Note from JWR:

It was 90 years ago today that an international commission led by Charles G. Dawes was established to investigate the German economy, which was still in throes of the Weimar Republic hyperinflation. Dawes was the man who had planned Germany’s painful war reparations. (Which of course were part of what triggered the hyperinflation.) He would soon be Vice President, serving under Cal Coolidge. Dawes had a second life as a well-known music composer. He was also co-recipient of the Nobel Prize.


Writing Contest Winners for Round 49

Today we are announcing the winners of Round 49 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. First Prize goes to TX ER DOC, for So, You Bought Fish Antibiotics. Now What?, posted on November 20, 2013. He will receive: A.) Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate, good for any one, two, or three course. (A $1,195 value.) B.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795, and C.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried …


New Writing Contest Prizes

To expand the already more than $8,400 worth of prizes, five more companies have very generously announced that they are donating prizes for Round 50 (et sequitur) of the writing contest: 1.) KellyKettleUSA.com is donating both an AquaBrick water filtration kit and a Stainless Medium Scout Kelly Kettle Complete Kit with a combined retail value of $304. 2.) APEX Gun Parts is donating a $250 purchase credit. 3.) EP Lowers, makers of 80% complete fiber composite polymer lowers for the AR-15 rifles is donating a $250 gift certificate. 4.) Autrey’s Armory — specialists in AR-15, M4s, parts and accessories — …


Two Letters Re: Homemade Soap Making Instructions

Mr. Rawles, I’ve been making my own laundry soap for a couple of years now and I’ve found that Zote works a little better than Fels Naptha or Ivory.  Our whites have been whiter since we switched from Fels Naptha to Zote.  I estimate that I’ve spent perhaps just s $15 on laundry supplies over the past two years.  That’s much better than $10 to $12 for a bottle of liquid detergent! Keep up the good work and God bless your efforts. – Emily S. Mr. Rawles, I would like to add to the suggested recipe for laundry detergent presented …


Six Letters Re: Source for Custom-Made Web Gear

Mr. Rawles, My name is Matthew Gibbs. I read through your blog from time to time and find it very informative! I am also an avid reader of your books. They have taught me a lot and really got me thinking. Due to this eye opening thought process. I have managed to wake up several others to some of the things happening in the real world. I thank you for some of the recent changes in my life. (for the better)   Anyway, long story short. This evening when reading through your blog, I found a post you made regarding …


Economics and Investing:

Company accused of preying on faith, not delivering millions of dollars in precious metals. Alt-Market: Expect Devastating Global Economic Changes In 2014 G.G. suggested: Martin Armstrong: Expect Cashless Society, Not Hyperinflation Items from The Economatrix:. Expect Devastating Global Economic Changes In 2014 Will “Rising” Gas Prices Crush The Holiday Spending Spirit? Federal Cuts Biting Into Home Heating Aid


Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader F.J. spotted this: Very strong shopping bag rope – no tools needed    o o o By way of a link posted by Ol’ Remus, we learn: In Middle Ages, Societies Surprisingly Responsive To Natural Disasters    o o o Third Colorado gun grabber ousted among public outrage.    o o o Joe K. suggested this article: Compost Water Heaters From Jean Pain    o o o Judge rules Colorado sheriffs can’t sue over state gun laws


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both. Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?” – Proverbs 27:1-4 (KJV)


Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 49 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The $8,500+ worth of prizes for this round include: First Prize: A.) Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate, good for any one, two, or three course. (A $1,195 value.) B.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795, and C.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $350 value.) …


Return to the Salsa Garden by S.M. in Arizona

When I wrote my first article for SurvivalBlog back in July, I thought I covered about everything I knew or wanted to say about gardening.  As I have worked in my garden over the past few months, I’ve realized how much more there is to gardening and how a garden changes with the seasons.  Perhaps with the exception of August, something is happening every month in a Desert Southwest garden.  The salsa garden goes through many changes as it morphs from summer salsa garden to winter salad garden.  Each year there are new surprises in October and November as some …


Letter Re: Alternative Power Systems

Dear Mr Rawles, Mr J’s submission makes interesting and useful reading, however I would like to add a few observations on the subject to possibly aid the decision making/wallets of people who are building/upgrading photovoltaics systems. – Batteries: if at all possible get used golf cart batteries that have been properly maintained. Around here they get recycled for a $25 core charge which is easy to beat. My deep cell batteries are now 4-5 years old (2 seasons in various golf carts and 2.5 years in my battery bank. They are in like new condition as they take really well …


Economics and Investing:

2014 – Internationalization Of The Yuan, The Opening Of Saudi Arabia, The Implosion Of The EU, And Three Of The Last Pillars Of The Dollar Crumble R.I.P. USA November 21, 2013 Items from The Economatrix: Stamp Prices To Go Up 1 Cent In January Applications For Jobless Benefits Fall Again Nasdaq Closes Above 4,000 For First Time In 13 Years


Odds ‘n Sods:

Anyone looking for tree felling rigging and climbing gear for arborists should check out Sherrill Tree.    o o o Reader B.M. mentioned a web page of interest to anyone living in cold country and of great interest to anyone who lives on Alaska’s Tanana River: Dangerous Ice. JWR Adds: BTW, I learned riverine operations in power boats on the Tanana, when I attended Northern Warfare School, back in 1980. That was great fun.    o o o Outrage of the Week: Do as I Say, Not as I Do–New York Elitists Ray Kelly and Mayor Bloomberg Think Their Safety …


Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, …