Geometry, EFE's and Foundations for Brane Cosmology

I argue that GR Cauchy and Initial Value Problem mathematics is a valuable source of ideas for braneworlds based on higher-dimensional Einstein field equations.Comment: 2 pages, to appear in Proceedings of Rio de Janeiro 2003 Marcel Grossmann Meetin

Relational particle models as toy models for quantum gravity and quantum cosmology

It is argued that substantial portions of both Newtonian particle mechanics and general relativity can be viewed as relational (rather than absolute) theories. I furthermore use the relational particle models as toy models to investigate the problem of time in closed-universe canonical quantum general relativity. I consider thus in particular the internal time, semiclassical and records tentative resolutions of the problem of time.Comment: Talk at Einstein centenary conference, Paris. Minor update with reference

Hydraulic expansion process shapes large metal sheets

Process imparts dome shape to titanium sheets and is applicable to shaping other metals. Method is of interest to automobile and aircraft body manufacturers

Criminal Minded? : Mixtape DJs, The Piracy Paradox, and Lessons for the Recording Industry

For at least the past three years, leading American fashion designers have lobbied for passage of copyright-like protection for the design aspects of their apparel creations. For at least as long, the recorded music industry has been engaged in an aggressive campaign to enforce its copyrights in recorded music against a number of technology-enabled and/or culturally sympathetic alleged infringers, including twelve year-olds and grandmothers. Although the record labels already have protection under the copyright law while the fashion houses seek it, they have at least one thing in common: some portion of the piracy that they seek to eradicate is more valuable to them than they publicly let on. In their recent article The Piracy Paradox: Innovation and Intellectual Property in Fashion Design, Kal Raustiala and Chris Sprigman explore the low-IP equilibrium of the fashion design industry, as well as the unexpected value created by a low-protection regime. One might ask whether there is anything wrong with chilling an unlawful activity such as large-scale copyright infringement. The article argues that there is something wrong with such a result, but that the owners of the copyright in the recordings either fail to appreciate the problem or fail to account for the problem in executing their enforcement strategy. Hip-hop mixtape DJs are engaged in productive infringement – infringing activity or improper appropriation that adds value to the infringed asset, rather than leading to losses for the copyright owner. Dealing with such infringement requires an approach different from typical recording industry tactics. This article argues that, in order to preserve and enhance the value of their own assets, the record labels should practice strategic forbearance

Propellant acquisition device for use with a spinning toroidal tank

System consists of four radially disposed communication channels attached to propellant-retaining ring situated at bottom of toroidal tank. Ring-and-channel acquisition system design provides uniform propellant distribution within spinning tank during all mission phases