Those of you who have been around the science and history blogosphere long enough have probably become familiar with the excellent work of John McKay, who writes both at his personal blog archy and at Mammoth Tales.

The economy has been punishing a lot of us to varying degrees, and it has been hitting John and his wife particularly hard over the past few years — they’re in rough financial straits and could use a hand to keep themselves going.

The best way to help at this time?  John’s wife produces a line of high quality soaps and other scented products, under the label Howling Pig.

If you have a need of some really good soap or fragrance, please consider throwing a few dollars their way!  I’m going to start out with $50 worth of soaps, and plan on getting more for the holiday season (my family doesn’t smell too good!).  Also, if anyone needs a good writer in the Seattle area, please consider hiring the immensely talented John.

For those who know Bora Zivkovic, the “blogfather”, I should add that he gives Howling Pig his personal seal of approval!

For the record, I don’t consider such donations as “charity” per se; rather, it is an opportunity to show a talented writer and historian that his work and time really is valuable to me.