美联社新闻一分钟 2006-07-05

1. "Booster ignition and liftoff". After two failed launch attempts, the space shuttle Discovery roared into outer space on Independence Day afternoon. The spacecraft is set to deliver a new crew to the International Space Station. Astronauts will also test new safety procedures in the wake of the 2003 Columbia disaster.

2. President Bush celebrated¹ his 4th of July with a visit to troops at Fort Bragg. He told 3,500 soldiers that they will overcome persistent² violence in Iraq and insurgency³ in Afghanistan because the enemy is vulnerable.

3. New Jersey⁴ lawmakers are spending their holiday in close-door meetings after Governor Jon Corzine told them to compromise in order to end a budget crisis that has shut down state government. If they don't come up with the spending plan, Atlantic City casinos state parks and beaches will be closed Wednesday morning.

4. And much of the nation will be seeing fireworks tonight. 4th of July celebrations are on tap in small towns and big cities from coast to coast. The nation's capital is set to welcome thousands of visitors for a star-studded concert and fireworks display.

WORDS IN THE NEWS

1. outer space : n-uncount
Outer space is the area outside the earth's atmosphere where the other planets and stars are situated⁵.

2. set : adj
If you are set to do something, you are ready to do it or are likely to do it. If something is set to happen, it is about to happen or likely to happen.

3. firework : n-count
Fireworks are small objects that are lit to entertain people on special occasions. They contain chemicals and burn brightly or attractively, often with a loud noise, when you light them.

4. on tap : phrase
If something is on tap, you can have as much of it as you want whenever you want. (INFORMAL)

5. star-studded : adj
A star-studded show, event, or cast is one that includes a large number of famous performers. (JOURNALISM)

1 celebrated   

adj.有名的，声誉卓著的

参考例句：

• He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.不久他就成了英格兰最负盛名的年轻画家之一。
• The celebrated violinist was mobbed by the audience.观众团团围住了这位著名的小提琴演奏家。

2 persistent   

adj.坚持不懈的，执意的；持续的

参考例句：

• Albert had a persistent headache that lasted for three days.艾伯特连续头痛了三天。
• She felt embarrassed by his persistent attentions.他不时地向她大献殷勤，使她很难为情。

3 insurgency   

n.起义；暴动；叛变

参考例句：

• And as in China, unrest and even insurgency are widespread. 而在中国，动乱甚至暴乱都普遍存在。 来自互联网
• Dr Zyphur is part an insurgency against this idea. 塞弗博士是这一观点逆流的一部分。 来自互联网

4 jersey   

n.运动衫

参考例句：

• He wears a cotton jersey when he plays football.他穿运动衫踢足球。
• They were dressed alike in blue jersey and knickers.他们穿着一致，都是蓝色的运动衫和灯笼短裤。

5 situated   

adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的

参考例句：

• The village is situated at the margin of a forest.村子位于森林的边缘。
• She is awkwardly situated.她的处境困难。