Roger's Home Journal

Roger's Home Journal
Very Special Ladder Instructions

Mild-mannered Roger Faris, home improvement guru at the Phinney Neighborhood Center, is angry.

Roger's Home Journal
Know Which Way the Wind Blows

It's housepainting season, but before you start sanding off those layers of old paint, make sure you will not endanger yourself, your children or your neighbors with lead dust.

Roger's Home Journal
A Prerequisite To Home Improvement Projects

Roger is distracted from home improvement, and goes for a sail to Bainbridge Island for his Save the World Institute.

Roger's Home Journal
The View From Tatoosh

Roger Faris has just returned from building a privy on windswept Tatoosh Island, off the coast of Cape Flattery.

Roger's Home Journal
Climate Change Becomes Personal

Roger Faris talks about the possibility of selling refrigerators to penguins and other global warming woes.

Roger's Home Journal
Hit By A Ton Of Bricks

A year later, Roger Faris visits the people who have worked tirelessly to make us earthquake-proof in the aftermath of the February 28, 2001 temblor.

Roger's Home Journal
The Lighter Side Of Social Engineering

Channelling new development into acceptable form in accessory dwelling units.

Roger's Home Journal
In Search of a Miracle (Product)

Roger's latest discovery--a truly miraculous product.

Roger's Home Journal
Region Braces for Seismic Terrier Attack

Preparing for the next earthquake that may shake us like a small dog with a big attitude.

Roger's Home Journal
Toys Make the World go Wobbly!

This is the season when many of you will develop an urge to make something special for a little niece, nephew, or other loved one. Learn from Roger's experience in handmade wooden toys.

Roger's Home Journal
Living Lightly on the Water

Roger Faris explores the concept of water-based home improvement from an ecological point of view.

Roger's Home Journal
Are We Ready For Another Earthquake?

We are still feeling the effects of the February 28 Nisqually earthquake as buildings tumble and costs for the repair of the Alaskan Way Viaduct mount.

Roger's Home Journal
When There's Fungus Among Us

Moldy homes and how to deal with them.

Roger's Home Journal
Chimney Damage a Deadly Hazard

Our recent earthquake may yet claim a few lives. Don't let your chimney fall on you!

Roger's Home Journal
We Dodged a Seismic Bullet

We were stung by a seismic BB gun. The repair and cleanup from this moderate quake will cost more than $2 billion. Now it's time to peer into the dark gun barrel of our next earthquake.

Roger's Home Journal
Finding solutions for the energy crisis

We, as a society, need to change our ways--immediately. Our best hope may be to hire a societal transformation specialist--I recommend myself for the job.

Roger's Home Journal
Celebrate Better Design, Materials, and Craftsmanship!

Huge houses and enormous rooms often feel cold and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, the trend in this country has been toward building ever more bloated structures. One writer calls them "suburban McMansions."

Roger's Home Journal
After the Earthquake--Who are you going to call?

Have you ever been put "on hold" while trying to get through to a private company or public utility regarding a problem with water, sewer, natural gas, power or phone service? What do you suppose that will be like in the aftermath of regional destructive

Roger's Home Journal
A Brand New Basement--Can You Dig It?

Perhaps shovels and wheelbarrows should have been registered, and the operators licensed. I don't know whether to blame bad parenting or weak educational institutions, but the stability of too many foundation walls was compromised by guys who never did

Roger's Home Journal
I Dream of Fixing Some Really Big Problem Like the Alaskan Way Viaduct

I'd like to solve the Alaskan Way Viaduct problem before pouring the milk on my breakfast cereal.