美联社新闻一分钟 2006-09-03

（单词翻译）

1. This new videotape from Al Qaeda invites Americans to convert to Islam. The terror group's deputy leader Ayman al-Zawahiri and an American wanted for possible terror ties both made statements. The 41-minute video was posted on an Islamic militant¹ Web site.

2. A weakened but still dangerous Hurricane John is pounding Mexico's Baja peninsula. It's ripped the roofs off shack²s, sent billboards⁴ flying, knocked out power and let tourists drench⁵ed in the upscale tourist resorts of Los Cabos.

3. The crew of the space shuttle Atlantis is again preparing for launch. The six crew members flew back to the Kennedy Space Center ahead of Wednesday's planned liftoff. The shuttle was supposed to have launched Sunday but was delayed because of bad weather.

4. And the Los Angeles Zoo is showing off its newest, tall addition. The yet-to-be-named male giraffe was born at the zoo Aug. 17th, coming in at a whopping 6 feet 4 inches tall and 158 pounds-- and growing.

WORDS IN THE NEWS

1. convert : verb
If someone converts you, they persuade you to change your religious or political beliefs. You can also say that someone converts to a different religion.

2. shack : n-count
A shack is a simple hut built from tin, wood, or other materials.

3. drench : verb
To drench something or someone means to make them completely wet.= soak

4. giraffe : n-count
A giraffe is a large African animal with a very long neck, long legs, and dark patches on its body.

5. whopping : adj
If you describe an amount as whopping, you are emphasizing that it is large. (INFORMAL)