Seattle Press on Line - In Search of a Miracle (Product)

In Search of a Miracle (Product)

Jan 03, 2002 -- I've been happy with duct tape as a way to hold things together, and regard my hot-melt glue gun with Second Amendment reverence. I also keep cans of WD-40 within easy reach. That wonderful liquid can solve squeaks and frozen mechanism problems, but did you know that it will also remove chewing gum, tar or melted crayons from shoes, fabrics and walls?

These all qualify as miracle products. Simple, inexpensive, available nearly everywhere, and they work so well that advertising doesn't seem to be needed. That must be very satisfying to their manufacturers.

Let's consider other products that make our world a better place. There are many obvious candidates. Basic inventions and tools like the screw and screwdriver should probably be on our list, but they've been around for so long that we take them for granted. Improvements such as the square-drive screw have provided an enhanced experience. Other everyday items, such as deodorant soap, fall into the same category; they're essential but not very exciting. Computers, medical marvels and rowboats, are all dear to my heart, but I'm seeking something else. I want another miracle.

The recent unveiling of the mysterious "It" was a minor letdown. "It" turned out to be a new type of electric scooter. "Its" remarkable balancing system and several other innovations are impressive, but I was hoping for a revolutionary new fuel source or engine design. "It" looks like a lot of fun, but may not be able to compete with the low cost and utility of a bike.

I know better than to hold my breath while waiting for the invention of a perpetual motion machine. Miracle products can, and perhaps should, be modest and non-earthshaking in nature. We don't need any more evil miracles such as the hydrogen bomb.

With that in mind, how about that grapefruit seed extract? I became aware of its existence when I was searching for ways to control mold and mildew. At the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine Web site, I learned that "grapefruit seed extract, diluted four to six drops per gallon of water and mixed thoroughly is an excellent anti-fungal agent. Use this mixture to clean any surface in your home." Wow!

Then I performed an Internet search of the phrase "grapefruit seed extract" and found another 19,600 relevant documents, most of them posted by dealers, eager to sell their wares. I decided to try GSE, but headed for Puget Consumer's Co-op, instead of an online merchant. I wanted to compare brands, ingredients and prices. I'd hoped to find a pure extract, but settled on a pump-spray bottle of GSE-based cleaning product. Then I rode over to the Ridge to a likely experimental test site.

I pulled up to the Ballard home of Roy and Marjorie Holden, two of the finest people on Earth. Roy had happened to call me about a musty smell beneath the basement stairs. I applied the miracle product, and it seemed to make us all happy. We talked about their latest projects, adorable grandchildren, Roy's ambulance ride and angioplasty procedure, and other news. It was a great visit.

Now I'm back in my secret laboratory working on an invention that just might be an even better scooter (amphibious), perhaps with a better name ("Seedy?") and a revolutionary power source (grapefruit fuel cells!). I can't reveal any more details just yet. Your financial support would certainly boost my chances of success (depending on how we define "success"). So send the money, and stand by for a miracle!

Roger Faris is the director of the Phinney Neighborhood Association Well Home Program and Project Impact Earthquake Retrofit Program. He can be reached at (206)789-4993, or send checks to 6532 Phinney Ave. North, Seattle, WA 98103.

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jon	Nov 20, 2002	england	teacher
hi there Roger, i was very interested in the article about grapefruit seed extract and was wondering if i put it in flour and water paste, would it stop mold growing in paper mache? cheers jon

Roger's Home Journal

In Search of a Miracle (Product)

By Roger Faris

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