历史上的今天-Today in History 2011-03-17

 March 17th 461 A.D. - Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint for whom St. Patrick's Day is named, dies in the Irish village of Saul. Other authorities say Patrick's death happened on this day but more than three decades later in 493 A.D.

2003 - President George W. Bush gives an ultimatum¹ to Iraq's dictator Saddam Hussein and his two sons.

"Saddam Hussein and his sons must leave Iraq within 48 hours. Their refusal to do so will result in military conflict commenced at a time of our choosing."Days later, the American-led invasion of Iraq begins, toppling Saddam's brutal² regime from power.

1905 - In New York, future President Franklin D. Roosevelt marries his distant cousin Eleanor. Her uncle, President Theodore Roosevelt attends and gives his niece away.

And 2005 - In Washington, baseball players Rafael Palmeiro and Sammy Sosa are testified before a congress that they haven't used steroid but fellow player Mark McGwire won't tell lawmakers whether he has and he won't name names."I do not sit in judgment³ of other players whether it deals with their sexual preference, their marital⁴ problems or other personal habits, including whether or not they use chemical substance."Today in History, March 17th, Mike Gracia, the Associated Press

1 ultimatum   

n.最后通牒

参考例句：

• This time the proposal was couched as an ultimatum.这一次该提议是以最后通牒的形式提出来的。
• The cabinet met today to discuss how to respond to the ultimatum.内阁今天开会商量如何应对这道最后通牒。

2 brutal   

adj.残忍的，野蛮的，不讲理的

参考例句：

• She has to face the brutal reality.她不得不去面对冷酷的现实。
• They're brutal people behind their civilised veneer.他们表面上温文有礼，骨子里却是野蛮残忍。

3 judgment   

n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见

参考例句：

• The chairman flatters himself on his judgment of people.主席自认为他审视人比别人高明。
• He's a man of excellent judgment.他眼力过人。

4 marital   

adj.婚姻的，夫妻的

参考例句：

• Her son had no marital problems.她的儿子没有婚姻问题。
• I regret getting involved with my daughter's marital problems;all its done is to bring trouble about my ears.我后悔干涉我女儿的婚姻问题, 现在我所做的一切将给我带来无穷的烦恼。