Boltzmann entropy of a Newtonian Universe

A dynamical estimate is given for the Boltzmann entropy of the Universe, under the simplifying assumptions provided by Newtonian cosmology. We first model the cosmological fluid as the probability fluid of a quantum-mechanical system. Next, following current ideas about the emergence of spacetime, we regard gravitational equipotentials as isoentropic surfaces. Therefore gravitational entropy is proportional to the vacuum expectation value of the gravitational potential in a certain quantum state describing the matter contents of the Universe. The entropy of the matter sector can also be computed. While providing values of the entropy that turn out to be somewhat higher than existing estimates, our results are in perfect compliance with the upper bound set by the holographic principle.Comment: 15 page

Grassmere: Nashville\u27s Home

This thesis and digital video project will focus on the study of Grassmere Historic Farm and Residence in Nashville, Tennessee, and its relative importance socially, architecturally, and politically to the community of Nashville, the state of Tennessee and the larger context of the United States. Over the years, research studies have been conducted by students at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and Vanderbilt University in Nashville to assemble and catalog artifacts and information for historic preservation. These studies, along with historical documentation housed in the archives of the Tennessee State Library in Nashville were investigated for an accurate video representation. The purpose of this study was to produce a short video film on Grassmere Farm & Historic Residence (Croft House). Permission was granted by the Nashville Zoo and the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation to produce a first video project on the site that would be visually and historically accurate, and more importantly, in line with the core family values of the Nashville Zoo and surrounding community. Two undergraduate students participated in the out-of-state video project. On-site video taping was performed over a six-month period, which included expert testimony from the historic home\u27s director, Tori Mason; Nashville historian, Tim Walker; and master gardener, Barbara Sullivan. In adctition, a celebrity talent introduction by Stephanie Culberson, Miss Tennessee 2001, was taped at the Nashville Zoo. The project produced a short video film on Grassmere Farm and the historic Croft House which was based on the current usage and development of the residence and estate by the Nashville Zoo and surrounding community