item# 0003

Compact, lightweight 4-in-1 hand truck, dolly, trolley and step ladder.
Multi-functional to suit home or work, this fantastic creation will save you time and money!

FEATURES:

Hand Truck mode:
Move Washing Machines, Fridges, Luggage, Stacked boxes and more. Ideal mode for moving heavy object over uneven ground or steps, simply slide the base support under the object, tilt back and your in control without the normal back breaking effort. Maximum loading capacity up to 300kg

Furniture Dolly mode:
Move any large awkward object by sliding the whole trolley under the object and hey-presto you have wheels. Saves dragging furniture across polished floors or delicate carpets. Maximum loading capacity up to 300kg

Four wheel cart mode:
Large Base, four contact point trolley for moving any large or non uniform shaped objects. Two multi-directional casters make the trolley easy to push, pull and maneuver. Maximum loading capacity up to 70kg

Step Ladder mode:
Don't put yourself at risk, get your parcel from shelving, transport it easily and put things back in high places. Use for decoration, cleaning or general DIY. Maximum loading capacity up to 150kg

Special Price: PHP2,999

Unfortunately, the best I could get out of the servo was 0.35 degree movements by reading the potentiometer directly from the micro-controller. This made time-lapse video very choppy and generally poor looking. After some time spent thinking about how I had approached the project, I realized that the assumption that the micro-controller would not manage the camera made it much more difficult of a project than I had imagined. So, with some thought, I put my existing intervalometer aside, and decided to make it part of the TLA programming. Gone are the DC geared and servo motors, replaced by steppers w/ 200 steps per rotation, controlled via easydriver motor controllers. The easydrivers are chopping micro-step drivers, resulting in 1600 steps per rotation.

The key role that getting rid of the external intervalometer played in changing the nature of the TLA was that, now that I know when the camera is taking shots I can make any position changes between those shots. That is, before I had to guarantee slow, even movement that was minimal enough to never move more than one pixel on any axis during a shot. This made it nearly impossible to build a working system that would allow varying speed of movement. By changing the software to move a certain amount (or not) between shots, I could move as much or as little as I want, at a very high rate of speed if chose, giving me a lot of latitude for programming.

I split the motor/camera controls and UI functions into two different micro-controllers, and use two-wire interface for bi-directional communication. This allows me to add necessary delays to the UI and allows me to modify the next program to execute while one is running. It also doubles the EEPROM space for saved programs later.

The motor/camera control is designed such that a shot is taken at a timed interval (the allowed time is from less than a second up to 49 days between shots), and after the shot is taken, any motors are moved. The camera exposure time can be pre-programmed to any number of milliseconds, seconds, minutes, hours, or days, or can be set in the camera. The input to the camera is opto-isolated from the circuit to prevent damage. The camera will not fire is the motors are currently moving (to prevent blur should the camera delay time not allow for complete motor movement to next position). Each pan or tilt motor can move as little as 0.07 degrees in a single movement, or as much as 17.85 degrees. The truck motion can move as little as 0.01 inches, or as much as 2.55 inches between shots. You can also set each motor to only move once every n shots, up to 255. Meaning you could have as much as 34 years between movements (49 maximum days between shots * 255 possible shots skipped per movement), but that would just be absurd. =)

I went ahead and boxed up most of the UI, you'll see photos below. The only things missing are the buttons for manual control of the motors, they will go in the area to the right of the keypad. The UI is connected to the motor control unit and power input via an ethernet cable.

Also below are pictures of a new cart built around the stepper motor. It's made of 5/16th acrylic painted black, and aluminum brackets. The gear ratio is 3:1, meaning it takes 4800 total steps to turn the camera around a full 360 degrees. The final drive gear is attached to a 3/8" shaft that runs through a lubricated bushing. An acrylic plate is attached to the same hub as the gear, and a giotto's quick release plate is attached to that. Holes are counter-sunk on either side to prevent bolt heads from interfering with the plate or the gear movement. I still need to attach a piece of threaded rod that will slide in the attachment arm from the truck drive gear. It will also need a bit more re-enforcement from some metal plates before the tilt mechanism can be attached.

As always if you need anyhelp ordering you can click the livechat link on the upper right hand side of the page and chat directly to me.

At least, I still dont need it.

Rundown: Please understand that this is NOT your average falafel cart. For $3 you get a pita overstuffed with 5-6 fresh, warm, crunchy, golden on the outside, green on the inside falafel balls, fresh lettuce and tomato, hot sauce, tahni, a slice of buttery grilled eggplant, jardinera (pickled hot peppers) and a stuffed grape leaf (yes, inside the pita pocket). The sandwich can of course be tailored to your exacting specifications. This is easily one of the best lunch deals in the entire City, let alone the FiDi.

Insider Tip: Lines are shortest after 1:30pm. If you're going to eat this on the go, tell them to go easy on the tahini, or else you'll end up with drippy earlobes.

Food Quality: 4.5/5

Under $10:
Falafel sandwich - $3
Falafel platter - $5

Whew! We made it all the way to Connecticut from New Mexico, and I have been glad to see my parents and my brother here. It's weird to see so many trees! Santiago was much too big to have too many of those, and New Mexico only has trees in the bosque. Here you can often only see trees and not even know there are houses in there.

We have been learning a few new terms around here. What I used to call a 'garage sale' is apparently called a 'tag sale' in Connecticut. And don't bother looking for a 'cart' or a 'buggy' at the grocery store; they only have 'carriages'. I guess we will have to do a little 'cultural adjustment' here, too!

The following transcript of a conversation I had today is not complete or perfect - it's from my best recollection upon arriving home in rather profound emotional turmoil and disappointment. I had to scribble it on paper as fast as I could, while it was fresh in my memory. I now more calmly and patiently transcribe it here for the edification of those who believe in the Happiness-care tooth fairy. At the outset, know that this is NOT OVER.

This is a conversation between myself and my "official" case manager (CM) at St. Goofy's Bombastic Happiness (SGBH), an arm of St. Goofy's Medical Center, a facility of Goofy Happinesscare North (GHN).

Recall from part one that I had a discussion with my "fill in" case manager about my ongoing outpatient treatment, during which I requested and explained CART accommodation. The following conversation was with my actual case manager, Susanne, with whom I've had pretty good rapport in general.

Susanne: What can I help you with?

Paul: I need to find out if my insurance will cover the Partial [outpatient group therapy] program.

Susanne: I spoke with Judy [temp CM I talked to Friday], and she had information for you, but you left.

Paul: Apparently she wasn't aware I was already discharged, and had to leave.

Susanne: Ok, let me go look and find the information for you - it'll just take a couple minutes.

Paul: OK

...

Susanne: You're eligible for our CCDI program.

Paul: One important thing I need to tell you - I can't do the full 10 days [assuming this acronym refers to their 10 day Partial program]. I've got to get back to work.

Susanne: It's not a 10 day program - it's 3 times a week, in the evenings; it starts at 5:30 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Paul: That's not what Judy and I talked about!

Susanne: That's what your insurance specifies, the CCDI program - and we can provide an interpreter for you. [Note that I had not asked for an interpreter - I had requested CART]

Paul: I can't use an interpreter - I don't speak ASL! I need CART!

Susanne: We're not set up for that. All we can do is provide an interpreter.

Paul: By law, you have to accommodate me! I have information on how to do this easily with remote CART. All you need is a computer with Internet, Skype, and a microphone.

Susanne: So don't you lip-read?

Paul: Yes, I can lip-read a bit, but I'm not totally deaf - just hard of hearing, so if you're facing me, I can both lip-read and hear some of what you're saying. But in a group conversation, I can't follow.

Susanne: So you're telling me the CART people can follow a conversation where 3 or 4 people are talking at once?

Paul: No - I couldn't do that when I could hear!

Susanne: I can't do that now (smiles).

Paul: What I'm saying is that when someone isn't facing me, I can't understand them, and that's what happens in a group setting. But the CART person can hear and transcribe any single speaker in the room.

Susanne: So what happens with this setup? People talk, and you do what... read?

Paul: Yes, on the computer screen.

Susanne: I don't even know if there's a computer available in the room we do the groups in - and I doubt there's Internet. It would take at least several days for us to set this up, and I don't see how the program could benefit you given that you can't go past this week. The only thing I can recommend to you is AA meetings - we do have one that meets here, Tuesday nights, 7:30 p.m.

Paul: I guess you're right.

[Much prognostication (by me) of future encounters of this sort follows, but is omitted here - and I insisted that Susanne make photocopies of the material (and postcard) provided by our (SWC) Gayl to give to "them" for the benefit of future patients - which she did.]

[Pleasantries, goodbye, etc.]

[Note that the suggestion of the AA meeting completely sidesteps the HOH/CART issue - what elephant? I don't see an elephant!]

So now what?

Well I haven't formulated my plan of attack yet, but do trust me, THIS IS WAR. I am absolutely determined that these people will enter the 21st century and start accommodating late-deafened/HOH folks, or they will PAY in real dollars for their ignorance and dismissal of this issue.

This isn't even about me anymore. This is about everybody who comes to them for help and is turned away because their hearing loss can't be accommodated in one of the simplest, cheapest (most "reasonable") ways.

Can you tell I'm pissed? ;)

And what of my recovery? Well don't worry, I'm not about to throw the baby out with the bathwater. I've still got determination to keep my LIFE, and I'll find what I need out there (if I have to, I'll START a late-deafened/HOH AA meeting! - I have plenty of experience with 12-step).

Wish me luck as I dive into my new role as the HOH Radical. :)

Paul S

Three Chances.

Two Stumptown Vegans.

Two Calzones, One Pizza, and Breadsticks.

The verdict...

One Stumptown Vegan happened to stop by the fairly new Give Pizza a Chance food cart on its opening day. It's shiny, new, has a small bar area for seating in the attached parking spot with the inviting smell of oregano and garlic. A friendly chat with the owner assured us of future vegan offerings and a free sample of the de-freaking-lightful homemade ginger ale. The hope was there for Give Pizza a Chance. It has a catchy name, cute cart, organic ingredients, friendly service, a Eugene hippie-like atmosphere and an appreciation for the addition of whole wheat flour in their dough. Mmm, grains.

Weeks later the first calzone was ordered when inquiring about what the best vegan option would be. The woman working stated that there was no need to call ahead for calzones, and the short wait was impressive. The first Stumptown Vegan asked to be surprised, filling-wise, and the chef packed the dough with spinach, mushrooms and tomatoes. The calzone, ($7) was completed within a slow walks around the block, certainly less than 15 minutes. While there was no sauce or expectantly, fake cheese, inside the calzone, there was a very flavorful and plentiful pool of house made marinara on the side. It was tangy, herby, and to the point. Granted the cart is fairly new, but if only they'd get dipping containers and not pool in on the plate or in a paper tray, it would be better. Sadly, the inside of the calzone was not as flavorful as the sauce, in fact it was lacking that f word - flavor. The assortment of veggies was promising, but with an overly doughy, slightly undercooked bottom crust they just seemed damp. The sauce helped, but in combination with the crust that I wish had hung out a few more minutes in the oven, it was short of a good Italian time. The next day the leftovers were a definitely improvement after a brief visit to the toaster oven. The leftovers were short on sauce, but big on the hearty, now well cooked dough.

Calzone visit #2 showed even more promise. This time, there was a small sign posted below the cart's service window stating that their best vegan option was the calzone. This had already been said, but seeing it in writing along with the Stumptown Vegans 'two visitations' policy called for different fillings selected and another calzone ordered. Although the only person ahead in line had a pizza slice warmed up, this meal took over 20 minutes. That's a long wait from a cart on your lunch hour. This time the calzone filling had kalamata olives, green peppers, spinach, and garlic cloves. The olives and garlic (which we would have loved to see as a filling in the first calzone) worked, but the spinach tasted off, dare we say old. This time the dough was altogether undercooked. Tearing off the crust on the side, dipping it in the sauce, and picking through the leftovers with a fork was the way to go. The spinach was even scarier when the leftovers were reheated. On the plus side, their huge calzone is a meal that could easily feed 2, and for $7 it's definitely affordable. Too bad this second order wasn't appetizing enough for a second meal.

The second Stumptown Vegan stopped by for breadsticks and pizza. Breadsticks were ordered as an appetizer, assuming the pizza would take awhile to cook. The sticks were fairly thin and more like crust sticks. They were enjoyable as a vessel for scooping the sauce into our mouths while still enjoying the whole wheat flavor. We were happy to have ordered the breadsticks because we did have a 20 minute wait, which is reasonable for a full pie during rush hour. And for only $1, it was good deal.

The pizza was beautiful when it came fresh from the oven. The cook used as much spinach as he would have cheese, which is surely appreciated on any vegan pizza. The artichoke hearts were liberally applied as well, though this pizza would have done better with a third topping. The addition of olive oil and salt on top of the pizza helped bring out the flavors of the vegetables. The sauce was perfectly fresh and flavorful, as described above. And the price - $12 - it was perfect for splitting between three people. However, the pizza dough had the same fate as the calzone's - undercooked. The second Stumptown Vegans almost asked the friendly cart-worker to put it back in the oven but decided to eat it as presented. It may be helpful to ask for a "well done" pizza when ordering, just saying.

We wonder if the issue with the crust is because pizza by the slice pizzas are cooked in the oven twice - once for the pie and once for reheating. Perhaps it's a matter of inexperience with vegan calzones and pizza or three cases of bad timing that dampened the crusts' chances. Perhaps there's just too much whole wheat in their dough or the oven isn't hot enough. Whichever way, we wouldn't be entirely shocked if a great vegan calzone came out of this cart one day, but one Stumptown Vegan is no longer giving this pizza cart a chance. The other Stumptown Vegan will stop by for a breadsticks, sauce, and soda on days when money is tight.

Vegan Cazlones:

Breadsticks:

Pizza:

Picking through the pile, I came upon a soul
that once belonged to me.

I recognized it by its familiar, putty-like texture
and it's many worn-through holes located in both
the obvious and not-so-obvious locations.

In a noncommittal way I asked through the din,

What's the going rate for this worn-out soul here?

The vendor, busy as he was, for souls were scarce
those days--and he was well-stocked--
wiped his bloody hands across his bloody apron,
gave me a little wink, and said,

A fine soul indeed! For you I'll make a deal.

He made his way to me
through the desperate crowd of customers,
leaned into my ear,
and in a conspiratorial whisper explained,

Unlike most customers these days,
you seem to be one who knows the value of a good soul.
I only sell to those who understand the value of the goods
that they are wanting to buy.
Make me an offer my friend!

I wiped at the desperation on my forehead
and in a nonchalant, divergent tone
asked the busy merchant
how he came to own such a stock
of obviously first rate,
barely used,
souls.

This time he did not wink
and the smile faded when he replied,

Young man, why do you ask such a question?
What are your intentions?
If you were to ask the banshee how she knows
to whom she should express her next mournful keening,
or ask the shaman to lay out before you the path he takes
to the netherworld in quest for the straying and misguided,
would they not be jeopardizing their own industrious ways?
And if I told you the source of my supply
would I, too, not be jeopardizing my own industrious ways?

He grabbed my soul from my hands
and tossed it atop the mussy pile.

Away with you! You shall purchase nothing here!

And nothing could convince the busy merchant
my intentions were pure.

Followed by his flock, he wheeled his business away.

My soul could not be bought.

Empty handed I walked away, returning from
whence I came.

Easy to use, the unit is operated with an industry standard bottle or direct from a nitrogen generator and can be preset for a standard inflation top up, or operated with an N2 function for a purge and fill cycle. Equipped to inflate up to six tyres simultaneously, power to the unit is supplied through a sealed lead-acid battery with the charger allowing the unit to run direct if required, increasing flexibility and enhancing portability.

The increasing demand for nitrogen as a replacement for air is due to its benefits of increased fuel efficiency; extended tyre life; and increased safety. Nitrogen inflation is used where safety is of paramount importance, and is compulsory in the airline industry. It is also a huge benefit in terms of performance - as demonstrated by Formula 1, and Nascar teams prefer nitrogen because tyre pressure fluctuations can be predicted more accurately.

Those considering converting to nitrogen will find it easy to do so. Nitrogen can be used in any tyres, new or existing. The best results are obtained by purging the tyre of oxygen and then replacing with nitrogen, however it is still possible to top up tyres already filled with nitrogen with air if necessary. For those wanting a simple conversion, PCL's Accura Mobile offers a long-term solution.

With its robust, weatherproof design, it offers low lifetime costs, and is easy to use with simple controls and optimised cycle times - providing fast, safe, accurate and cost effective nitrogen provision. Maintenance is simple, diagnostics are excellent, and the cart is incredibly convenient to use, only needing a recharge after an average two days' operation.

Also, while Obama will be speaking to thousands at the Victory Column in Berlin, McCain is giving speeches in the cheese aisle of your local grocery store.

Oh, I forgot after you walk that far, you have to walk back to your car, I guess that makes it alright for you to think that your life is more important than anybody else's, therefore it is alright for you to lazily leave your carts wherever you see fit.  Or maybe you just think that you are actually doing the Kroger employees a favor because if they did not have to go throughout the parking lot picking up carts, they might not have enough work for all their employees.  That is garbage and you know. 

I know that it is slightly inconvenientto walk the carts back, but it is also, um. I don't know common decencyto return the carts to the numerous cart returns stations throughout the parking lot.  It's not like you have to walk back to the inside of the store, but just a few spots over.  So, get over it and take the small walk and return your grocery cart.  Now, here are the occasions that it is ok not to return the cart.  1. If you get a call on your cell phone, and you have to go straight to the hospital.  2. If the cart-picker up guy tells you it is ok to leave the cart there because he will get it.  3. If you have a physical liability where every step is difficult. 
That's it.  So, don't be lazy and return your cart.  It is not that hard.

Tracy is met 31 overwinningen in Cart en Champ Car de meest succesrijke actieve rijder in het Amerikaanse open wheel racing. Het binnenhalen van race-icoon PT is voor Tony George en IndyCar dan ook een uiterst belangrijke stap. De Canadese karakterkop lijkt wel de enige figuur die op korte termijn het belabberde niveau van de IndyCar Series omhoog kan trekken.

Tracy's wagen voor Edmonton zal geprepareerd worden door Derrick Walker en zijn manschappen. Voor Walker Racing kan dit de aanloop zijn naar een volwaardige deelname aan het IndyCar kampioenschap in 2009.

En er zijn nog meer ex Champ Car spelers die richting IndyCar gaan. Ook al deze week maakte Forsythe Racing bekend dat het vanaf 2009 terug deelneemt aan de Indy Lights Series. Last but not least is er dan nog het gerucht dat Alex Tagliani de ontevreden Enrique Bernoldi bij Conquest Racing zou gaan vervangen.

I apologize in advance for the lack of my usual hilarious satire and frequent shenanigans in this post. You have been forewarned, but I'll make it worth your while by the end of it. I promise.

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The title of this post is a phrase which my mother is reminding me frequently of. As gas prices are rising, more people have to choose which is more important: gas or food.

There is little I can say about the economy that isn't already being felt, and what is being felt is more than I could ever convey into words. But I will say that scarier things could happen. Thousands of truck drivers in Europe, for example, have gone on strike due to outrageous gas prices (in case someone needs reminding, gas prices are WAY more expensive in Europe than the states). The result is low morale at home, poor stock in the grocery stores, and empty stomachs to those who would be fed otherwise. The real question is: Why couldn't that happen in the States?

I have been hearing that more and more people are shopping smart: Wal-Mart, discounted stores, buying in bulk (such as my very own Sam's Club). But now I don't know what to believe. Sam's Club has been slower since the 4th of July. Even the weekends, and excluding sign-up-for-credit-and-get-a-free-apple-pie day. Yeah, that's all this country needs: more credit.

Personally, I'm lucky to be living in a city that is faring better than the rest of the country, and to be in a family that manages their finances well. But I'm curious to hear of others' opinions on how they're faring. How about it, then? Are you on the upside of this economic downfall?

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I hope you've enjoyed my crudely Photoshopped image of a shopping cart in a Costco. My own attempts of taking a picture at Sam's that would strike sorrow and agony into the hearts of men and other furry creatures alike were foiled by my manager. There was also going to be a cute, cuddly, and lonely kitten to finish the task of inflicting some serious sorrow. Be thankful. You lucked out... this time.

Office Remix is having one of their largest bank liquidations yet. Top names include: Herman Miller, J&J, Steelcase and more. They are offering huge discounts on Cubicles, Lateral Files, Chairs, Desks, Tables, Refrigerators and more!

Call 954-801-9920 for more details!

View Entire Bank Liquidation

Haha! I didn't expect someone would take a picture of this :D. A 'Delman' (as I called it when I was a kid :D), a horse-drawn cart.

I used to be very happy riding those. Now, they are just a nuisance (if I'm driving a car... I like motorbike more... more flexible :D).

And there was a song about this vehicle if I recall right.

Whatever, it's good if we still have one of those. For childhood sake...

today i spent over an hour and a half in wal-mart.  something needs to be done here.  i think i've solved the problem:

    googleMaps for wal-mart - GPS for shopping!

here's how it would work:  you walk into the store and grab a buggy.  but this isn't any ordinary buggy, it's one equipped with satellite-directed GPS.  You type in an item, it tells you where to go.  this is genius.

you walk in the store and start to shop, realize that, once again, you don't know where to find anything.  instead of trying to pick everything out by weaving every single aisle and missing half of what you wanted, you just check your handy walmart GPS.  everything is peachy.

it gets better.  just as googleMaps originated online, so would Wal-GPS.  You log on and type in your grocery list and send it to the store.  you swing into your local wally world and pick up a cart, enter your code, and voila!  grocery shopping completely directed by a sweet small voice emanating  from your cart.  you could even print out a map and route from your computer before you came if you wanted to.

flawless.