Models for unitary black hole disintegration

Simple models for unitary black hole evolution are given in an effective Hilbert-space description, parameterizing a possible minimal relaxation of locality, with respect to semiclassical black hole geometry.Comment: 7 pages of text, plus refs. v2: minor rev

Designing and Executing a Fair Revlon Auction

The author analyzes the role of corporate boards of directors during takeover and control transactions, specifically in regards to auctions. Courts have consistently considered unfair auction attempts in light of the importance of the business judgment rule. The author examines Delaware case law and highlights the Revlon case, which holds that once an auction begins, the board’s duty shifts from preservation of the corporate entity to maximization of value shareholders will receive from the sale. The author argues that a good understanding of auction theory will not only give courts a better perspective through which to examine directors’ actions but also will give directors more information on how to run auctions and respond to bids

Beyond the Planck scale

I outline motivations for believing that important quantum gravity effects lie beyond the Planck scale at both higher energies and longer distances and times. These motivations arise in part from the study of ultra-high energy scattering, and also from considerations in cosmology. I briefly summarize some inferences about such ultra-planckian physics, and clues we might pursue towards the principles of a more fundamental theory addressing the known puzzles and paradoxes of quantum gravity.Comment: 11 pages, 1 figure. To appear in the proceedings of the XXV Max Born Symposium, "The Planck Scale," Wroclaw, Polan

Astronomical tests for quantum black hole structure

Quantum modifications to black holes on scales comparable to the horizon size, or even more radical physics, are apparently needed to reconcile the existence of black holes with the principles of quantum mechanics. This piece gives an overview of some possible observational tests for such departures from a classical description of black holes, via gravitational wave detection and very long baseline interferometry. (Invited comment for Nature Astronomy.)Comment: 5 pages. Author's version, before final edits for journal. v2: added ref