美联社新闻一分钟 2006-03-11

（单词翻译）

1. Could this storm over port security send a wrong message to moderate Arab countries? President Bush says he worries the flack over the Dubai deal could push away allies in the Middle East. But he said he remains¹ confident that handing major seaport² operations over to a Dubai firm would not have posed a threat.

2. After 5 years as interior secretary, Gail Norton has announced she is leaving the Bush Cabinet. Norton has led the administration’s initiative to open Western government land to more oil and gas drilling.

3. Federal inspectors³ have cleared workers to enter most of the West Virginia coal mine, where 12 miners died after a January explosion. A Mine Safety and Health Administration official says the international coal group will resume production at Sago Mine next week.

4. It’s Panda-Monium. Yes, in China Sichuan Province, researchers are trying out a kindergarten for a group of 16 giant panda cubs⁴. Separated from their mothers soon after birth, the pandas are living and playing together in a “school” and learning just how much fun recess⁵ can be.

WORDS IN THE NEWS

1. flack/flak :noun [U] INFORMAL
strong criticism or opposition:
e.g. She took some flak from her parents about her new dress.

2. try out :verb [M]
to use something to discover if it works or if you like it:
e.g. Don't forget to try out the equipment before setting up the experiment.

3. recess :noun [U] US
in school, a period of time between classes when children do not study
e.g. Her favorite things at school are music and recess.