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What's Going On With Stephanie Ragusa's Smile?
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
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Published: April 29, 2008
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TAMPA When the door opened Monday at the Hillsborough sheriff's office, Stephanie Ragusa walked out wearing handcuffs and a wide grin.
"Stephanie, why the smile?" a reporter asked.
Ragusa grinned more broadly, shook her head and continued walking toward the patrol cruiser that would haul her to jail.
The school teacher's toothy smile — spread across newspapers, TV and the Internet — has become her public trademark. It is there in three booking mug shots that followed her three arrests on charges she had sex with underage boys.
"She doesn't seem like this is serious," said Karen A. Duncan, a sex assault therapist in Indianapolis who has studied women as sex offenders.
Ragusa seems to be a member of a new category of sexual offenders, Duncan said: young, attractive, professional and predatory women who target underage boys. Another in the group is Debra Lafave, the blond former Greco Middle School teacher who was sentenced to house arrest after pleading guilty in 2005 to having sex with a 14-year-old student.
"I think something is going on with a certain group of young women and the media attention," Duncan said. "They seem to be seeking the media attention. Some sort of need is being met for them. … They kind of pose for the camera and they dress up."
Duncan emphasized the word "predatory" in describing them. Female sex offenders, she said, prey on teenagers' vulnerability and sexual curiosity.
Media attention seems to give them celebrity status, Duncan said, even though it's negative.
Still, she said, this behavior seems to conflict with their professional lives.
"There's an immaturity I see in these women. I don't think they see the seriousness of the situation or their behavior."
A Desire For Attention?
In a court hearing Tuesday, where a judge was to determine whether Ragusa should be jailed without bail pending trial, she gave short perky answers as the judge asked her questions.
"Do you understand there currently is no bond in your case and that's the way it's going to stay until the court rules otherwise?" Circuit Judge J. Rogers Padgett said.
"OK," Ragusa responded cheerfully, breaking into a smile.
The smile lasted for the remaining moments of the hearing.
Bonnie Bucqueroux, who runs the Victims and the Media program at Michigan State University, wondered whether female teachers who have sex with their students are doing it for media attention.
"It gives them their Paris Hilton 15 minutes" of fame, Bucqueroux said. "Does it spark that sort of behavior or was it there all along? I find that to be a difficult question to answer."
Bucqueroux, 64, said teens and their teachers have been blurring the lines of relationships for years. When she was 13 in the eighth grade, Bucqueroux said, she tried to seduce a teacher. He declined but she said she still managed to get one of his colleagues to kiss her after a dance.
She acknowledged, however, that sex between an underage teen and an authority figure is a "recipe for disaster."
And that is where the emphasis should remain, Duncan said.
At 16, a student might not view himself as a victim.
"He's interested in the sex she has to offer," Duncan said.
Deputies have said the teen and Ragusa may have had sex 20 times or more, and it continued after he knew she had been arrested for it. His sexual values may be forming along negative lines, such as manipulation and his own sexual satisfaction, Duncan said.
"'I was used by a woman so now I'm going to use a woman and not give a care about my consequences,'" Duncan said the teen may reason.
He may not be doing this consciously, she said, but this is how he was introduced to sex.
Duncan said she does not mean to suggest the victim is the aggressor. Rather, she aims to highlight the effects of victimization.
Compulsion And Competency
If the latest charges against Ragusa are true, if she had sex with her victim even while out on bail, she is showing a compulsion typical of sex offenders, Duncan said. When a therapist treats a sex offender, she said, the treatment is similar to therapy for addictions.
"It's the belief that somehow what they're doing isn't wrong, and there is some sort of a love interest here," Duncan said. "Love validates the behavior."
Brian Gonzalez, a Tampa defense lawyer not affiliated with Ragusa's case, said the way she has presented herself makes him wonder whether competency will become an issue as she builds a defense.
"Certainly, as much trouble as she has right now," Gonzalez said, "the fact that in the face of all this publicity she still could not conform and go back and engage in this behavior lends itself to competency issues."
Legally, competency can affect a case in two ways. Attorneys can argue that defendants are not competent to assist in their defense or they were not competent when they committed the crime. In the latter case, they do not realize their actions are wrong, also known as an insanity defense.
"Legal insanity is obviously an extremely difficult defense to lean on," Gonzalez said.
The threshold is high from psychological and legal standpoints, he said. Asked how often it works in Hillsborough County, Gonzalez responded: "Rare to none."
Gonzalez said he expects Ragusa's attorney will have her evaluated by a mental health professional. Even if she is not deemed incompetent, the information could prove valuable in reducing a sentence should she be found guilty.
Reporter Thomas W. Krause can be reached at (813) 259-7698 or tkrause@tampatrib.com
Reader Comments
Posted by ( ToTheBeachWeGo ) on April 29, 2008 at 7:49 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
She'll end up on house arrest, probation, etc. She knows, we know it, they know it. So why worry? That's what that smile is about. And since she continued after being arrested, you know she won't stop.
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Posted by ( joeyg ) on April 29, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
She is just eating this up. Some prison time will do her good. Or maybe she is just going for an insanity plea. Who knows.
She will probably seduce everyone in prison too. I see a movie deal in her near future. LOL.
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Posted by ( Shauna ) on April 29, 2008 at 7:57 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I see someone who has their own code and mores, which are quite separate and different from the mainstream. This can happen among the highly intelligent. Just my 2c.
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Posted by ( DanPalmer ) on April 29, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I don't think her "victims" will need years of counseling...they're likely smiling too.
Part of the ol' double standard based on gender bias.
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Posted by ( orangeblossom ) on April 29, 2008 at 8:05 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I don't condone what this lady did, BUT how can a teacher kill 2-3 children a few years back and not get JAIL time?? Where is equality of justice??? HIGHLY paid lawyers can get you out of anything.
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Posted by ( ohboy ) on April 29, 2008 at 8:17 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
She's smilin' 'cause she's happy. My girl smiles a lot, too.
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Posted by ( jaydasmama5 ) on April 29, 2008 at 8:19 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
My question is what is going to happen to the "victim" who apparently had sex with her again? Is he setting her up or is he enjoying the booty calls he's getting? Something should be done to him if he did not report her being over at his house. Doesn't make sense to me at all. She may be the adult but I don't think he's telling her no!
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Posted by ( Doofy ) on April 29, 2008 at 8:20 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Don't forget, a smile is just a frown turned upside down. Smile when you say that pardner.
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Posted by ( mr_hanky ) on April 29, 2008 at 8:22 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Can we say "reality show-train wreck"?
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Posted by ( misticleansfla ) on April 29, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
been thinking about this awhile here is my take on it
Yes she has been arrested 3 times now however did she hold a gun to this kids head no he did it knowing it was wrong to do it but he wanted to do it or else it would not have happened am sure his parents told him "son now if she contacts you please let us know" and she will be re-arrested
Now I know 1000 guys will chime in saying only if they made teachers that hot when I was in school
here is the problem teenage boys react to hot looking women older or younger or as my husband says "if farrah fawcett ever knew what I did in front of her poster every day when I was 16 she would have never of done it"
maybe and just maybe and I mean this in a non hateful manner to older teachers if the Debra Lafave's and the Stephanie Ragusa's where teaching grades 1-5 teenage boys going thru puberty would not have someone in front of them to have wet dreams over later for an hour every day
this is not a bash on 60 year old teachers and please if you read this your a teacher and this offends you I am sorry
bottom line is a hot teacher in a room full of hormone raged teen boys who most likely are undressing you in there mind anyway these things can and will happen
No I do not agree with what she did it was wrong however you hang a carrot in front of a horse long enough it will go after it
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Posted by ( Talk2dhand ) on April 29, 2008 at 8:43 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Why is she smiling?
She knows with the right lawyer, judge, and hair dye, she will get off because she is "too purtee' to go to jail"
Ah, to be able to be considered 'special' in America, because of the color of your skin. It's a beautiful thing.
It gives you a special pass. Ask all the White female teachers that abused or killed children. What was their sentence? Did you consider it lame, and unjust?
Wish a judge give me the same opportunity, since Justice is blind.
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Posted by ( markjdye ) on April 29, 2008 at 8:44 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Maybe she's a looney?
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Posted by ( nprvoice ) on April 29, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
she likes the attention...what's so hard to understand?
does the question suggest that she doesn't balance it with the trouble she's in?
she won't be in trouble
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Posted by ( jbsteel ) on April 29, 2008 at 8:52 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ragusa will not get house arrest or probation. You can throw them thoughts out the window. She will be sent to prison for at least 3 years. That is a guarantee.
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Posted by ( Brian_Griffin ) on April 29, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Joe Francis presents.. Teachers Gone Wild!!!
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Posted by ( Ryan_Levi_Lesswick ) on April 29, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I'd hit it.
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Posted by ( chigirl1505 ) on April 29, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
She may be crazy, it may have been consentual but it's not right and we can look at it any way we want to but If she were a man and having consentual relationships with 14-16 year old girls the reactions would be different. It is very hard to believe that this is being rationalized by some. I read a lot of these comments and most of you want to say what is happening with our children? its the parents fault but this is justifiable because it is happening with consenting males. Those are still children making adult decisions and if for any reason in the future they feel that they were violated society is telling them don't she was hot and you had her. I may sound preachy and I apologize but this how I feel If any of those young men are having issues with what happened and everyone around them are saying it was ok do we really think they are going to say anything boys can be raped too. think about it!
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Posted by ( stopTHEinsanity77 ) on April 29, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
markjdye, I think you are on to something! She is a wacko-loon!
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Posted by ( somerandomguy ) on April 29, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
The lights are on, but no one is home....
Is this hard to figure out? She just LOOKS dumb....
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Posted by ( Claylisa ) on April 29, 2008 at 9:18 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
If you gotta go...go out with a bang.....
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Posted by ( gatorgirl555 ) on April 29, 2008 at 9:25 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
What if that were a man teacher?
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Posted by ( A_S_L ) on April 29, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I didn't read the article. I clicked the link just to say:
STOP GIVING THIS SCUMBAG PUBLICITY!!!!
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Posted by ( BrianA ) on April 29, 2008 at 9:32 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
TBO board keepin it real....judging people by their appearance....everytime
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Posted by ( tampares ) on April 29, 2008 at 9:42 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
She is a woman and she knows that she can commit whatever sex crimes she wants to and get away with it, as long as the victim is male.
It is okay for women to commit sex crimes against men or boys. Just ask the Florida court system.
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Posted by ( KAT4CAT ) on April 29, 2008 at 9:45 p.m.
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Posted by ( moondoggie ) on April 29, 2008 at 9:49 p.m.
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Posted by ( jandpbell ) on April 29, 2008 at 9:50 p.m.
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Posted by ( mfayne ) on April 29, 2008 at 9:59 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I don't think she's pretty. If you ask me she needs to go to the bar a pick someon up her own age! she should have never been allowed to teach in our school system considering she has a prior arrest record. Thanks for all my supporters reading this comment...
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Posted by ( mfayne ) on April 29, 2008 at 10:03 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
She's not pretty and the smile is goofy
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Posted by ( pepe_santos ) on April 29, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I would have loved to have a girl like that when I was 16. The law is stupid.
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Posted by ( Bonsai ) on April 29, 2008 at 10:16 p.m.
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Posted by ( therockofages ) on April 29, 2008 at 10:24 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
What is the sardonic grin all about? It is similar to the smirk on Deborah Lafave's mug when she beat the system and walked out of court two years ago. These pop-tarts are grinning because they know the sexist judiciary are afraid and will not impose the same standards and harsh punishment they provide men for the same crime. She has been arrested three times in less than three months for alleged sex with a minor student and bail has not been refused in her case? If that is not sexist and proof of sentencing bias against men, I don't know what is. The way the law is written, it demands the same standards are applied; regardless of the gender of the accused. I wonder why this does not seem to occur in the courtrooms.
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Posted by ( taipan ) on April 29, 2008 at 10:43 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I'm not making excuses for what she did, but based on her behavior--lack of boundaries, compulsive behavior, lacking a cause and effect mindset--I would have to say that there's something seriously wrong with this woman. Normal people do not smile or project a sense of exuberance when posing for a mugshot. She is living in her own world, and my guess is that she's suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder; you can bet your bottom dollar that she has a solid track record of manipulating friends, family, and co-workers. I'm also convinced that she's been on medication for depression, and it's very possible that whatever she's on is causing some serious disinhibition on her part. She probably doesn't "feel" what you and I experience and she therefore has this compulsive need to connect to something, all by way of taking serious risk and living on the edge.
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Posted by ( doodlesquat ) on April 29, 2008 at 11:07 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
ohh geez, these stories get dumber and dumber. They're really stretching for a story here about her smile. Uhh, gee maybe she's a happy person or feels the need to be submissive to those around her and a smile is her signal of submission. How stupid. Like most males, this story doesn't bother me, this 16 year old is going to get some from someone, so why not practice on this chick instead of pressuring someone's daughter. She's actually doing some families out there a favor. Boys are boys and I know what I was thinking and doing at that age.. Although I should clarify that boy of age 14 was definitely too young. Boys and girls are not the same.. It's appalling and disgusting for man to do such a deed. Young girls are scared forever, whereas this chick will just be a number to the young man.
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Posted by ( freddie ) on April 29, 2008 at 11:21 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Now teachers will have to be even more on their guards than ever before. Her behavior will make unfounded accusations more believable to the general public. Respect in the classroom for teachers is going to be harder to gain. The deck is already stacked against you and now there are all of these crazy women and men acting on their selfish impulses. Teaching is challenging enough without all of the negative behavior happening between teachers and students.
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Posted by ( doodlesquat ) on April 29, 2008 at 11:25 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I'd bet $100.00 that if we could install a teleprompter on the Judge's forehead that his first thought would read "lucky kid" then his thoughts would revert to cases involving female victims so that he could gage the correct verbiage to use when speaking to the court; otherwise, he wouldn't know what to say cause he would ultimately feel jealous and left out, not disgusted.
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Posted by ( notfastenough ) on April 29, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Why was this woman back on the streets after the second arrest? She's smiling because she knows she won't spend one day behind bars because, like the blonde, she is "too pretty" to go to jail. Put her in a cell with a raving lesbian and see how fast her tune changes...
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Posted by ( wiseguy08 ) on April 29, 2008 at 11:41 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Lock her up.. if it was a guy he would have been in jail a long time ago
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Posted by ( Julie777 ) on April 29, 2008 at 11:50 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Her parents must be so proud.
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Posted by ( theskinny ) on April 29, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Man,I'd like toputthefonher knowwhat I mean.
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Posted by ( bdog ) on April 30, 2008 at 1:20 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Posted by ( bdog ) on April 29, 2008 at 1:40 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Nice move ! Not sure it will work though. Now her lawyer will ask for a mental evaluation and it will be determined that she is not capable to stand trial. The on;y question is, will a judge buy it ! To blatant I suppose, but nice try. Personaly I think she loves the attention. Probably didn't get it as a child. No pun intended.
Let the show begin !!!
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Posted by ( ValricoRick ) on April 30, 2008 at 1:50 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
She’s smiling because in her mind she has done something a lot of us wish we could do. No, not have sex with someone underage, that isn’t really it at all. What she has done is create her perfect sex partner. How many of you really have a cooperative partner that is interested in pleasing you more than themselves? Many people deal with partners that have self oriented approaches, or sexual baggage, and sometimes it’s just a matter of two people not being comfortable enough with each other to talk about how it could be improved upon. To be clear, not only is a relationship between an adult and a child, an authority figure and a vulnerable youth illegal, it’s morally reprehensible. Humans have a remarkable way of rationalizing behaviors that are inappropriate in order to serve an objective, and sex is a primal objective that we can neither ignore nor escape. In her mind she has made a trade and as of yet she isn’t overpaying for what she received in return. That could change, but chances are she will probably have anticipated the cost of her actions and spend her nights in confinement, how ever many it turns out to be, reliving every moment of her accomplishments!
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Posted by ( Bigshow ) on April 30, 2008 at 2:33 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
When and if she goes to trial. it wont even take place in the same county, it will be moved and she will end up on court tv and beat the wrap like OJ SIMPSON did in the early 90-s, maybe probation, no PRISON TIME. just like DEBRA LAFAVE, and jen porter, that killed the 2 black children A FEW YRS BACK and had the famous Lawyer, BARRY COHEN. from Tampa florida, she will walk scott free and we all know this so why bring it up, now if it was a male or a black female they would get the book thrown at them . also Look at the JAYMEE wallace lady in she had sex with a student and got 3 years, she probably had a free, Lawyer, and now she is doing. 36 months in a womens. prison. hmm how money talks these days
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Posted by ( Gladiator ) on April 30, 2008 at 6:29 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Its the cat that ate the canary. Inmates dont give a rats @ss about what she did. Its different if it was a male but nobody in jail or prison cares that she and another teenager got it on.
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Posted by ( margoed1 ) on April 30, 2008 at 6:52 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
If she is not working and I know she is not drawing unemployment yet. Who is paying her bills, dose she had a sucker for a boyfriend?
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Posted by ( tjamison_2001 ) on April 30, 2008 at 6:56 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
She did it AGAIN.... WHILE OUT ON BAIL?!?! Lock her up, throw away the key. Male or female, it doesn't matter..... they need to be punished!
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Posted by ( robertj1954 ) on April 30, 2008 at 7:42 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
One word to describe this lady "IDIOT" and being an idiot does not prevent you from being incarcerated. There are millions of idiots sitting in prisons across the country. Ragusso certainly will not be an exception regardless of what some think.
It is a shame the media elevates these Idiots to "super star" status but that has become the norm. That is sad but idiots are also living and breathing in society and seem to thrive until finally arrested for behavior that is criminal not just stupid.
This idiot currently making her way through the justice system will find her place in a prison cell. This will happen in spite of what many other idiots think. She can sit there with that stupid grin on her face for 40 years or more for the good of society.
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Posted by ( Chances_Are ) on April 30, 2008 at 7:56 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
She obviously has some major porblems and I am quite sure she'll understand the consequences once she does her time and gets some major therapy.
On the movie deal, you can be sure the judge will squash that possibility before the offer hits the table.
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Posted by ( 1voice ) on April 30, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
The foolish looking clueless smirk indicates to me that this woman obviously suffers from mental illness on top of her nymphomania and pedophilia. With that said the proper place to lock her up and throw away the key would be a mental institution.
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Posted by ( equaljustice ) on April 30, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Hmm, I find it quite hard to excuse her actions, but I find it harder too except the teenager having sex with her for the 3rd arrest. It appears the teen knew the situation and had sex with her again. Seems he has a problem too, in fact he is as guility as her for taking part in it.
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Posted by ( 1voice ) on April 30, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
And I have to ask.. What in Gods name am I missing? I read the comments of how good looking she is and I really don't get it? Maybe my computer is linking some one else's photos to the story. The woman I see is (omitted F word)ugly..
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Posted by ( kellieB ) on April 30, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
She wont do any time.
If Jennifer Porter can kill some kids, flee the scene and get away with it, this "crime" is a nothing in comparison.
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Posted by ( ron ) on April 30, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
From the smile on her face and returning "to the scene of the crime", the first thing that comes to mind is.....................
She is in love
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Posted by ( bafish ) on April 30, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
To misticleansfla
As far as having old teachers in middle and high school classes, I think you are forgetting one very important fact- middle school kids and hormones! It does not matter what the teacher looks like many times during the day books are placed in laps...it would not matter who was in the room. Age has nothing to do with it...this woman is sick!
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Posted by ( kjkelly618 ) on April 30, 2008 at 9 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Bottom Line. She is an adult, they (for all intensive purposes) are under the legal age of consent...therefore she broke the law..not once, not twice but 3 times. 3 strikes your out!. Her victims will only get younger and younger.
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Posted by ( mommabear ) on April 30, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
i dont think having your bail revoked on a REPEAT charge is something to smile about. whoever posted "the lights are on but no one is at home is absolutely. she is not comprehending the seriousness of being charged not 1 but 3 times!
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Posted by ( beth ) on April 30, 2008 at 9:20 a.m.
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Posted by ( evilmunkies4 ) on April 30, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Hello!!!! She's just too pretty for jail...that's why she's smiling....she's pulling a Lafave....
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Posted by ( Concerned1963 ) on April 30, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Taipan has it about right, in my opinion. And the vitriol of some of the morons posting here just amazes me. The lady has problems for sure, and all the media attention isn't going to help at all. Not her, not the boys she slept with, and not society. About the only thing I've gleaned from this is that the average I.Q. for posting on TBO is hovering somewhere around the boys' age. Pathetic.
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Posted by ( nasdaqphil ) on April 30, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I think she's got mental issues and the smile is a thing of vanity, not that she knows she's going to beat the system.
I think in her mind she needs to look good publicly and doesn't want an ugly mugshot to be circulated, which is also part of the low self-esteem, vanity, let's-do-a-16-year-old-to-prove-I-still-got-it attitude. She will probably end up in a psych ward somewhere.
She's so vain she believes the 16 year old is a conquest, not an illegal act - something to help her boost her confidence.
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Posted by ( boston85 ) on April 30, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
so she banged a 15 year old
who cares, get over it.....the kid is getting high 5's
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Posted by ( altedbaseball ) on April 30, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I AM MALE...........................
and she is BUTT UGLY.
JMO
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Posted by ( bawdybear ) on April 30, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
She may be smiling, but her eyes look dead.
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Posted by ( Hairs ) on April 30, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
A. She is not too pretty...for jail or otherwise.
B. She is messed up and self-destructive and she has lured some young kids into her mess. They are always going to know that they had something to do with Miss Ragusa going to prison and I wonder how that will affect them 10 years from now. Forget the sex part (if you can). She has brought these kids into her messed up, freaky, criminal world and that WILL affect them when they see her behind bars and they know they were a part of what put her there.
3. She WILL do prison time. I am thinking max sentence, based on her actions.
4. To the people who keep writing this off as just some teenage boys "gettin some", how about the breach of trust and complete irresponsibility of the behavior of the adult here? Putting the boys aside, aren't adults supposed to be better than this? Are our values so diluted that this is acceptable to some portion of our society? Shouldn't there be some standards for behavior?
5. The smile is really starting to rub me the wrong way. There's nothing funny about this, and the attention seeking is pathetic. She has mental issues and hopefully the prison psychologist can help her with them in the years to come.
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Posted by ( gina1108 ) on April 30, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Her lawyer probably told her to do it. She's laying the ground work down for an insanity defense.
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Posted by ( Mivey001 ) on April 30, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Wow, looking at these responses shows how widespread sexual immaturity is in the community. Have we really sunk so low that we find this sort of thing entertaining? This woman has a serious problem and these responses show that the community as a whole has serious problems as well.
It's a shame that most people cannot enjoy a mature, responsible, and loving, sexual relationship.
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Posted by ( jada ) on April 30, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Anyone who knows her knows that she loves the attention. THIS is exactly what she wanted, attention and the media is giving it to her.
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Posted by ( meghanbaxley ) on April 30, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
She's smiling because SHE CAN.
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Posted by ( crystine715 ) on April 30, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I hope Hillsborough County will learn from this. They could have fired her for lying on her resume. She was disciplined repeatedly for unprofessional actions in the classroom. Now the rest of the county is wondering what the f#^k is going on in Tampa! What an embarrassment!
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Posted by ( AO ) on April 30, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
kjkelly618 - I don't condone what she's done but making an irrational statement like "her victims will get younger and younger" is ridiculous. Is she going to work her way down to infants? Come on.
BTW, the phrase is "for all intents and purposes" and it's "you're out." She broke the law more than three times, she was ARRESTED three times.
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Posted by ( pennymcq ) on April 30, 2008 at 10:52 a.m.
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Posted by ( pennymcq ) on April 30, 2008 at 10:58 a.m.
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Posted by ( rambler ) on April 30, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Note to male sex offenders:
have a sex change operation before your trial.
get off easy.
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Posted by ( GGoose ) on April 30, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
She does have some of the whitest teeth I've come across in while!(not meant literally)................. But I wonder if a serious protein deficiency isn't behind her cavorting?
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Posted by ( alanna200 ) on April 30, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
STOP WRITING ARTICLES ABOUT THIS IDIOT! I mean, come on...the article is about how she wants media attention. Do you not see how ridiculous this is? Did you eat an irony sandwich and crap it out this morning? I think so. I'm tired of seeing her stupid face and I don't want to know anything more about her until you tell us the time she's going to serve. The. End.
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Posted by ( acuratl96 ) on April 30, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I would like to knock that silly little smile right off of her face.
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Posted by ( scbrownsr ) on April 30, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
pennymcq,
The problem is that white people act like race is not a factor, when in fact it is. If these teachers were black, the state of florida would be trying to burn them at the stake. Because she is white she will get a light punishment. Take for example the recent rape case of the female in bloomingdale. She was raped and it’s horrible. But a black woman was raped, apparently by the same guy on 78th street, and nothing happened. Had the police took that incident more seriously, he may not have struck again this time. Now it’s a national issue when a young white girl gets raped. Furthermore, you don’t see black teachers messing with their students. It’s also ironic that all of these incidents are occurring in the “A” schools or so-called “good” schools. People complain that kids are being bussed from the bad neighborhoods into the good schools, but it’s the good schools where all the kids are fooling around with the teachers. Maybe parents who stress that their kids go to the good schools should bus their children to the lesser schools and maybe they will get an education rather than fool around with the teacher. Play with it.
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Posted by ( TampaFem ) on April 30, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I agree with ValricoRick about the issues here. I'm thinking she can probably forget about having sex with any more young boys for awhile. She'll be a prime target in the women's prison she is sent to I'm sure. She deserves every bit of what she gets.
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Posted by ( ozzythewarrior ) on April 30, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
She has a mugshot fedish. Somebody needs to tell her she just gets uglier when she forces herself to look better and tell her that the lighting is working against her. She needs tons of makeup and enough lighting to achieve her goal. She is not covergirl material.
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Posted by ( lifeiskrazy ) on April 30, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Everyone is talking about her being pretty/ hot/ ect.... AM I SEEING THE SAME PHOTOS YOU ARE SEEING? That is NOT hot!!!!!!!!!!!
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Posted by ( rspidel ) on April 30, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
First let me say that Iam 54 years old.
Second, this girl is not only ugly, she is what I would call a DOG, Period. Even at my age I would turn her down for sex.
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Posted by ( 1voice ) on April 30, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
pennymcq, for some people every thing that happens is a race issue. Let them continue with their racist diatribe and spin the race angle into every story that garners attention. We all know who they are.
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Posted by ( carrn1 ) on April 30, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
One can only hope that
a. her teaching certificate will be permanently rescinded
b. she will have sufficient decades of jail time to allow her to "mature"
c. that Hillsborough County Education Administration will make better use of our hard-earned tax dollars and start verifying that applicants possess qualifications beyond having a heartbeat and respirations.
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Posted by ( gregsworld ) on April 30, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This is ridiculous. Until somebody proves to me these students were not willing participants, I refuse to hang ole smiley...
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Posted by ( savagenation ) on April 30, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I think she's actually saying something, "Giggidy! Giggidy! ALRIGHT!"
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Posted by ( TylerDurden ) on April 30, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
When is the calendar going on sale?
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Posted by ( secksfenders ) on April 30, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
She broke the law by having sex with an minor. When a 50 year old man has a love relationship with a 14 year girl, he is thrown to the lions. So should this sex predator. She is worse than a sex offender. She will labeled too pretty to serve time like LaFave and get away with it. In a few years she will be in Hustler and doing the talk show circuits and worth more money than God. This is a sick society we are in today.
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Posted by ( StanleyGoodspeed ) on April 30, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
SHE'LL BE BACK... ANOTHER QUELUDE... SHE'LL LOVE ME IN THE MORNING... AINT THAT RIGHT FRANK?
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Posted by ( altedbaseball ) on April 30, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
pennymcq,
get your facts straight before "blogging."
middleton high school is NOT, and i repeat NOT, an "A" school, and most definitely NOT classified as a "good" school.
the record indicates that one of the female predators did her "deed" at Middleton.
so, there goes your theory of these things only happening at "white" schools.
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Posted by ( gg ) on April 30, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Where is this boys parents through all this?
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Posted by ( ozzythewarrior ) on April 30, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I dated a lady awhile back that I thought and saw has beautiful and fell inlove with her. But my friends kept telling me that she was not pretty at all. One day I took like fifty pictures of her and I could not find one that I liked, I mean I took a picture looked at it, looked at her and the beauty was not there. When she moved in with me she kept wanting me to take sleeping pills,telling me that if I slept better I would feel better the next day. After a few days I told her no more pills cause they made me groggy and was effecting my work, but the groggyness did not stopped and also every morning money was missing from my wallet.When I became suspicious of her is when I could not see the beauty anymore, she looked like the pictures I took. Needless to say, I setup cameras around my apartment and found out she was taking money out of my wallet, calling and leaving with her boyfriend when I went to sleep.She would shake me and hit me to see if I had fallen asleep.The reason I'm telling you guys this is:If you look at the post "for the most part" the guys that think shes pretty dont see what she did as bad.
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Posted by ( lornoborno ) on April 30, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Who cares why she's smiling.
She's just a lowlife piece of dog cr*p.
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Posted by ( notarrogant08 ) on April 30, 2008 at 12:56 p.m.
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Posted by ( Longball ) on April 30, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I just had a thought. Could the women I had sex with at 14 while in my bathroom reading my older brothers Playboy get arrested? Any lawyers out there think I have a case?
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Posted by ( ceibert ) on April 30, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ozzy are you a moron? I really don't mean to offend you, but come on.
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Posted by ( ozzythewarrior ) on April 30, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Longball, the answer is no but you might have a case against your brother
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Posted by ( retired2010 ) on April 30, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
If this was a guy the media and public would be all over the place and the guy would be hung on the next tree or telephone pole. Something is going out of control and the doctors, courts had better get some control or else !!!!
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Posted by ( RichB ) on April 30, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
C'mon a Floridian girl with a full set of teeth......What's not to smile about!
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Posted by ( ozzythewarrior ) on April 30, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
ceibert ,moron on my experience or comparing the two? My experience happened.Comparing it, well if I told you I was a multimillionaire, have more ladies then I can keep and told you I was going to give you some of both and we met,How you see me would be different if we met knowing I was the moron who wrote that.
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Posted by ( wreckastow ) on April 30, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Editors: please send me all the deleted comments. They have got to be hysterical.
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Posted by ( DennyPCrane ) on April 30, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
misticleansfla did you make a typo or do you really believe what she did is not wrong? I will give you the benefit of the doubt because if you think what she did is not wrong you are in need of some serious psychiatric help. The face remains that even though the victim and I do use the word victim was a willing participant this is rape and is a very serious crime. Having commanded a sex crimes unit for 6 years I have seen the outcome of these types of relationships. Undoubtedly the victims will suffer post traumatic stress disorder when they reach their mid to late thirties and will end up needing very intensive psychiatric help. Some of them will not be "right" for the rest of their lives. Those are the facts and can't be disputed. Over 1000 hours of post graduate studies tell me so as well as hundreds of case studies. Anyone who thinks this is "normal" or will not have consequences for the child in the future is just plain ignorant. This woman is a pedophile just as Debra Lefave is and should serve a long prison sentence. Those of you who think this is funny should have your heads examined. There is nothing funny about it.
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Posted by ( bossman ) on April 30, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I would gladly have volunteered to be her "victim" had she been my middle school teacher. My buddies would have ALL annointed me as a hero and been jealous as H***!!!
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Posted by ( scbone ) on April 30, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I am sure her parents are very proud.
What about her boyfriend? She was driving HIS vehicle the day they caught her at this little boys house wasn't she? I bet he's really proud to tell his friends that is his girlfriend!
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Posted by ( bwdial ) on April 30, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
This is getting downright embarrassing. This lunatic is in the news for having sex with the kid she's out on bail for having sex with in the first place and now, there's a story about a male teacher trying to get a girl to go on a field trip... with him... alone.
Wow.
This is one way to make people forget about our electorate not being able to figure out a ballot.
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Posted by ( scbrownsr ) on April 30, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I rate them in the following order:
1st Place - Picture #2
2nd Place _ Picture #1
Last - Picture #3
Whats with the left ear showing? Is that a secret message?
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Posted by ( Iorio_Basher ) on April 30, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
But SHE is NOT hot. La Fave was okay but by no means beautiful.
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Posted by ( luckyguy08 ) on April 30, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Glamour shots by Deb?
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Posted by ( Iorio_Basher ) on April 30, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
bwdial, you got THAT right.
Thanks for pointing this out.
AND, she's NOT hot.
Maybe slightly cute but not even that much.
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Posted by ( mylife45 ) on April 30, 2008 at 5:03 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I am interested as to who thinks these boys are somewhat to blame. I know the age dictates the law, but if 16 is old enough to be intelligent enough to drive an automobile why should he not be accountable for HIS actions?
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Posted by ( tara4444 ) on April 30, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Why are we all so surprised?
Our country is hyper-sexual, everywhere and all of the time.
I can't go on a single website without seeing some practically naked woman asking me if I want to lose weight or selling some other stupid product. I can't turn on the tv without sex in my face all of the time.
I'm no prude, but geez....Maybe if we all cared less about making a buck off advertising and the like - and cared more about children and raising teenagers- we wouldn't have so many problems like these.
Or maybe they happened decades ago and just got brushed under the rug?
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Posted by ( 2ndAmendment ) on April 30, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
her smile reminds me of Adam Sandler.. maybe they're related.
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Posted by ( LivinginPasco ) on April 30, 2008 at 8:52 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Disgusting. Throw her in jail and let her cell mate make her smile.
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Posted by ( jenniferjp1969 ) on April 30, 2008 at 10:16 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
This person is seriously disturbed.
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Posted by ( BrassBowldotOrg ) on April 30, 2008 at 11:13 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Too bad she didn't dial me up. A Krusty weekend is what she needs to put her on the proper path.
Oh well. She is gone for quite awhile. Now, if any of you young teachers feel the urge to merge, just give give me a holler.
I'll get you right with the night.
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Posted by ( MamaMagic ) on April 30, 2008 at 11:13 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
"You'll wonder where the yellow went, when you brush your teeth with Pepsodent . . ."
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Posted by ( ron401k ) on April 30, 2008 at 11:56 p.m. ( Suggest removal