Internet radio stations breathe a collective sigh

More information: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10052966-93.html



On Saturday, the National Association of Broadcasters withdrew their
opposition to the Webcaster Settlement Act, currently under
consideration in the US House of Representatives. As a result, the bill passed in the House by a unanimous vote.



The Webcaster Settlement Act would allow Internet radio stations to
negotiate with the music industry for a lower rate than Congress
mandated last year.



Tim Westergren, founder of Net music service Pandora, said he was
elated about triumphing in the House, which came after traditional
radio broadcasters withdrew their opposition.

Dennis Wharton, a spokesman for the National Association of
Broadcasters, said Saturday night that Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.)
had met with representatives of the group and addressed some of their
concerns.

As a result, the NAB dropped its opposition in the House and will not
oppose the bill when it moves to the Senate for a vote, either Sunday
or Monday.

Long Live Internet Radio!

China's Shenzhou 7 spacecraft lifted off today

China's Shenzhou 7 spacecraft carrying a 3-man crew lifted off today
from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center and is now in Earth orbit.
During the upcoming three-day mission, Chinese astronauts, called
taikonauts, will launch a small satellite and conduct their country's
first space walk. As they orbit Earth, Shenzhou 7 and the body of the
rocket that launched it will be visible to the naked eye from many
parts of the globe. Check the Satellite Tracker for viewing times: http://spaceweather.com/flybys .

(Note: Frequent checks are recommended; predictions may change as the
orbit is adjusted and estimates of orbital elements improve.)



Sighting reports and updates will be posted on http://spaceweather.com

A new Sunspot has appeared

For the first time in months, a significant sunspot is emerging on the
sun.  It is a fast-growing active region with two dark cores, each
larger than Earth.  The magnetic polarity of the sunspot identifies it
as a member of new Sunspot Cycle 24.  Because the year 2008 has brought
so many blank suns, some observers have wondered if we are ever going
to climb out of the ongoing deep solar minimum.  Today's new sunspot is
an encouraging sign that the 11-year solar cycle is indeed progressing,
albeit slowly.  

Visit http://spaceweather.com for sunspot photos and updates.