美联社新闻一分钟 2007-01-01（在线收听）

1. The US has hit a grim milestone in Iraq. The Pentagon announced that at least 3,000 American soldiers have died in the war in Iraq. At least 111 service members have died in December alone, making it the deadliest month this year for the military in the war.

2. Saddam Hussein was buried today in the Iraqi town where he was born. Mourners, including his relatives, cried and mourned his death. Gunmen called for revenge for the execution. A woman said she will teach her children to take revenge on Americans.

3. It's been a deadly end to 2006 in Thailand. Nine bombs exploded across the country killing at least 2 people. Dozens are injured. Authorities cancelled public New Year's Eve celebrations after the blasts.

4. Hundreds are remembering former president Gerald Ford in Washington DC. He is lying in state at the Capitol Rotunda. Some visitors say they waited in long lines just to pay their respects. A funeral service is planned for Tuesday.

WORDS IN THE NEWS

1. grim: adj.
A situation or a piece of information that is grim is unpleasant, depressing, and difficult to accept.

2. lie in state: phrase
If the dead body of an important person lies in state, it is publicly displayed for a few days before it is buried.

3. service: n-count
A service is a religious ceremony that takes place in a church.