Teresa "T-Bird" Cooper Interview

Hello everyone its another fun White Rice Wednesday!! Today I take you back to one of Survivor's first seasons. Teresa Cooper or T-Bird as her fans call her participated in this weeks interview. We talked about her time out in Survivor Africa and all things Survivor!!

1. What have you been up to since Survivor Africa?
  T-Bird- Its been 16 years things have been the same. I'm a mom that's the most important. I'm a Delta flight attendant for 36 years. I'm also in real estate. I got married in April. All the cool people I've met from all over the world from all walks of life has been the best. I worked for Georgia CBS 3 years after Africa. I've Been to all different parts of the world. How Survivor showed a bit of the AIDS epidemic. At the end of the show the proceeds went to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS foundation.

2. Jeff described Survivor Africa as one of the toughest seasons ever done. Take us back and tell us how tough it was out there.
  T-Bird- The game is so physically demanding. We didn't have water, We didn't have an area to get away from other players. It's nice when players can take time away. We had to walk to get water and carry it back on our backs. Nowhere to run Nowhere to hide.

3. What was your strength and downfall in the game?
  T-Bird- Strength is part of my job. I think I can keep things inside when others explode. I had strength to persevere and keep it in. Being a mom helped me close the age gap. I've always been a runner when your fit you can be a threat. Weakness a soft spot for people. I have compassion for people even when they don't deserve it.

4.Were you surprised you weren't picked for a second chance for Survivor Cambodia?
  T-Bird- I was not surprised because of all the strong female characters I was up against. Africa happened so long ago I think that hurt me. Rob's Podcast put everyone in a ranking. It had me in second out of everyone. I think Rob's Podcast was into voting. Listening to that wasn't helpful.

5. How do you think the game has evolved since your season?
  T-Bird-  when I played there was no idols no Exile Island. Just hidden immunity idol changed the game a lot.

6. What has been the biggest twist in the game?
  T-Bird- Idols it changes everything.

7. Do you have a favorite moment from your season?
  T-Bird- We got to see videos from home being able to see that and read letters. Also I won the first immunity challenge I remember thinking my kids will think this is cool.

8. If you ever got to play again is there anything you would change to ensure you make it to the end?
  T-Bird- Honestly no you have to be able to adapt to the environment and the people your out there with. Try to be knowledgeable of the people you play with.

9. Are you excited for Survivor Game Changers?
  T-Bird- Absolutely I'm excited there's something about returning players. You know them already it gives you a running.



TBird thank you for the interview today I hope you all are just as excited for Survivor Game changers.

#FandomFriday Damien Fans Interview

Hello everyone welcome to another #FandomFriday. today I decided to interview fans of a fantastic show that was canceled way before its time. Today I interviewed the fans of Damien. It was about Damien Thorn who was coming to terms that his destiny is being the antichrist. I chatted with the fans to hear there thoughts on the show and its sudden cancelation.




1. What drew you to Damien?
  Tati- Basically Bradley James cause it was a new project for him , but later I became even more interested when I heard Barbara would be in it. After seeing more and more teasers how more my interest came to the storyline.
  Johanna- Barbara Hershey's Twitter account
  AJ- Actually, I was initially leery of the show living up to the movie I don't think Lifetime was a good fit, but I was willing to give it a shot because ive studied this mythos since childhood and because of Glen's track record. But then I heard that Barbara was also involved, and that it moved to A&E, and my misgivings lessened more.

2. Favorite Episode?
  Tati- Hard one but if I have to choose then I will choose the last episode cause that it had the most action in it. All the puzzles felt in place but questions still unanswered.

  Johanna- Good question I cant decide. the last one is really special especially the scene with Barbara honoring Damien.

  AJ- Honestly? All of them. I really can't choose. They all have their high and low points for me, so I just consider it a 7 1/2 hour serial movie in ten pieces. If I was" forced" to pick, I would say "Ave Satani" mainly because of that beautiful showdown between Ann and Sr. Greta.

3. Did you enjoy seeing Barbara Hershey in Damien?

  Tati- Absolutely she had a great performance in it. She played it so realistic so real you could feel her pain, her happiness. She is such a brilliant actress.

  Johanna- Yes I think Ann is a great role for her especially in addition to Mary Madalene quit the opposite.

  AJ- Oh definitely! I was thrilled to have Barbara on my TV every week for ten straight week!. She brought a sense of intensity and gravitas to my TV viewing. I wouldn't complain if that happened again.

4 What did you like about Ann Rutledge?

  Tati- I loved her calmness and nothing got in the way it seemed. If you thought she was betraying Damien it wasn't so not even close. She did everything to save and protect Damien and she goes far a very strong character.

  Johanna- The way she protects Damien and shows his destiny to him, but most of all I like what she says at the end that she never lied to him. I think she can only be a true protector if she dosent lie to him. that really impressed me that scene.

  AJ- Without writing a novel? Um... Everything? Ann Rutledge is the epitome of grace under pressure, selfless dedication, calculated business decisions, terrifying intelligence, and motherhood. She is a force of nature to be reckoned with, that's for sure, and she's proven something of a role model for me.

5. Why does Damien have a big fan base?

  Tati- Damien is the first antichrist you got sympathy for. he just don't let in without a fight. He is a devil with a heart. You love him from the start and can not stop. It is a great show with horror with a emotional touch that you never saw before it has everything you need.

  Johanna- I think that's especially because of the general intrest in Satanism, which is quite common especially in the media.

  AJ- It doesn't. If it had a big fanbase, there's more of a chance that it would have been renewed. The fanbase is dedicated and vocal, but it's definitely never been big enough to appease the almighty bottom line.

6. Was Bradley James great as Damien?

  Tati-  He was brilliant great performance. He dosent play his character he becomes him. He brings you into his role its great to watch him.

  Johanna- Absolutely I got the feeling also because as he said he dosent need to act the antichrist, he is it already.

  AJ- Bradley was phenomenal in the role. I loved his chemistry with everyone in the cast that he interacted with. His scenes with Barbara were so intense, for example, and there was a playfulness to his scenes with Omid. I don't know that I could see anyone else in that role.

7. How was the writing on this show different than any show you have watched?

  Tati- I saw the other Damien stuff and its totally different. glen took the story on a whole new level. he showed more then others not even dare to put in cause there afraid of what people would say. So much respect for the writers.

  Johanna- Mainly because its a sequel to an old movie which I think is interesting because you can see how much the main character developed in all these years between being a child and now.

  AJ- There was an attention to detail that isn't often seen. As a writer, I know how it is to research something so you don't sound like an idiot in your writing, so I was able to surmise just how much research Glen and the writers did by the level of detail in the show.

8.Were you disappointed it was canceled?

  Tati- Very disappointed still don't understand why they canceled such a great/ fantastic show. there are so many questions unanswered.

  Johanna- Oh yes especially at this point everyone wants to know how the relation between Ann and Damien develops and well never know now.

  AJ- I was inconsolable when Glen announced the cancelation. I haven't touched A&E since, as I lay the bulk of the blame on them for dropping the ball on advertising and promotion. They did nothing to get the general audience interested in the show. On the other hand, mostly because of the delay in making a decision, I think a very small part of me knew it was being cancelled, but I tried to ignore that in me fervent need for it to continue.

9. What did you expect to see from future seasons?

  Tati- First of all who the hand is that came out of earth. How it will continue with Damien now the he fully gave in and how the relationship between Damien and Simone will continue. Will she go evil or will she stay the same?

  Johanna- Damien and Ann becoming closer and perhaps real friends and Damien becoming more powerful and fulfilling his destiny as becoming the antichrist.

  AJ- To be honest, I expected to see the rest of what Glen had planned for us. He had a series bible for five seasons. There were so many possibilities for what we could have seen, but never will. I ended up taking to fanfiction to try to fill in the gaps as much as I possibly could

I want to thank Tati, Johanna and AJ for this interview. I hope the cast and crew of Damien enjoy this and have a great day. It was all for you Damien

Mary Tyler Moore Tribute

Today I was deeply saddened to read that we lost Mary Tyler Moore:

What an icon she truly accomplished so much during her life. The purpose of this blog post is to share with you what Mary Tyler Moore meant to me.


When you think of Mary Tyler Moore what comes to mind? Her staring along side Dick Van Dyke on the Dick Van Dyke show? Her role in the popular 80s movie Ordinary People? Maybe her work with the Juvinelle Diabetes Research Foundation ? To me and to im sure many others I saw her as...Mary Richards

From The Mary Tyler Moore Show

The show was definitely ahead of its time. It was a touch point in the 1970s cause it was one of the first to show in a serious way an independent working woman.

To me the show meant so much more. When I was in high school and struggling for the first time with anxiety I would often spend my lunch in the bathroom . I was so overcome with anxiety ( not knowing at the time I also had Aspergers) that I couldn't eat in the lunch room nor would people welcome me. I didn't have a friend in the world the only thing that would give me courage to sit through lunch was listening to that iconic Mary Tyler Moore Show theme " Love Is All Around"

https://youtu.be/-Zfti7b31rs


Today I admit I shed a tear or two listening to this song. This song meant so much to me in high school because of this I know whatever life throws at me im going to make it after all. This song and Mary Tyler Moore will always have a special place in my heart. I owe a big thank you to Mary Tyler Moore I have no idea where I would be today had she not created The Mary Tyler Moore Show. I truly will miss the woman who could turn the world on with her smile.

Holly Hoffman Interview

Hello everyone welcome to White Rice Wednesday!! My 2nd White Wednesday Interview is Holly Hoffman from Survivor Nicaragua . She placed 4th during her season but has definitely left an impact and won the hearts of many.

1. What have you been up to since your season?
  Holly-  Its been crazy I never expected this to happen. January after the show I began my first speaking engagement and it became a full time job. I also wrote a book.

2. Take us back why ruin Dan's shoes?
  Holly- Basically Dan really upset me. I felt he was making fun of me or picking on me. He was bragging its like I lashed out in a bad way. I took his shoes out and I was never going to tell him. It was a wrong move I regret it. Personally that's not who I am.

3. You and Purple Kelly had a similar story where you both wanted to quit you didn't but Purple Kelly did why do you think that is?
  Holly- Kelly and Naonka were close at that point. A lot was pressure from Naonka. Kelly was struggling in the game. Neither though thought of the consequences. It was a combination of Naonka convincing her and Kelly thinking she had no chance at winning.

4. You seemed to have the biggest reaction when Naonka went on the reward even though she was going to quit can you explain?
  Holly- We knew going in Naonka was going to quit. She was going to see how the challenge went. If you know your going to quit why not do something good and take the rice and tarp back. I personally thought it was a selfish move and it didn't bother her.



5.What is your opinion on people who quit the show?
  Holly- Its harder than it looks. When your sleeping and its raining and raining for hours your not sleeping. When your at home you cant judge its a hard game physically and mentally. I can see how it could happen but its to easy. Quitting is the easiest thing you do in your life. When you keep going and you finish the self reward is the best feeling. The hardest for me is so many people want to apply and play those are the people I feel sorry for. The people that have to sit and watch when they would do anything to play is who I feel sorry for.

6. You came in 4th place is there anything you could have done differently to gurantee you a spot in the final three?
  Holly- When it was me, Sash, Chase, Fabio and Dan Sash and Chase got water. Fabio and Dan knew they needed someone on there side. Fabio asked if I would flip and go in there alliance. I should have been in an alliance with everyone. So if I failed Fabio could bring me in. I think I was voted out because Sash convinced Chase to vote me off.

7.We just finished Millenials Vs GenX which was basically another old vs young season how was that season different than yours?
  Holly-If you look at the casts the Millenialals they were free flowing. On our season they were more focused and establishing careers.

8. Would you ever play again?
  Holly- I would sometimes I go back and forth. When I applied I never thought I would make it on. When I got a callback I was shocked. I learned a lot about myself I became an independent person. I learned what its like to survive in the real world. When it came down to it I think I would play again.

9. Are you excitied for Survivor Game Changers?
  Holly- I am! I was surprised at the cast  but im excitied. I think it will be a good season.



I want to thank Holly for this interview. If there is one thing we can take from Holly's story its that no matter what don't give up and think of the brighter picture to get you through the dark times.

Beaches 2017 Remake Review

Hello everyone I was debating if I was going to post this review here or to my youtube channel. I decided to here as I have a lot to say. Last night premiered the remake of a classic movie Beaches. Remakes are usually never known as being as great as the original and this movie was no exception. I debated for awhile if I was even going to watch this remake, but I love Beaches so much I decided to keep an open mind and watch the movie....It was AWFUL!!!!

The remake starred:
Idina Menzel as CC Bloom

Nia Long as Hillary Whitney

Here I will tell you the things I liked about the movie and the things I did not like

Things I liked:

. Ive always been a fan of Idina Menzel. I thought she had had an amazing singing voice and her wardrobe was great it was very trendy and suited her well.

. I also like how they revealed things in this movie that they didn't in the original. Hillary at her fathers funeral, The fact that Hillary and her mother both died from cardio myopathy. It was really nice to see little things like that added in .



Now... The things I didn't like
. First one of the things I think of when I see or hear about Beaches is the song Under the Boardwalk. this movie did not have that song. In the original that song kind of set the tone for the whole movie in my opinion

. The children in the original were way better than the kids in the remake.

Mayim Bialik was terrific as a young CC Bloom she was so sassy and fun. When you watch these young actors in the original you kind of feel like they were a great fit and were always meant to be friends. The ones in the remake seems to so boring and you can tell they were acting. In the orginal when you watch the younger actors you forget that your watching a movie and you just are so intrigued and invested in the story.

The young actor who played a young Victoria Essex was awful she was so whiny she made me want to turn the movie off and walk away.

The Glory of Love number in the original says a lot about the friendship od CC and Hillary. Mayim was fantastic I constantly watch that scene on youtube. In this movie it seemed very awkward.

. The remake took away from the magic of the original. One of the things that was nice in the orginal was how CC and Hillary wrote letters to each other. It seemed more personal and at the end of the movie you saw that Hillary saved all those letters that CC and her wrote to each other

In this movie there communicating with each other via text. It seemed very impersonal like I mentioned how Hillary in the orginal saved the letters not many people save texts.

. When they saw each other for the first time in 10 years in the Original they really haven't seen each other for that many years. In the remake that ruined it because they could just Skype or facetime each other so it didn't feel the same.

. In the original CC was a struggling actor because of this she had a crappy apartment were a lot of the appliances didn't work. In the remake while the apartment was small it was actually a very nice apartment. It was very hard to believe that CC was a struggling actor.

. If you have seen the original you know CC and Hillary sing Christmas carols. I was so disappointed they didn't sing Adeste Fidles . I thought Barbara Hershey sang that beautifully. I did not think Nia Long had a great singing voice

. Although Beaches is a drama it had a lot of funy moments a few of those was in the orginal CC had a dog named Arthur or as CC would put it" useless bag of bones " it was hysterical her interactions with the dog it added a bit of humor to a serious movie. When I saw the remake I was like where on earth is Arthur?

. One of the other funnier scenes and personally one of my favorites is when Hillary is in labor.

In the original CC and Hillary are arguing as Hillary is wheeled to the delivery room. Even when she is about to give birth they are still arguing . CC actually faints before Hillary can give birth which shows how CC always took the spotlight away from Hillary.

In the remake CC almost misses it but it seemed like bad acting during this scene. If you were going to do anything different maybe show the birth. When Hillary was doing her breathing im like holy cow this is awful.


One small thing is when Hillary catches her husband cheating on her in the remake Hillary yells and kicks him out. In the original she simply says that's my robe.

. Aunt Vesta was replaced by an Au Pair

. We didn't get to see CC and her many jobs she had while she was a struggling actor.

. One of the biggest let downs was the ending. Those who have watched the original you know Hillary dies from cardio myopathy, but they were still completely different .

In the original as Hillary dies the sun sets and a horse runs toward the sun as it sets. to me that seemed very symbolic.

In the remake Hillary dies in CC's arms it kind of seems like the ending in " Miss You Already" which ironically enough the critics called that a modern Beaches.

One other thing is in the remake Victoria seemed oblivious to her mothers health issues. While in the original Victoria was very aware in fact she found her mom collapsed on the floor.

I suppose one of the biggest let downs was the Beaches after party. They kept advertising there would be a special guest. I kept thinking o please Bette or Barbara it has to be.... wrong!! it was just and actor Idina and Nia worked with in the remake. That special guest just as disappointing as this remake.



Overall I would not recommend this movie. I thought it was awful it was an insult to the original and Bette and Barbara's acting. Nia Long even said at the after party I know im not Barbara Hershey . Of course your not Barbara!!! Barbara was phenomenal in such a groundbreaking film. It seemed very desperate when Nia practically begged Barbara to message her about her approval on the movie or her thoughts about it.

My fear is that people will see this remake and think this is the real Beaches.

This is the real one:

It stars Bette Midler

 And Barbara Hershey

Watch the one from 1988 and you wont be disappointed I promise you. The original helped me in more ways than one can understand. Because of Bette and Barbara I was able to break through my shell and make a friend because I learned from the movie that its better to have one friend that will last a lifetime than a whole group that pretend to care . That my friends is the magic of Beaches 1988. What did I learn from the remake? simple DONT WATCH A REMAKE!!