I spent my time wisely spending two years of my life in Tennessee

My parents mailed my bike to me in Tennessee

Background, Context, and Assumptions
Wise can be economic

Best reasons to agree (+):

1. I had a lot of good experience. Growing up with my closes brother being 8 years older than me, it was good for me to see what other people were like. 
2. Going on a mission forced me to grow up, and become who I am. I lived by myself. Ever few months I could start over with a new co-worker. 
3. You can find yourself better through hard work, and dedication to something better than through philosophy classes, or acting stupid with fellow vapid, ignorant teenagers. 
4. Before I went, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I went into the home of some engineers, that seemed to have a pretty good life. I was a "business" major before my mission, and changed to "mechanical engineering" after my mission. That decision has greatly impacted my life, and I quickly made back the money that was spent on that decision. I always felt that engineering was a real skill that the world needed, that made lives better. Business was just a bunch of gobbly goop that was just kissing up and kicking down, and playing the game of climbing the social ladder. Business was just being a used car salesman taking money from stupid people for stuff that they didn't really need. Sure, I guess engineers make the stupid stuff that people don't really need, but at least there is something noble in the making... instead of the art of being a middle man. I know this is some of the stupidest most self righteous stuff, and that there are lots of noble "businessmen" but the whole science of it seemed like something I did not want to study. Or course it is necessary. Countries will fail that don't understand economics. You have to understand psychology to know how to sell to people. There is something to being smart enough to trick people out of their money, but it doesn't seem like it was for me. Of course, I know this is stupid. There are good business people that really do give people things they need, in efficient ways.

Best reasons to disagree (-):

1. 
   

Besides just trying to come up with a list of reasons to agree or disagree, I am trying to promote an algorithm, that counts these reasons and gives each conclusion a score based on the number of reasons to agree compared to the number of reasons to disagree. Because each reason (or argument) that supports a conclusion will not be just as valid as the other arguments, I think an algorithm should be made that also judges REASONS or arguments based on the number of REASONS that agree or disagree with them... For instance if you were FDR you could have come up with reasons to join WWII. For instance "Germany is doing bad things". You could then come up with reasons to agree (or disagree) with this argument.

If, at each level better arguments get better scores, then at the top level, conclusions with better arguments will also get better scores. 

Below is my score, so far, for the above belief. The score is based on arguments that I have come up with so far. But I need your help. I can't brainstorm all the reasons to agree or disagree with an argument by myself. And the number of arguments that agree or disagree with a conclusion will affect the overall score.  

Score:

# of reasons to agree: +4

# of reasons to disagree: -0

# of reasons to agree with reasons to agree: +0

# of reasons to agree with reasons to disagree: -0

Total Idea Score: +4

Don't like the score? It is easy to change the score. Just post a reason to agree or disagree with the overall idea, or any of the reasons and the score will change.

For a full explanation of this project, please visit our  Google code website: https://code.google.com/p/ideastockexchange/

Best books that agree (+):
Best books that disagree (-):


Best webpages that agree (+):
Best webpages that disagree (-):


Interest of those who agree: +
Interest of those who disagree (-):

Best Videos that agree (+):

Best Videos that disagree (-):

Poems that agree (+):

Poems that disagree (-):

Podcast that agree (+):

Podcast that disagree (-):

Songs that agree (+):

Songs that disagree (-):

Images that agree (+):

Images that disagree (-):

This is going to be a place for me to dump stuff from my mission. As sort of an archive, so I can keep an electronic copy, and throw away a lot of my papers. 

I "walked" for 2 years, ever other week in Tennessee on my Mission, and put lots of miles on my Dr. Martins

We would go around to people's house, and we were asked to leave a spiritual thought... We would find stuff we liked. Here is a folded up piece of paper that I kept, and read in many people's homes:

Dee Groberg - "THE RACE"

“Quit! Give up! You’re beaten!” they shout at me, and plead. 
“There’s just too much against you now, this time you can’t succeed.”

And as I start to hang my head in front of failure’s face, 
My downward fall is broken by the memory of a race. 
And hope refills my weakened will, as I recall that scene, 
For just the thought of that short race rejuvenates my being.

They all lined up so full of hope, each thought to win that race. 
Or tie for first, or if not that, at least take second place. 
And fathers watched from off the side, each cheering for his son, 
And each boy hoped to show his dad, that he would be the one.

The whistle blew, and off they went, young hearts and hopes afire, 
To win and be the hero there was each young boy’s desire. 
And one boy in particular, whose dad was in the crowd, 
Was running near the head, and thought, “My dad will be so proud!”

But as he fell, his dad stood up, and showed his anxious face, 
Which to the boy so clearly said, “Get up and win the race.” 
He quickly rose, no damage done, behind a bit, that’s all, 
And ran with all his mind and might to make up for his fall.

So anxious to restore himself, to catch up and to win, 
His mind went faster than his legs; he slipped and fell again!
He wished then he had quit before with only one disgrace. 
“I’m hopeless as a runner now, I shouldn’t try to race.”

But in the laughing crowd he searched, and found his father’s face, 
that steady look that said again, “Get up and win the race!”
So up he jumped to try again, ten yards behind the last, 
“If I’m to gain those yards,” he thought, “I’ve got to move real fast.”

Exceeding everything he had he gained back eight or ten, 
But trying so to catch the lead, he slipped and fell again.
Defeat! He lay there silently, a tear dropped from his eye. 
“There is no sense in running more. Three strikes, I’m out, why try?”

The will to rise had disappeared, all hope had fled away. 
So far behind, so error prone, a loser all the way.
“I’ve lost, so what’s the use,” he thought, “I’ll live with my disgrace.” 

But then he thought about his dad, who soon he’d have to face.

“Get up!” an echo sounded low, “Get up, and take your place. 
You were not meant for failure here, get up and win the race.”
“With borrowed will get up,” it said, “You have not lost at all. 
For winning is no more than this: to rise each time you fall.”

So up he rose to run once more, and with a new commit, 
He resolved that win or lose, at least he wouldn’t quit.
So far behind the others now, the most he’d ever been, 
Still he gave it all he had, and ran as though to win.

Three times he’d fallen stumbling, three times he’d rose again, 
Too far behind to hope to win he still ran to the end. 
They cheered the winning runner, as he crossed the line first place. 
Head high and proud and happy, no falling, no disgrace. 

But when the fallen youngster crossed the finish line last place, 
The crowd gave him the greater cheer for finishing the race.
And even though he came in last, with head bowed low, unproud, 
You would have thought he won the race to listen to the crowd.

And to his dad, he sadly said, “I didn’t do so well.” 
“To me you won!” his father said, “You rose each time you fell.”

And when things seem dark and hard, and difficult to face, 
The memory of that little boy helps me to win my race. 
For all of life is like that race, with ups and downs and all, 
And all you have to do to win is rise each time you fall.

“Quit! Give up! You’re beaten!” they still shout in my face. 
But another voice within me says: “GET UP AND WIN THE RACE!”

Health Goals and Tasks: With arguments

Rethinking Fitness Equipment Purchases: A Logical Approach

When considering the purchase of weight lifting equipment, a logical approach involves evaluating the necessity against your current fitness capabilities and goals. A structured method of analysis, inspired by the Idea Stock Exchange's approach to automated conflict resolution and cost-benefit analysis, can guide this decision.

Evaluating the Need for Weight Lifting Equipment

1. Reasons to Delay Purchase (Score: +5-1=+4):

   • Free Alternatives: Push-ups, pull-ups, and burpees offer no-cost exercises (Score: +2).
   • Space and Assembly Constraints: Exercise equipment can be cumbersome and space-consuming (Score: +2).
   • Safety and Health Considerations: Push-ups are argued to be safer and healthier than benching, involving more comprehensive body engagement and less risk of injury (Score: +4).
   • Counterargument: In certain scenarios, the inability to avoid physical confrontations may require a more intimidating physical presence, making strength training essential (Score: -1).

2. When to Consider Purchasing Equipment:

   • Progress Plateau: If you've maximized your gains from bodyweight exercises, then purchasing equipment can offer new challenges and growth opportunities.
   • Specific Muscle Targeting: Equipment like benches can isolate specific muscle groups more effectively than push-ups (Score: -1).
   • Affordability and Space: If budget and space are not constraints, investing in equipment can enhance your exercise routine.

3. Balanced Approach:

   • Cost-Benefit Analysis: Compare the potential benefits of equipment with its costs, including monetary, space, and setup effort.
   • Functional Training Consideration: Dumbbells, for example, offer a practical way to strengthen biceps and forearms, enhancing everyday functionality (Score: -1).

Algorithmic Approach to Decision Making:

This method involves counting the reasons to agree or disagree with a conclusion, assigning scores to each argument based on their validity and relevance. For instance, in the context of fitness equipment:

• "Germany is doing bad things" could be an argument for joining WWII, with subsequent layers of arguments supporting or opposing it.
• Each level of argument is scored based on its strength, influencing the overall conclusion score.

Conclusion:

Before purchasing weight lifting equipment, consider the strength and relevance of arguments for and against the purchase. Only proceed when the benefits, considering your current fitness level and goals, outweigh the costs and constraints.

Action Items:

• Non-Repeating Tasks:
  1. Buy forearm squeezy thing for grip strength.
  2. Find a suitable location for pull-ups.
  3. Consider buying dumbbells after reaching a plateau with bodyweight exercises.
• Repeating Tasks:
• Continuously evaluate your fitness progress and equipment needs.

You should wait to buy weight lifting equipment until you have maxed out your push-ups, pull-ups and burpees. (score=+5-1=+4)

Best reasons to agree: +2+2+4-1-1-1: +5

Best reasons to disagree: -1

It is free to do push-ups.  Exercise equipment is a hassle to put together and takes up too much room. Push-ups are better for you than benching.  Reasons to agree. +2 You have to keep your back straight for push-ups. That is good for your back. It is much better for your back and stomach muscles than sit-ups. Google it. Sit-ups are bad for your back. You should just do push-ups.  It is not good to load up heavier weight. You shouldn't try to bulk up. Reasons to agree: +4 It is easier to hurt yourself trying to bulk up. Although people can get knee surgeries, it is better on your knees if you don't bulk up.  After 35 you can't bulk up without hurting yourself. The best you can hope for is to tone up. Wimps with guns can hurt you. Adults don't get into fights. Thinking about fighting is dumb. You have kids to support. You have your whole life ahead of you. This isn't the wild west. You don't have to stand up to crime, and lawlessness. Trust the police. Criminals will eventually get their come up-ens.  Reasons to disagree: -1 Sometimes, you can't choose to not get in a fight. It's better to be intimidating than to be a wimp. Being big prevents fights. People with guns don't carry their guns all the time. Sometimes, you have to stand up for something.  Reasons to disagree: -1 Bench isolates your pectorals better than push-ups, and so it makes sense to buy a bench. You can load up heavier weights benching than push-ups, so it makes sense to buy a bench.  Reasons to disagree (see above: "It is not good to load up heavier weight. You shouldn't try to bulk up."

If you have lots of money, exercise equipment is a better purchase than other things. Also, weight machines don't cost that much. Also, if spare rooms or moving casts are not a big concern, you can disregard them.  Dumbbells don't cost that much, take up much room, and are the best way to exercise your bicep and forearm. These practical muscles could improve your functionality and not just make you look better.

Besides just trying to come up with a list of reasons to agree or disagree, I am trying to promote an algorithm that counts these reasons and gives each conclusion a score based on the number of reasons to agree compared to the number of reasons to disagree. Because each reason (or argument) that supports a conclusion will not be as valid as the other arguments, an algorithm should be made that also judges REASONS or arguments based on the number of REASONS that agree or disagree with them... For instance, if you were FDR, you could have come up with reasons to join WWII. For instance "Germany is doing bad things". You could then come up with reasons to agree (or disagree) with this argument.

If, at each level, better arguments get better scores, then at the top level, conclusions with better arguments will also get better scores. 

Non Repeating Tasks:

1. Buy forearm squeezy thing.
2. Find a good place to do pull-ups. 
3. Buy dumbbells after you have plateaued with push-ups, burpees, and pullups.

Repeating Tasks:

We need technical writters

Images that agree:

The instructions for a hair dryer my wife 's sister bought

Violence causes more violence

Images that agree:

Arguments Supporting the Belief:

1. Historical Precedence and Human Behavior: In many regions, like the Middle East, there is a cycle of violence where each party remembers and retaliates for past violent incidents. This perpetuates a cycle of violence.

2. Learned Behavior: Violence can be a learned behavior. For instance, children may learn violent tendencies from their parents, perpetuating the cycle.

Arguments Opposing the Belief:

1. Violence as a Result of Frustration: Even those who have not been exposed to violence in their upbringing can exhibit violent behaviors. This argument suggests that violence is not necessarily caused by previous violence but rather by frustration and a lack of healthy problem-solving strategies.

2. The Complexity of Violence: This perspective challenges the simplicity of the belief, suggesting that violence is not just a reaction to previous violence. It acknowledges the many factors that contribute to violence, such as socio-economic conditions, mental health, and environmental influences.

Objective Criteria to Measure the Strength of this Belief:

The strength of this belief can be measured by looking at empirical data from sociological and psychological studies, historical conflict data, and crime rates over time. Understanding the root causes of violence and studying the effectiveness of violence prevention programs can also be insightful.

Shared Interests between Those Who Agree/Disagree:

Both sides likely agree on the importance of preventing violence and finding solutions to end violent behaviors and cycles.

Key Opposing Interests:

Those who agree with the belief may advocate for strategies focused on breaking the cycle of violence, such as conflict resolution and nonviolent communication training. On the other hand, those who disagree may believe more in addressing root causes like social inequality, lack of education, and mental health issues.

Solutions:

Addressing root causes of violence, teaching healthy problem-solving skills, promoting nonviolent communication, and implementing effective violence prevention programs.

Strategies for Encouraging Commitment to Evidence-Based Solutions:

Promote a balanced approach that combines both views: addressing root causes (like socio-economic factors and mental health issues) and implementing strategies to break the cycle of violence.

As for evidence to support these perspectives, one can find numerous sociological and psychological studies, books, documentaries, expert interviews, and data from law enforcement and international bodies that either support or challenge the belief that "violence causes more violence."

There's a certain audacity required to pull off a joke successfully, which often manifests in actions that might seem unkind in a different context.

Images that agree:


Reasons to Agree:

1. The Essence of Comedy: Often, humor arises from the unexpected and the outrageous. In this case, the surprise of being showered with toilet paper via leaf blower definitely checks those boxes.
2. Making Life Interesting: Incorporating elements of fun and humor into everyday life can help keep things lively and interesting. Commitment to a good joke, even if it's a bit outrageous, adds a layer of unexpected amusement that can make routine life more enjoyable.
3. Shared Laughter: Assuming both parties find it funny eventually, it can lead to shared laughter and bonding.

Reasons to Disagree:

1. Respect for Personal Boundaries: Some may argue that this kind of prank infringes on personal boundaries, and it could be considered disrespectful, especially if the person on the receiving end doesn't find it funny.
2. Potential for Misunderstanding: Not everyone has the same sense of humor, and what's funny to one person can be annoying or even distressing to another.
3. Timing and Context: While some pranks are harmless and in good fun, the timing and context need to be considered. If the joke is not well-received, it can lead to conflict or discomfort.

a) Fundamental beliefs or principles one must reject to also reject this belief:

• The belief that humor should always be safe and predictable.
• The belief that any action causing minor discomfort, even temporarily and in the spirit of humor, is unkind.

b) Alternate expressions(e.g., metatags, mottos, hashtags):

• #PranksterLife
• #UnconventionalHumor
• #JokesterAtPlay

c) Objective criteria to measure the strength of this belief:

• Frequency of pranks within a social group or family.
• Reaction of those involved in the prank (laughter, annoyance, anger).
• Wider societal acceptance of pranks as a form of humor.

d) Shared interests between those who agree/disagree:

• Both parties likely value humor and shared laughter.
• A shared interest in maintaining a positive, respectful relationship.

e) Key opposing interests between those who agree/disagree (that must be addressed for mutual understanding):

• Those who agree may value spontaneity and unpredictability as key components of humor, while those who disagree may place a higher value on predictability and consent in humor.
• Those who agree might view life as being too short for seriousness all the time, whereas those who disagree might value a more sober approach to daily living.

f) Solutions:

• Clear communication about humor boundaries within the relationship.
• Agreeing on a 'safe word' or signal to be used if a prank goes too far.

g) Strategies for encouraging commitment to a resolution to evidence-based solutions:

• Providing examples of positive and negative prank outcomes.
• Discussing and agreeing upon humor boundaries.

Examples supporting the beliefs expressed:

1. Logical arguments:

• A prank, such as the one pictured, requires creativity, planning, and a certain audacity, demonstrating an investment in humor that some might find endearing.
• Assuming both parties find it funny eventually, pranks can serve as shared humorous memories.

2. Supporting evidence (data, studies):

• Studies showing the psychological benefits of laughter and shared humor in relationships.

3. Supporting books:

• "The Humor Code: A Global Search for What Makes Things Funny" by Peter McGraw and Joel Warner.

4. Supporting videos (movies, YouTube, TikTok):

• Various YouTube channels or TikTok accounts dedicated to harmless pranks.
• Videos from YouTube channels or TikTok accounts dedicated to harmless pranks where the recipients are seen laughing and enjoying the prank.
• Interviews or testimonials on video-sharing platforms where couples or friends share their experiences with pranks, emphasizing how it adds a level of excitement or novelty to their relationships.
• Educational videos from psychologists or relationship experts discussing the potential benefits of humor, surprise, and light-hearted mischief in maintaining long-term relationships.
• TED Talks or similar presentations discussing the role of humor and unpredictability in fostering human connections and keeping life interesting.
• Documentaries that explore the role of humor in different cultures, potentially illustrating how being slightly 'mischievous' can coexist with kindness and respect.

"The Long Laugh: The Unexpected Depth of Prank Culture

In this yet-to-be-made documentary, we delve into the world of pranks, practical jokes, and the people who live them. With Ashton Kutcher as the central figure, we explore his past hosting MTV's hit show "Punk'd" and how the experience shaped his relationships and view of humor.

Through a series of intimate interviews with Kutcher and other prank show hosts, we uncover the unexpected depth and nuance of the prank culture. We learn how commitment to humor, even when it seems over-the-top or "jerky", can foster unexpected connections, create shared experiences, and contribute to long-term relationships.

Not just focused on the hosts, the documentary would also interview the 'victims' of these pranks, exploring their reactions, feelings, and any long-term effects on their relationships with the pranksters.

In the end, "The Long Laugh" would challenge our perceptions about pranks, humor, and their role in our relationships, offering compelling evidence for the belief that a commitment to humor, including the execution of elaborate jokes, can make life more interesting and even foster stronger connections among people.

Please note, this documentary does not currently exist and is merely a hypothetical creation that could offer supporting evidence for the discussed belief.

5. Supporting organizations and their Websites:

• Comedy clubs or organizations that celebrate different forms of humor, including pranks.

6. Supporting podcasts:

• "The Comedy Button" - a podcast where hosts share their funny life stories and antics.

7. Unbiased experts:

• Psychologists or sociologists studying humor and relationships.

8. Benefits of belief acceptance (ranked by Maslow categories):

• Physiological: Laughter can be a stress reliever and promotes physical relaxation.
• Safety: Shared humor can reinforce bonds and a sense of belonging.
• Love/Belonging: Shared laughter and humor can enhance relationships.
• Esteem: Successfully executed pranks can be a source of personal accomplishment.
• Self-Actualization: The freedom to express one's humor style can be an element of self-expression and personal fulfillment.

Ultimately, the 'rightness' of a joke depends on the people involved, their relationship, and their shared understanding of what constitutes humor.

In the context of humor, masculinity, and relationships, it's important to note that a significant amount of communication, bonding, and social interaction can be conveyed through humor and playful teasing. This is especially noticeable in many masculine social dynamics where banter and joking criticism are often seen as a sign of camaraderie or friendship.

However, it's crucial to distinguish between good-natured teasing, which is typically reciprocal and occurs in a context of mutual respect and understanding, and harmful or malicious criticism, which is one-sided, hurtful, and may contribute to unhealthy relationships.

Here's how this might align with interests, goals, and the other factors:

a) Fundamental beliefs or principles one must reject to also reject this belief:

• The belief that humor and criticism in relationships should always be gentle or non-existent.
• The belief that playful teasing and joking criticism can't serve as a bonding mechanism in relationships.

b) Alternate expressions (e.g., metatags, mottos, hashtags):

• #HealthyBanter, #PlayfulTeasing, #MasculineHumor

c) Objective criteria to measure the strength of this belief:

• Social studies exploring humor's role in bonding, specifically focusing on the masculine dynamics.
• Relationship satisfaction surveys or studies focusing on relationships where playful teasing and banter are common.

d) Shared interests between those who agree/disagree:

• Both sides likely agree on the importance of respect and mutual understanding in any relationship.
• Both might value humor, although they may have differing opinions on its acceptable forms.

e) Key opposing interests between those who agree/disagree (that must be addressed for mutual understanding):

• Those disagreeing may worry about the potential for harm or misunderstanding in using criticism as a form of humor.
• Those agreeing might point out the benefits of a more direct, playful form of communication as a bonding tool.

f) Solutions:

• Communication is key in any relationship. Clear discussion about comfort levels and boundaries regarding humor and criticism is crucial.
• Encouraging humor literacy can be beneficial, helping people understand when humor is playful versus when it crosses the line into harmful territory.

g) Strategies for encouraging commitment to a resolution to evidence-based solutions:

• Promoting healthy communication and humor literacy education.
• Conducting more research and social studies on humor's role in relationship dynamics, with a specific focus on masculine dynamics and joking criticism.

With respect to examples supporting these beliefs:

1. Logical arguments:

   • The argument that humor and criticism, when appropriately utilized, can foster deeper connections and enhance relationship dynamics.

2. Supporting evidence (data, studies):

   • Studies that explore the role of humor and teasing in bonding and relationship dynamics. For example, a 2014 study from the University of Kansas found that the ability to share a laugh could be a key factor in relationship satisfaction.

3. Supporting books:

   • "The Humor Code: A Global Search for What Makes Things Funny" by Peter McGraw and Joel Warner explores humor from various angles and could potentially provide insight into this belief.

4. Supporting videos (movies, YouTube, TikTok):

   • A hypothetical documentary or video series interviewing men and women about their experiences with humor, banter, and criticism in their relationships.

5. Supporting organizations and their Websites:

   • Organizations dedicated to promoting healthy relationships and communication, such as the Gottman Institute, may provide resources supporting this belief.

6. Supporting podcasts:

   • Podcasts focusing on relationships and communication may discuss this topic. An example might be Esther Perel's "Where Should We Begin?" podcast.

7. Unbiased experts:

   • Relationship counselors and therapists, social psychologists studying humor and relationship dynamics.