2x2 SETUP: people suggested carrying a 2x2 matrix of crates with the fingers, with some even carrying a fifth loose crate on top. first of all this is only possible with certain kinds of crates based on the weave underneath. if the weave is square then it's possible; if it's diagonal then you're probably out of luck based on the scarcity of usable finger holes (see circles).

2x2 IN PRACTICE: simply put it's not easy, even with the right weave. there's both strain on the fingers and strain on the arm because the configuration forces you to keep your arm extended. certainly some people can carry the crates a city block or two this way but that's about it. as a comfortable, long-distance solution this method fails. my lovely assistant don will demonstrate this and later examples. thank you, don!

2x2x2 MATRIX: a couple people suggested it would be possible to carry eight crates this way. inasmuch as 2x2 wasn't practical, the best way to describe this method is "impractical squared." theoretically the idea is to extend your hand into the middle of eight crates and somehow grab onto all of them while holding the bundle away from your body. we figure either mister fantastic or an octopus would be able to pull it off.

[url]http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u258/nicolasb1966/P1010027cropfingered.jpg[/url]

[b]2-CRATES COMFORTABLY METHOD:[/b] here's an easy way to carry two crates comfortably. one simply lines up two of the handles and grabs ahold. since the whole hand is involved in one hold and since the crates can be carried at one's side (no arm extension), it's possible to carry the crates for miles without strain:

[url]http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u258/nicolasb1966/P1010012crop.jpg[/url]

[b]THE JOHN FREEBORN 4-CRATE TECHNIQUE:[/b] starting with the above method and taking two more crates, rotating them a bit and placing them into the first two crates. carrying four this way is little more inconvenience than carrying the two above.

[url]http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u258/nicolasb1966/P1010013crop.jpg[/url]

[b]THE NICOLAS BENDEZU 6-CRATE TECHNIQUE:[/b] starting with the above and placing two more upside-down crates on top of the pile. this method is slightly precarious because the two new crates are only held in place by friction, but in practice this method is workable and about as comfortable as the '2-crate comfortably' technique.

[url]http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u258/nicolasb1966/P1010017crop.jpg[/url]

[b]TOTAL CRATES CARRYABLE:[/b] with the above method and two hands, one can comfortably carry 13 crates- 12 in the hands and one upside down on the head like a helmet. since "13" is also the number that represents transcendence, i call that a good bargain.

[url]http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u258/nicolasb1966/P1010020crop.jpg[/url]

[b]STACK TECHNIQUE:[/b] we found that eight crates can be balanced on one hand. not that these are comfortable or easy to carry long distances, but as nothing more than an exhibit it's possible.

[url]http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u258/nicolasb1966/P1010023crop.jpg[/url]

[b]10-CRATES IN ONE HAND:[/b] so far testing has proven inconclusive.

[url]http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u258/nicolasb1966/P1010025crop.jpg[/url]

[b]OTHER CRATE USES:[/b] here's just one example of what crates can be used for in the home- my combination bed stand and organisation system.

[url]http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u258/nicolasb1966/P1010030crop.jpg[/url]

[b]MORE:[/b] to see even more milkcrate uses, such as furniture and vehicles, have a look at "milkcrate digest."

[url]http://milkcratedigest.com/[/url]

[b]THE WINNER AT VPF:[/b] android with four! ...i think. or maybe laughingotter with two. i'm not totally sure.

feel free to make any further suggestions if you can top six in one hand. bonus points for sketches- so i can fully understand and test with pictures.

thanks for playing, folks!