Dear 3-buck Chuck,

We have become such good friends over the last couple of months, and for that, I thank you. I recall we first met at Trader Joe's on Queen Anne hill. We both immediately shared the common goal to attain libations for a minimal price -- without sacrificing style or taste -- and it's been a far-from-sober relationship since.

We hang out nearly every night of the week now. You go great with my homemade Italian cuisine or even just a chunk of cheese. You take on a few different forms, but I really prefer you as a Merlot. Rarely we talk, but instead just enjoy the company of my wives or whatever is on TV at the time. It's a good deal for both of us.

You are a steadfast ally, 3-buck Chuck, and for that I thank you.

Sincerely,
Paolo

Continuing the wave of posts related to education, let's talk about what NOT to do when you're a teacher... like texting a cop for weed.

I'm talking to you, B.C.-bud-smoking-hippie student teachers.

According to an AP story, a Kentucky middle school teacher trying to buy pot was arrested after she sent text messages to state trooper instead of a dealer.

Trooper Trevor Pervine, who initially thought the text was a joke from a friend, was at dinner with his wife and parents celebrating a birthday when his phone started buzzing with messages from a stranger, later identified as Ann Greenfield, about a marijuana purchase. He texted her back, set up a meeting place, and when Greenfiled showed up had an entire squad waiting for her.

Greenfield, 34, was charged with conspiracy to traffic in controlled substances within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia; and she's suspended with pay pending results of an investigation by the school district.

Sadly, this was a sober text.

The money quote from Kentucky State Police spokesman Barry Meadows: "She learned her lesson. Program your dealers into your phone." Thanks for the advice, officer.

I went with the wives (aka KaMoos) to watch one of Kali's friends play at The Triple Door last night. We met up with Brown, Adamo, Kali, Robin and some other people.

To our delight, we discovered that Moos can (a) bring her hair underneath her arms to make it look like she has a hamster's worth of armpit hair and (b) bring a lock of hair across her face to imitate a mustache. Good times were had by all.

I sought professional counseling while I was a student at WWU more than once. Especially in my senior year, when stress was mounting, I took advantage of the university's limited number of free counseling sessions. This was a good resource, especially if I'd worn my friend's ears thin over a particular subject. Lord knows I can talk until I'm hoarse when I'm emotionally invested.

Still, I was a little surprised (or should I be?) when I caught a P-I story over the weekend reporting universities are seeing increases in campus mental illness, at times creating a backlog of cases and weeks-long waits to see a therapist.

• UW students seeking new medical evaluations for mental health problems such as depression and anxiety has nearly tripled in the past five years.
• At SPU, one-fifth of its undergraduate student body sought therapy last year.

According to the article, "Experts suggest that students today face greater pressures, taking on college loan debt to pay for rising tuition. Therapy is more socially acceptable, prompting more students to seek help."

I can believe that. No doubt students at all levels of education are facing greater challenges socially and academically -- which takes an emotional toll.

I encourage anyone (students in particular) who are finding life a little too difficult to handle to look into counseling resources, which are often free for students at universities. Venting what might be a minor personal issue early could save you the added stress of what could become overwhelming and unmanagable later. For more information, check out what WWU's Counseling Center for an idea of what these facilities can offer.

This has been a public service announcement brought to you by WIB.

Matt Wood has told me stories of having to take away cell phones and other portable devices from his students. But let the following story be a warning to you all: Students will lay the smack down if you jack their iPods.

Be afraid, Keeley. Be very afraid.

According to Engadget, "A 60-year-old teacher from Germantown, Penn., is in intensive care right now after two students broke his neck in retaliation for confiscating an iPod in class. Fortunately, the teacher wasn’t paralyzed and the two students, 14 and 17, were caught on film during the assault and quickly apprehended."

Is the iPod the new Raiders jacket?