在线英语听力室_免费在线英语听力学习网站

1. Governors from across the country are in Washington, going back and forth¹ about whether to accept economic stimulus² dollars. Democrats³ say any Republicans who turn down the money are "fringe governors", while Republicans say it's Democrats who are out of touch.

2. Financial discussions are also taking place across the Atlantic where European heads of state and finance ministers try to work out a common position on economic reforms. They are meeting ahead of an April summit of the Group of 20 nations.

3. Sunday is a national day of mourning in Australia for the more than 200 people killed by massive wildfires this month. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced the tragedy will be marked each February 7th by lowering flags on government buildings along with a moment's silence.

4. And former President George W Bush paid a visit to this Dallas hardware store, saying he was looking for a job. It was all part of a joke after the store's owner made Bush a light-hearted offer to work as a greeter. Equipped with a name tag reading "W", Bush spent some time chatting with costumers and doing a little shopping.

WORDS IN THE NEWS

1. fringe: adj.

a group, event etc that is less important or popular than the main group etc, or whose opinions are not accepted by most other people involved in the same activity

2. be out of touch: phr

to not have the latest knowledge about a subject, situation, or the way people feel

3. light-hearted: adj.

Something that is light-hearted is intended to be entertaining or amusing, and not at all serious.