Target Sports

One Second After Questions -Chapter 1-4

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Gulf Coast States

Member Benefits:

  • Fewer Ads!
  • Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership
  • Discuss anti-gun legislation
  • Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section
  • Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses
  • Discover free outdoor shooting areas
  • View up to date on firearm-related events
  • Share photos & video with other members
  • ...and so much more!
  • ilintner

    Retired
    Super Moderator
    GCGF Supporter
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Joined
    Sep 26, 2012
    Messages
    5,043
    Points
    63
    Location
    Pensacola
    Thanks Ian, I make one a week and this was it. I'll tell ya, last night I had a dream of my family and I on a sailboat. Outside of pirates, I think that may be something to consider...solar water stills, plenty of abundant sea life to eat, very low populations of people.....I don't know shit about sailing, but I see I can a get a 30-35' Catalina or like for 5-8K...I live on the bay, if I can get one with a raised keel as outback is maybe 3ft in winter, I'm gonna do it. Now who can teach me to sail? lol...

    Yes, the go carts have Teflon coated bowls for the nights we pillage the Chinese buffets....

    Sean, good point on the well. I'd buy, borrow or steal as many 55 gallon drums as you can, fill them w/ h20 and bury them. Or one of those reservoirs use on farms. If you're gonna stay put, water, food and ammo buddy....along with beef jerk, gun porn and bourbon

    The possibility of surviving via the sea has crossed my mind too, my in laws are 4 generations deep in shrimping and that could be invaluable to our family's survival during a long term catastrophe.

    They live on the water, a river, with quick access to the Gulf, I don't know how much of what they do relies on electronics now though. Need to get with them and wrap the shrimp boat in foil at some point.

    The more I think about it, the more I think that where they are is probably a pretty damn good location for me to make my way towards if things go wrong.
     

    Hossfly72

    Marksman
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Joined
    Nov 22, 2012
    Messages
    958
    Points
    0
    I read the book a couple of months ago and had to put it down several times just because I could see it in such closeness. If I was single, not a problem. I eat stuff that'll make a billy goat puke. I could walk home to family in Tenn and protect myself and even enjoy "camping out" on the trip. But I'm married with a stepdaughter and she and the wife both have massive medical conditions. Wife is on meds due to an aortic dissection a couple of years ago and daughter has a brain tumor but is stable. She just gets tired real easy. Any way you see it, it'll be a nightmare for me. The govment won't let us stock up on their meds. We've got food stored up for a while but folks better enjoy pickles with every meal. Beentrying to sell my Jeep and buy an old truck for just such a thing. One of the hardest books I've ever read because it'll make you think long and hard about how screwed we are when it happens.

    Heard a story the other day about our readiness for it. It was estimated that it would take 3 billion dollars to harden our grid against it. Think we'll cough that relatively tiny chunk up or keep spending on useless things?
     

    Seanpcola

    Moderator
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Joined
    Sep 29, 2012
    Messages
    10,876
    Points
    0
    Location
    Pensacola, FL (Beulah)
    Howdy Hoss, I was really hoping you'd join in. Folks, Hoss here is a very close friend of mine and the kind of guy I would prefer to have watching my back in a bad situation. Oh, and he got me to start watching "The Walking Dead" so I owe him.

    Yeah Hoss, 3 billion is way too much to cough up for something like this. Remember, we have Michelle O's vacations to pay for not to mention all of those free cellphones health care.

    Clay, love the "go" karts. The more I look at the design the more practicality is evident. A toilet with a cooler behind it? Talk about taking beer drinking to a whole new level of convenience! And, when you run out you can drive straight to Tom Thumb.

    I frequent another forum really often, RCGroups which is mainly RC aircraft related but we have a good life/politics section. Occasionally disaster prep comes up on there so I've related my hurricane experiences. I get asked what supplies should be stocked up when one is predicted. My list:

    Non-perishable food
    Liquor store run
    Water
    Liquor store run
    Ammo run
    Liquor store run
    Pharmacy run
    Liquor store run
    Top off all vehicle fuel tanks and any cans.
    Liquor store run

    Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms ain't just another government bureaucracy, it's a shopping list.

    Speaking of tobacco. I smoke. I fluctuate between 2 packs a day and half a pack a day. I occasionally go several days without. I note my usage to show that my addiction is really more psychological than physical. I don't display physical symptoms when I go without. Plus, I have busy hands. I bring this up thinking about John's habit in the book. It was an interesting detail and under those stressful conditions I could see chain smoking them. Flip side the dwindling supply of coffin nails would be a good thing. In fact I would look at the lack of them as a blessing and frankly be relieved that I couldn't get them anymore. That's one convenience I wish wasn't there now.

    OK, I confess I'm weak when it comes to tobacco. FWIW, I tried quite a few "substances" in my teenage years and walked away unhooked so I can at least say that in my defense. LOL Oh, and I could live without alcohol, I go months at a time without a drop but that would be much more important (the occasional treat and numbing effect) than tobacco.


    I thought about the boat angle too. Lots of advantages to that but the pirate problem would be a very real threat. Of course without power boats it would revert more to the old seafaring days. A larger vessel, heavily armed and a decent sized crew might do better especially with 24 hour watches. Note to self: Obtain and protect in tinfoil a few dozen pairs of NVGs.

    Totally unrelated comment about this forum's functions. I love the "Auto save" feature. Other forums don't have that and if you don't copy what you're writing and want to come back to it later you lose it all. This is cool.

    Sean (easily impressed)
     

    FUPAGUNT

    Master
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Joined
    Sep 26, 2012
    Messages
    5,122
    Points
    48
    Location
    Pace
    Ok here goes nuttin. Im not much of a writer but Ill give it a shot...

    1) What existing knowledge did you have regarding an EMP prior to reading the book?


    I have been reading about it for the past couple years or so, ever since a friend of mine turned me on to one of his Survival Forums that he frequents. I guess you can say I have a little knowledge on the subject. Some scary shit if you ask me...

    2) Do you believe the book is an accurate portrayal of the state of readiness the USA maintains for an EMP?

    Im not sure what to believe actually.. Being the tinfoil hat wearer that I am I would not put it past our awesome gooberment to set off its own EMP at some point to cull some of its population down. I believe everyone would be round up into FEMA Camps aka. Concentration Camps to be looked over while Marshall Law was in effect.. I think you might have a fighting chance if you start hoarding water, food, medical supplies, guns and ammo, but even after that all runs out I believe you would be screwed anyway. An EMP would send you back to the dark ages..

    3) What would be your response in the scenario John Matherson is facing?

    4 things:

    1. Lay low with that Edsel, dont be driving that all over town because your bound to get jacked..
    2. Spend more time with your loved ones. Teach them how to hunt, fish, gather etc. they will need it
    3. If my daughter were sick and in need of meds, I wouldnt stop until she had what she needed.
    4. With the end of times coming he should be secretly beating the guts out of Mikayla. Anyone else wanna see a pic of this chick??

    4) With the limited knowledge of chapters 1-4, are there any new approaches to prepping that you're applying in real life?


    Stocking up on more canned food, water, ammo and medical supplies. Also lots of batteries and ways to start a fire are a must..
    5) If the USA just had the lights turned off as it appears to have happened, how do you perceive a dystopian society impacting government, judicial systems, politics, environmental concerns, medical treatments, mental health issues, religious freedoms,etc. (a dystopia is the opposite of a 'utopia' for those not familiar with the term-Hunger Games, Equilibrium, Fahrenheit 451-all movies about this topic )

    I feel that unless you prepare with other like minded individuals before something like this were to occur, it would be every man for himself.
     

    Clay

    Master
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Joined
    Sep 27, 2012
    Messages
    2,299
    Points
    0
    Location
    On The Bay
    I decided today to buy bulk rolling tobacco. Like Sean, I had more of psychological addiction than physical and gave it up while boxing in college, apparently smoking makes you get your ass beat. My wife and I smoke when we drink, that's it and a pack lasts us a week as the weekends, well it's on like donkey kong after lights out for the kids. Three little girls, 9, 2 and 8 months, I should be chain smoking and have a reverse colostomy bag soaking my liver with Wild Turkey 24/7.

    My point, tobacco will be worth more than gold, 10x gold. Spend a hundred bucks and get as many tins as you can get, you will not regret and if world peace blesses us, then we can all roll one on you.

    Clay
     

    Seanpcola

    Moderator
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Joined
    Sep 29, 2012
    Messages
    10,876
    Points
    0
    Location
    Pensacola, FL (Beulah)
    Excellent responses Fupagunt..........and truthful.

    On the Mukala angle here: I agree. Single man in that situation finding an attractive intelligent woman with medical knowledge and mad skills. A keeper across the board. I am a happily married man (nods to MsChief) and don't want it any other way but...............

    EMP
    Living way out in the middle of nowhere in a heavily fortified mansion, solid concrete and fence upon fence.
    Unlimited supply of food, water, firearms, ammo, medical supplies and liquor.
    Busload of Dallas Cowboy's cheerleaders that just happened to get lost down you're long, winding and unmapped 8 mile long driveway when the SHTF.

    Priceless.

    Seriously (as if the previous wasn't). I always assign a look to all book characters, usually influenced by movies I've seen or people I know. I see Makala looking like my wife when we met and were married. 5'8", all legs, long blond hair, lean and coltish, wearing glasses and dressed business formal. I see Jen looking like my mom because they have similar traits. John probably looking a little like Rick from The Walking Dead. The daughters haunt me, they look a good deal like mine at their age. One gangly, blonde and tall, the other a tiny bit more solid, strikingly beautiful eyes, a bit darker.
     

    Seanpcola

    Moderator
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Joined
    Sep 29, 2012
    Messages
    10,876
    Points
    0
    Location
    Pensacola, FL (Beulah)
    Thank you Clay, I can now attribute any future ass kickings to smoking. Certainly can't believe my lack of SD prowess to any sort of negligence on training or less than ideal conditioning.....................

    Maybe I should stock up on bulk tobacco for future bartering. Never considered it. Great point.

    Physical conditioning. Pretty much my whole life I've hovered on the high end of ideal weight. Never been truly obese (I do have some self respect) but almost the whole time I could lose a couple of pounds. I do work fairly hard daily so I would say I'm a little bit above average for my age. I've developed a little bit of paunch lately. Age? Maybe. A "late in life" attraction to beer? Probably. I'm 55 YO and never cared for beer all that much. Honestly. However, a couple of years ago I tasted my first Corona and it's my crack. I love that stuff. I cannot choke down anything "Lite", don't enjoy any other domestics and I really, REALLY don't like any dark beers. My doctor thinks it's because I have an affinity for salty stuff, I never use salt on any foods but I sweat like a pig every day at work. He actually thinks it's a good thing that I slam a couple at night. I love my doc. Anyone that makes half a mil a year for his vast knowledge that tells me I need to drink Corona is a God in my book. Wife too. She lived 18 hellashious years with a drunk. In fact the only reason she agreed to go out with me was because I drank one drink in a three hour conversation with her at a nightclub. The fact that she actually checks my beer fridge in our bar to be sure I'm well stocked must mean she loves me. That and ammo. When she comes home from Walmart weekly there is always a case of Corona, at least one box of WWB in 9MM or .40 and a box of whatever .22LR to feed her favorite range pistol.

    Hmmm, reading my last paragraph I think I need to keep momma around and forget the cheerleaders.
     

    JohnAL

    Master
    GCGF Supporter
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Joined
    Sep 27, 2012
    Messages
    7,108
    Points
    0
    Location
    Whitehouse Forks, Alabama
    I have to apologize for not answering the questions. This week went from nothing to do to frenzied in about 3 seconds. Quick drive-bys are all I have had time for but I am enjoying reading the comments.
     

    Seanpcola

    Moderator
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Joined
    Sep 29, 2012
    Messages
    10,876
    Points
    0
    Location
    Pensacola, FL (Beulah)
    No apologies needed. Life has a way of getting between someone and a good time. I think I can speak for the rest of us when I say we're all about to get real busy. Holidays are fast approaching.

    Probably a good point to bring up here: Christmas/New Year's. Momma does 95% of the shopping and decorating but I have the easy things to do like last minute remodeling, landscaping and house cleaning to attend, you know, the easy stuff. LOL. We may all have to pull back some for the next 3-4 weeks but I'm sure that it won't be a lack of enthusiasm.
     

    Stanley13

    I'm From AL and I Love to Shoot Shit
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Joined
    Sep 27, 2012
    Messages
    2,190
    Points
    38
    Location
    Alabama
    I finished it yesterday. Question. They live in the mountains where r the ATV's at?? And man I been dreaming about what Johns new blonde look like??? Need pics...

    If i where single in this situation and power like John has i would keep every Hot outsider chick i could afford to feed and maybe a few i couldnt!!! But i am happily engaged and have all i will ever need from her so there goes that idea!! Can U say mountain Bunny ranch??
     

    Seanpcola

    Moderator
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Joined
    Sep 29, 2012
    Messages
    10,876
    Points
    0
    Location
    Pensacola, FL (Beulah)
    I finished it yesterday. Question. They live in the mountains where r the ATV's at?? And man I been dreaming about what Johns new blonde look like??? Need pics...

    If i where single in this situation and power like John has i would keep every Hot outsider chick i could afford to feed and maybe a few i couldnt!!! But i am happily engaged and have all i will ever need from her so there goes that idea!! Can U say mountain Bunny ranch??

    First guess: All ATVs have electronics.

    Of course we can all dream about having a harem of lovelies indentured to us but think through the reality of the scenario in the book. You really gonna be thinking about playtime when you're too weak to walk?
     

    Clay

    Master
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Joined
    Sep 27, 2012
    Messages
    2,299
    Points
    0
    Location
    On The Bay
    How about this folks, to close out this book, we all submit ONE question to the group? The question can be from chapters 5 on and should be thought provoking and designed to cultivate a discussion.

    If you'd like me to continue providing questions, no problem and I'll post them by the morning. Cherly, Ian, Ben, Stan, Justin, Frank, Sean....thoughts? Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend- Papa-Clay
     
    Last edited:

    Seanpcola

    Moderator
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Joined
    Sep 29, 2012
    Messages
    10,876
    Points
    0
    Location
    Pensacola, FL (Beulah)
    OK.

    Gangs. BIG problem. My opinion: I see how they handled it but I don't think that battle was realistic. A force that size I don't believe could be corralled en mass. Pretty sure there would have been enough intelligent people in that group that a good many would have seen the trap.

    What to do in real life? No answer. Maybe a bait and switch thing? Everyone hightail it with the provisions and somehow double back till they passed through. Probably too many logistical problems for that.

    Other questions but gonna think on it.
     

    Stanley13

    I'm From AL and I Love to Shoot Shit
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Joined
    Sep 27, 2012
    Messages
    2,190
    Points
    38
    Location
    Alabama
    I could find some energy or die trying

    First guess: All ATVs have electronics.

    Of course we can all dream about having a harem of lovelies indentured to us but think through the reality of the scenario in the book. You really gonna be thinking about playtime when you're too weak to walk?

    Well i own 3 atv's and one has no electronics at all plus owned many that didnt. Would think the back woods mountain type would have some pull start old atvs laying around?Just crossed my mind when i was thinking what do i own that would survive u know what i mean?

    And yes i would find the strength for play time even if i died doing it thats the way to go for sure!!!

    And they could have used the corn and stuff for baiting animals. Left someone their watching 24/7 and shoot deer,hogs,turkey,coons and whatever. Think how easy hunting would b with NO game warden!!! And no one spoke of fishing that i remember?
     

    Seanpcola

    Moderator
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Joined
    Sep 29, 2012
    Messages
    10,876
    Points
    0
    Location
    Pensacola, FL (Beulah)
    And think how scarce game is gonna be when every last drop of canned, processed and otherwise package food is gone along with 10's of thousands of starving people all hunting at the same time. It ain't gonna be like deer season. Every last fawn is gonna get harvested, every egg eaten, squirrel, rat, snake. I'd bet that within 6 months tops you wouldn't find a single four legged creature in all of Baldwin County (as example) that was edible.

    Fishing: Remember, they were in NC. I have family from Black Mountain and Asheville. Lots of great fishing. Now picture every available boat on the water and every foot of shoreline occupied. There would be a point where all bodies of water would get fished out. I'd bet on it.

    Down here? Much better luck probably for seafood. However, picture coming to shore with a few in your live well. Then 5 guys wait till you tie up and pop you. Or pirates.

    Well i own 3 atv's and one has no electronics at all plus owned many that didnt. Would think the back woods mountain type would have some pull start old atvs laying around?Just crossed my mind when i was thinking what do i own that would survive u know what i mean?

    And yes i would find the strength for play time even if i died doing it thats the way to go for sure!!!

    And they could have used the corn and stuff for baiting animals. Left someone their watching 24/7 and shoot deer,hogs,turkey,coons and whatever. Think how easy hunting would b with NO game warden!!! And no one spoke of fishing that i remember?
     
    Last edited:
    Top Bottom