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

A Brief Note on the Birth of Latinas in the Face of Oppression

The dialogue sparked by Latinas in Crisis was unprecedented for a Hastings audience. While most of us were aware of the complexities surrounding reproductive choice in a traditionally religious culture; knew someone who had been physically or sexually violated in her own home; and, living in San Francisco, were daily witnesses to the many obstacles faced by poor immigrant women, we had failed to place ourselves in an open forum to candidly discuss how these issues affect Latinas. The realization of this program, therefore, forged a new level of understanding about Latin American women\u27s struggle for rights in the face of oppression

To Air or not to Err: The Threat of Conditioned Federal Funds for Indecent Programming on Public Broadcasting

Recent legislative actions by the federal government demonstrate a growing intolerance toward controversial material contained in publicly-funded art and broadcast over the public airwaves. While a congressional bill aimed at restricting grants by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for offensive works has received a great deal of public attention, a simultaneous campaign to eliminate indecency in broadcasting is silently underway. The passage of a 24-hour ban on broadcast indecency by Congress and active enforcement of indecency regulations by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) currently render radio and television stations vulnerable to sanctions for airing indecent programming. This Note explores the movement against indecency over the airwaves and its potential effect on public radio and television. Because public broadcasting-like the arts-depends on federally appropriated funds, it is vulnerable to the conditioning of receipt of those funds pursuant to congressional regulation. This Note argues that a legislative scheme that conditions federal subsidies upon public broadcasters\u27 promise to refrain from airing indecent programming would chill fully protected speech in contravention of the first amendment