Beaches: Pictures, Videos, Breaking News – The Huffington Post

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Grand Cayman is a British Territory south of Cuba in the Caribbean Sea. The Island is part of three landmasses that also include Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Grand Cayman is about 76 square miles and boasts over 1.7 million visitors a year.

P. Andrew Och

Producer, writer, documentarian, photographer, historian, public speaker, musician

"I used to think romance was bunk. A double Mickey for the hickey..." Well, not so much. But I have always enjoyed a good Bette Midler tune here and there, and there are many reasons for it. So here is a Top 10 list of life lessons learned from The Divine Miss M, the fabulous Miss Bette Midler.

Sarah Toce

Founder/Publisher of The Seattle Lesbian, Journalist

The ocean is to relax and the jungle to find adventure. There is great food and drinks in both so while in Belize, why not have it all?

The Indian Ocean is an azure-blue expanse strewn with startlingly beautiful islands that live up to all the clichs of swaying palm trees and white-sand beaches -- but let's assume you already know that.

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Beaches: Pictures, Videos, Breaking News - The Huffington Post

Liberia: Govt Bans Beach-Going Over Ebola Fears

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For the first time in years Liberians will have to do without the beaches on what is unarguably the biggest holiday in the Ebola-hit post-war nation. November 29 is the birth anniversary of Liberia's18th and longest serving president, William V.S. Tubman, which is observed as a national holiday. But this year, the Liberian government ordered all beaches operating across the country closed on November 29.

The shutdown means that a lot of Liberian who have traditionally thronged the beaches will be staying home a shift from the norms of the past year when many crowd the beaches and other entertainment places to celebrate.

Ironically, the biggest holiday of the year is set aside for Tubman, who led Liberia from his election in 1944 until his death in 1971. Tubman is regarded as the "father of modern Liberia"; his presidency was marked by attracting sufficient foreign investment to modernize the economy and infrastructure. During his tenure, Liberia experienced a period of prosperity.

He also led a policy of national unity in order to reduce the social and political differences between his fellow Americo-Liberians and the indigenous Liberians. However, during his tenure, he became increasingly authoritarian in his exercise of power. This year, according to Information Minister Isaac Jackson, the day is being contained because of the deadly Ebola outbreak as authorities look to curb the further spread of the Ebola virus.

This year, the Liberia National Police to keep surveillance at beaches across the country to apprehend violators as the government has warned against gathering at beaches in violation of the pronouncement by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf few months ago halts large gatherings at beaches and amusement centers due to the Ebola outbreak.

The government on Wednesday by Proclamation declared Saturday, November 29, 2014, as the 119th birth Anniversary of the late President William V.S. Tubman, and is to be observed throughout Liberia as a *National Holiday. The Proclamation further orders and directs all government offices, business houses and market places to be closed during the observance from Six O'clock ante meridian to Six O'clock post meridian.

The Proclamation is in consonance with an Act of Legislature enacted at the 3rd Session of the 42nd National Legislature of Liberia, declaring the birth anniversary of Liberia's 18th President William Vacanarat Shadrach Tubman (November 29, 2014) of each year as a National Holiday in keeping with the will of the Liberian people.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, the Proclamation is in recognition of his productive and meaningful services and policies, including the Open Door Policy, the National Unification and Integration Policy, the granting of suffrages to Liberian women as well as the policies on all social, economic development nationwide and his contributions to the emancipation of African colonial territories into self-governing statehood.

The Proclamation further declared that the celebration is in consideration of the numerous contribution, profound changes and lasting compliments made by President Tubman during his administration as the 18th President of the Republic of Liberia, the people, desirous of showing their deep appreciation, esteem and approval for his outstanding, noble and remarkable leadership, did petition and request the National Legislature of the Nation to issue permanent record of their sentiments in honor of his birth for posterity.

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Liberia: Govt Bans Beach-Going Over Ebola Fears

Two Surf Life Saving Clubs win a safer summer

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Two Surf Life Saving Clubs win a safer summer for their communities

Otaki and Brighton beaches will soon each have a brand new $25,000 Surf Life Saving boat after their local Surf Life Saving Clubs won the BP Click for your Club competition that got the whole community involved thousands of times.

The two clubs, from the Kapiti Coast and Otago, together managed to pull in nearly 30,000 online votes over three weeks of the national competition, calling on community groups, schools, shops, and members of their community to show their support by voting for them online.

BP launched the competition giving away two Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs) for the second year running in recognition of the important role the rescue boats play in helping to save hundreds of lives across the country every year.

Last year alone, lifeguards across the country saved 1,027 lives with about 60% of these involving an IRB.

BP Corporate Affairs Manager Jonty Mills said the efforts made by the clubs and the support from their communities was impressive.

Weve been incredibly impressed by the strength of passion shown by the clubs throughout the competition. Theyve been out there drumming up support, reminding their communities about the essential role Surf Lifeguards play in keeping them safe. The support theyve received is testament to how much these boats matter to their communities.

BP offered clubs around the country the chance to win a brand new IRB, with one being won in the North Island and one in the South. Six finalists were selected (three from each island) to compete to drum up community support, encouraging supporters to go online daily, to watch a video about their club, and to vote for them.

The competition closed at midnight on Sunday 16 November, with Brighton Surf Life Saving Club gathering 16,245 votes and Otaki Surf Life Saving Club pulling in a total of 12,982 votes.

The boats will be delivered to the clubs in the next couple of weeks.

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Two Surf Life Saving Clubs win a safer summer

Thanksgiving weekend forecast: Rain, snow possible

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Rain and snow is expected across Southern California during the long Thanksgiving weekend.

In fact, according to the ABC7 Eyewitness News forecast, several inches of rain and snow are in the forecast for parts of our region starting Monday.

Two low pressure systems -- one to our west over the Pacific Ocean, and another to our north in Canada -- will merge and head south as we approach the weekend, creating the possibility for precipitation beginning Sunday into Monday.

In the meantime, expect a beautiful Thanksgiving Day on Thursday! Temps will be in the mid to upper 80s in L.A., O.C. and the high desert. The beaches will be warm and sunny in the low 80s. The mountains will see plenty of sunshine and highs in the upper 60s.

7-Day Forecasts

In the LA Metro/Orange County area, it will be sunny and warn through Friday, with highs near or above 80 degrees, before cooling down on Saturday with increasing clouds and a high temperature of 71 degrees.

On Sunday, the forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of rain up -- up to a half-inch. However, if the weather system slows as it heads south, rain would be most likely on Monday.

It will be cooler Monday with a high of 64 and 1 inch of the wet stuff expected. Tuesday will usher in a 60 percent chance of rain with a high of 63.

In the valleys and Inland Empire, it will also be sunny, warm Thanksgiving but will cool into Saturday, with a 60 percent chance of rain on Sunday. Close to an inch of rain is possible.

On Monday, 1 to 3 inches is expected with a high of only 62. Another 60 percent chance of rain persists through Tuesday.

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Thanksgiving weekend forecast: Rain, snow possible

Mayors head in the sand

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The foreshore is unstable and severely scarped at Main Beach but Mayor Tom Tate believes the beaches are ready for storm season. Source: Supplied

SOME of the Gold Coasts foreshores are dangerous, unstable and impossible to access despite Mayor Tom Tate giving the citys beaches a clean bill of health.

Resident groups, surf lifesavers and veteran surfers in the area have reacted angrily to a city council promotion yesterday which announced that Gold Coast beaches were fit for the summer.

MASS BLACKOUTS ACROSS THE GOLD COAST

HAILSTORM CAPTURED ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Photographs taken in the past 18 months by surfers of erosion hot spots from Main Beach to The Spit show wooden viewing platforms have been lost to the sea and chunks of concrete from foreshore paths remain exposed.

Kirra Surf Life Saving Club president Andrew McAuliffe revealed the southern beach was confronted with major erosion issues, particularly around their clubhouse.

GOLD COAST BEACHFRONT OWNERS COULD BE FORCED TO PAY UP BIG

Erosion at Main Beach. Pic: Phil Hoile Source: Supplied

Its challenging. Weve been struggling to run an adequate nipper program over the last month, Mr McAuliffe said. At high tide, there is very little beach.

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Mayors head in the sand

Orion 20×80 Astronomy Binoculars Review: 2014 Edition

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I think of the Orion Astronomy 20x80 binoculars as the perfect "gateway gear" to heavyweight stereoscopic skywatching. They offer a whole lot of binocular for the buck, with big aperture and big-league specs. Plus, they have the quickness of a center focus knob. However, you'll have to make some sacrifices to save money; this set costs about $120.

These 20x80s are a less-costly, lighter-weight and only slightly less-powerful alternative to our Editors' Choice Celestron 25x100. One way to think of it: The Orions give you at least 85 percent of the experience, at half the price of the Celestrons. And, in some ways, the Orions are nicer to handle.

Below: Hands On Video Tour of Orion's Astronomy 20x80s (Click to Play):

The Orion 20x80s and the Celestron 25x100s are very similar in shape and are almost identical in packaging. It's hard to believe they don't come from the same factory in China (as, in fact, do several other brands' binoculars).

Almost exactly like the slightly larger Celestrons, the big Orions come swaddled in a four-sided articulating wrap of nylon-clad thin fiberboard. This rig has an elastic bellyband and a nonstretchy strap with a hook and loop ("Velcro") closure. Thus sheathed, this rig slips into a plastic leatherette shoulder bag. It's not perfect but acceptable at this price point. [Related: See our Buyer's Guide: How to Choose Binoculars for Stargazing]

The Orions' lenses (and, therefore, aperture) are not quite as big the Celestrons,' nor are the prisms quite as safely shock-mounted. But the 20x80s are nicely multicoated. They seem to stretch contrast (bright to dark ratio) a bit, making it fun to soak your brain in the faint starlight of diffuse open clusters or groups of galaxies. Most planetary nebulas are too far away to really see much detail at 20x magnification. But you can get a whimsical sense of what the neighboring suns might think of them.

Fold-down rubber eye guards let us eyeglass wearers get tack-sharp stars at infinity focus. With 17 millimeters (0.7 inches) of eye relief, you may not find the fold-down necessary. The rubber felt very stiff to me, causing me to question whether it might rip in cold conditions. But I haven't found any reports of this.

Best Astronomy Binoculars 2014 (Editors' Choice)

Like others in this class, the Orion Astronomy 20x80s are really a pair of short-tube refracting telescopes, aligned for one set of human eyes to enjoy. But unlike most other large binoculars, these have a center focus wheel. That's both a curse and a blessing. Center focus is faster and easier. But if your main interest is astronomy, your focus won't change much. (The planets, stars and even the moon are all at "infinity," as far as Earth-bound binoculars are concerned.) The focus achieved with individual independent eyepieces (as on the Celestrons) can be more precise and less likely to slip. The Orions I tested had a mushy, dead spot at their end counterclockwise ("left") rotation of the focus knob, but it didn't adversely affect the focus.

Most of the goodness of two-tube astronomy comes from what happens when your brain is painted with two channels of visual information. Just as listening to music in stereo gives you more than just a spatial impression of the audio, binocular astronomy makes you feel immersed in the celestial object and the sky around it. This psycho-perceptive effect stems from what your mind does with two slightly varying data sets. It can infer information about mass, and even allude to an object's likely motion. Your "mental image" of, say, a comet may not be entirely correct. (You may think you see depth or volume of the object that isn't really there.) But it is certainly a more emotionally satisfying experience than peering at the universe with one eye.

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Orion 20x80 Astronomy Binoculars Review: 2014 Edition

Supercomputer for Astronomy "ATERUI" Upgraded to Double its Speed

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The Center for Computational Astrophysics (CfCA) of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan upgraded the supercomputer Cray XC30 system ATERUI. By introducing state-of-the-art CPUs, the theoretical peak performance increased from 502 Tflops to 1.058 Pflops, which means that ATERUI made the leap to become a petaflops computer. The new ATERUI will expand the horizons for simulations to understand the Universe and astrophysical phenomena.

Background:

Data obtained by observations are snapshots of astronomical phenomena. To understand these data, we need to construct theories based on physics, and conduct experiments based on those theories. However, virtually no astronomical phenomena can be reconstructed in a laboratory due to the spatial and time scales involved. On the other hand, theoretical astronomy tries to understand astronomical phenomena by solving equations. In some cases, it is not easy to solve the equations by hand, so powerful computers assist astronomers. Simulation astronomers construct specific astronomical objects, or even the Universe itself, in computers and perform simulations to compare with the observed Universe. With the rapid progress of computer technology, numerical simulations in astronomy are regarded as the third approach to astronomical research, alongside observational and theoretical astronomy.

CfCA operates supercomputers for astronomical simulations. Cray XC30 system ATERUI installed in the NAOJ Mizusawa campus in April 2013 is NAOJs 4th generation supercomputer for numerical simulation. This system is a scalar type massively parallel supercomputer. With the theoretical peak performance of 502 Tflops, ATERUI was the worlds fastest supercomputer dedicated to astronomical simulation. ATERUI accelerated our understanding in various fields of astrophysics, but astronomers requirements for computer performance have become higher and higher.

Upgrade of ATERUI:

Responding to the increasing demand, ATERUI had a surgery to introduce a new brain during September 11th-30th, 2014. In this operation, the old CPUs were exchanged with new CPUs. The number of cabinets decreased from 8 to 6, and the interconnects between CPUs were reconnected. Although the number of cabinets decreased, the theoretical peak performance approximately doubled from 502 Tflops to 1058 Tflops(=1.058 Pflops). This means that ATERUI can perform one thousand trillion calculations per second. This marks the best performance in the world for an astronomical simulation supercomputer. ATERUI became the first petaflops supercomputer operated by NAOJ.

The renewed ATERUI has started operation from Oct 1st, 2014 and 127 researchers have been using this new system. The users include researchers and graduate students not only in NAOJ, but also in universities and other institutes in Japan, and Japanese researchers abroad. ATERUI runs various simulations: the formation of planets, the birth and death of stars, the activity of the Sun, the evolution of black holes, the formation of galaxies and clusters of galaxies and the large scale structure of the Universe. For example, in simulations of supernovae and mergers of binary neutron stars, the complicated high-energy physics has to be considered. These simulations need huge computing power, and the new ATERUI will conduct more realistic simulations for these complicated phenomena. In addition, smaller time steps for calculations provide more accurate behaviors for phenomena. The new ATERUI will be able to follow more accurately the motions of particles like stars and fluids like interstellar gas or plasma gas. Moreover, higher spatial resolution provides fine structure for celestial objects and the structure of the Universe. For example, one simulation with new ATERUI can provide various views of the Universe ranging from the large-scale structure down to the scale of individual galaxies.

Professor Eiichiro Kokubo, the CfCA project director says,Supercomputers for astronomical researches can be called telescopes for theoretical astronomy because they illustrate astrophysical phenomena that telescopes cannot see. New visions of the Universe which have never been seen before will be revealed by more realistic simulations using the new ATERUI.

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Supercomputer for Astronomy "ATERUI" Upgraded to Double its Speed

CityJet British Aerospace Avro RJ-85 takeoff from Rotterdam Airport 23/11/2014 – Video

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CityJet British Aerospace Avro RJ-85 takeoff from Rotterdam Airport 23/11/2014
CityJet British Aerospace Avro RJ-85 takeoff from Rotterdam. Airline: Cityjet Flight Number: WX84 Route: Rotterdam (RTM/EHRD) - London/City (LCY/EGLC) Departure Runway: 24 Date of Flight:...

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CityJet British Aerospace Avro RJ-85 takeoff from Rotterdam Airport 23/11/2014 - Video

Cityjet British Aerospace Avro RJ85 landing at London/City Airport 23/11/2014 – Video

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Cityjet British Aerospace Avro RJ85 landing at London/City Airport 23/11/2014
Cityjet British Aerospace Avro RJ85 landing at London/City Airport. Airline: Cityjet Flight Number: WX84 Route: Rotterdam (RTM/EHRD) - London/City (LCY/EGLC) Arrival Runway: 27 Date...

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Cityjet British Aerospace Avro RJ85 landing at London/City Airport 23/11/2014 - Video

B/E Aerospace''s Board Okays Separation Of KLX

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By RTT News, November 25, 2014, 07:05:00 PM EDT

(RTTNews.com) - B/E Aerospace Inc ( BEAV ) said Tuesday its board has approved the separation of the consumables management segment, consisting of the company's aerospace distribution and energy services businesses, which will be known as KLX Inc, through a dividend distributing all of the shares of KLX common stock on a pro rata basis to the holders of B/E Aerospace's common stock.

For every two shares of B/E Aerospace common stock held, B/E Aerospace's shareholders will receive one share of KLX common stock. No fractional shares of KLX will be issued. Shareholders will receive cash in lieu of fractional shares. The Board has set a record date of December 5 and a distribution date of December 16.

The distribution of KLX common stock will complete the separation KLX from B/E Aerospace. After the distribution, KLX will be an independent, publicly-owned company and B/E Aerospace will not own any shares of KLX common stock.

KLX common stock is expected to begin trading on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol KLXI, and B/E Aerospace will continue to trade on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol BEAV.

"Our decision to separate the businesses was made as part of the evaluation of the company's strategic alternatives which has been undertaken by our management team and Board of Directors, together with our independent advisors," said Amin Khoury, the company's chairman and co-chief executive officer.

"Separating these highly successful businesses into two industry-leading companies will allow each to benefit from increased management focus and operational flexibility, as well as allow the management teams and boards of directors of each business to determine the optimal capital structure, free cash flow allocation policy, growth strategy, compensation system and performance measurement metrics."

The distribution of KLX common stock is subject, among other things, to the Securities and Exchange Commission having declared effective KLX's Registration Statement on Form 10, as amended, which KLX has filed with the SEC.

B/E Aerospace, based in Wellington, Florida, is a maker of aircraft cabin interior products and a provider of aerospace fasteners, consumables and logistics services.

BEAV closed Tuesday at $77.31, up $0.82 or 1.07%, on a volume of 1.1 million shares on the Nasdaq. In after hours, the stock dropped $0.02 or 0.02%.

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B/E Aerospace''s Board Okays Separation Of KLX

Microneedling Rejuvenation Procedure: Skinspirations Offers New SkinPen Treatment

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Clearwater, FL (PRWEB) November 26, 2014

Tampa Bay cosmetic medical practice Skinspirations has added SkinPen microneedling treatments to their menu of services. Skinspirations is owned by Cynthia Elliott M.D., who has been practicing medicine for nearly 25 years. The SkinPen, which employs a process known as microneedling, is produced by Texas-based Bellus Medical. The pen-like device produces thousands of microscopic holes to stimulate collagen and the skin's natural healing process. Research shows this safe, nonsurgical cosmetic procedure is more effective than previously thought in making skin healthier and younger-looking.

By stimulating the skin's natural ability to repair itself, the SkinPen breaks down scar tissue and replaces it with normal collagen. The vertical technology of the SkinPen allows the device to be used safely anywhere on the body, even close to eyes in the case of treatment of crow's feet. The SkinPen has been shown to be effective for wrinkles, thin skin, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, premature aging, scars, lax skin, sun damage, stretch marks and hair restoration. It has also been reported to reduce the size of pores. Compared to other areas of wrinkling, eye wrinkles see the quickest and most notable improvement. Scars like icepick acne and surgical scars also become less noticeable with microneedling treatments.

The goal of treatment in microneedling is to create a surge of growth factors that assist with cell proliferation and differentiation. According to Dr. Lance Setterfield, author of The Concise Guide to Dermal Needling, skin cells go through cell amnesia as they age, in which the cells forget to perform the process required for healthy and younger-looking skin. Microneedling works by manipulating cellular communication through the release of growth factors and other proteins associated with wound healing. Cells are then able to remember and perform their functions properly, resulting in skin that looks and behaves like healthy, youthful skin.

The SkinPen is performed in-office and normally takes about 30 minutes, depending on the size and number of areas treated. The SkinPen, which is not available for home use, uses sterile, disposable needle cartridges and is equipped with several safety features. Microneedling rollers for home use are also available and recommended to help speed up and maintain results. All three licensed estheticians at Skinspirations have had extensive training in SkinPen, as well as other professional skincare procedures.

Microneedling also allows for an increase in product penetration. Ingredients, such as vitamins, are able to travel down the columns produced by needling into the deeper layers of skin in order to assist with the cell rejuvenation process. Some of the most important ingredients to use with microneedling include:

Dr. Elliott stresses that proper moisturizers and sun protection, in addition to a healthy lifestyle containing a proper diet and exercise, are necessary to obtain the most dramatic results with SkinPen treatments.

Microneedling optimizes skin health and is not intended as a quick fix. Collagen remodeling can take place for up to two years, and the SkinPen should be thought of as an ongoing process, like a fitness routine. SkinPen treatments for general anti-aging results should be scheduled starting with three monthly treatments followed by maintenance treatments twice a year and for issues related to scarring, six monthly treatments are recommended.

About Dr. Cynthia Elliott and Skinspirations:

Cynthia Elliott, M.D., is the owner of Skinspirations, located in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Elliott obtained her M.D. from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, and then completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at Denver General Hospital and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. She has been on staff at Bayfront Medical Center, St. Josephs Hospital, University Community Hospital and Mease Countryside Hospital, and has served on the faculty of the USF School of Medicine. Dr. Elliott currently serves as an expert witness in Cosmetic Medicine for the Florida Board of Medicine. Her company, ExpertEsthetics, provides hands on technique training for other practitioners. Dr. Elliott is also a national and international trainer for Cutera Lasers, training other physicians in the use of aesthetic lasers with skin of all colors. Skinspirations specializes exclusively in rejuvenation, enhancement and anti-aging treatments for the face and body. With her staff of aesthetic experts, you know youll get the best results obtainable. Dr. Elliott has been in practice for over 20 years, and has the experience and reputation to have been chosen by the makers of Botox Cosmetic and Juvederm to train other physicians and practitioners in her techniques. For more information, visit http://www.skinspirations.com.

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Microneedling Rejuvenation Procedure: Skinspirations Offers New SkinPen Treatment

NATO Chief Warns Russia Using Cold War Tactics: Stoltenberg meets NATO troops on Estonian air base – Video

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NATO Chief Warns Russia Using Cold War Tactics: Stoltenberg meets NATO troops on Estonian air base
Visiting an air base in Estonia, NATO #39;s Secretary General said Russia #39;s military activity around NATO air space is reminiscent of the Cold War era. Jens Stol...

By: UKRAINE TODAY

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NATO Chief Warns Russia Using Cold War Tactics: Stoltenberg meets NATO troops on Estonian air base - Video