美联社新闻一分钟 2008-06-24

（单词翻译）

1. There is more trouble on the way for Lincoln County, Missouri. It's here where residents are still days away from the crest¹ on the Mississippi River. Meanwhile, in Cedar² Rapids, Iowa this city library is a total loss. An entire floor is now a wasteland of waterlogged books and shelves.

2. John McCain is proposing to give 300 million dollars to anyone who can develop a car battery that goes far beyond current technology. His idea for a government prize is aimed at solving the country's energy crisis.

3. It's a growing chorus of international condemnation³ of Zimbabwe. That's after the opposition⁴ leader decided⁵ to pull out of Friday's presidential run-off because of the danger to voters. The move is likely to allow President Robert Mugabe to continue his 28-year rule.

4. And this British man says he is so heartbroken after his marriage ended. He's decided to auction⁶ off more than just his possessions on Ebay. He wants to sell his old life. He's offering his house, car, a trial run at his job, and an introduction to his friends for one lucky bidder⁷.

WORDS IN THE NEWS

1. chorus: n.

a chorus of thanks/disapproval/protest etc

something that a lot of people all say at the same time.

2. pull out: v.

If you pull out of an agreement, a contest, or an organization, you withdraw from it.

3. possessions: n.

Your possessions are the things that you own or have with you at a particular time.