As you may remember, I've mentioned FreedomFest a few times in our blog. (FreedomFest is a Libertarian conference held every July in Las Vegas.) I went for the first time last year and absolutely loved it. The reason I liked it so much was not because I am a diehard Libertarian. True, I agree with the majority of Libertarian tenets; however, I still consider myself one of many "politically homeless" Independents who are frustrated with both major parties.

The reason FreedomFest 2009 spoke to me was because the conference and its attendees celebrated:

• Civil Debate, with all sides present and treated respectfully;
• Thinking For Yourself, instead of regurgitating the party line;
• Inclusiveness, e.g. CATO Institute’s David Boaz calling out Republicans for missing the boat with the LGBT Community; and
• Freedom, most important of all.

Although I wasn’t one for the "investment track," I learned a lot about the economy and healthy living, as well as witnessed wonderful debates about the ideal size of government, capitalism, health care reform, and the philosophy of Ayn Rand.

Thus, I was really excited when we were able to go again this year, July 7-10, 2010.

FreedomFest 2010 Banner
For more pictures, click here.

What did I think of FreedomFest 2010? I'm not one to sugarcoat, so I'll give it to you straight: I was totally disappointed.

While there were still interesting, informative speeches and debates on topics ranging from energy, history, global warming, and religion to healthy living, Republican speakers and attendees far outweighed Libertarian ones. The shift was significant: FreedomFest 2010 was not a conference about freedom.

Instead, it was a conference about:

• The Tea Party Movement, even though it became quite apparent that within the movement, there is a great deal of in-fighting and members themselves have no clue what it actually stands for;
• Discouraging Third Parties, with speakers repeating many times, "Libertarians, if you want any chance of success, you have to join the Republicans."; and
• Conservative "Values," served with a judgmental, obnoxious, presumptuous, holier-than-thou attitude.

One specific example: before and after debates, the moderator always had the audience vote to see which side was the most persuasive. After one such debate, the man sitting next to me had the nerve to try to pick a fight with me because of how I voted!

Frankly, out of the numbers of speakers I saw over three days, if it weren't for Gov. Gary Johnson, Doug Casey, Michael Shermer, John Mackey, Julian Whitaker, Orson Scott Card, and Steven Landsburg, I would have called it a complete disaster.

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

Soon after I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, one of the biggest worries that popped into my head was what would happen to me if I were to have an accident and end up not being able to tell emergency medical professionals that I have a very severe reaction to gluten. (I shudder at the very thought!)

I wasn't sure how to remedy this situation until I heard about Lauren's Hope, a company that makes customized medical ID jewelry (bracelets, necklaces, dog tags, etc.) that are functional and ascetically pleasing. I have two of their bracelets (one for everyday, one for special occasions), and I just love them. They are quite beautiful (which is not what you would expect out of a medical ID bracelet), as well as durable.

I never thought I would have to wear a medical ID bracelet at 24 years old, but I know that doing so could save my life. And when I received my bracelets in the mail, I went from, "I can't believe I have to wear something like this," to "I get to wear these pretty bracelets!"

My "Special Occasion" Medical ID Braclet

Whether you, your children, or a loved one has Celiac Disease, Diabetes, Asthma, or allergies to foods or medications, please consider a medical ID product from Lauren's Hope.

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

The Axiom Of Realistic Expectations
Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior
By Having Realistic Expectations
For Themselves, Their Lives, And Others

Everyone wants to be happy. At least eventually. We have all met those individuals who are so determined that SOMEDAY, when THIS is finished, or THAT achieved, they, too, will be "happy." My thought is "someday" is right here, right now. And that if one cannot be happy even without "this" or without "that," there is a pretty good chance you never will be.

Magna Sententia's Realistic Expectation Number Ten: Seek Unhappiness, And You Shall Find It tells us that "day-to-day life is filled with joys and irritants, wonders and disappointments, ups and downs, and if an individual chooses to focus on the negative, that is all he or she will ever see." They do not advocate only looking at the "bright side," but that the consequences are just as detrimental from only focusing on the negative. Though every life will be touched by challenges, "some people make nearly every situation depressing and blow their troubles (real or imagined) out of proportion. They spend their entire lives consumed with one problem after another, after another, after another. Not only do these individuals bring down everyone around them, they overlook all that is positive as well."

Sometimes it is easy to get bogged down by our troubles. Either we become hopelessly depressed or, perhaps, overdramatic which does not leave room for solutions to be obtained. We put ourselves and others into "damage control" mode because people may fear how depressed we have become or simply seek to control what seems like an out-of-control situation. We may do drastic things when in this state such as overeating, making poor choices in regard to drugs or alcohol, or even in regard to our relationships with others. And not to say there is not a time for professional intervention, and, heaven knows, I am not a doctor; however, having lived a bit myself . . . I think sometimes trying to keep sight of the small everyday things that can make us happy is very important and helps keep even the biggest challenges in perspective.

And, because no one expects anyone to do this without at least a few suggestions on a place to start:

1. A gratitude journal: An oldie but a goody! Take a journal, or, heck, even a piece of paper and every morning write down what you are thankful for. You can start easy like, "I'm thankful that today it is sunny, that the paper came on time, that my vehicle will get me to work, that the neighbors/hood was quiet last night so I could think/sleep/study." Even simple things will often build on themselves.
2. Spend time doing what you like: It's much easier to be happy about things when you spend a bit of time each day doing what you like. Even ten minutes reading a favorite book, surfing the web, or going for a short bike ride, may help alter your perspective!
3. Celebrate small victories!: If you make a cake that turns out, if you finish a report, if you successfully remove a stain from your favorite shirt, if your office plants are still alive on Monday, feel free to celebrate! Write it in red in your planner, or tell a friend! Sometimes reminding ourselves of these small victories really makes a difference.

"The attitude people have when confronting their problems determines whether or not they are happy despite their problems." So, look for the bright spot even in the darkness, and may each day be better than the last!

Joann McMillan
Magna Sententia Weblog Contributor

The Axiom Of Respect
Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior
By Treating Themselves And Others Respectfully
And Respecting Only Those Who Earn It

Okay, it has been 12 years, but it still amazes us how much Lindsay Lohan has changed since her film debut in The Parent Trap. Long gone is the cute, wholesome-looking, little kid. In her place is a young woman with some serious problems, problems that won't go away without intensive treatment and major lifestyle changes.

If you read our blog, you know that we greatly discourage blind celebrity worship and loathe the special treatment and free passes received by celebrities and politicians alike. However, in Lindsay's case, we are glad Superior Court Judge Marsha Revel sentenced her to 90 days in jail, followed by 90 days in rehab, not for the societal implications, but for her own good. ("Lindsay Lohan Taken Into Custody") Lindsay started serving her sentence this morning, and while we're sure she thinks this is the worst day of her life, it may in fact be the best.

Addictions are extremely powerful, and addicts can't recover if they are surrounded by enablers. With celebrity culture the way that it is, one can only imagine how difficult it would be for someone like Lindsay to receive the tough love she needs. The addict has to want help to get help, and we hope that this time in jail is Lindsay's bottom.

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.

The wait is finally over!

We have launched three new websites, Realistic Politics, Treating Yourself Respectfully, and Directing Your Home, so that you can stay connected to Magna Sententia through the topics that are most interesting and useful to you:

--The Magna Sententia Team