21: In which the Pynchon Pals write a limerick (Gravity’s Rainbow Episodes 3.1-3.2)

History, math, physics, literature, architecture. This book’s a whole course of study! Do we get a little confused here about the difference between “parabolic” and “catenary” arches here? Sure we do. But we’re pretty sure our explanations of calculus check out! Next time, *Gravity’s Rainbow* Episodes 3.3, 3.4, and 3.5, or pp. 319-365 in the U.S. Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition.  Support the show and get access to monthly bonus episodes at patreon.com/pynchonpals and follow us @pynchonpals.bsky.social.  For the month of July’s Patreon-exclusive bonus episode we’re watching Merian C. Cooper’s *King Kong* (1933).  **Show Notes:** For more on Gaudí’s arches: “How a Gaudí Building Won Over a Strict Minimalist,” by Ayesha Khan via *The Wall Street Journal* (https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-a-gaudi-building-won-over-a-strict-minimalist-1457119548)  “The math behind Gravity’s Rainbow (Part8): The shape whose centre of gravity is the Brennschluss point,” by Niklas Riewald  (https://niklasriewald.com/2022/02/21/the-math-behind-gravitys-rainbow-part8-the-shape-whose-centre-of-gravity-is-the-brennschluss-point/)  Content warnings: strong language, physical and sexual violence, racism, misogyny, antisemitism, homophobia, genocide. \--- Featuring Patrick Fiorilli, Andrew Tillett, and Duri Long. Produced and edited by Patrick Fiorilli (www.patf.io and @patfio.bsky.social). Our theme music is “Horology,” by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, released under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives license on the album Polygondwanaland.