Lance Bass Brings Excitement of Spaceflight to School Children in Los Angeles During World Space Week 2004
Entertainer and Certified Cosmonaut Launches Annual Space Celebration with Debut of Global Youth Space Competition; Joins Prominent Space Advocacy Group
(9/28/04) Lance Bass Official Website

LOS ANGELES, September 27, 2004 – Spaceweek International Association today announced that *NSYNC member and World Space Week Youth Spokesman Lance Bass will visit public schools in and around Los Angeles during World Space Week 2004 (October 4 – 10), speaking with students about space exploration and why science and math are critical keys to their future.

“When I talk with kids about space, they really understand that their generation is the next wave of explorers, and that’s really exciting to them,” said Bass, 25, whose love of music is only exceeded by his passion for space. “World Space Week gives us the opportunity to fuel that excitement even more and show them the tools – especially math and science – that will get them there, and bring the rest of the world with them.”

Encouraging kids to dream big and study hard, Bass today unveiled the second annual World Space Week student competition, designed to get children thinking about space – and by extension, math and science – in new ways. The competition: “Lance’s Lab,” challenges students (K-12 or equivalent) to design a module for the International Space Station in which Bass could live and work. Contest winners will meet Bass at an awards ceremony next year.

Special instructional materials are available to schools at no charge, featuring space-related math and science activities for teachers to use during World Space Week. Materials are available in several languages with activities for all grade levels and require little or no teacher preparation. By participating in World Space Week, teachers can excite students about learning and even receive cash grants. For details or to download educational materials, visit: www.spaceweek.org/education.html

World Space Week 2004 also marks Bass’ formal induction to the National Space Society's Board of Governors. Serving in an advisory and public outreach capacity, this honorary group includes astronauts and prominent individuals who have made a lasting, positive impact on human space exploration, including actor Tom Hanks, journalist Hugh Downs and futurist Sir Arthur C. Clarke, among many others.

"It’s fitting that we recognize Lance's contributions to space education with this honor during World Space Week," said George Whitesides, NSS Executive Director. "Lance's unique partnership with Spaceweek International Association brought an energetic, credible new voice to the space industry and a renewed level of interest in space among young people. His work continues to draw attention to the limitless opportunities space offers children around the world."

With educational events and celebrations in nearly 50 nations worldwide, World Space Week shines the 2004 spotlight on Los Angeles, which will witness the historic X Prize competition launch during the first half of the week in nearby Mojave. Home to NASA’s famed Jet Propulsion Laboratory (responsible for the Mars Rovers and Cassini Saturn probe), Los Angeles and the surrounding region boasts an impressive array of private space companies that are finding success while forging an entirely new space launch industry...

 

Michael Powell: Be Cautious With Indecency Determinations
(9/27/04) Radio and Records

The FCC Chairman released a separate statement in regard to the commission's record $550,000 fine handed to CBS Television for its Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show "wardrobe malfunction" featuring Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake. Powell noted that "indecency determinations must be made cautiously and with appropriate restraint," even after the agency received more than 540,000 complaints from the American public about the halftime show. "As countless families gathered around the television to watch one of our nation's most celebrated events, they were rudely greeted with a halftime show stunt fitting of a burlesque show," Powell said. "The show, clearly intended to push the limits of primetime television, ultimately violated federal law that restricts indecent programming to times when children are less likely to be watching. The U.S. Constitution is generous in its protection of free expression, but it is not a license to thrill. 'Anything goes' is not an acceptable mantra for those that elect to earn their profit using the public's airwaves."

 

Tribute concert for Maurice Gibb
(9/27/04) BBC

Late Bee Gee Maurice Gibb is to be honoured with a tribute concert with stars including Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake invited to perform.

The event, to be held in the US next year, is being organised by Maurice's twin brother Robin.

"Maurice loved life. We want to celebrate his life and talent the best way we know how - through music," Robin said.

Maurice died in January 2003 following surgery on his intestines.

Robin is also working on a commemorative album featuring artists singing classic Bee Gees hits.

Among those who have agreed to work on the album are Alicia Keys and the Black Eyed Peas.

It is hoped both acts will appear at the tribute concert.

Actor John Travolta has been approached to host the event because of his starring role in Saturday Night Fever which featured a Bee Gees soundtrack.

The concert will also raise money for the Gibb Family Foundation, set up in the memory of Maurice and his brother Andy who died of a heart attack in 1988 at the age of 30.

The charity donates money to a number of charities including Diabetes Research Institute and National Drug Abuse Council in the US.

Robin admits following the death of his brother, who was 53, he gave up music, but has since began performing again and has just completed a tour of Germany.

"I have spent almost two years reconciling my personal life and determining my future," he said.

"I am now looking forward to the many years to come and am very appreciative of the love, support and consideration that fans have shown since Maurice's passing."