历史上的今天-Today in History 2010-11-18

 November 18th, 1978A mass murder-suicide in the jungles of Guyana in South America. Cult¹ leader Jim Jones orders more than 900 followers² at his Jonestown compound to drink poison punch. That happens after a congressman³ and four others investigating the compound are gunned down while trying to leave. Jones is found dead of a bullet of wound in the head whether it is self-inflicted is unknown.

2003Massachusetts’ highest court, rules the state constitution, gives gay couples the right to marry. Gary Chalmers is one of the plaintiffs who brought the case.

“We’ll finally be able to have the healthcare benefits, there’s many other legal protections that we so need to keep our family safe and secure.”

Matt Daniels with the group of alliance for marriage condemns⁴ the court’s decision.

“If they have put their full prestige and authority behind the destruction of marriages of men and the man and woman and that will have national consequences.”

And 1928Walt Disney’s Steamboat Willie starring Mickey Mouse premieres in New York. It’s the first sound-synchronized animated⁵ cartoon. That’s a major success.

Today in History, November 18th, Ross Simpson, the Associated Press.

1 cult   

n.异教，邪教；时尚，狂热的崇拜

参考例句：

• Her books aren't bestsellers,but they have a certain cult following.她的书算不上畅销书，但有一定的崇拜者。
• The cult of sun worship is probably the most primitive one.太阳崇拜仪式或许是最为原始的一种。

2 followers   

追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件

参考例句：

• the followers of Mahatma Gandhi 圣雄甘地的拥护者
• The reformer soon gathered a band of followers round him. 改革者很快就获得一群追随者支持他。

3 Congressman   

n.（美）国会议员

参考例句：

• He related several anecdotes about his first years as a congressman.他讲述自己初任议员那几年的几则轶事。
• The congressman is meditating a reply to his critics.这位国会议员正在考虑给他的批评者一个答复。

4 condemns   

v.（通常因道义上的原因而）谴责( condemn的第三人称单数 )；宣判；宣布…不能使用；迫使…陷于不幸的境地

参考例句：

• Her widowhood condemns her to a lonely old age. 守寡使她不得不过着孤独的晚年生活。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The public opinion condemns prostitution. 公众舆论遣责卖淫。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》

5 animated   

adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的

参考例句：

• His observations gave rise to an animated and lively discussion.他的言论引起了一场气氛热烈而活跃的讨论。
• We had an animated discussion over current events last evening.昨天晚上我们热烈地讨论时事。