Isn't High School Hard Enough?

In the infamous Dazed and Confused, Pink made the statement, "All I'm saying is that if I ever start referring to these as the best years of my life - remind me to kill myself." I always found a lot of truth to that statement. High School is a battlefield of Bullies and Mean Girls, social anxiety and other angst, but honestly, should predatory teachers be part of that?

On December 12, 2007, Music Teacher and Band Director at Glenvar High School, Christopher Matthew Yates, 30, of Troutville, Virginia was charged with taking indecent liberties with a female student.

Reportedly the victim lived with Yates and his wife in Botetourt County rather than Roanoke County, the location of the school.

The alleged offenses as said to have occurred between July 1st and October 4th of this year.

Reportedly Yates, who has worked for the school for five years, has been suspended from his duties.

Although never a student of Yates, I was well exposed to the saga that was his tenure at Glenvar High School. Yates was many things, appropriate was never one of them. He played favorites, made inappropriate comments, and had no comprehension of non-disclosure practices.

I have recently discovered a blog that focuses on outing "Bad Bad Teachers" all across the country and allows the public to comment, either by name or anonymously. BadBad Teacher has been hopping with activity since the story broke on December 17th.

Although I am of the firm belief that Yates is 100% guilty of inappropriate behavior based upon his track record and demeanor, I like the idea of a forum to discuss various opinions of the incident. I think it is a great way for students to come out anonymously and make note of incidents.

More than anything, I feel truly sorry for the students this supposed trusted adult victimized. Whether it be bullying or inappropriate behavior. I am shocked however, and how many parents are stepping up in defense of this predator, and even more shocked at how many are doing so under the guise of religion.

Side note: I am well aware that you are innocent until proven guilty, however that being said, if there is even a question of inappropriate behavior, and several alleged accounts, than clearly you are not conducting yourself in a dignified way.

As always, do your research and decide for yourself.

All I can say is, thankfully I survived High School.

Best of luck kiddo's!

Reasons why YouTube is Amazing.

Quite honestly, I never gave YouTube much thought... and then there was this video:

Maybe it is the mean girl in me, but I think it is the funniest thing ever! Not only is it completely off, but no one claps at the end!

In sharing my sick delight for this clip, my brother decided to pass some YouTube jems on to me... which I will bistow onto you.

This kid is out of control! His accoustic covers of rap songs are TOO MUCH! Enjoy and Happy Saturday!

Notes from Todd Heap's Jockstrap

The last time I went to a Raven's game, my cousin Sarah and I had joked that had we been any closer we would have been in Todd Heap's jockstrap.

Well... yesterday I was!

Eric had purchased some great seats off of ebay and we went to the Ravens vs. Bangles game! Our seats were right next to the tunnel and it was SO exciting. I always enjoy the opportunity to go see my favorite team play, but I must say it is much more exciting to see it so close up! We were right in the mix and our section was full of characters! The guy sitting next to Eric was clearly a season regular dressed in Raven's Pimp gear, complete with cape, pimp hat and bling! He ended up being on TV and the big screen a few occasions. The guy to the right of me was dressed up like Ray Lewis, complete with shoulder pads!


The only down side was the guys did come out as a group instead of being announced individually, however it was awesome to see them rush out just a few feet away!


Despite the cold weather, and the fact that they lost the game, I had a great time and was really happy Eric got the tickets! AND I got to see Chad Johnson in all of his glory!


He may be my new favorite because he is such an nice guy! The picture above was taken at the end of the game when Chad walked up and gave his game jersey not to the Bangles fan waiting by the tunnel, but to a Raven's fan! He even thanked the guy for coming out to the game!

Top Five Things to Look Forward to This Weekend

1. Seeing my wonderful boyfriend

2. Meeting new friends - So excited to meet the boyfriend's bffs. Even though they refer to me as "the fetus"... which is weird and gross on multiple levels, but they seem like good times so who am I to judge. They do refer to him as "the baby" too.

3. Mothers - The Purple Patio... Eat ... drink... and wear purple!

4. Game Day - Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bangles + Seats on the Fence by the tunnel = GOOD TIMES!

5. Ray Lewis Dancing - enough said!

Top Five Reasons to Love Richmond

I realize that people have certain reasons for loving the city where they live. I am no different. I love the city that I call my home for many different reasons. I could state reasons for loving Richmond like "Great Historic City!" or "Friendly People!" but lets be honest, these things wouldn't amount to anything if it weren't for the Top Five staples listed. Keep in mind... these are subjective and if you don't love Richmond for these reasons, but you can at least appreciate their glory.


1. The Photo Booth at the New York Deli

It simply wouldn't be a night out on the town without a beer at the New York Deli in Carytown and most importantly, a trip to the Photo Booth with your closest friends (or friends you just made for that matter). Since discovering the booth shortly after moving to Richmond, my apartments have been scattered with the thin strips of four pictures. Some nights are better than others, most of the time the flash always goes off before you are ready, but sometimes... just sometimes... you get it just right and the pictures are classic memories of what The Deli represents. http://www.returnofthedeli.com/.

2. Movies at the Byrd Theatre.

Ah the Byrd. Sadly enough I lived in Richmond for almost a year before I discovered the Byrd Theatre. Don't get me wrong, I had heard of The Byrd, but I had not yet experienced it. Walking into the Byrd Theatre is like stepping back in time, and there is no other way to explain it. The Theatre opened in December of 1928 and still has the style and grace of the roaring 20s! Plus it has the added bonus of the films only costing $2 so you don't have to break the bank to have a night out at the movies! They have two showings every night of the year and the shows are opened on Saturday nights with a prelude by the Wurlitzer organ. It is an Richmond experience that must be had! http://members.tripod.com/~g_cowardin/byrd/

3. Mongrel cards and gifts.

Ever wanted to send your friend a report card for a wild night out? Or needed that ever so politically incorrect gift? Personally I am a card junkie. I will come up with all kinds of reasons to send and buy cards. Holidays, Birthdays, Thank Yous, it doesn't really matter I just love to buy and send cards. Mongrel has the best selection of cards, paper goods and gifts, for those occasions where Hallmark just wont cut it. http://www.mongrelonline.com/

4. Thursdays at the 17th Street Farmer's Market

Definitely one of the perks of my job is the close proximity to one of Richmond's greatest gems... the 17th Street Farmer's Market. Thursdays during open season are the best. You can grab anything from a cup of coffee to jewelry and tie dye tee shirts. http://www.17thstreetfarmersmarket.com/

5. Style Weekly

Absolutely without a doubt one of the best things about Richmond is Style Weekly. Published weekly on Wednesday, Style is the guide to all the happenings in Richmond; events, political issues and hot spots. I cannot in good faith go into my weekend without picking up a Style to weigh all of my social options. http://www.styleweekly.com/

There you have it. My first published Top Five. What is your Top Five?