Ellie Suggests: Make Exercise Fun With Richard Simmons!

I have always thought that exercising is a lot like studying for a test: There are subjects I enjoy learning about and subjects I can’t stand, but whatever the test is on, I feel much more relaxed and confident if I am prepared. (Not to mention, the results are better!) In the same way, even if I don’t always enjoy the process, there is nothing like exercise to keep me relaxed and confident (a.k.a. out of my fat jeans), and it is something I make sure to schedule in because I know it is an integral part of taking responsibility for my health.

If you haven’t exercised in a while because you’ve been too busy, or you have never exercised a day in your life, now is the time to make it a priority. Even if you start with just a few minutes three times a week, a little bit of something beats absolutely nothing, and I guarantee you, it will improve your outlook on life.

I think the key is to find the right kind of exercise for you. Personally, I prefer being outside and breathing the fresh air, but if you have to exercise inside, you can’t beat a Richard Simmons video: The music is great, the dance moves are fun, and the videos build in intensity so you don’t get overwhelmed in the beginning. Most importantly, Richard is such an encouraging and uplifting person that you feel better about life and yourself when you’re done.

Lately, Richard has been in the news because he is trying to get PE back into schools. Thank you, Richard! (Help him here.) Childhood obesity has become an epidemic in America, and in order to combat this, we need to educate students and get them moving. Further, this education has to start in the home: According to Magna Sententia, parents must take responsibility for their children, and this includes teaching your children (directly and by example) about proper diet and exercise.

Make the decision to take care of yourself today, for you and your children.

Ellie Sherise
Co-Creator of Magna Sententia
Co-Author of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society

Disclaimer
Anna Sherise and Ellie Sherise are not licensed or trained healthcare professionals, counselors, or financial advisors. This article is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended to take the place of the care and advice given to you by your physician, counselor, other healthcare professional, or financial advisor. Sherise Media LLC, its members and representatives, specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this article and/or website.

A “Violent Mardi Gras”: Senseless Shootings In New Orleans Injure 12

The Axiom Of Responsibility

Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior

By Taking Responsibility

For Themselves And Their Children

The news that within 24 hours, 12 people were shot in six separate incidents in New Orleans during the end of this year’s Mardi Gras season is not only shocking, but incredibly disturbing:

• “Early [Fat] Tuesday morning, just as Mardi Gras was beginning, a man was shot in Treme, just outside the French Quarter, near the intersection of Gov. Nicholls and Rampart streets.” (“Bourbon St. Shooting Caps Violent Mardi Gras“)
• “Around 2 p.m., seven people were shot near the intersection of St. Charles Avenue and 2nd Street” on the parade route. One of the victims was a 20-month-old child. (Read more about this particular incident.)
• “Around 7 p.m., in the 900 block of North Tonti Street, a man was shot in the hip.”
• “Around 7:30 p.m., in the 2600 block of Josephine Street, a man was shot in his side.”
• “Around 9 p.m., a man was shot inside a car near the intersection of Canal and Galvez streets.”
• Early Ash Wednesday morning, soon after the official end of Mardi Gras, “a shooting took place in the 100 block of Bourbon Street around 12:30 a.m., where NOPD officers found a 21-year-old man shot in the back.”

Thankfully, none of these shootings have been fatal so far, although “the two most seriously injured victims [from the parade route shooting] underwent surgery for stomach wounds.” (“7 Wounded by Gunfire on Mardi Gras Parade Route“)

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the parade route shooting: “19-year-old Mark Brooks and 18-year-old Louis Lazone, both of New Orleans, were each booked with seven counts of attempted first-degree murder.” In this incident, “police believe the victims were bystanders hit at random, though a motive for the shooting hasn’t been determined.”

Magna Sententia insists that individuals take responsibility for their actions, and it is our hope that both Brooks and Lazone are swiftly brought to justice.

The perpetrators of these crimes have not only harmed their victims (and their victims’ families and friends), but the whole city New Orleans as well, which is still in recovery from the destruction of Hurricane Katrina and in desperate need of tourism dollars.

Sometimes, this world is hard to understand.

Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of Magna Sententia
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society

Free Audio Book: Magna Sententia Reading 15

Click on the following link to listen to the latest episode of the free audio version of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society:

Part Three: The Axiom Of Respect,

Chapter Six: Treating Yourself Respectfully,

Section: The Sherise Method: Protecting Yourself From Unhealthy Relationships;

Pages 136 – 144

Find out more about Magna Sententia.

Ask Anna & Ellie: Overcoming Academic Struggles

Dear Anna and Ellie:

Please help! I don’t know what to do. College just hasn’t been what I expected it to be. You see, I’m in my freshmen year, and while I try to do my best, I just can’t seem to keep my grades up. I feel like I study all of the time, but I can never do good enough.

After last term, I was put on academic probation with my scholarship, and if I lose that I’ll get kicked out of school. I’m scared to tell my parents what happened. If I get kicked out of school, they’ll hate me for sure. I want to talk to them about it, but I know how disappointed they will be.

My high school grades were never great but good enough to get into college. I always told my parents that I was doing my best but it never seemed like it was enough for them. I always had to do better, but I just couldn’t. Now it seems like my poor performance is finally catching up to me. I’m stuck right now because if I say something I could still stay in college but I’ll still get yelled at by my parents. But if I don’t say anything, I’ll get kicked out of college.

Is there a way I could tell my parents what is going on without getting the third degree?

–Just Can’t Seem To Pass

Dear Just Can’t Seem To Pass:

Let’s forget about your parents for a second and concentrate on your education. Think of what you have already accomplished: You did well enough in high school to earn a scholarship. That is no small achievement! It is something many people could (and will) never do. Right now, you are discouraged, but have confidence in yourself and your abilities.

You are not alone in your struggles. Freshman year is difficult for many college students. Unfortunately, many colleges and universities are finding that an increased number of students are entering their freshman year without the basic skills necessary to succeed in college-level English and mathematics. In September 2008, a study estimated that “one-third of American college students have to enroll in remedial classes.” (“Colleges Spend Billions On Remedial Classes To Prep Freshmen“)

If this is the case for you, don’t feel badly about yourself. Instead, take action to improve your situation by making an appointment with your advisor and asking him or her to assist you in devising a plan to better prepare yourself. This might require you to change your schedule, receive tutoring, and/or attend summer school. You may also want to visit each one of your professors, or their teaching assistants, to see if they are willing to help you get a grasp on the material. Many times, all it takes is a little more explanation to get you on the right path, and from personal experience, even if you “study all the time,” you don’t accomplish much if you do not fully understand the material or concentrate on the wrong things. These conferences with your professors should help you make the most of your study time.

Analyze your study habits, and change them if necessary. Are you really concentrating when you study? Or are you distracted because you are so frustrated? If you are really struggling with something and not making any progress, go get help. (Most campuses offer free tutoring and/or help centers.) Are you watching television, listening to your IPOD, or talking with friends when you study? A distraction-free environment is essential for critical thinking and truly focusing on your course material. Have your study sessions in a quiet place like the library.

Regarding your parents, we know you won’t like to hear this, but you really need to keep them informed. The longer you wait to tell them that you are on academic probation, the more deceived they will feel when they find out. (And they will find out eventually!) However, keep in mind that they will most likely be less upset if they feel you are taking responsibility for your education by problem solving on your own and actively taking a role in improving your school performance. Make sure that when you tell them about your poor grades, you also tell them, in detail, exactly how you plan to make progress.

It might be helpful for you to consider your parents’ perspective: Since you are certain they will be upset, we assume that they are helping you financially to some degree. If so, they are working hard to include your education in their budget, which is no small feat in today’s economy. Under Magna Sententia, any assistance they provide to you during your college years is a gift. They are not obligated to help you; it is their choice. Understanding this, it is reasonable for them to be upset if they feel you are squandering their gift. On the other hand, if they know that you are taking corrective action and doing everything within your power to “stop the bleeding” so to speak, they may be more supportive than you think.

If they get upset even though you are trying your hardest to improve, there is really nothing you can do but take it like an adult. If you do all you can and still lose your scholarship, life will go on. Education is the key to your future, so even if you get kicked out of college, you may want to consider attending a community college. Community colleges typically offer additional remedial courses so that you can get up to speed in critical areas where your high school’s curriculum fell short. After you find success in these areas, you can continue there and complete your freshman and sophomore-level courses before returning to a four-year college or university. Many people do this every day and go on to have great success, in spite of all the bumps along the way.

Please let us know how everything works out. We want you to be successful, and we know you can do it! (Remember, you already earned a scholarship!)

–Anna & Ellie

Do you have a life or relationship question for Anna and Ellie? Do you want to know how Magna Sententia applies to your situation? Submit your question here!

Disclaimer
Anna Sherise and Ellie Sherise are not licensed or trained healthcare professionals, counselors, or financial advisors. “Ask Anna & Ellie” is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended to take the place of the care and advice given to you by your physician, counselor, other healthcare professional, or financial advisor. Sherise Media LLC, its members and representatives, specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this article and/or website.

Free Writing Fridays: Update On Liar Herman Rosenblat

The Axiom Of Respect

Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior

By Treating Themselves And Others

Respectfully And Respecting

Only Those Who Earn It

Poor Herman Rosenblat. All he ever wanted was to “bring happiness” to others and be “an advocate of love and tolerance.” (Please see our previous article “Herman Rosenblat’s False Memoirs: What We Say & Do Does Matter.”) Too bad he’s a liar without an ounce of remorse.

Herman Rosenblat and Roma Radzicky have been married for 50 years. For the past 13 years, Rosenblat has “received international attention for his tale about being a hungry little boy in a Nazi concentration camp who was thrown apples every day by [his future wife] Roma, on the other side of the fence. [. . .] Six weeks ago Holocaust scholars proved that it was physically impossible for prisoners to approach the fence at the concentration camp where Herman was kept and that Roma’s family was actually 200 miles away at the time.” (“Exclusive: Holocaust Faker Speaks Out“)

When recently questioned about his 13-year lie, Rosenblat responded, “It wasn’t a lie [ . . .] It was my imagination. And in my imagination, in my mind, I believed it. Even now, I believe it, that she was there and she threw the apple to me. . . . In my imagination, it was true.”

Just think of all the people who suffered through the Holocaust, now hurt once again by Rosenblat’s selfish and outrageous lie. His own son, Ken Rosenblat, is also one of his victims: “It was always hurtful. [ . . . ] My father is a man I don’t know. . . . I didn’t agree with it. I didn’t want anything to do with it.”

It is time for Rosenblat to admit that his dishonesty was wrong:

Herman Rosenblat, I call on you to apologize to the Holocaust victims whose stories you tainted with your cowardice. I call on you to apologize to your son and all those who heard your story and believed it. Nothing can make up for what you did, but giving away all of the money you received from your deception would be a good start.

Magna Sententia promotes having character, and in order to be a person of character, you must treat others respectfully and speak the truth. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.”

Anna Sherise
Co-Creator of Magna Sententia
Co-Author of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society

Convicted Nebraska Teacher Kelsey Peterson: Today’s Choices Can Ruin Tomorrow

The Axiom Of Realistic Expectations

Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior

By Having Realistic Expectations

For Themselves, Their Lives, And Others

Please take six minutes to watch Kelsey Peterson, a former Nebraska middle school mathematics teacher who is now serving six years in federal prison, discuss how decisions she made led her to having a sexual relationship with her then 12-year-old student Fernando Rodriguez and fleeing with him to Mexico. (“ABC News Exclusive: Kelsey Peterson Opens Up In Jailhouse Interview“) While this case is extreme, her experience can be a lesson for all of us.

As she relates the events surrounding her incarceration, Peterson admits she “made choice after choice after choice” that contributed to her downfall, and albeit on a much smaller scale, many people do this in their own lives as well. Even though our daily choices may seem insignificant at the time, they can dramatically impact our future. In our hurry to meet life’s constant challenges, it is easy to forget how our day-to-day behavior snowballs into the rest of our lives, especially if our actions are not conducive to an honorable, productive, and peaceful life.

Following Magna Sententia, having realistic expectations means inwardly acknowledging and accepting the most probably outcome of our actions. This requires us to objectively analyze our inner thoughts and outward behavior. Granted, the vast majority of us would never go so far as Peterson, but we all have our areas of weakness that could put us in an undesirable position if we do not watch ourselves carefully:

• Do we allow ourselves to lose control of our emotions, hurting our co-workers, friends, or loved ones with our words? (The most likely outcome: damaged or ruined relationships, extreme loneliness.)
• Do we ignore our budgets (or not have one), charging more purchases on our credit cards than we can pay off at the end of each month? (The most likely outcome: deep debt or bankruptcy.)
• Do we forget to exercise and watch our diets, gaining weight and losing fitness? (The most likely outcome: diabetes, heart disease, or any of the many other illnesses that are directly related to how well we take care of our bodies.)
• Do we drive too fast, even running red lights on occasion because we are always rushing from one place to the next? (The most likely outcome: an accident in which we severely injure or kill ourselves or, worse yet, someone else.)

Unfortunately, Kelsey Peterson did not stop herself before it was too late. But we can. Stop and think about your actions, the words you use, and your life. If you are ignoring the signs of devastating consequences to come, now is the time to change. Don’t wait until you are so deep in trouble that there is no way out.

Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of Magna Sententia
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society

Disclaimer
Anna Sherise and Ellie Sherise are not licensed or trained healthcare professionals, counselors, or financial advisors. This article is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended to take the place of the care and advice given to you by your physician, counselor, other healthcare professional, or financial advisor. Sherise Media LLC, its members and representatives, specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this article and/or website.

Free Audio Book: Magna Sententia Reading 14

Click on the following link to listen to the latest episode of the free audio version of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society:

Part Three: The Axiom Of Respect,

Chapter Six: Treating Yourself Respectfully,

Sections: Being A Friend To Yourself – The Sherise Method: Protecting Yourself From Unhealthy Relationships;

Pages 126 – 136

Find out more about Magna Sententia.

Ask Anna & Ellie: I Came Out To Intolerant Parents, Now What?

Dear Anna and Ellie:

I am a 20-year old college sophomore, and I’m currently living with my parents in order to save money. However, I recently came out to my parents and family as a lesbian, and now, I am ridiculed all of the time by them. They are always belittling me because of my sexuality. I can’t take it!

I’ve tried to explain to them that I have tried in the past to like guys, but it just doesn’t work. Even though I tell them it’s natural and I can’t help it, it’s never enough to change their minds about how they think of me. I would really like to move out, but I don’t have enough money. Do I just stick it out these last few years, or should I try to move out? Please don’t tell me to sit down and have a talk with them. I’ve tried it, and it doesn’t work.

I love what you say about the LGBT community. I really hope you can give me some advice.

–Shouldn’t Have Come Out

Dear Shouldn’t Have Come Out:

Please know that we are proud of you for discerning your true self and taking steps to live according to the you who is deep inside at only 20 years of age! Many people live their entire lives without any understanding of their true selves, and they suffer because of it. You are already on your way!

We are truly sorry that your parents and family have made you feel that you should not have come out. As individuals, we all have our differences, and following Magna Sententia, we treat others respectfully despite these differences. No matter what the cultural, socioeconomic, and religious background of your family, it does not give them the right to make you feel badly because of your sexual orientation, which is an innate part of who you are. It is completely wrong for them to belittle you, and it is quite understandable that you feel hurt. There is no valid reason for them to treat you any differently now. They should not hold your sexual orientation against you; however, just because they shouldn’t, it doesn’t mean they won’t.

In your situation, you need to do what is best for you, and in order to determine exactly what that is, you have to take a number of factors into consideration. First of all, are you being abused? If you are being verbally, emotionally, and/or physically abused in any way, get out immediately if not sooner.

On the other hand, if you are not being abused, then you have to weigh the severity of the damage your family is inflicting on you against the financial benefit of staying. Only you can decide whether or not you should move out. If you truly cannot take your family’s behavior, carefully plan the details of your move so that you can be successful on your own. Don’t just move out one day in a fit of frustration.

How much financial support are you receiving from your parents? Can you finish school without their support? If your parents are paying for your education, find out if they will continue to do so even if you move out. If they will not, can you find another way to finance your education? Your education would be a huge price to pay for their intolerance. You have to ask yourself: Is their belittling so bad that you are willing to quit school in order to get away from them? Can you live with them for another two years so that you can earn your degree for your future and not let their cruelty take your education (and the opportunity that comes with it) away from you?

Even if you decide to stay with your parents for the time being, have a backup plan. We know how demanding college is, but we recommend that you try to secure at least part-time employment and start saving. Research the cost of rent in your area, and make up a budget so that you know how much money you would need each month. Maybe you could ask one of your friends to be your roommate to cut down on your expenses?

These are all questions only you can answer. Just remember that education is the key to your future, and your future should not be any less bright simply because you have a different sexual orientation than your parents. Sometimes, you have to suffer in the short term to benefit in the long term, but there are also times when you just can’t take an unhealthy situation anymore. Think carefully, and do what is truly best for you.

Please let us know your decision and how you are doing!

–Anna & Ellie

Do you have a life or relationship question for Anna and Ellie? Do you want to know how Magna Sententia applies to your situation? Submit your question here!

Disclaimer
Anna Sherise and Ellie Sherise are not licensed or trained healthcare professionals, counselors, or financial advisors. “Ask Anna & Ellie” is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended to take the place of the care and advice given to you by your physician, counselor, other healthcare professional, or financial advisor. Sherise Media LLC, its members and representatives, specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this article and/or website.

Free Writing Fridays: Searching For The Truth In The Great Stimulus Bill Debate

The Axiom Of Responsibility

Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior

By Taking Responsibility

For Themselves And Their Children

Abiding by Magna Sententia, we as American citizens are responsible for staying informed as to what is going on in our country and understanding the implications of our government’s actions. Currently, everyone is debating the value and contents of the “$789 billion economic stimulus bill” that “Congress expects to send [. . .] to Obama’s desk by the Democrats’ self-imposed deadline of Monday.” (“House, Senate Plan Friday Votes On Economic Stimulus“)

Depending on whom you talk to, you get an extremely different picture of the stimulus package, and it is incredibly important that you listen to both sides of the discussion. Please watch “Senators Vocal On Stimulus,” and read “Commentary: Obama Should Have Told Us The Whole Truth.”

With all of the conflicting advice and information out there, you really have to research the issue and decide for yourself what you believe. Often, it is helpful to see what fact-checkers, like PolitiFact.com, are saying about commonly quoted statements made by Democratic and Republican leadership (watch “Obama Statement Ruled ‘False’“).

As for my two cents, I only ask that you consider these questions while mulling over the stimulus package:

• How much is not enough? How much is too much? We are dealing with an economic crisis, and people are suffering. At the same time, we don’t want to burden ourselves and future generations with unnecessary debt. How much is an appropriate amount for the stimulus package and why?
• Are we getting the right “bang for our buck”? How will the money be spent? When will the money be spent? Will these specific tax breaks and expenditures actually stimulate the economy (e.g. create/save jobs, loosen credit responsibly, increase production) in a timely manner?
• Are we “robbing Peter to pay Paul”? Where will the money come from? How and when will we pay it back? Will this particular stimulus package create new problems down the road?

Please take the time to have a well-informed opinion. We are responsible for our future, and America’s future is our future.

Ellie Sherise
Co-Creator of Magna Sententia
Co-Author of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society

Respect Only Those Who Earn It: Chris Brown Allegedly Beats Rihanna

The Axiom Of Respect

Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior

By Treating Themselves And Others

Respectfully And Respecting

Only Those Who Earn It

Early last Sunday, “pop star” Chris Brown allegedly committed domestic violence against his “pop superstar girlfriend” Rihanna. (“Fast Fallout: Chris Brown Ads, Music Pulled“) As in all cases of domestic violence, it is sad to think that someone could be so cruel as to physically harm a loved one. In this instance, however, the sadness is magnified: How could a successful, “clean-cut,” “wholesome” 19-year-old, who “hate[s]” his stepfather for abusing his mother, beat up his beautiful, talented, and equally successful girlfriend, leaving her injured and alone in a Los Angeles park at 12:30 in the morning?

While stars are coming out to support both Rihanna and (shockingly) Brown (note to Terrence Howard and Rapper T.I.: how could you support someone who beats up his girlfriend?), this situation is a prime example of why Magna Sententia dictates that you respect only those who earn it.

To many, Chris Brown was “like the all-American guy.” “He sang hit songs (‘Kiss Kiss,’ ‘Forever’), danced circles around the competition (with moves comparable to those of Usher and Michael Jackson) and made inroads into the acting world (‘The O.C.’ and ‘Stomp the Yard’).” While these are all admirable surface attributes, they are not indicative of his character.

Perpetrators of domestic abuse should be severely punished, and if found guilty, so should Chris Brown. Many times, prosecutors find it difficult to adequately punish abusers because their victims refuse to cooperate. For this and many other reasons, it is extremely irresponsible for Terrence Howard to say, “Chris is a great guy. He’ll be all right. And Rihanna knows he loves her.” Because Howard cannot know that Brown didn’t do this, his remarks essentially condone Brown’s alleged behavior. Sorry, but love doesn’t leave you in the hospital, and any woman with an ounce of self-respect knows this.

We cannot overlook detrimental behavior as a society just because someone happens to be famous. We cannot overlook detrimental behavior as individuals just because we love someone.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, please seek assistance immediately. There are many safe houses throughout our country that can help you escape your abuser. (The number for the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which is open 24 hours a day in all 50 states, is 1-800-799-SAFE[7233].) You deserve better – and so does Rihanna.

Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of Magna Sententia
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society