defy the very idea!” The phrase of “since the beginning” had special significance expressing that the Turkish people have always lived in independence, founding great empires, Turinay said. Through these verses, Ersoy warned Turkish people that the negative conditions were temporary and urged to struggle together to overcome the captivity, Turinay added. Universal character, historical depth of national anthem Turinay stressed that the national anthem soon began to evoke significant repercussions in the Muslim and Turkic worlds in the wake of official recognition by the Turkish Parliament. “The national anthem, 'the symbol of the Turkish nation', has a universal character appealing to both the Turkish and Islamic worlds,” he highlighted. It was translated into the local languages of various countries, including Pakistan, Syria and Iraq, although the people of these countries were living under captivity of the French and British at that time. “Ersoy, who depicted the most painful years of Turkey during World War I and Balkan Wars in his works, gained a high reputation within and outside of the Ottoman Empire," Turinay underlined. He was a well known poet and author in a wide range of countries extending from Azerbaijan, Pakistan, India, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, North Africa, Crimea to Balkans, he added. “Mehmet Akif’s understanding of poetry was not limited to our national borders, rather he addressed the whole Turkish and Muslim world,” Turinay stressed. History through art, literature Turinay described Ersoy as “one of the geniuses of Turkish poetry, and said: “If there is an awareness today in Turkey about World War I and the Battle of Canakkale [Gallipoli], thanks to Ersoy's poem To the Gallipoli Martyrs". “Turkish people remember the pain, grief and destruction of these years through this poem,” he added. Ersoy not only tells the pain and memory of the martyrs of Gallipoli with this poem, but he also describes the withdrawal of an empire from the stage of history and the closing of an era, Turinay stressed. The Battle of Canakkale, which took place in the northwestern Turkish province of Canakkale's Gelibolu (Gallipoli) district in 1915, marked a turnaround in favor of the Turks against the Allied forces during World War I. Tens of thousands of Turkish nationals and soldiers died, along with tens of thousands of Europeans, as well as around 7,000-8,000 Australians and nearly 3,000 New Zealanders, referred together as Anzac troops. AAFriday, December 13, 2024 Bangkok Airways is proud to announce its role as the incoming Chairman and host carrier for the 69th Assembly of Presidents (AP69) of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), set to take place in November 2025 in the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand. This prestigious event will bring together aviation leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region, creating an invaluable opportunity for them to connect, share insights, and tackle the challenges that lie ahead for the aviation industry. Guided by the vision of President Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, Bangkok Airways will play an essential role in shaping conversations around key issues such as sustainability, technological advancements, and the future of regional air travel. The AP69 will not only provide a platform for member airlines to collaborate on these critical topics but also give them the chance to work together in crafting a roadmap for the continued growth and innovation of the Asia-Pacific aviation sector. But this event is about more than just strategy—it’s about community. It’s an opportunity for airlines, industry professionals, and stakeholders to come together, share their experiences, and forge lasting partnerships. Bangkok, as a hub of global aviation, will offer a warm welcome to all attendees, while Bangkok Airways ensures that the gathering is both meaningful and inspiring. With its leadership and vision, the 69th Assembly of Presidents is sure to be a memorable moment for the Asia-Pacific aviation community, helping to set a bold course for the future of air travel in the region. Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth stated, “It’s an honor for Bangkok Airways to serve as the Chairman and host carrier for AP69. We look forward to welcoming AAPA members to Thailand and contributing to meaningful discussions that will advance the region’s aviation industry.”New York Giants star rookie wideout Malik Nabers (toe) missed practice Thursday and termed himself a game-day decision. He also is unsure if he will be able to participate on Friday. The Giants host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. "I'm hoping so, it all depends on how it feels tomorrow, that's really it," Nabers said Thursday. Nabers, 21, has been one of the few bright spots for the Giants and leads the team with 97 receptions for 969 yards and four touchdown catches in 13 games (12 starts). Selected sixth overall out of LSU, Nabers has caught 10 or more passes on three occasions but has just one touchdown catch over the past 10 games. Though the Giants (2-13) are mired in a franchise-worst 10-game losing streak, Nabers isn't down about the situation. "We're happy where we're at," Nabers said. "Continue to grow every day. A lot of things to fix, a lot of things we can look back on in our rookie year and continue to try to get better for next year." In addition to Nabers, running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle), center John Michael Schmitz (ankle), linebacker Micah McFadden (neck), cornerbacks Greg Stroman (shoulder/shin) and Dee Williams (toe) and safety Raheem Layne (knee) sat out practice Thursday. Quarterback Drew Lock (right shoulder) was a limited participant. --Field Level MediaLOWELL — On Friday, Dec. 6, Congresswoman Lori Trahan announced Chelmsford High School students Obinna Onyemauwa, Wilson Ochie and Kensmyth Taveras as the winners of the 3rd Congressional District’s annual Congressional App Challenge. Their app, “Ecosense,” was selected by a local judges from the pool of submissions from middle and high school students who participated in this year’s competition. “Every year, I continue to be amazed by the sheer talent, ingenuity, and technological expertise of students across the Third District who participate in the Congressional App Challenge. It’s truly inspiring to see our young people tackle global challenges using fresh, innovative solutions,” said Trahan. “I’m thrilled to announce this year’s winners, Obinna Onyemauwa, Wilson Ochie, and Kensmyth Taveras, who developed an app that teaches users about their community’s water quality levels and local ecosystems. Thank you to every student who participated in this year’s highly competitive challenge and made it a tough choice for our judges.” The “Ecosense” app provides data on nearby water stations and animal habitats, mapping geographic coordinates to locate species across the country. It tracks and records animals sighted, displays water quality statistics, and compares these to government safety standards. The app includes a collection of animal species names with timestamps for research accuracy and integrates AI-driven image recognition, using Yolo11 and Microsoft Azure, to identify animals captured in photos. Additionally, it pulls data from government databases and incorporates animations to enhance the user experience. “The impact this app has potential to do is vast, from helping local universities with their research, providing information on organism habitats & environmental water quality statistics to helping the everyday person learn about the changes happening to the earth & allowing them to make an informed decision on what they consume,” said Onyemauwa, Ochie and Taveras.

Silent Quadrant Launches the Silent Quadrant Global Institute to Empower SMBs with Tools for Secure, Scalable GrowthUS stocks experience mixed fortunes on quiet day of trading

Most adults in the U.S. get less sleep than recommended across the board, and some racial and ethnic groups fare even worse, according to a new study that used readings from thousands of people who wore commercially available fitness trackers that monitored their sleep. That’s worrisome because research has increasingly shown that inadequate or poor sleep does more than just cause next-day fatigue. It can elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, depression and other health conditions. The new research, presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in Chicago, used information from 13,204 people who agreed to supply data from their fitness tracker to the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us research program. The findings are considered preliminary until full results are published in a peer-reviewed journal. The average study participant was 49 years old and slept about 6.4 hours a night. Overall, only about a third of participants averaged the 7 to 9 hours of sleep the AHA recommends for adults. “Around 65% of the cohort actually slept below the recommended time of seven hours a night,” said the study’s lead researcher Adeep Kulkarni, a data analyst at NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City. Women and participants ages 18 to 44 averaged the most sleep compared to other sexes and age groups. But they still averaged less than the recommended amount. Of the races studied, white participants, who made up 81 percent of those studied, generally slept the most, averaging about 6.5 hours a night. Black participants, who made up about 5 percent of the study group, averaged almost 50 minutes less, getting only 5.7 hours a night. The 3 percent of participants who identified as Asian slept an average of 6.3 hours, as did people in the “other” category, who made up about 11 percent of the study group. Hispanic people made up roughly 6 percent of participants and slept an average of about 6.2 hours, compared with 6.5 hours for those who were not Hispanic. Data from the trackers was paired with the participants’ electronic health records. People with high blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea averaged slightly less sleep than people without those conditions. The study’s senior researcher, Dr. Souptik Barua, an assistant professor in the department of medicine’s division of precision medicine at NYU Grossman, said that while other studies have shown sleep disparities, the new approach provides insights on a scale not previously available. “For researchers, there have been wearable-based datasets before,” Barua said, but the All of Us data “is a game-changer.” Most sleep studies, he said, rely on devices that measure brain waves. Such studies remain “the gold standard,” Barua said, but are inconvenient. Sensors must be attached to a participant’s face and scalp, and the studies are most reliable when conducted in a sleep lab. Work with fitness trackers isn’t limited to such labs, he said. It’s “real life,” and can still be estimated relatively accurately compared to the gold standard. “This is not self-reported or survey data,” Barua said. “This is data coming from a device. So that’s a more objective measure of sleep.” And while at least one other large study has used wrist-worn devices to study sleep, it covered a much shorter period. “Most studies have analyzed sleep on the order of a week to a few weeks, maybe a month,” Barua said. The new work had more than six months’ worth of sleep data per person on average. The ability of the All of Us study team to track sleep patterns for so long was “impressive,” said Dr. Julio Fernandez-Mendoza, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral health, public health sciences and neural and behavioral sciences at Penn State University College of Medicine in Hershey, Pa. Fernandez-Mendoza, a clinical psychologist who directs Penn State’s behavioral sleep medicine program, was not involved in the new work. He said that while sleep disparities between Black and white adults have been well studied using both subjective and objective sleep measures, and other researchers have shown how lack of sleep also plays a role in heart health disparities, the new study’s large number of participants and use of commercially available trackers make it unique. The new study was not designed to explore the root causes of sleep differences, which are wide-ranging, Fernandez-Mendoza said. A 2023 article in The Lancet Public Health noted that socioeconomic status contributes to sleep disparities and that historically excluded groups tend to be disproportionately affected. Factors such as racism and discrimination, psychological stress, financial strain or having to work irregular hours and night shifts all can interfere with sleep. Barua acknowledged several limits to the new work. Everyone involved had to own a fitness tracker. “It’s a younger, more active and predominantly white/non-Hispanic population,” he said. It also is a group that would likely be healthier. “So this does not generalize to the U.S. population.” Although most of the tracking data came from after 2013, some of it went back as far as 2009. Sleep tracking technology has evolved over that time, Barua said. But he said the potential for future studies using such data was high. Already, he said, the All of Us initiative has launched a program to provide trackers to underrepresented communities. And newer devices offer ways to track not only sleep but sleep quality. The amount of deep sleep a person gets has been linked to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Barua said. As more people wear tracking devices, the amount of data available to researchers will only grow, he said. Given how cost-effective it is for researchers to tap such databases, he said, health advice based on such evidence “can be sort of turbocharged.” While his expertise is in data, not treatment, Barua said the findings point to the need for individuals to pay attention to their sleep, given that few get the recommended amount. People with fitness trackers might use the data to monitor their habits, he said. “That’s information that potentially individuals can use to talk to their doctors about.”Colts need help for playoff shot, while Giants seek end to record skid

Aston Villa 's hearts were broken on Wednesday night in the Champions League , as Morgan Rogers was controversially denied a stoppage-time winner by VAR in a 0-0 draw with Juventus at Villa Park. Despite the late drama, the result is ultimately positive for both sides, leaving Villa in ninth with 10 points, just outside the top eight on goal difference, while Juve are in 19th with eight points. The Old Lady dominated possession in the opening 20 minutes with 67% of the ball, but lacked any real punch, while the Villans were more efficient with their limited time in control, looking the more likely side to find the breakthrough whenever they countered forward. Aston Villa added an increased presence on the ball to their already-established attacking threat for the remainder of the half, climbing to 48% possession after 45 minutes, and came closest to breaking the deadlock when Lucas Digne 's free kick struck the top of the crossbar, leaving the game goalless heading into the break. Villa picked up where they left off after the restart, retaining more possession and continuing to apply pressure in search of the opening goal, but it was Juventus who came closest to scoring when Emiliano Martinez made an outrageous save from close range, scooping Francisco Conceicao 's near-post header off the line. Rogers thought he had won the game in the final seconds when Michele Di Gregorio was unable to collect a free kick into the box, with the ball falling at Rogers' feet, and the midfielder smashed into the net, only for a lengthy VAR check to controversially deem the goalkeeper was fouled, with the game ending all square. How has he kept that one out?! 🤯 Emi Martinez with an INCREDIBLE save to keep it goalless at Villa Park ⛔️ 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/OkcWHB7YIk Wow, how has Martinez kept that out! Teun Koopmeiners ' corner makes its way to the back post, where Conceicao lurks, and the forward looks almost certain to score as he heads the ball toward the gaping near corner. Martinez has other ideas, though, swiftly diving to his right and scooping the ball away as it comes within centimetres of crossing the line, keeping Villa level as they head into the final 25 minutes. A very controversial finish at Villa Park 😲 Morgan Rogers' late goal is ruled out for a foul on Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio and the match ends 0-0 ❌ 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/MyYL5Vdy3r Heartbreak for Villa, Rogers is denied the late winner! Youri Tielemans fires a deep free kick into the box in the dying moments of the game, and Di Gregorio appears to have comfortably claimed the ball but spills it to the back post, where Rogers takes control and chips it into the open net. Villa wheel off in celebration, but a lengthy VAR check breaks hearts as it is controversially deemed that Di Gregorio was fouled by Diego Carlos as the keeper attempted to catch the cross. © Imago In a game that lacked quality, the man of the match award must go to the one man that produced a moment of brilliance, with Martinez's sensational save in the second half to deny Conceicao. The goalkeeper unbelievably dove down to his right and pushed Conceicao's header away from the net, with the ball just centimetres from crossing the line, keeping Villa in the game. Possession: Aston Villa 46%-54% Juventus Shots: Aston Villa 11-8 Juventus Shots on target: Aston Villa 3-2 Juventus Corners: Aston Villa 3-3 Juventus Fouls: Aston Villa 13-14 Juventus Aston Villa now remain without a win in seven matches across all competitions, and they will look to end that worrying spell when they travel to face Chelsea on Sunday. As for Juventus, the result is their second consecutive goalless draw across all competitions, a run they will aim to end with a trip to face Lecce in the Serie A on Sunday.