The Millennium Falcon Is The Lockheed P-38 Lightning Of Star Wars

December 16, 2017

Han Solo’s Millennium Falcon from the Star Wars movies is about as recognizable as Darth Vader or a lightsaber. It’s a smuggling ship, hot rod and plot device all rolled into one. After all, it’s the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs. It also shares some similarities with another famous and strange looking vehicle, the Lockheed P-38 Lightning. While it’s important to note that
Han Solo’s Millennium Falcon from the Star Wars movies is about as recognizable as Darth Vader or a lightsaber. It’s a smuggling ship, hot rod and plot device all rolled into one. After all, it’s the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs. It also shares some similarities with another famous and strange looking vehicle, the Lockheed P-38 Lightning. While it’s important to note that one of them is fictional, both served their star systems well. Both the Millennium Falcon and the P-38 are deceptively fast, look weird as hell and they served pivotal roles in their respective universes.
In Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Luke Skywalker derides it as a piece of junk before it swoops in at the last second and disables Darth Vader’s TIE fighter and saves the day at the end of the movie. In the next movie Empire Strikes Back, it successfully evades an entire squadron of TIE fighters before hiding inside an asteroid/space worm. After being stolen and stored on the desert junk planet of Jakku, The Force Awakens depicts the Falcon outflying the best of the First Order’s pilots with Finn and Rey in the cockpit. It does this all while being mocked as a goofy looking piece of flying junk. With Lando Calrissian as a pilot, the Millennium Falcon fires the last shots that destroy the second Death Star in Return of the Jedi.
The Lockheed P-38 Lightning served the United States armed forces primarily in the Pacific theater of World War II and was utilized in just about every role possible ranging from a bomber escort to photo reconnaissance. A pilot and Medal of Honor recipient by the name of Richard Bong had 40 confirmed enemy aircraft kills while seated in the cockpit of a P-38. During the course of the war, it was referred to as “the fork-tailed devil.” Its large airframe and twin boom design allowed it to be fitted with all manner of .50 caliber machine guns, bombs, cannons and rockets. It was powered by two giant supercharged 28-liter 12-cylinder engines which allowed it to go much faster than any other fighter plane in the world when it was introduced in 1940.
According to Wookiepedia, the Millennium Falcon started life as a Corellian YT-1300f freighter ship meaning that it was essentially the Ford Econoline van of the Star Wars universe. After smugglers Han Solo and Chewbacca got a hold of it, they hot-rodded it to become one of fastest ships in the entire galaxy. Among the speed upgrades are weapons modifications and advanced stealth/cloaking equipment. Their mods made it perfect for smuggling and remaining unseen and also acting as a one ship battle station capable of outrunning or outgunning every fighter ship it came in contact with. For armament, it sports eight total blaster cannons on both sides of the pancake shaped craft and numerous other guns that allowed it to fulfill its role as the deus ex machina in more than one Star Wars film.
The Lockheed P-38 Lightning was developed in the late 1930s as a long range fighter plane capable of doing whatever it is you asked it to do. Lockheed engineers Hall L. Hibbard and Clarence Johnson devised the goofy looking plane. By the time World War II rolled around, the P-38 was responsible for the first ever confirmed American downing of a German aircraft. In the Pacific Theater, its long range allowed it to intercept Japanese admiral Isoroku Yamamoto who helped orchestrate the Pearl Harbor attack. P-38 test pilot Col. Ben Kelsey was noted as saying that the P-38 would:
The P-38 was also faster than both the Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero and the German Messerschmidt BF-109 in their top speeds and could absorb more damage than many other aircraft in similar roles. It was beloved by its pilots.
Both vehicles became characters of themselves in their tours of duty on the movie screen and real life. The Falcon and the P-38 both had wide unconventional airframes covered in all manner of weaponry and equipment that made them perfect multi-role fighters. When it came to speed, the Falcon and the Lightning both lived up to their names by being top of their class and outperforming every other craft.

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Trump defends tax plan, proclaims economy set 'to rock'

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December 16, 2017

The president predicted the legislation would cause the economy to soar beyond its current 3 percent rate of growth.
Closing in on the first major legislative achievement of his term, President Donald Trump on Saturday defended the Republican tax cut as a good deal for the middle class while boldly suggesting it could lead to explosive economic growth.
The legislation, which the GOP aims to muscle through Congress next week, would lower taxes on the richest Americans. Benefits for most other taxpayers would be smaller, but Trump attempted to sell the bill as a “Christmas present” for middle-class Americans in part because it would trigger job growth.
“It’ll be fantastic for the middle-income people and for jobs, most of all,” Trump told reporters on the White House lawn before traveling to Camp David for the weekend. “And I will say that because of what we’ve done with regulation and other things our economy is doing fantastically well, but it has another big step to go and it can’t take that step unless we do the tax bill.”
No stranger to hyperbole, Trump also predicted the legislation would cause the economy to soar beyond its current 3 percent rate of growth.
“I think we could go to 4,5 or even 6 percent, ultimately,” the president said. “We are back. We are really going to start to rock.”
Many economists believe that attaining consistent 4 or 5 percent annual growth would be challenging. The nation last topped 5 percent growth in 1984.
The Republican plan is the widest-ranging reshaping of the tax code in three decades and is expected to add to the nation’s $20 trillion debt. The tax cuts are projected to add $1.46 trillion over a decade.
Under the bill, today’s 35 percent rate on corporations would fall to 21 percent, the crown jewel of the measure for many Republicans. Trump and GOP leaders had set 20 percent as their goal but added a point to free money for other tax cuts that won over wavering lawmakers in final talks.
“This is happening. Tax reform under Republican control of Washington is happening,” House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin told rank-and-file members in a conference call Friday. “Most critics out there didn’t think it could happen…. And now we’re on the doorstep of something truly historic.”
The bill would repeal an important part of President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act — the requirement that all Americans have health insurance or face a penalty — as the GOP looks to unravel a law it failed to repeal and replace this past summer. It came together as Republicans cemented the needed support for the overhaul, securing endorsements from wavering senators.
Marco Rubio of Florida relented in his high-profile opposition after negotiators expanded the tax credit that parents can claim for their children. He said he would vote for the measure next week.
Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, the only Republican to vote against the Senate version earlier this month, made the surprise announcement that he would back the legislation. Corker, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has repeatedly warned that the nation’s growing debt is the most serious threat to national security.
“I realize this is a bet on our country’s enterprising spirit, and that is a bet I am willing to make,” Corker said.
The bill embodies a long-standing Republican philosophy that a substantial tax break for businesses will trigger economic growth and job creation for Americans in a trickle-down economy. Skeptical Democrats are likely to oppose the legislation unanimously.
“Under this bill, the working class, middle class and upper middle class get skewered while the rich and wealthy corporations make out like bandits,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York. “It is just the opposite of what America needs, and Republicans will rue the day they pass this.”
The bill would drop today’s 39.6 percent top rate on individuals to 37 percent. The standard deduction — used by around two-thirds of households — would be nearly doubled, to $24,000 for married couples.
The $1,000-per-child tax deduction would grow to $2,000, with up to $1,400 available in IRS refunds for families who owe little or no taxes. Parents would have to provide children’s Social Security numbers to receive the child tax credit, a measure intended to deny the credit to people who are in the U. S. illegally.
Those who itemize would lose some deductions. The deduction that millions use in connection with state and local income, property and sales taxes would be capped at $10,000. That’s especially important to residents of high-tax states such as New York, New Jersey and California. Deductions for medical expenses that lawmakers once considered eliminating would be retained.
The bill would allow homeowners to deduct interest only on the first $750,000 of a new mortgage, down from the current limit of $1 million.
People who inherit fortunes would get a big break. The bill would double the exemption, meaning the estate tax would apply only to the portion of an estate over $22 million for married couples.
Members of a House-Senate conference committee signed the final version of the legislation Friday, sending it to the two chambers for final passage next week.
Republicans hold a slim 52-48 majority in the Senate, and two ailing GOP senators missed votes this past week.
John McCain of Arizona, who is 81, is at a Washington-area military hospital being treated for the side effects of brain cancer treatment, and 80-year-old Thad Cochran of Mississippi had a non-melanoma lesion removed from his nose earlier this week. GOP leaders are hopeful they will be available next week.
___
Associated Press writer Marcy Gordon contributed to this report.
___
Follow Lemire on Twitter at http://twitter.com/@JonLemire and Ohlemacher? at http://twitter.com/@stephenatap

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Lessons from the Alabama Special Election

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December 16, 2017

Let’s not forget how unique the Moore-Jones contest was.
There was a lot of excitement generated for Democrats by the Alabama special election for US Senate given the win by Democrat Doug Jones. After all, Alabama is deeply Republican, as I noted last weekend. This excitement has led to some wild (in my opinion) assertions about the ability to extrapolate from the Jones’ victory to the 2018 mid-terms. Most of this overblown and driven by the emotion of the moment.*
I do think there are some lessons here, but none that were unique to this race. I think they are:
But, let’s consider the following predicates of this race:
So, while there are lessons to learn from every election, let’s not get carried away with extrapolating from this outcome. And, to be honest, the odds are such that Jones will be replaced with a Republican in 2020.
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*Perhaps the most ridiculous example is via Slate: Maybe Doug Jones Should Run for President .

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Ronaldo goal gives Real Madrid its 3rd Club World Cup title

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December 16, 2017

Cristiano Ronaldo scored from a free-kick to help Real Madrid claim its third Club World Cup title after beating Brazilian team Gremio 1-0 Saturday.
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Cristiano Ronaldo scored from a free-kick to help Real Madrid claim its third Club World Cup title after beating Brazilian team Gremio 1-0 Saturday.
The Ballon d’Or winner fired his right-footed shot between two players in Gremio’s defensive wall, leaving goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe no hope of reaching the ball before it bounced inside the post in the 53rd minute.
Madrid defended the title it won last season as it collected its fifth trophy of 2017, along with the Champions League, Spanish league, European Super Cup and Spanish Super Cup.
Ronaldo celebrated the goal by rushing to Madrid’s dugout where he was embraced by his teammates. The goal increased Ronaldo’s record to seven goals in the competition. He also scored in Madrid’s 2-1 comeback win over Al Jazira in the semifinals.
“What am I going to say? The numbers speak for themselves. I am very happy. The team played fantastically well and it has won another title,” Ronaldo said. “We played a very good game and deserved the victory.”
Madrid equaled Barcelona’s record of three titles for the short knockout tournament between the champions of FIFA’s six continental confederations and the host nation’s league winner.
European clubs have won 10 of the last 11 Club World Cups, with only Brazil’s Corinthians interrupting that streak in 2012 when it defeated Chelsea.
Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane played the same starting 11 from last season’s Champions League final in June, when Madrid crushed Juventus 4-1 – led by Ronaldo’s double.
The European champions outclassed Gremio throughout the match, but the closest it got to scoring in the first half was Dani Carvajal’s goal-bound volley in the 20th that was cleared by Pedro Geromel.
While Gremio had to scramble on several occasions to stop Madrid inside its own area, the closest the South American champions came at the other end was a free-kick by Edilson that swerved onto the top netting near the half-hour mark.
Geromel had tried to set the tone early on with a hard tackle that left Ronaldo writhing in pain, and hoping for a booking that never came.
Ronaldo had a poor first half. He twice erred in short passes with his back heel that failed to reach his teammates, and he squandered a good opportunity when he took too long to shoot when a loose ball fell to him close to the net.
All that changed after the interval. Ronaldo baited Jailson into fouling him outside the area with some fancy dribbling, setting up his winner.
Ronaldo thought he had another goal moments later, but Karim Benzema was ruled offside before he passed the ball back to Ronaldo.
Marcelo Grohe kept his side in the game by pushing Luka Modric’s shot onto his post and denied Ronaldo a second goal, but Gremio never mounted a serious response to get the equalizer.
Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Christmas classic: Why we love Frank Capra’s ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

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December 16, 2017

Over 60 years since its debut, Capra’s Christmas classic is one of the most popular movies for this or any Christmas season, particularly in the U. S. A.
John Haydon has covered soccer for The Washington Times for two decades. He has reported on international soccer events in Germany, South Korea and Spain. John hails from Birmingham, England and has lived in the Washington D. C. region for over twenty years.

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Microsoft Foldable Device Features New Hinge Design

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December 16, 2017

Microsoft is working on a foldable device; at least according to a patent filed by the company. The upcoming foldable will feature a new hinge design to give it enough flexibility for multiple form factors. The special Microsoft is working on a foldable device; at least according to a patent filed by the company. The upcoming foldable will feature a new hinge design to give it enough flexibility for multiple
Microsoft is working on a foldable device; at least according to a patent filed by the company. The upcoming foldable will feature a new hinge design to give it enough flexibility for multiple form factors.
The special ‘self-regulating hinge’ gives the unit enough strength to keep the device propped up in laptop mode, stiff enough for a full tablet mode and flexible enough for it to be turned into a tent mode. Which really isn’t anything out of the ordinary for a foldable laptop.
In the patent filing, the official explanation on how the hinge works are as follows:
“A pair of self-regulating hinge assemblies rotatably securing hinge ends of the first and second portions around a first hinge axis associated with the first portion and a second hinge axis associated with the second hinge axis so that an extent of rotation around the first hinge axis corresponds to an extent of rotation around the second hinge axis.”
The patent was granted recently, but the filing date was made a year ago. Microsoft may have been at work on this device longer than that. We may or may not see this patent become reality, as many projects goes offline with and without explanation. We do hope this will become a real device as innovation is always appreciated in the tech world.
(Source: MSPowerUser via Neowin)
Memeranglaut here.

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Trump Administration Prohibits CDC From Using Words ‘Evidence-Based,’ ‘Diversity, ‘Fetus,’ More

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December 16, 2017

The CDC is now prohibited from using several words and phrases in any official documents being prepared for the 2018 budget.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
President Trump’s administration has created a list of no-nos for the CDC.
Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are now prohibited from using these words or phrases in any official documents being prepared for the 2018 budget: “diversity,” “fetus,” “transgender,” “vulnerable,” “entitlement,” “science-based” and “evidence-based.”
Policy analysts at the CDC were presented with the list of banned words during a 90-minute briefing on Thursday, according to The Washington Post .
Also Read: Stephen Colbert Is Hannibal Lecter to Jodie Foster’s Clarice in ‘Silence of the Trumps’ (Video)
The group was given alternative options in some cases. Instead of saying “evidence-based” or “science-based,” an analyst could write, “CDC bases its recommendations on science in consideration with community standards and wishes,” a source told the Post. However, those charged with penning official documents about the Zika virus’ effect on developing fetuses are going to have a harder time coming up “acceptable” ways of saying, well, “fetus.”
A longtime CDC analyst who spoke to the Post about the prohibition said the room’s reaction was “incredulous.” “It was very much, ‘Are you serious? Are you kidding?’”
Matt Lloyd, a Health and Human Services spokesman, rebuffed the Post’s story in a statement to CNN, saying: “The assertion that HHS has ‘banned words’ is a complete mischaracterization of discussions regarding the budget formulation process, HHS will continue to use the best scientific evidence available to improve the health of all Americans. HHS also strongly encourages the use of outcome and evidence data in program evaluations and budget decisions.”
Also Read: Bill O’Reilly Says ‘I Told You Guys’ After Report That Lisa Bloom Tried to Pay Trump Accusers
“Our subject matter experts will not lay down quietly,” the CDC source told the Post. “This hasn’t trickled down to them yet.”
The Trump administration is prohibiting CDC officials from using these words or phrases in any official documents being prepared for next year’s budget: “vulnerable” “entitlement” “diversity” “transgender” “fetus” “evidence-based” “science-based” https://t.co/lzOg4tvtUC
— Washington Post (@washingtonpost) December 16,2017
Here’s Everyone Who Dumped Trump This Week (Photos)
In the wake of Trump’s response to a violent white supremacist rally, “Unite the Right,” in Charlottesville, Virginia, last weekend, several business leaders, council members and media personalities severed ties with the president. Quite a lot actually.
Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier Kicks Things Off Frazier was the first to step down from Trump’s council on manufacturing jobs Monday over POTUS’ reaction to the events in Charlottesville, but he was far from the last. WikiCommons
Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich Plank and Krzanich both followed Frazier’s lead in quitting the council, citing Trump’s Charlottesville response. Trump tweeted condemnation of Frazier, who is black, but for some reason said nothing about these two. WikiCommons
Alliance for American Manufacturing president Scott Paul Early Tuesday morning, Paul became the fourth CEO to quit the manufacturing jobs group, and yes, he cited Trump’s response to Charlottesville as the reason. Twitter
Trump Makes It Worse Tuesday afternoon, Trump shocked the country with an off-the-rails press conference at Trump Tower in which he appeared to defend and sympathize with the racist mob in Charlottesville. Trump insisted there was blame, as well as “many fine people” on both sides of the conflict in which nazi-sympathizer murdered one person and injured 19 more with his car. Getty
AFL-CIO Bails Out Soon after Trump’s rant, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations president Richard Trumka resigned from the manufacturing council. CBS
Advisory Councils Disband On Wednesday, members of Trump’s Strategic and Policy Forum agreed to disband after Trump’s response to the violence in Charlottesville. Soon after, the president announced via Twitter that he was ending his executive councils. Twitter
“I Voted For Trump, And I Sorely Regret It” That’s the title of a New York Times op-ed written by Julius Krein, the founder and editor of pro-Trump website American Affairs. It went viral, though mainly because people were mocking it. American Affairs
Trump Loses a Murdoch James Murdoch, CEO of 21st Century Fox and more importantly son of media magnate and conservative icon Rupert Murdoch, dissed Trump in a widely circulated email to employees. He also said he and his wife will donate $1 million to the Anti-Defamation League over POTUS’ response to Charlottesville. Getty Images
The Arts and Humanities Council Disses Trump, then Disbands The Arts and Humanities Comittee resigned Friday morning en masse with a letter written so that the first letters of every paragraph spelled “RESIST.” The members include Kal Penn, Paula Boggs, Chuck Close, Richard Cohen, Fred Goldring and more.
Getty Images
Bannon Ousted White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon was reportedly fired Friday morning, though he insists he resigned July 27—giving two weeks’ notice—but his leaving was put off because of the events in Charlottesville. He will return to Breitbart news to go to “war” for Trump. Getty Images
Still More Resignations Politico reported Friday afternoon that a “wave of resignations” hit the Commerce Dept.’s “digital economy” board. More than half the members of the 15-member board resigned. WikiCommons
A Billionaire BFF Bails on Trump Billionaire investor Carl Icahn stepped down Friday afternoon as unofficial special advisor to Trump, though he doesn’t pile on. “I sincerely regret that because of your extremely busy schedule, as well as my own, I have not had the opportunity to spend nearly as much time as I’d hoped on regulatory issues,” he said in a letter to Trump. N/A Previous Slide Next Slide
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From the manufacturing council to James Murdoch, Trump’s response to Charlottesville has severed ties
In the wake of Trump’s response to a violent white supremacist rally, “Unite the Right,” in Charlottesville, Virginia, last weekend, several business leaders, council members and media personalities severed ties with the president. Quite a lot actually.
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The Rock just made another announcement about running for president in 2020

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December 16, 2017

There have been whispers about whether or not popular actor and former WWE star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will run for president.
There have been whispers about whether or not popular actor and former WWE star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will run for president.
He has even hinted at the prospect himself.
But most recently, the “Jumanji” actor got real about his true ambitions.
RELATED: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson finally speaks up about his “Fast and Furious” feud with Tyrese Gibson
Appearing on “Ellen” this week, she asked “seriously, would you run?” and he responded, “I’m seriously considering it, yes.”
The daytime show crowd immediately cheered his answer.
All jokes aside, Johnson seems genuine in his ambitions.
In an interview with Variety, Johnson spoke more closely about what the prospect of him running would look like.
“Realistically, as we go into 2018, when you look at my slate as we’re developing and shooting into 2019 and 2020, the slate goes deep into 2021, so it feels like the realistic consideration would be 2024,” he said .
RELATED: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson pays his respects to Robin Williams with an embarrassing story

Skiing: Lindsey Vonn takes super-G for her first win this season

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December 16, 2017

Lindsey Vonn wins first super-G race this season
Lindsey Vonn powered down a shortened course to win a World Cup super-G race in Val D’Isere, France, on Saturday and clinch her first victory of the season.
It was the 33-year-old American skier’s 78th World Cup race win, but her first since winning a downhill at Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany in January.
Her last super-G victory was at Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, in January 2016.
The four-time World Cup winner clocked 1 minute, 4.86 seconds, with Italian Sofia Goggia second in 1:05.17 and Norwegian Ragnhild Mowinckel third in 1:05.25.
Heavy snowfall in the past two days meant that the Oreiller-Killy course was shorter than normal.
Vonn started sixth and gained significant time through the middle and bottom sections, although she almost lost her balance near the end.
Her joy was evident as she raised both arms in the air. She then hugged U. S. teammate Laurenne Ross. Moments later, Vonn hugged her father, who had come to watch her at the French Alpine resort that has brought his daughter so much success.
“I think I skied well,” Vonn said. “I’m really happy we had a race today, and my dad’s here. ‘Hi, Dad.’”
It was a welcome relief for Vonn, who last Saturday jarred her back early in a super-G at St. Moritz in Switzerland and completed the race in obvious pain in 24th place. She pulled out of the next day’s scheduled super-G, which was canceled.
Saturday’s downhill at Val d’Isere was canceled and replaced by a super-G. There is another super-G scheduled for Sunday.
After seven racers had started, the race was briefly held up because of heavy fog at the top. It resumed after a few minutes.
Lara Gut, winner of 11 super-G races in her career, finished in ninth place. Olympic super-G champion Anna Veith managed only 15th.
French hopes were briefly raised when giant slalom specialist Tessa Worley — fourth in super-G at Lake Louise two weeks ago — led Vonn by .06 seconds on her first split time. But like Gut, Veith and others, she lost considerable time in the middle and bottom sections and placed 27th.
Svindel wins big
Aksel Lund Svindal dominated the 50th anniversary edition of the Saslong Classic downhill in Italy on Saturday, leading a 1-2 finish by a significant margin ahead of Norwegian teammate Kjetil Jansrud.
For his record sixth win in Val Gardena — four super-Gs and two downhills — Svindal clocked 1 minute, 57 seconds for a 0.59-second advantage over Jansrud.
Max Franz, last year’s winner from Austria, finished third, 0.85 back.
It was Svindal’s second straight downhill win after a victory in Beaver Creek, Colo., and the 34th victory overall in his World Cup career. Svindal broke a tie with Bode Miller for eighth place on the list of all-time World Cup winners. Next in line is Benjamin Raich in seventh with 36 wins. The victory put Svindal atop the World Cup overall and downhill standings.
U. S. gets best finish of season
With the Pyeongchang Olympics less than two months away, a pair of young skiers who consider themselves “brothers” shook up the struggling U. S. downhill team on Saturday.
Jared Goldberg finished a career-best ninth in the Saslong downhill and teammate Bryce Bennett wasn’t far behind in 11th.
Goldberg recorded the speed squad’s first top-10 result of the season after six super-G and downhill races.
Team captain Steven Nyman, a three-time winner on the Saslong who is working his way back from knee surgery, couldn’t have been prouder.
“They’re establishing themselves in the top 30 and hopefully into the top 20 and keep chipping away and push for a podium,” Nyman said after tying with teammate Wiley Maple for 41st in his season debut. “This will be a big confidence boost for those guys and that’s what we need on the American Downhiller crew right now and for them in the future.”
UPDATES:
11:15 a.m.: This article was updated with additional men’s results.
This article was originally published at 10:15 a.m.

Trump Set To Accuse China Of "Economic Aggression" On Monday

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December 16, 2017

Just a few short days after Chinese regulators gave the greenlight to petro-yuan futures trading, signaling an escalation in the war against dollar hegemony, President Trump is reportedly set to accuse China of “economic aggression” in efforts to “undermine international order” during his national security strategy speech on Monday.
Just a few short days after Chinese regulators gave the greenlight to petro-yuan futures trading, signaling an escalation in the war against dollar hegemony, President Trump is reportedly set to accuse China of “economic aggression” in efforts to “undermine international order” during his national security strategy speech on Monday.
The last week has more intriguing than usual in the world of Sino-US relations – not only did China push ahead with its plans for a yuan/gold-backed oil futures contract, directly threatening the great military-servicing global petrodollar recycling scheme; but Washington appeared to do an about-face in its rhetoric towards North Korea, as Secretary of State Tillerson indicated that the US would be willing to hold talks with North Korea without any preconditions.
Both actions could be seen as tilting towards China (obviously with the oil trading and more what China had hoped for on North Korea), appear to have prompted Trump to go on the offensive, as The FT reports, Donald Trump will accuse China of engaging in “economic aggression” when he unveils his national security strategy on Monday, in a strong sign that he has become frustrated at his inability to use his bond with China’s President Xi Jinping to convince Beijing to address his trade concerns.
Several people familiar with the national security strategy – a formal document produced by every US president since Ronald Reagan – said Mr Trump would propose a much tougher stance on China than previous administrations.
“The national security strategy is likely to define China as a competitor in every realm. Not just a competitor but a threat, and therefore, in the view of many in this administration, an adversary, ” said one person.
“This is not something that they just cooked up. Mar-a-Lago interrupted the campaign rhetoric, and Xi Jinping took a little gamble and came here and embraced Trump. Trump said ‘fine, do something on North Korea and on trade’, but that didn’t work out so well.”
Mr Trump castigated China repeatedly on the campaign trail. But in office, and particularly since his Mar-a-Lago summit with Mr Xi, he had taken a less combative stance, partly because the US believes Chinese pressure on North Korea is crucial to tackling the nuclear crisis.
“The national security strategy is the starting gun for a series of economic measures against the Chinese,” said Michael Allen, a former Bush administration official at Beacon Global Strategies.
“It is sort of the Rosetta Stone for translating campaign themes into a coherent governing document.”
Some people familiar with the strategy said it would be the most aggressive economic response to China’s rise since 2001 when the US backed its entry into the World Trade Organization. It points to the waning influence of Gary Cohn, the White House National Economic Council head who many people believe will leave the administration next year.
“It’s like a Peter Navarro PowerPoint presentation,” said one person, referring to the provocative economist and author of “Death by China” who is now a White House official.
And while ‘trade’ is the cover, perhaps it was comments from HR McMaster, US national security adviser who oversaw the strategy, this week that confirm the threat to dollar hegemony as he said China – along with Russia – was a “revisionist power” that was “undermining the international order.”
And that would be the unipolar world order with Washington on top.