Note from JWR:

I was pleased to see that Amazon.com has dropped their price on my novel “Survivors” again, to just $12.92. That’s not bad for a hardback book, these days. The price drop is no doubt based on economies of scale. They keep re-ordering a lot of books from my publisher!




Letter Re: Homemade Powder Solvent For Gun Cleaning

Sir: I’m a benchrest shooter and gunsmith, and I use quite a bit of cleaning solvent. When I used to buy it, I would buy it by the pint bottles. While not terribly expensive, it was still a cost. I asked fellow shooters what they used and most did as I did, buy it. Then I asked a very successful shooter what he used and he said “my own brew”! Just what I wanted to hear. He was nice enough to share his brew mixture, and that is all I’ve used since. There are a couple main things you’re trying …




Letter Re: Horsemanship for Preppers

Jim, The cover art on your latest novel prompts these comments about horses.  There may be  folks who are thinking that in the future horse power would be a viable alternative for transportation, agricultural, and other uses.   It can be.  But you need to be aware that horses are not just hairy vehicles, and they don’t come with an owner’s manual.  They are thinking, feeling, decision-making animals.  And regardless of how well trained they may be when you get them they will quickly settle, for better or worse, at your level of knowledge and experience.  If you don’t know what …




The Mainstreaming of Survivalism

When a news giant like CNBC starts quoting SurvivalBlog at length, then obviously we are starting filter into the mainstream of public consciousness. Here is an article that is a case in point: Buying Coins to Hedge Against Inflation. As one reader put it: “It brings a smile to my face when we’re way ahead of the curve.” By the way, I hope you’ve already got your nickels squared away. You’ve had plenty of warning, since I first mentioned this in SurvivalBlog back in 2007. The window of opportunity for acquiring nickels before their debasement is likely to close soon. Don’t …




Letter Re: A Book Shopping Experience

Mr. Rawles: I just picked up your latest novel “Survivors” today at my local Barnes and Noble store.  Surprisingly, they had it prominently displayed on their “New Arrivals” display table!  Some time back, I had them order “Patriots” for me.  You would have thought I asked them to give me their only kidney.  How times have changed.    I dearly love the disgusted, displeased look on the tattooed, goth, über-liberal checkout girl’s face when I make my purchases.  It’s why I still buy my reading material in the store.    Love your work and the blog.  Thanks for your efforts! …




Economics and Investing:

US’s Geithner warns Europe crisis a global threat. (Thanks to Alex B for the link.) Peter Schiff: U.S. Dollar is the Monetary Titanic A sign of our nation’s doom? Nearly Half of U.S. Lives in Household Receiving Government Benefit G.G. flagged this: Americans have no choice but to get more frugal Why We Are Just Half-Way Through The Global Economic Crisis   The Metals Trade: Why I’m Still Really Bullish On Silver Items from The Economatrix: Leaders Push World to Depression Underwater Mortgages Could Sink US Without a Trace Banksters Expect Global Meltdown Within 12 Months Bank of America Website …




Odds ‘n Sods:

F.J. spotted this: Better Sterno Alternative    o o o Idaho Bowhunter Reportedly Kills Charging Wolf. Moral of this story: Don’t mess with an Idaho Granny that packs a .44 Magnum.    o o o David O. wrote to mention a “Horse of a Different Color”: Oilfield Camouflage. With oilfield workers up in “The Oil Patch” in North Dakota now often making $300 to $500 a day, I suppose some of them have a budget for this… In related news: Double your salary in the middle of nowhere, North Dakota    o o o Rex B. sent this: ATF officials …