Heron's automated temple gates

A temple is constructed such that as soon  as a fire is lit on the altar before it, and the sacrifice is made, teh doors of the temple open automatically. And as soon as the fire is quenched, they close again. (heron. Theorem 38, Pneumatics). In this mechanism, Heron exploited the expansion of air heated beneath the altar. The pressure of the air forces a liquid to move from a fixed vessel into a moveable one. After which a system of pulleys and counterwights is activated to pivot the doors of the temple. 

Cherry life

~Cherry life  ~

Cherry comes again,

As usual in the summer,

Year after year in July,

On this small cherry tree.

Only a few pigeons dare to enter,

To taste the fruits,

Guarded by fiercely looking felines,

From this little Enfield neighborhood.

Although they don't know,

These kitties have no idea how to hunt,

For years they've stayed with humans,

Under the socialist kitty food program.

They just sleep, then eat,

And then sleep again,

Under the cherry tree.

So come again, birds,

And have your cherries. ~~~~

-Ajith Dharmakeerthi -03/07/2023