Weekend Reads: August 28, 2020

Welcome to Lowercase Weekend Reads. Grab a warm drink, a comfortable seat and get ready for our weekend reads highlighting the most important articles for the weekend.

Financially Vulnerable, Independent Music Venues Worry Of Having To Sell 

This is sad to see, but I am not surprised one bit. The music industry has become a machine where the rich get richer and poor get poorer. These small venues are notorious for brewing new talent, it is sad to see them suffer. 

Apple, Facebook fight over new advertising rules coming to iOS 14

Good job Apple! I think this is a step in the right direction in protecting our privacy. Do not get me wrong there is still a long way to go but I think if there is a company who can do this it is Apple. They do not have a big stake in intrusive advertising and I am sure a lot of people who value their privacy will now look into Apple products. 

Facebook bans some QAnon groups

Finally some positive stuff from FB. But here is what I question. For all the harm we know FB causes to democracy, is FB to be considered a platform or a media company? I don’t think there is a clear cut answer but it is an interesting one to ponder. 

It's not too late to save the internet from the Trump administration and China.

The internet is vital for democracy. But like everything else politics is now getting in the way of internet sovereignty. This is an interesting take on the matter. 

For Schopenhauer, happiness is a state of semi-satisfaction

Nerdiest article of the week. I enjoyed this one thoroughly. Not only am I a pessimist but I also love Schopenhauer. Also, the fact that his mom found his smarts annoying is funny. 

What we’re reading: 

The Honor Code by Kwame Anthony Appiah. 

Next in line:

Capital in the 21st Century by Thomas Piketty