CZM Book Club: Cool Zone 2054: Live From DinoCon 4 in Helsinki
Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff
Deep Dive
Why did the Dreadnoughts advertise their high mortality rate?
The Dreadnoughts promote their high mortality rate to attract fighters who embrace the idea of living on the edge and finding purpose in death. They argue that their philosophy, 'thonadonialism,' aligns with radical optimism by channeling morbid fascination into resistance against fascism.
What is the significance of the Dreadnoughts' unit in the Internationalist Army?
The Dreadnoughts are known for their high mortality rate, with an average fighter dying on their second engagement. Despite this, they have grown from 1,000 original fighters to over 10,000, attracting those who seek a purposeful death in the fight against fascism.
What is 'thonadonialism' and how does it relate to the Dreadnoughts' philosophy?
'Thonadonialism' is the Dreadnoughts' philosophy that embraces morbid fascination as a form of resistance. It argues that each era's dominant affect, such as misery, boredom, anxiety, or morbidity, can be used both by capitalism to control and by resistance movements to fight back.
What are the main features of the swag bag at DinoCon 4?
The swag bag includes a plush Ankylosaurus backpack, a floaty pen with a raptor design, a mug with a war-themed message, an edible wristwatch made of protein plastic, an SD card with virtual training environments, and a paperback book titled 'Heliotropum and the Egg'.
What challenges do drone fighters face in the ongoing drone war?
Drone fighters face an ongoing arms race where new EMP shielding and murder drones are constantly developed. Engineers must upgrade their defenses to counter the latest advancements from the enemy, ensuring that drones don't bring back the horrors of World War III.
What are the two new single-use wearable devices introduced by the California Cooperative?
The two devices are 'The Crab,' a belt-mounted Vishnu shield that activates upon detecting autonomous drones, and 'The Goosey,' a wristwatch that functions as a 2-meter shield when drones are detected. Both are single-use but save data for future improvements.
What was the main theme of the protest outside DinoCon 4?
The protest, organized by Dino D, focused on opposing the use of dinosaurs in war, with signs like 'Dino War Equals Dinos No More' and 'Free the Dinos.' Some protesters also critiqued the strategic efficacy of using dinosaurs as war mascots.
What is the significance of the Ankylosaurus brigades in the Dino War?
The Ankylosaurus brigades are known for their proletarian vibe and ability to interface smoothly with infantry. They have liberated more towns from fascists than any other unit due to their tank-like approach, rolling in to capture terrain.
What is the controversy surrounding the use of mascot soldiers in the Internationalist Army?
The use of mascot soldiers, like Trigger and Captain Emily Hanford Jr., is controversial because it challenges the idea of equal representation in the army. However, Trigger's achievements and status as a decorated fighter have earned them widespread acclaim.
What is the significance of the MicroRaptor incident at DinoCon?
The MicroRaptor incident refers to a past event at DinoCon that caused significant concern. While details are not provided, it is implied that the incident involved a dangerous situation with MicroRaptors, and organizers are cautious to prevent a repeat.
- DinoCon 4 took place in Helsinki, Finland.
- The event featured a swag bag with various items, including a plush Ankylosaurus backpack.
- The author describes the experience of flying over occupied Baltic states and the safety measures in place on the plane.
Shownotes Transcript