历史上的今天-Today in History 2011-03-22

 March 22nd, 1765, Britain enacts¹ the Stamp Act to raise money from its American colonies. But the colonies balk² the taxation³ without representation and the Act was repealed⁴ the next year. The conflict helps set the stage for American Revolution in the following decade.

1987, a barge⁵ carrying 3200 tons of garbage leaves New York’s Long Island on a 6-month journey in search of a place to unload. Several states in three countries turned away this so-called garbage barge before spaces is found. That’s where the journey begins.

1997, Tara Lipinski becomes the youngest women’s world figure skating champion at age 14 years and 10 months. “I never expected it, especially at this year. Going to… you know, to think about my skating and… It's a big shock, but I love it”

1963, the Beatles release their first album “Please, please, me” in Britain.

And 1948, “Don’t cry for me Argentina….”

Also in Britain, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber is born in London. Among his musicals: Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats and The Phantom⁶ of the Opera.

Today In History, March 22nd, Sandy Kozel, the Associated Press

1 enacts   

制定（法律），通过（法案）( enact的第三人称单数 )

参考例句：

• The legislative branch enacts laws; the executive branch enforces them, and the judicial branch interprets them. 立法部门制订法律，行政部门执行法律，司法部门解释法律。
• Hold phasic characteristic correctly, ability enacts the policy with an actual suit, measure. 正确地把握形势特点，才能制定出切合实际的政策、措施。

2 balk   

n.大方木料；v.妨碍；不愿前进或从事某事

参考例句：

• We get strong indications that his agent would balk at that request.我们得到的强烈暗示是他的经纪人会回避那个要求。
• He shored up the wall with a thick balk of wood.他用一根粗大的木头把墙撑住。

3 taxation   

n.征税，税收，税金

参考例句：

• He made a number of simplifications in the taxation system.他在税制上作了一些简化。
• The increase of taxation is an important fiscal policy.增税是一项重要的财政政策。

4 repealed   

撤销，废除( repeal的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• The Labour Party repealed the Act. 工党废除了那项法令。
• The legislature repealed the unpopular Rent Act. 立法机关废除了不得人心的租借法案。

5 barge   

n.平底载货船，驳船

参考例句：

• The barge was loaded up with coal.那艘驳船装上了煤。
• Carrying goods by train costs nearly three times more than carrying them by barge.通过铁路运货的成本比驳船运货成本高出近3倍。

6 phantom   

n.幻影，虚位，幽灵；adj.错觉的，幻影的，幽灵的

参考例句：

• I found myself staring at her as if she were a phantom.我发现自己瞪大眼睛看着她，好像她是一个幽灵。
• He is only a phantom of a king.他只是有名无实的国王。