美联社新闻一分钟 2006-12-30

（单词翻译）

1. It's expected the execution of Saddam Hussein will have taken place before midnight tonight. As the execution hour approached, Saddam was allowed to visit with 2 half brothers and reportedly gave them his personal belongings¹ and a copy of his will. Saddam's lawyers attempted a last-ditch appeal in the US court system.

2. Services are underway in California for former President Gerald Ford². After a state funeral at the church he attended, Ford's body will be flown to Washington tomorrow for honors at the Capitol.

3. Mike Tyson has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of cocaine³. Police stopped the former heavyweight champ after he left an Arizona nightclub. They said they found 2 bags of white powder in his back pocket.

4. It's the second major snowstorm that has pounded Colorado in a week. Highways have been shut down. Some flights are canceled, stranding⁴ passengers at the Denver Airport

WORDS IN THE NEWS

1. last-ditch : ADJ
A last-ditch action is done only because there are no other ways left to achieve something or to prevent something happening. It is often done without much hope that it will succeed.

2. cocaine : N-UNCOUNT
Cocaine is a powerful drug which some people take for pleasure, but which they can become addicted⁵ to.

3. heavyweight : N-COUNT
A heavyweight is a boxer⁶ weighing more than 175 pounds and therefore in the heaviest class.