Kristin's Bitch-Rant Of The Day

[Kristin]

So apparently, some 13 year-old in Missouri killed herself because some ADULT-instigated trick through MySpace was played on her. It seems she was an emotionally-challenged kid to begin with, and the mother of one of her friends created a fake persona on MySpace, a boy, to befriend her and find out if she was talking crap about her daughter. "He" was sweet talking her for weeks and then BOOM! Dropped a "You're really not a nice person and I don't want to know you" on her, and then something to the effect that the "world would be a better place without you in it" thing and she hung herself in the closet.

This was perpetrated by the MOTHER of one of her "friends".

Umm...and I think I'm immature.

Yeah, well, that woman is not only immature, she's a fucking nutter, is what she is. What kind of parent gets involved in their kid's squabbles with other kids? Don't give me any "a caring parent, that's who" because this goes beyond caring. This was intended to hurt this girl, regardless of whether or not the girl was a nice person or not. You don't play with people that way. It's fucked up, it's cruel and beyond immature. Any parent in their right mind who would do that should not be allowed to be a parent.

I don't want that woman to be prosecuted in any way. No, I just want all of America to hate her, so that wherever she goes, she gets shunned, just as she completely deserves.


And now, a nice thought for the day:

BC/EFA is losing a lot of the donations they'd normally get this time of year because of the IATSE Local One stagehands strike. I'm not going to talk about the politics of unions here. I think the strike is completely justified, even though, I don't like strikes. I still say the threat of a strike is better than actually striking. I don't think the stagehands want to be out of work just before the holidays, nobody does. So I hope they get what they want and it gets resolved soon.

So if you aren't too hard pressed for cash, maybe a donation to this charity would be an idea? I'm going to scrape together a small one, because when one can give, even small amounts, one should.

www.broadwaycares.org/events/GypsyOnlineFundraising2007.cfm

[mfphila]

I saw that on the Today show this morning. That woman doesn't even think she is one bit at fault. I dont have a problem with getting between kids squabbles, if needed, but do it in the open. Call a group meeting with the kids and iron it out. But that's only if it's a serious issue between the two. If just crap then let it go and they can figure it out on their on own. That woman is dispicable and should be reminded everyday of what she did.

[emtee]

Kristin,
You bring up a great point about the strike impacting BC/EFA's fund raising this season. Last week, our pal Pat wrote this to some of her theatre pals. The executive director (who she worked with during the BFO fund raising fiasco during the year that was) of BC/EFA responded to her efforts.

Subject: Fwd: Check out Strike Coverage: How to Support Broadway Cares / Equity Fights...


Hi Friends,

If you are receiving this email it means that you are someone that I have shared wonderful theatre experiences with, or someone that shares my passion for opportunities to do good.

As you probably know, the stagehands union strike is ongoing and at this point there is no definitive end in sight. What you might not remember, or be aware of, is that this is a prime fundraising time for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. At their site you can see the many organizations BC/EFA supports through grants and the difference it makes in the lives of actors, dancers, people working in theatre, and those living with AIDs and breast cancer. One of the recipients of the generosity of BC/EFA is God's Love We Deliver - an organization I am involved with that is near and dear to my heart.

In an effort to offset the losses, please consider visiting the BC/EFA site to do some holiday shopping, to make a donation or to purchase their annual holiday music collection Carols for a Cure. This years two disc collection features a selection by my personal favorites - the cast of Jersey Boys - as well as many other shows from the Great White Way. For $20 you not only receive a two disc collection of fabulous favorites and new takes on the holiday season, but you know that you have made a difference.

Please visit their site and see what catches your fancy, you'll feel better for having done so!

broadwaycares.stores.yahoo.net/

If there is a show, or a fansite or blog that is your personal favorite consider reaching out there in the same way. Also, forward this to people you know who also share a passion for the theatre. Just making folks aware of the Carols for a Cure cd and the Broadway Collection that includes their favorite show could boost sales/contributions to BC/EFA.

Thanks for taking the time to read this,
Pat

Pat: That is very kind of you, thanks so much.

Yes, it seems to be dawning on everyone today that this is indeed going to be a protracted strike and one that will hurt many people, shows and related businesses quite seriously. BC/EFA included. You are correct. We were just in the middle of one of two annual appeal periods which have, of course, had to stop with the performances being shut down.

Unfortunately, every week down means a loss of about $400,000 to BC/EFA. It will certainly have a great affect on our own grant making that is to be begin in January 2008. We are just now trying to figure alternative fundraising schemes that might stop some of the "bleeding".

Your e-mail is a great help and morale boost! Made my day!!

My best to you, your friends and all at GOD'S LOVE WE DELIVER. If you like, check the BC/EFA website on this coming Tuesday. I anticipate that will we have build a on-line donation opportunity specifically to help us - and more importantly the individuals and organization we are determined to continue to support - through these difficult weeks.

Best wishes,

Tom Viola
Executive Director

www.broadwaycares.org

[cath112]

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I hadn't even thought about the impact of the strike on BC/EFA, as well as the direct hit the families are taking and the peripheral businesses as well. I'll certainly follow up on checking the site and finding some way to make a contribution.

It's nice to have positive things to do when the news is about negative things like that mad mother and the grief her actions caused. I doubt anyone will have to remind her of the harm she caused -- I'm sure she'll live with that for the rest of her life.