Skynet, Disaster Recovery, and the Dignity of Labor

Weekend Reads: September 28, 2018

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Get in Bed with Skynet

Candace Jackson | The New York Times | Shared by Tyler Cowen

Robotic furnishing companies are taking automated technology to new heights—your bedroom ceiling. Candace Jackson profiles new businesses that design homes with beds, closets, and more that give residents more room for home activities.

The Rise of Capitalism and the Dignity of Labor

Richard Eberling | American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) | Retweeted by Peter Boettke  

What does it mean to have dignity in work? How has the concept of labor changed throughout history, and why does it matter for economic mobility? Richard Eberling argues that the rise of liberal capitalism changed how relationships and exchange work, leading to a dramatic rise in the quality of life.

5G Is in Reach. But Only If We Set the Right Policies.

Ajit Pai | The Washington Post | Retweeted by Brent Skorup

In an op-ed for The Washington Post, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai discusses how the US can develop 5G technology across the country in the near future. Creating a welcoming, innovative environment is essential to bringing the country to the next level for wireless technology.

Tariffs to Raise Cost of Rebuilding After Hurricane Florence

Nelson Schwartz | The New York Times | Retweeted by David Beckworth

As the Southeast grapples with rebuilding after Hurricane Florence, Nelson Schwartz cites research in The New York Times showing that tariffs will increase the cost to rebuild by as much as 20 to 30 percent.

Earning the Right to Get Swindled

Matt Levine | Bloomberg | Shared by Alex Tabarrok

Strict rules regulate the kind of investments Americans can make--unless you’re a dentist, professional football player, successful business owner, or any other profession that makes more than $200,000 a year. Writing for Bloomberg, Matt Levine considers the concept of an “accredited investor” and how US securities law can be reformed.

The Market’s Beautiful Response to Hurricane Florence

Chloe Anagnos | American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) | Shared by Donald Boudreaux

How can companies such as Anheuser-Busch and Waffle House provide relief after natural disasters? Chloe Anagnos discusses how the market responds in times of need to help communities recover.

Is the Podcast Bubble Bursting?

Mathew Ingram | Columbia Journalism Review | Shared by Andrea O’Sullivan

Are podcasts the saviors of digital media? If so, why are Buzzfeed, Panoply, and other companies downsizing their audio production?

Most of Europe is a Lot Poorer than Most of the United States

Daniel Mitchell | Foundation for Economic Education | Tweeted by Robert Graboyes

Data shows that America is fiscally more stable than European countries. Would European countries prosper and thrive more without the fiscal burden their governments impose? Read more in the Foundation for Economic Education.

The Most Dangerous Place to Bicycle in America

Scott Calvert and Max Rust | The Wall Street Journal | Tweeted by Adam Millsap

A new report by The Wall Street Journal identifies the most dangerous cities and neighbors for bicyclists. Car-centric city planning and more cyclists on the road lead to increased accidents and fatalities.