AP美联社一分钟新闻 2009-01-13（在线收听）

1.In a nostalgic final news conference, President Bush defended his record and admitted some mistakes. He disagreed with any suggestion that America's international image has been bruised under his watch. And he wished President-elect Barack Obama all the best as he takes control of the highest office in the land.

2.Israeli warplanes continue airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza as ground troops edge closer to population centers. Despite the onslaught, Palestinian militants managed to fire off rockets. Israel is contemplating an escalation to the offensive. Meanwhile, international mediators are working to broker a ceasefire.

3.A four-year-old Chicago boy is dead and two Rottweilers and a poodle have been euthanized . One or more of the dogs mauled the boy to death in his backyard on Sunday. Police are investigating.

4.Blizzard warnings are posted across the Northern Plains today as a cold snap threatens the region. Up to six inches of snow could blanket the Denver area. Residents of the Midwest and Northeast are digging out from up to nine inches of snow from weekends storms.

WORDS IN THE NEWS

1.nostalgic: adj.

if you feel nostalgic about a time in the past, you feel happy when you remember it, and in some ways you wish that things had not changed

2.bruise: v.

If something is bruised, that means it’s been badly affected or damaged.

3.edge: v.

to move gradually with several small movements, or to make something do this

4.Rottweiler/poodle: n. （德国种）罗特韦尔犬/贵宾犬

They are two breeds of dogs. To see more, please click

5.maul: v.

to injure something by beating it fiercely

6.cold snap: n.寒流

a sudden short period of very cold weather