Selected topics in Planck-scale physics

We review a few topics in Planck-scale physics, with emphasis on possible manifestations in relatively low energy. The selected topics include quantum fluctuations of spacetime, their cumulative effects, uncertainties in energy-momentum measurements, and low energy quantum-gravity phenomenology. The focus is on quantum-gravity-induced uncertainties in some observable quantities. We consider four possible ways to probe Planck-scale physics experimentally: 1. looking for energy-dependent spreads in the arrival time of photons of the same energy from GRBs; 2. examining spacetime fluctuation-induced phase incoherence of light from extragalactic sources; 3. detecting spacetime foam with laser-based interferometry techniques; 4. understanding the threshold anomalies in high energy cosmic ray and gamma ray events. Some other experiments are briefly discussed. We show how some physics behind black holes, simple clocks, simple computers, and the holographic principle is related to Planck-scale physics. We also discuss a formulation of the Dirac equation as a difference equation on a discrete Planck-scale spacetime lattice, and a possible interplay between Planck-scale and Hubble-scale physics encoded in the cosmological constant (dark energy).Comment: 31 pages, 1 figure; minor changes; to appear in Mod. Phys. Lett. A as a Brief Revie

Humane Education in the Public Schools of Maine: Animals have Rights as well as We

A booklet encouraging kindness to animals. Headings include: Introduction, The Law, Humane Education Defined, No Special Method Prepared, Making Use of Pets, Domestic Animals, Wild Animals, A Helpful Suggestion, Animals in Art, Band of Mercy Pledge, In Connection with the School Improvement League, Interesting Exercises, Suggestions for a Program, Books on Animals for Younger Children, Short Stories, The Horse\u27s Prayer, and Eulogy on the Dog by George Graham West. Includes photographs of Governor Baxter\u27s Irish Setter, Garry

State Finances. Message of Percival P. Baxter, Governor, to the Eightieth Legislature, State of Maine, March 10, 1921

The constitution of our state under Art. 5, Section 9, provides, that the Governor shall from time to time give the Legislature information of the condition of the State, and recommend to their consideration such measures, as he may judge expedient.\u27 Acting under this constitutional authority, l come before you with certain suggestions which may be of assistance to you in determining the financial policy of our State for the ensuing fiscal period of two and one-half years. At the outset I desire you to understand that I am fully aware of the division of power between the legislative and executive branches of government, and assure you that my brief service as an executive has not dulled my keen appreciation of legislative prerogatives, acquired after long service in both Senate and House.https://digicom.bpl.lib.me.us/books_pubs/1160/thumbnail.jp

The University of Maine: Message of Percival P. Baxter, Governor of Maine to the Eighty-First Legislature, March 27, 1923

Transcript of a presentation of Governor Baxter on the University of Maine including sections: Co-operation needed; Demands upon the state; State\u27s educational problem; What can Maine afford?; State aid comparisons; Limit number of students; Expansion program; Bates, Bowdoin and Colby; State Normal Schools; Endowment funds-internal reorganization; Is university justified?; Politics; Out-of-state students; President--full time; Economies to be practiced; Budget estimates, Repairs on buildings; College spirit; Advertising; Make it state institution; New Trustees; Agriculture important; No expansion, and Fourteen points

Public Money for Public Purposes Only, No State Aid to Private Institutions: Message of Percival P. Baxter, Governor of Maine, to the Eighty-first Legislature, February 7, 1923

The Eighty-first Legislature has an unusual opportunity to stand for a great principle that is one of the foundation stones of this Republic. That principle is, that public money shall be used only for public purposes; in other words, that money taken from the people as taxes shall not be used for private purposes, no matter how worthy they may be. In my Inaugural Address of January 4th I called attention to the rapid growth of the practice of granting State Aid to private schools, private hospitals and other institutions under private management. At that time I placed this question squarely before the Legislature and the people of Maine. The discussion that has ensued has assumed State wide proportions. This is well, for a vital principle needs to be discussed in every home and shop so that the truth that underlies it, if truth there be, may be brought to light. Opposition has been aroused, misinformation has been spread abroad, and prejudices have been appealed to. The more the grain is beaten the sooner will the chaff be threshed out and blown away. There is no issue before our people of greater importance than this. Economy, water powers, roads and all other questions will take subordinate positions once the State Aid issue is thoroughly understood.https://digicom.bpl.lib.me.us/books_pubs/1161/thumbnail.jp

The State\u27s Business : a Message to the People of Maine Delivered before the Eighth Annual Convention of the Maine Assessors by Percival P. Baxter, Governor of Maine; Augusta, November 12, 1924

A Message to the People of Maine Delivered Before the Eighth Annual Convention of the Maine Assessors, Augusta, November 12, 1924. Assessors of Maine: When the Chairman of our State Board of Assessors, Hon. Clement S. Stetson, invited me to speak upon this occasion I accepted because it is a privilege to discuss problems with men and women like yourselves who are deeply interested in State affairs. I have enjoyed the four Assessors conventions that I have attended (1921-1924) and am of the opinion that there is no gathering held within the State that has greater possibilities of good than this. You men and women are at the head of public affairs in your cities and towns and are in a position to exert a wholesome influence over public sentiment in your several communities.https://digicom.bpl.lib.me.us/books_pubs/1159/thumbnail.jp

What is the Issue? Republicanism or Sectarianism? What Would Lincoln Say? Maine for Coolidge! : Address of Percival P. Baxter, Governor of Maine at the Annual Banquet of the Lincoln Club, February 12, 1924, Portland

A speech concerned with divisions among the Republican Party in Maine. From page 7: Unless we arouse ourselves, our party will be broken in Maine; years will pass before the wounds are healed. Let all Republicans, whether Klansmen, Knights of Columbus, or B’nai B’rith, whether Protestants, Catholics, or Hebrews, forget racial and religious differences, forget the hard things said on both sides, and let a reunited party come out from the dark places of distrust into the sunshine of certain victory