The New PostSecret Book
12 years ago
The Holidays
In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukkah' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukkah!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!'
~Dave Barry, "Christmas Shopping: A Survivor's Guide"
Friday, December 26, 2008
Results!!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Liberal
Last night, Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) accepted an honorary degree from Harvard University. "I have often been called a liberal, and it usually was not meant to be a compliment," he said. "But I remember what my brother said about liberalism shortly before he was elected president. "He said if by a liberal they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people...If that is what they mean by liberal, I am proud to be a liberal," Kennedy said.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Excerpt
From the Social Work Credentialing Committee Meeting Minutes
Friday November, 14, 2008
... to recommend to the Board to approve the following 18 applicants as Licensed Master Social Workers after receiving a passing score on the required exam and upon receipt of the license issuance fee:
Dena Omar ...
The motion passed unanimously.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
In the Afterlife ...
How Hot Is It In Hell - A True Story
A thermodynamics professor had written a take home exam for his graduate students. It had one question:
"Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)? Support your answer with a proof." Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law (gas cools off when it expands and heats up when it is compressed) or some variant.
One student, however, wrote the following:
First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So, we need to know the rate that souls are moving into Hell and the rate they are leaving. I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving. As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different religions that exist in the world today. Some of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell. Since there are more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all people and all souls go to Hell.
With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially. Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand as souls are added. This gives two possibilities.
#1 If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose.
#2 Of course, if Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over.
So which is it? If we accept the postulate given to me by Ms. Therese Banyan during my Freshman year, "That it will be a cold night in Hell before I sleep with you," and take into account the fact that I will NEVER have any sexual relations with her, then #2 cannot be true, and so Hell is exothermic.
The student got the only A.
In case of emergrncy
This is the poor EMT who came to work today to teach us all about how to use fire extinguishers. (I wonder who he pissed off to get that assignment.) The colorful folks in front of him are us doing the happy dance now that we know to call 911 if there's a fire. (I added them in with the digital editing on my NEW PHONE!) He is actually saying, "if there's a fire, first do a little dance, then make a little love and get down tonight."
Thursday, November 20, 2008
omg
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
My Dad
Friday, November 07, 2008
That's, like, totally awesome!
Oxford Researchers List Top 10 Most Annoying Phrases
By John Scott Lewinski November 07, 2008 5:59:17 AM
Not all University of Oxford researchers are uptight and humorless, "irregardless" of what you might think. In fact, a bunch of them compiled a list of the Top 10 Most Irritating Expressions in the English language -- just because we needed one.
Though maybe "you could care less," the scholars in question keep track of linguistic mangling and overused buzzwords in a database called the Oxford University Corpus. The voluminous record keeps track of books, magazines, broadcast, online media and other sources, watching for new overused, tiresome phrases and retiring those that fade from use (or misuse).
The great hierarchy of verbal fatigue includes:
1 - At the end of the day
2 - Fairly unique
3 - I personally
4 - At this moment in time
5 - With all due respect
6 - Absolutely
7 - It's a nightmare
8 - Shouldn't of
9 - 24/7
10 - It's not rocket science
The list appears in a new book, Damp Squid: The English Language Laid Bare, by Jeremy Butterfield. Since it's always possible for the Oxford brainiacs to "borrow you" space on the list for your own complaints, you're invited to offer your favorite overused or abused phrases in the comments section below.
As for this Oxford-educated reporter (that's my scarf over there), I'm going to include the examples I already seeded into this report -- and the internet buzzword "snarky," because "sarcastic" is good enough to get that job done (if that's not being too snarky).
Hate
CAIR: NY Muslim Beaten By Gang Shouting ‘Obama’Islamic civil rights group asks FBI to probe assault as hate crime
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/6/2008) A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy group today called on the FBI to launch a hate crime investigation into an Election Night assault on a New York Muslim by a gang allegedly angry that Barack Obama was elected president.
The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said media reports indicate that four “white men” beat a Muslim of Liberian heritage as he was walking near his Staten Island home. The victim said the alleged attackers jumped from a car and attacked him after shouting “Obama.” Local law enforcement authorities are investigating the attack as a hate crime.
SEE: Gang Angry at Barack Obama Win Beat Me, Says Staten Island Teen (NY Daily News)
“This incident should be of great concern to all Americans, not only because of the apparent bias motive, but because of its possible negative impact on equal participation in the political process,” said Aliya Latif, civil rights director of CAIR’s New York chapter.
Earlier this week, CAIR called on the FBI and local police to investigate a paintball attack on a Maryland mosque as a possible hate crime. Other acts of vandalism have targeted Muslim individuals and Islamic institutions in Illinois, Nebraska and nationwide.
Last month, a North Carolina man was sentenced to 45 days in federal prison for e-mailing a death threat to CAIR and a Hispanic group.
SEE: Hispanic Activists Cite an Uptick in Threats of Violence (Washington Post)
Law enforcement authorities in California are investigating a recent death threat against a Muslim candidate for the Irvine City Council. In April, CAIR sought hate crime charges against the alleged perpetrator of a March "Molotov cocktail" attack on a Kansas Muslim. That same month, CAIR's Minnesota chapter asked the FBI to investigate reported threats against the Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy charter school in that state as possible hate crimes.
The Kansas assault and the threats to the Minnesota school came following other incidents such as a fire-bomb attack on a Minnesota Muslim-owned business and an arson attack on a Tennessee mosque by three members of the white-supremacist "Christian Identity" movement.
CAIR is concerned that the general level of anti-Muslim bias has been increased by the distribution of the anti-Muslim film "Obsession" to 28 million households in presidential election swing states nationwide.
(Washington Post)SEE ALSO: Obsession with Hate
The Washington-based Islamic civil rights and advocacy group is urging Muslims nationwide to review security procedures using advice contained in its "Muslim Community Safety Kit."
In September, CAIR released its annual report on the status of American Muslim civil rights. That report, called "Without Fear of Discrimination," outlined 2,652 incidents and experiences of anti-Muslim violence, discrimination and harassment in 2007.
To view the entire report, click here.
CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
This made me cry ...
"Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place," said one letter addressed simply to "Senator Barack Obama, Chicago."
Its author: Nelson Mandela, the first black president of South Africa, writing to the first black president-to-be of the United States.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Provisional
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
In Case ...
In case you don't know what NOT to get me for ChrismaHanuKwanza this year ...
Does Sarah Palin make you sit "a little straighter on the couch?" Do you find her smile "so sparkling it [is] almost mesmerizing?" Then we've found the calendar for you. Anchorage-based photographer Judy Patrick has created a 2009 Sarah Palin calendar, filled with "dozens of original portraits and candid shots of the Alaska governor on the job and with her family." The calendar, which initially has a 30,000 print run, costs $15.95 and can be found at www.sarahcalendar.com.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
What Addiction?
"It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity. I bet this kind of thing does not happen to heroin addicts. I bet that when serious heroin addicts go to purchase their heroin, they do not tolerate waiting in line while some dilettante in front of them orders a hazelnut smack-a-cino with cinnamon sprinkles." ~Dave Barry
Monday, October 20, 2008
Taken Aback
Used in a sentence
I was a little taken aback to learn today that I was the subject of a client's "locker room" comment.
Meaning (at least that's what they say here)
Surprised or startled by a sudden turn of events.
Origin
'Aback' means in a backward direction - toward the rear. It is a word that has fallen almost into disuse, apart from in the phrase 'taken aback'. Originally 'aback' was two words: 'a' and 'back', but these became merged into a single word in the 15th century. The word 'around' and the now archaic 'adown' were formed in the same way.
'Taken aback' is an allusion to something that is startling enough to make us jump back in surprise. The first to be 'taken aback' were not people though but ships. The sails of a ship are said to be 'aback' when the wind blows them flat against the masts and spars that support them. A use of this was recorded in the London Gazette in 1697:
"I braced my main topsails aback."
If the wind were to turn suddenly so that a sailing ship was facing unexpectedly into the wind, the ship was said to be 'taken aback'. An early example of that in print comes from an author called Eeles in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, 1754:
"If they luff up, they will be taken aback, and run the hazard of being dismasted."
Note: 'to luff' is to bring the head of a ship nearer to the wind.
The figurative use of the phrase, meaning surprised rather than physically pushed back, came in the 19th century. It appeared in The Times in March 1831:
"Whigs, Tories, and Radicals, were all taken aback with astonishment, that the Ministers had not come forward with some moderate plan of reform."
Charles Dickens also used it in his American Notes in 1842:
"I don't think I was ever so taken aback in all my life."
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Politics 2008! The MONSTER movie!
Posted By Robert Basler On October 16, 2008 (2:53 pm) In Oddly Enough
Dr. Frankenstein: Perhaps I can help you with that hump.
Igor: What hump?
Breaking entertainment news! Hold on to your berets, NYU film students! It turns out that in their spare time, the presidential candidates have shot a remake of Mel Brooks’ classic, Young Frankenstein!
As you can see in the studio photo below, Barack Obama is Dr. Frankenstein, and John McCain STEALS THE SHOW as his assistant, Igor.
I’m not saying who nailed the parts of The Monster and Inga, but with veep candidates Joe Biden and Sarah Palin also attached to the project, you do the math.
The new version opens on a dark and stormy night in Washington, DC. We see the White House in a violent thunderstorm. Suddenly, a massive lightning bolt silhouettes the Oval Office, and there, electrodes protruding from his forehead…
Republican nominee John McCain reacts to almost heading the wrong way off the stage after shaking hands with Democratic nominee Barack Obama at the conclusion of the presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, October 15, 2008. REUTERS/ Jim Bourg
Counseling as an Art
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Pending
State of Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners
Information Current as of 10/10/2008.
Name: Dena Omar
Address: Compass Behavioral Health 2835 N Stone Tucson AZ 85705
Phone: (520) 887-5902
Application:
Application Type: Licensed Master Social Worker
Status: Pending
Received: 8/18/2008
Complaints: There are no complaints
Discipline: There are no disciplinary actions
Friday, October 10, 2008
Dodger at the tire doctor
Loving Day
Today is Loving Day. Now, you may be saying to yourself, "self, what is Loving Day?"
Loving Day is an educational community project. The name comes from Loving v. Virginia (1967), the landmark Supreme Court decision that legalized interracial marriage in the United States. Loving Day celebrations commemorate the anniversary of the Loving decision every year on or around June 12th. You can learn more about it here.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Diploma!
Dear Dena,
Congratulations on receiving your Master of Social Work from Arizona State University.
As of 6/3/2008 your diploma was mailed to:
Dena M. Omar
TUCSON AZ 85705
Please allow up to 10 days for delivery via 'First Class US Mail'.
Click the following link to view a copy of your Diploma and the Mailer that it will arrive in.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Solo!
Monday, June 02, 2008
Office(ish)
Friday, May 30, 2008
I think I'm TB free ...
Thursday, May 29, 2008
New Emmployee Orientation
The final semester
Here are the results:
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Tuesday, May 20, 2008
New Breaks!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Pictures of ME!
You can see and order the official pictures of me graduating from this site:
http://www.gradimages.com
And I know you're due for a new pic of me for your "Dena Shrine" ( I know you have one ... don't deny it!).
Thursday, May 15, 2008
At the pool!
Friday, May 09, 2008
Last Final
This was it ... the last final of my last class in my last semester of grad school. Feels weird to be done. Tho I submitted the final and my first question was, "ok, what's next to work on?" It's gonna take some time to get used to having free time again. Maybe I'll get through that pile of novels on the floor over there.
| Name: | Final Exam |
| Status : | Needs Grading |
| Score: | Grade not available. |
| Time Elapsed: | 0 hours, 55 minutes, and 21 seconds out of 1 hours and 30 minutes allowed. |
| Instructions: | Check the correct answer on the multiple choice questions. On the essay you MUST justify your opinion of the dilemma by naming the NASW code and its subcatagory number (ex. 1.03) that has been violated. You MUST also state why and how it was violated. If you believe no ethical violations are present, you must give your reason. |
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Last Day
Update
Just thought I'd write a little about how the job search is going, since there are only three things I'm thinking about these days: graduation, job search and chocolate (cuz that's always on my mind).
First, I interviewed with Intermountain Behavioral Centers last Wednesday for an In-home counselor position and the pay isn't too bad. It was with the human resources department, so I still have to meet with the team and see if I'd fit with them.
Second, I interviewed with St. Joe's Hospital for a medical social worker position. They sent 10 social workers to intimidate me, but I managed to survive the inquisition. Not sure I want to do the position (see any blog post from my first internship and that should give you an idea why I'm hesitant), but it would likely pay the best of any of them.
As I was going home from St. Joe's, I got the third call, from CODAC for a counselor position. It's a lot of group counseling, which wouldn't be my first choice, but it would give me the chance to be licensed which is my long-term goal. I interview with them on Wednesday.
And, finally, I got a call today about an interview with Compass Behavioral Health. They do addictions counseling. I will call her back tomorrow and get the whole story.
On the other hand, I got a rejection email from La Frontera for a job I really wanted counseling adults because they want someone with a license already. So, I'm not too discouraged, but a little bummed cuz it would have been a great job.
We're still keeping our fingers crossed!
Monday, May 05, 2008
Nanci Griffith- Outbound Plane
You're saying to yourself right now, "geez ... Dena got that wrong! Suzy Boggus did this song!" And you would be right, but you would also be wrong. Nanci Griffith actually wrote and recorded Outbound Plane. While I love Suzy's version, there's something about this one that really got me, too. What do you think?
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Email I got today
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for applying with CODAC Behavioral Health Services, inc.
We have completed the intital screening of your application. Your qualifications,
as communicated in your application, appear to meet the minimum requirements for
the position and we are proceeding with the next step in our process.
Thank you for your interest in CODAC Behavioral Health Services, Inc.
Human Resources
(spelling mistakes italicized for emphasis)
It's a first step! I can't remember the last time I was "qualified" for a job I applied for. Let's keep our collective
fingers crossed for an interview.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Got It!!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Graduation Chaos!
Graduation in one month from yesterday! I can hardly believe I'm almost done with this program. I've met and gotten to know so many amazing, irritating and fascinating people. Needless to say, things are getting a little stressful.
I found out that I passed my Comprehensive Exam yesterday. Thank any and all God(s) and anyone else you can think of. It was a miserable 100-questions that tested very little of what we actually learned the last 2 years.
I have big stuff due every week till it's over, so no rest for the wicked.
I bought my cap/gown/hood today. They came down from the ASU Bookstore in Phoenix, which was great so we didn't have to drive up. But didn't bring enough gown in size extra-small (that would be for us under 5' 1".) So, they're going to send it down tomorrow.
I also got announcements, and will get them in the mail as soon as possible!
I sent my first real Social Worker resume/application out today! I don't yet feel like I'm qualified for these jobs, but hopefully someone else will. It feels great to find jobs I want to do!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
March Fourth!
It's National Grammar Day: Why You Should Care
By Martha Brockenbrough
We will forgive you if Feb. 5 passed and you failed to celebrate "Weatherperson's Day." Likewise, we won't require you to say "Arrr, me hearties" every Sept. 19, which is "Talk Like a Pirate Day."
But there is now a national day of observance that you are hereby forbidden to ignore: "National Grammar Day," founded by MSN Encarta and the Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar (SPOGG).
National Grammar Day happens on March 4, which is not only a date but also a complete sentence. Get it? March forth! It's an imperative, which is a fancy way of saying a command. It's also imperative that you march forth on March 4 for good grammar.Why? Here's the most important reason: If you don't have a good handle on basic grammar, you can't always say what you mean. People might be able to guess your meaning, but not every time.
There's more! (Read the rest of the article here.)
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
For Texas and Ohio
I wrote this little ditty in honor of Texas Tuesday, and all those who are voting today.
Go Vote! (sung to the tune of the "Go Meat" commercial)
Go vote, vote! Go vote, vote!
This vote is really something.
The choice is super tuff!
Clinton or Obama, one will call the other's bluff!
McCain has it wrapped up,
Huckabee is surely last.
Republican or Democrat, be sure your vote is cast!
Go vote, vote! Go vote, vote!
This!
In this envelope is my graduation application! YEA!! I know what I'll be doing on May 9th. Where will you be??
Monday, March 03, 2008
Yummmmmmm
Sunday, March 02, 2008
In Case
Just in case the social work thing falls through. Toby Keith Should've Been A Cowboy
Friday, February 29, 2008
Secrets
The Secret 'O Life -- James Taylor
The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time
Any fool can do it
There aint nothing to it
Nobody knows how we got to
The top of the hill
But since were on our way down
We might as well enjoy the ride
The secret of love is in opening up your heart
Its okay to feel afraid
But dont let that stand in your way
cause anyone knows that love is the only road
And since were only here for a while
Might as well show some style
Give us a smile
Isnt it a lovely ride
Sliding down
Gliding down
Try not to try too hard
Its just a lovely ride
Now the thing about time is that time
Isnt really real
Its just your point of view
How does it feel for you
Einstein said he could never understand it all
Planets spinning through space
The smile upon your face
Welcome to the human race
Some kind of lovely ride
Ill be sliding down
Ill be gliding down
Try not to try too hard
Its just a lovely ride
Isnt it a lovely ride
Sliding down
Gliding down
Try not to try too hard
Its just a lovely ride
Now the secret of life is enjoying the passage of time
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Fat ... errrr ... Super Tuesday!
I was driving driving in my car
