Latest news with #DesertStorm
The Star
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Artist celebrates 40-year journey at solo exhibition in KL
Ng with 'Desert Storm. — Photos: ONG SOON HIN/The Star Ng Foo Cheong is a versatile artist, as can be seen through his many works currently on display at a solo exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. His paintings, ceramics, sculptures and installations can be viewed at the exhibition titled 'Tempering' at Dasein Academy of Art in Jalan Kelang Lama. Ng told StarMetro that each work had an intended message and perspective. 'I always make sure that no two works are the same.' Having delved into art since he was 18, Ng, now 60, said he had never worked for others as having a full-time job would have 'killed' his artistic soul. 'I had a part-time job to support my full-time art hobby. Art lovers attending the launch of 'Tempering' exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, which runs until Aug 2. — Photos: ONG SOON HIN/The Star 'I used to design T-shirts and put them up for sale at Central Market so that I could earn money to support my art career,' he said during the opening of the exhibition. To broaden his horizons, Ng also spent time travelling. 'I travelled for one year to several countries, and my visit to New Delhi in India, gave me a lot of inspiration. 'There was an evening where I saw people, all wearing sarees, gathering on a beach. 'Some of them hung up their wet sarees to be dried, making the beach even more colourful. 'That trip established the direction of my art career and started me on my journey into two-dimensional art.' Ng said he often experienced strong feelings when he did socially conscious artworks. One of them is the mixed-media piece titled Where is My Hanging Gardens of Babylon?. 'The painting was inspired by the Iraq War in 2003. The artist's ceramic bowls with 'tenmoku glaze'. — Photos: ONG SOON HIN/The Star 'I cut out newspaper reports on the war to produce it. 'The US had deployed dolphins to search for underwater mines and one of them reportedly went missing. 'It made me question why humans still engage in war when even animals leave it behind to find peace.' Another message he wished to convey: 'No matter how beautiful a structure, it could be destroyed by greed and cruelty.' Similar messages are reflected in two other artworks – Desert Storm and Yellow Force. Desert Storm depicts broken families in Gaza, Palestine, while Yellow Force was inspired by Bersih 2.0, a movement to reform the electoral system. Ceramics are also a big part of Ng's portfolio, although he stopped making them once he started delving into two-dimensional art. He picked it up again after a 25-year break during the Covid-19 movement control order, when access to his art studio was restricted. 'I dug outside my house and collected raw materials such as coconut husks as well as the bark of various trees, including mango, acacia, oil palm and avocado, to produce my own clay. 'I wanted to incorporate the tenmoku glaze, which originated from the Song dynasty, into my ceramic works.' He highlighted that producing ceramics posed new challenges as there was a lower tolerance for mistakes. 'One small flaw can force me to rework my bowls or sculptures all over again,' he said. On his future plans, Ng said he would continue to follow his heart. 'It is important for artists to listen to their inner voice. 'You will know what to do when the time comes. 'I also hope that my exhibition can inspire future artists,' he added. The exhibition is open until Aug 2 (10am to 5pm on weekdays, 11am to 3pm on weekends) at G-05, Megan Legasi, Millerz Square. For enquiries, call 03-7972 1333.
Business Upturn
21-07-2025
- Health
- Business Upturn
Veteran Inventor Announces New Air Purification System That Splits CO₂, Produces Oxygen, and May Support Health and Ozone Recovery
Seminole, FLORIDA , July 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Clean Air Electric Filter announces the launch of its Conducted Direct Current (CDC) air purification system, a technology developed over 12 years by disabled American veteran Gal Joe Nahum. The system is designed to split carbon dioxide (CO₂) into carbon and oxygen, generate ozone through negative ions, and may offer additional wellness benefits, including support for nutrient absorption. Gal Joe Nahum Photo Advertisement The CDC filtration system works by passing direct current through the air, targeting CO₂ molecules. As the air flows through the unit, the current splits the carbon from the oxygen atoms. Carbon is internally collected, and purified oxygen is released, contributing to cleaner indoor and outdoor environments. A unique feature of this system is its generation of negative ions (–ions). These ions are naturally found in environments like waterfalls, where the friction of water hitting air produces a charge. 'Negative ions bind to positively charged particles, such as dust and pollutants, pulling them to the ground and purifying the air,' said Gal Joe. Nahum. 'If they reach the upper atmosphere, they may convert into ozone. Given the ozone depletion over Antarctica, restoring this layer is a priority for global health.' Beyond air purification, Gal Joe Nahum suggests the CDC technology may also have future use in health and wellness. 'There is a theory that this technology could assist the body in absorbing essential nutrients like vitamin D and calcium, potentially benefiting bones, nails, and teeth,' he noted. While this aspect remains under exploration, the concept reflects Nahum's commitment to broader applications for public benefit. The system is also being paired with a renewable energy source. Nahum is developing a transformer that harvests atmospheric energy, such as lightning and thunder, and converts it into direct current, allowing the filtration system to operate sustainably off-grid. Gal Joe Nahum, who served during the Desert Storm conflict, has dedicated over a decade of his life to the development of this technology. However, his efforts have not always been met with support. 'I came to NASA with this technology in good faith, hoping to collaborate,' he said. 'But I was dismissed simply because I wasn't part of the system. They forgot that some of the greatest innovators, like the Wright brothers, didn't have formal credentials. Without them, NASA wouldn't even exist.' His work is also chronicled in his book, which explores his scientific innovations and space-related concepts. Learn more at . Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Miami Herald
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
State honor for Stoneman Douglas hero Chris Hixon. Ice hockey at Boyd Anderson
The Florida Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame will celebrate its 26th anniversary with its Class of 2025 Honors Weekend at Lake Buena Vista on Aug. 22-23. Seven individuals will be honored in the Class of 2025 including former Parkland Marjory Stoneman Douglas athletic director Chris Hixon, who will be awarded posthumously the chapter's medal of courage, presented to a wrestler or former wrestler. On Feb. 14, 2018, Hixon died as he lived—a hero. He gave his life for the students and staff at Douglas High School while trying to stop a gunman on campus. Receiving national attention, he bravely ran into the 1200 building at the school to confront the shooter and protect students and staff, tragically losing his life in the process. Born on Feb. 25, 1968, Hixon attended Easton High School before graduating from Pleasant Valley High School in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania. During high school, he participated in football, wrestling and track. After graduating, Hixon enlisted in the United States Navy in July 1986 and transitioned to the United States Naval Reserves in 1992. Throughout his military career, he excelled as a Machinist's Mate First Class Petty Officer. While serving aboard the USS San Diego, he was deployed to the Persian Gulf during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In the reserves, his roles included assignments with Naval Security Forces and Mobile Dive and Salvage. He retired on October 1, 2013, after five years of active duty and 22 years in the reserves — totaling 27 honorable years of service to his country. Hixon served as a campus monitor and athletic director at Pompano Beach Ely, Hollywood South Broward High School and Douglas. During his tenure as athletic director, he received numerous honors, including the 2007 FIAAA Wayne Taylor Distinguished Service (Meritorious) Award, the 2008 National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association State Award of Merit and the 2017 Broward County Athletic Association Athletic Director of the Year Award. Posthumously, he was inducted into the Broward County Wrestling Hall of Fame and co-awarded the 2018 ESPY for Best Coach. Beyond his administrative roles, Hixon was a dedicated volunteer coach in softball, cross-country, volleyball, and wrestling, often stepping in when teams lacked a coach. Wrestling was his greatest passion, and he volunteered as a wrestling coach throughout his career at Fort Lauderdale High, Ely, South Broward and Douglas. In 1990, Hixon married Debra, and together they had two sons, Thomas and Corey. He embodied the motto: 'If not me, then who.' For more info, visit: Ice Hockey at Boyd Anderson With the success of the two-time NHL Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, hockey continues to grow in South Florida, and former Panthers player Anthony Duclair is helping lead the charge. The Anthony Duclair Foundation (ADF), in partnership with the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund (IGF), successfully unveiled a state-of-the-art synthetic ice rink a few months ago at Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson High School. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Duclair, NHL and NHLPA executives, local officials and community leaders. Following the ceremony, Duclair, along with hockey players from his development camps, demonstrated the rink in action. During the program, the City of Lauderdale Lakes officially declared it Anthony Duclair Day. Currently playing for the New York Islanders, Duclair's vision to offer greater access to hockey came when he was a member of the Florida Panthers from 2020-2023 and Tampa Bay Lightning for the 2023-24 season. 'Hockey has given me so much, and my goal is to ensure that more kids, regardless of background, have the chance to experience and fall in love with the game. The recognition from the City of Lauderdale Lakes is truly an honor, and I hope this rink is just the beginning of something bigger.' Duclair said via a press release. 'This is more than just a rink—it's about creating opportunities.' The synthetic ice rink is designed to eliminate the need for expensive refrigeration and traditional ice maintenance, making it a cost-effective and sustainable to address hockey access The outdoor rink, which first broke ground in February 2024, will serve as a hub for youth clinics, training programs, and community outreach initiatives, helping to introduce the sport to new players who may not have otherwise had the opportunity. Visit Send sports results For high school and middle school athletes in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, if you have summer sports results and top performers (with stats), email hssports@ They will run in the newspaper and online. Photos accepted, too. No deadline. You will be alerted when it will appear in the newspaper and online. New athletic directors, coaches For high schools in Broward and Miami-Dade, if you have new sports administration and/or coaching hires to announce, email hssports@ --- Compiled by Jim Varsallone jvarsallone@
Miami Herald
07-07-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
San Diego's USS Midway Museum debuts ‘top secret' exhibit on Navy intelligence
SAN DIEGO - The USS Midway Museum is opening the doors to a previously unseen, top-secret area of the ship where naval intelligence history was once made. Dozens of guests flocked to the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum on Friday morning, standing in front of a ribbon and balloon display that marked the grand opening of the museum's immersive new exhibit, "Top Secret: Inside the High-Stakes World of Naval Intelligence." Men in bright red sport coats, dressed in a style reminiscent of characters from the movie "Men in Black," assisted retired Rear Adm. and the USS Midway Museum's current President and CEO Terry Kraft with unveiling the once restricted area of the ship known as the Carrier Intelligence Center, or CVIC. "I took over the Midway Museum in 2023 and I thought about spaces that were important to me when I served on Midway. I did two deployments on Midway. I flew forward to combat missions from Desert Storm," Kraft said. "One of the places where it was kind of transformational for me was all the work we did here in the Carrier Intelligence Center during Operation Desert Storm. So, I wanted to open it up." The USS Midway's CVIC once served as the backbone and nerve center for naval intelligence during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the early '90s. The exhibit takes guests through the day-to-day lives of the naval intelligence specialists behind Desert Storm's strategic gathering and analysis, mission planning and decision-making that supported aviators' efforts against the Saddam Hussein-led Iraqi army's invasion and occupation of Kuwait. The exhibit consists of six themed displays. Through a narrow hallway and the connecting rooms of the once high-stakes environment, bright photographs, naval artifacts and old newspaper clippings don the walls of the exhibit. Tables are scattered around each room, filled with artifacts that offer guests a more hands-on experience, as they're able to get a close-up glimpse of detailed flip-books aviators created for a quick reference during flights, toolkits where intelligence specialists stored their grease pencils and measuring tools or one of the telephones that play a recording describing the stories of intelligence officers. Guests are even allowed to step into the shoes of intelligence specialists, testing their skills in a group of tests based on visual memory, codebreaking, site assessment and close aerial looking skills, where guests learn what naval intelligence role best suits them, and participate in an immersive mission-planning activity. The exhibit's opening comes after a nearly two-year planning and working period. Initial talks to restore the CVIC were fleshed out in 2009; however, the idea didn't come into fruition until summer 2023, when discussions of restoring the space earned the formal backing of a partnership between Naval Intelligence Professionals and the USS Midway Museum, which funded the bulk of the project. Construction began in the winter of 2023 and concluded in May this year. "We worked with a great company called Art Processors, who did our another new exhibit for us last year," Kraft said. "We wanted to make this something that anybody can come down and understand the role of intel professionals, how they interface with aviators, that kind of fusion that took place and get an appreciation for really the high-stakes planning that went on down here." Kraft and the museum enlisted the help of every intelligence officer he remembered serving with on the USS Midway, as well as intelligence officers and specialists from the Midway's docents, to study and prepare for the exhibit - eventually totaling up to around 750 volunteers. Retired Commander Diana Guglielmo, an imagery analyst, helped lead the planning efforts. "I was one of their advisers, because I served on board five aircraft carriers as a senior intelligence officer," Guglielmo said. "I was the first woman to serve as the senior intelligence for the air wing, and so I basically ingested all the artifacts, and then grouped them together, and then put them into the exhibit in the right place based on what would be on a carrier." Reflecting and honoring the real stories behind the CVIC and the intelligence specialists involved was essential to the team; a space of the exhibit is dedicated to retired Capt. William Marcus "Marc" Luoma, who died in 2021. Luoma's jacket and the coffee cup he used frequently on board are even on display. As guests exit, the last section of the exhibit displays historic photos from the naval intelligence community and a message paying tribute to their "dedication and excellence" in CVIC "We hope they feel honored," Mark Berlin, the USS Midway Museum's director of operations said. "We hope that they recognize our appreciation for the hard work and dedication that they have to everything that they do. We saw that in engineering, when we had a lot of our former engineers go through this space and feel like their story is being told. We hope the same thing happens here." The team behind the exhibit hopes that even the general public will find something meaningful to take from their experience. "I hope one day, as young people come through here, men and women, they see kind of this quiet profession, and they're motivated or enthusiastic about doing this job. It's one of those parts of the Navy that we just don't talk a lot about," Guglielmo said. "In the intelligence community, we say open the green door, because all the classifieds are always hidden behind the green door, and so this will open the green door and let them see kind of what their contributions can do." _____________ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
The Hill
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Mentally disabled combat veterans should never get the death penalty
Mississippi is scheduled to execute Vietnam veteran and near-octogenarian Richard Jordan on June 25. On May 1, Florida executed former Army Sergeant Jeffrey Hutchinson, a Desert Storm soldier. The use of the death penalty against U.S. combat veterans manifests a paradox in American culture. While popular gratitude for military service has become a benign cliche, and sympathy for battle-borne injuries, either mental or physical, remains widespread, the nation shows little reluctance to put severely mentally wounded combat veterans to death. Hutchinson and Jordan are merely the latest in a column of former service members afflicted with battle-borne post-traumatic stress disorder to be marched to the death chamber. Given the accelerated pace of executions and the prevalence of veterans on death row, they will not be the last. There is widespread public recognition that veterans are a different population than their civilian counterparts. In fact, because nearly one-third of all veterans have been arrested — approximately twice the non-veteran rate — the establishment of veteran treatment courts for lower-level crimes continues to grow. Similarly, the Supreme Court recognized in a 2009 capital case, Porter v. McCollum, that veterans are entitled to a reasonable investigation and presentation of their military backgrounds in death penalty cases. But judicial enforcement of this mandate has been sporadic at best. Jordan's and Hutchinson's trials contained little presentation of their respective combat histories and associated trauma. The increasing frequency with which combat veterans have been condemned and executed demonstrates the need for corresponding scrutiny of the circumstances that brought them in contact with the justice system and eventually to execution. As was the case with Jordan and Hutchinson, veterans undergo an experience far removed from those who sit in judgment of them. The arduous, and at times gruesome, conditions that are part and parcel of combat tours have been frequently enumerated. They include the daily threat of death from various sources, enduring detonations (which we now know have a profound impact on the brain), engaging enemies at close range and viewing the aftermath of the carnage of modern war. Such frequent association with violence and death does not leave one unscathed. As Argentine writer José Narosky observed, 'In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.' As only around 5 percent of the nation's population are veterans, it is common that the only person in the courtroom familiar with that experience is the veteran defendant himself. Veterans comprise 10 percent of the people on death row — twice their representation in the population at large — and that proportion is growing. One of the primary reasons for this overrepresentation is the prevalence of battle-borne mental health issues among combat veterans that does not exist in the civilian populace. When contemplating the fate of veterans convicted of capital crime, it is important to bear in mind that combat-related brain injuries and mental health illnesses, such as PTSD, are by no means unpredictable or unexpected. Although referred to by other names, PTSD has been part of warfare since ancient times. A 2014 Department of Veterans Affairs study concluded that nearly 30 percent of the troops who served in Iraq or Afghanistan undergo PTSD at some point. In my experience of assisting veterans in the criminal justice system, it is from this group of servicemembers that the death row veteran population is largely drawn. Combat service by no means guarantees that a veteran will commit violent crimes, and the vast majority do not. It is inescapable, however, that combat significantly increases the risk of mental illness or other debilitating brain injuries. The Supreme Court has recognized that certain specific groups are categorically excluded from the death penalty. Among them are defendants who committed their crimes before age 18 (Roper v. Simmons) and the intellectually disabled (Atkins). Those exclusions are based on the diminished mental capacity of the defendants and hence a decreased culpability. Mentally disabled combat veterans are no different. In fact, they are perhaps more deserving of societal mercy, as their injuries come from their voluntary service in response to that same society's call. Our country should consider a categorical exclusion either by legislative or judicial means. Executing our nation's warriors should call for deep soul searching. We owe combat veterans better than what they are now receiving in the criminal justice system. Art Cody is a 34-year military veteran with multiple tours in combat zones, most recently in Afghanistan. He is the director of the Center for Veteran Criminal Advocacy.
