Too different from what, you ask? Well, the market, or what agents and editors say is hot in the market (especially for debut authors). So here is the dilemma – agents and editors claim to want fresh but it’s fresh with a caveat. They want fresh but not so fresh that it’s not completely identical to everything else selling in the market. Does that sound like a contradiction of terms to you? That’s because it is. How do you find an idea that’s like everything else but still fresh?

I am starting to think that this doesn’t really exist unless I copy what one other young adult author revealed was her secret strategy – to take any (non-original) story and switch up the gender of the characters, giving publishers what they want but being “different” enough. But that doesn’t make it fresh to me, underneath it’s just the same old thing. Wouldn’t readers see right through that? Interestingly, it has worked for her – she’s a best selling author of two young adult books. So is that what agents and editors want, a mash-up of already done, already “proven” ideas? Sounds like it but I don’t think that that’s what readers want, at least I’d like to hope so. I’m a voracious reader myself and when I come upon a new book with an interesting unique different idea, I’m intrigued. Simply put, the world is a diverse place, we need diverse material. Pick any book from the Hugo Awards list and you’ll see some of the diversity I’m talking about.

Anyway, that’s only a snippet of my creative dilemma as I’m sure there are other implications tied in to this like the economic climate (editors not willing to risk their jobs for unknown authors or publishers looking for tried and true), the changing landscape of the publishing industry and the digital ebook revolution, or simple economics of the cost to produce versus sales return. More than likely it’s going to be the Indies (Independent Publishers) that are going to be the ones to find the new stuff or take a chance on niche markets/ideas, but still, that’s but a sliver of the whole. It’s an undeniably daunting prospect for any unconnected unknown writer. The odds are simply not in their favor.

That said, I’m debating whether to do a test project and write the book that fits the mold. Is that selling out? Not entirely sure…but if it means selling something, I don’t have anything to lose. What’s the alternative? To do it yourself and own the onus? That’s certainly an option but that’s a very complicated discussion meant for another time.

Firstly, it’s disappointing that they basically gave away how they were going to kill Russell in the previews for next week but I guess the snapshot of Godric is a little sweet spot for us to look forward to considering they gave pretty much everything else away (i.e., Russell is dead).

Secondly, how are they going to wrap up (if at all) all of the other miscellaneous subplots that have for the most part been somewhat lame this season? Let’s enumerate: 1) Crystal and Jason and her meth/were-panther family, 2) Tara’s rage at everybody (although was the cathartic sex scene between her and Sam in this episode supposed to be a loose end tied up?), 3) Lafayette and Jesus and their whole weird super-natural (and now diabolic???) relationship, 4) Arlene and her baby (although maybe that’s for next season now that her “evil” baby didn’t die), 5) Jessica and Hoyt (in hindsight though as I write this, maybe that one has been wrapped up because they’re back together, although Hoyt’s mother and Summer are devilishly plotting to break them up), 6) Claudine and her fairy bunch, and lastly but not least, 7) The Authority – at least give us something to chew on between seasons. Pretty pretty please!

The shining moments between Crystal’s were-panther appearance and the completely bizarre Wiccan scene between Holly and Arlene to get rid of Arlene’s baby, was of course the confrontation scene between Eric and Russell when he offers him the sun, as well as the last part of the episode where the whole trick with Russell, Eric, Sookie and Bill comes together.

Bill: One caveat gentlemen. If you drain her completely, that’s the last fairy blood you’ll ever drink.

Eric: Hm, good point.

Russell: We are schooled. Onward to adventure!

Sookie: If this is you trying to help me, thanks for nothing.

The scene in the bar when drunken Sam completely loses it was actually also pretty funny. In a messed up way, it was cool to see the normally pulled-together Sam falling apart and swearing at everyone, even poor gentle Terry who tries to tell him that it’s just the liquor talking.

Sam: Get back in the kitchen, you shell-shocked mother-[BLEEP]!

Even so, I laughed so hard because that is exactly how Terry looks to me…shell-shocked. I actually also liked wrap up of the story between Jason and Kitch, and the whole secret that he’s using V to be able to play football longer and stronger, and that all the coaches know about it. Probably something that will go into next season unless Jason goes ballistic on them in the last episode. The part where Tara tells Andy that she knew about Eggs was cool, and I liked how Andy comes back and just explains about Maryann.

Andy: Well I don’t feel like a hero. I never wanted nothing like this to happen. It was all Maryann. He [Eggs] was innocent. God help me. If I could do it again, if I could go back and just get a hold of Jason’s gun, if Eggs would just listen and put the knife down, but he…he was bound and determined to die. I couldn’t stop him. Jason didn’t know. I’m sorry. Tara, I’m so sorry.

Honestly I think that was all Tara needed to hear that somebody was sorry that Eggs had to die. That was a good resolution of that piece.

It was good to see poor little Tommy back-pedaling like crazy when Sam fires him and kicks him out, especially how quickly he usually is to fire off his mouth. Bet he didn’t see that one coming!

Tommy to Sam: Wait. I lost my temper. It’s…it’s nothing. I’m sorry. See, see, I ain’t mad anymore!

Absolutely loved the last few minutes of the eposide when Eric turns around to Russell when they’re outside in the sun with his face is competely blistered and burned, and he snaps the handcuffs on Russell’s hand before Russell can escape.

Russell: You traitor! [BLEEP] madman!

Eric growling: Be brave. We’ll die together.

Thought Eric was very much like a Viking prince in that moment, facing death so courageously.

The final episode, which looks super-exciting based on the previews (Godric!!!), will air in two weeks on September 12, at 9pm on HBO. As a final note, loved the In Memoriam of all the vampires/creatures who met the True Death, from Maudette to Godric. Classic gory True Blood moments!

But honestly, it’s like a personal slight, the horridly public announcement that you have a contagious infection, and everyone should stay away or they could catch it. Is that a scarlet letter, or what? Anyway, initial shock and shame aside, I guess it was inevitable at some point according to all the posts and information out there about malware, spyware, crapware, etc. It happens, and if you don’t protect your site effectively, you could be vulnerable to attack.

So the short story is that my site got hacked with additional unauthorized users added and malicious software embedded into the code, which of course got tagged by Google and was eventually marked as a “site that may harm your computer.” Super. Enter immediate panic on my part. What to do? What to do? WHAT TO DO?

Thankfully, Media Temple, my hosting provider, along with my wonderful webmaster/husband got right on it and cleaned out all the malware (while of course I’m still running around like a chicken with its head cut off). We then requested a review from Google (via their webmaster tools – request a review) to confirm that the site was clean, which they did very quickly (thank you Google!), and now we are back to normal. Phew.

As Google puts it, “the price of freedom from malware is eternal vigilance.” Here are some general tips to protect yourself if you have a WordPress (or any other) website.

1) Use strong passwords

2) Keep WordPress updated (older versions can have known security issues) or harden WordPress

3) Backup your files (database, theme files, plugins, media uploads)

4) Monitor your site regularly including new or abnormal database user accounts and changes to source files

5) Keep local computers safe with up-to-date anti-virus software

6) Stay current with the latest security news – Google Online Security Blog or US-Cert (United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team)

If your site has been compromised, don’t panic (easier said than done, I know). Contact your hosting provider for help, and follow Google’s step-by-step information on Cleaning Your Site. You can also refer to the WordPress FAQ My Site Was Hacked for additional information specific to WordPress. StopBadware.org also offers good information, tips to protect yourself, and forum advice from people who can help you.

Remember, use protection! That’s good life advice too.

That said, is it exciting? You bet. With a ton of gun slinging action that pretty much never stops along with some crazy car chases and a ton of adrenaline-filled testosterone, the movie is on the go from the start. It’s an over-the-top extravaganza of manly machonistas. But outside of that, there’s no hiding the fact that the script sucks.

Rated 38% on the Rotten Tomatoes tomatometer, The Expendables is simply an aging A-list cast thrown together haphazardly in a B-grade movie, where a bunch of mercenaries attempt to save the destruction of small country under military occupancy and the control of an ex-FBI agent.  Plus, let me not forget the hot Spanish daughter of the army general who convinces Stallone to singlehandedly attempt to take on the bad guys. Save my people, Mr. Big Muscles.

Cheesy? Just a little. But I knew what I was getting into when I went to see this movie, so overall I wasn’t too disappointed. Instead, I just let myself enjoy the mad old-school action movie ride that was The Expendables and in the end, I’m not ashamed to say that I actually enjoyed it. Chock full of bullets and blood, there are some great one liners and unexpectedly quite a lot of comedy.

Trench (Schwarznegger): Give this job to my friend here. He loves playing in the jungle, right?

Barney (Stallone): Right.

Mr. Church (Willis): What’s his [bleep] problem?

Barney: He wants to be president.

Nice dig at Arnold’s political aspirations. It’s hilarious too when they keep picking on Jet Li’s height.

Hale (Terry Crews): Great, they got a small army. What have we got? (looks at Ying Yang) Four and a half men.

Ying (Jet Li): Not so funny.

It’s by far not the best movie I’ve ever seen, but it’s not the worst either. If you’re into this kind of movie, I’d say check out The Losers which is way better (and funnier). The Expendables is definitely a “wait for DVD” movie but I’d rate it a 2 out of 5 stars just for its sheer old-school chutzpah.

Bring back the eighties!!! Um, no.

I thought this episode of True Blood was a little disappointing in parts and not so disappointing in others. The whole V roller-coaster trip with Lafayette and Jesus was almost too weird, and I’m not sure I’m liking the direction that’s going too much. Sorcerers, black magic, witch doctors? Not really feeling it. Next, between True Blood‘s cool-looking vampires and the awesome effects using real wolves for the were form of the werewolves, Crystal’s black panther form was some B-grade horror movie fakeness. Did not like that at all. I also think it would have been way cooler if they had revealed this earlier in the show before we got totally fed-up with her and her strange deer-chewing, meth-dealing kin. Too little, too late at this point.

On the flip side, I did like the explanation of Sam’s back-story, and it was good to understand why he didn’t give in to his anger before his brother came along. He used to be a bad boy himself. Love that Tommy’s rage sent Jessica right back into Hoyt’s arms (not to mention Hoyt getting a drink of Jess’ blood to heal him). She and Hoyt belong together. Speaking of Jessica, I was cheering inside when she gave Arlene a piece of her mind, and her fangs, when Arlene was mouthing off about vampires. Nothing like a firecracker red-headed vamp to shut someone up. Awesome!

Thought the scene with Russell and his street-boy-toy, and the whole reenactment of Talbot’s staking was more than a little creepy. I know Russell’s gone off the deep end, but seriously, the man has issues. By the way, anyone notice that the boy-toy faux-Talbot was Michael Steger (Navid) from 90210? Ok, now that’s just become even more creepy. Ewww, 90210 is now ruined forever.

Still, apart from all that, exciting times! Just two more episodes left! The main plot-line of course is going to come to a head with Eric (armed with Sookie’s blood I’m guessing) versus Russell. It would be neat if the Authority got involved at some point in the final episodes, at least to show that they have some say/response in matters of vampire security.  Not sure what the True Blood team is going to do to resolve the various weak sub-plots which I reiterated in my last post, but I’m in it for the bigger stuff anyway. And hopefully, Alcide will make a reappearance and make it all worth it.

True Blood airs on HBO at 9pm on Sundays.

Rated at 77% on the Rotten Tomatoes tomatometer, I honestly expected more given that the tomatometer is usually in line with what I think about most films. In this case however, I think it was a bit off. I’d probably put Nanny McPhee Returns at about 50%.

Nanny McPhee returns at Aggie’s behest (the baby from the first movie played by Maggie Smith) to help a young mother (played admirably by Maggie Gyllenhaal) with her three unruly children and their two spoiled cousins while their father is away at war. As usual, a scary-looking Nanny McPhee appears when she is needed but not wanted, and leaves when she is wanted but no longer needed (with hotness makeover complete). She has five lessons to teach these five youngsters, and goes about doing that in her unique stick-thumping manner. Although it’s a tad bit violent and reminiscent of a tween Fight Club when the children are beating the crap out of themselves, Nanny McPhee does manage to complete the first of her lessons. But then, toss in a creepy uncle who wants the children’s mother to sell the farm to save himself from debt (and the two heifers after his kidneys), an inanely random bomb diffusion, a weird blackbird addicted to putty, an unsightly (really unsightly) amount of poo, and a forged telegram that their father has been killed in action, and I’m not sure that the outcome can be anything amazing. Instead, it’s a hodge-podge of random events with a ton of fairy dust thrown on top of it to disguise its complete lack of anything magical.

That said, I didn’t leave the theater saying that this movie was terrible. It did have some redeeming moments too, like when the children stick up for each other, or their mother’s unswerving unconditional love (at moments when most mothers would go completely ballistic, like when they ruined her cherished wedding veil), or when their father comes home at the end because his son knows it “in his bones” that his father isn’t dead. Overall however, it just wasn’t near anything as good as its predecessor.

Emma Thompson is wonderful as Nanny McPhee, but the main storyline completely undermined how incredible she is in this role. I can certainly appreciate that this film is of course directed toward kids, but I just didn’t feel the magic. Don’t get me wrong, the actual magic was there – fairy-dust-making stick thumps, synchronized swimming piglets, sky-writing barley, and flying motorbikes, along with disappearing moles and unibrows. It just didn’t feel as original and extraordinary as the first film which also seemed to have more of a more fluid and emotionally-connective story. The magic went far deeper. The pacing of the film also felt odd to me, dragging along in parts and racing along in others which made it seem very fragmented and choppy. Things happened too much at random, and then didn’t get resolved or were ignored.

Nanny McPhee Returns does convey the right messages to children like not fighting, sharing, helping others, as well as more adult messages like taking leaps of faith, but it just didn’t come together for me as much as I wanted it to. I would rate Nanny McPhee Returns 2 out of 5 stars. Younger children will enjoy it, and as other reviewers have said, parents will probably enjoy their delight more than any of their own from watching the film themselves. I’d say wait for DVD.

Anyway. So two things stuck with me after this episode.

1) Franklin’s wasn’t dead! But now he’s dead for real courtesy of Mr. Stackhouse.

Franklin (with disdainful English diction): You do realize that I’m a vampire. You could empty every round in me and I’ll heal.

Jason: Not if I got wooden bullets.

2) Russell is one crazy psychotic vampire (not to mention creepy, carrying around his little crystal chalice of Talbot entrails…ewww).

Russell: We are immortal because we drink the true blood, blood that is living, organic, and human. Make no mistake, mine is the true face of vampires! Why would we seek equal rights? You are not our equals. We will eat you. After we eat your children. Now time for the weather. Tiffany?

Classic!

Overall the episode wasn’t bad, it just seemed like it was a lot of catch-up/build-up for future episodes to move the main plot along with Sookie/Russell/Bill/Eric, and attempting to wrap-up the smaller sub-plots with Jason and Crystal, Sam and his family, Lafayette and Jesus, Tara and her post-Franklin rage, Jessica and Hoyt, etc.

Speaking of sub-plots, still don’t know what the deal with Sam’s brother is or even why Sam finally loses it because he gets his buttons pushed about everyone walking all over him. So predictable! The relationship between Crystal and Jason is still annoying me, it just doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Of course Crystal is not going to leave her “kin,” they’re her hillbilly pack. Come on already! I really think Sam’s and Jason’s characters have been undermined this season with this story direction. It’s boring and lame.

Still happy about Lafayette and Jesus but I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop on poor Lafayette. Either Jesus is going to turn out to be some non-human or one of the other True Blood uglies is going to take him out.

Love the little scene between Jessica and Hoyt, especially when he tells her how much he hates Summer. That was awesome because I can’t stand Summer. I just want to crush her with my bare hands! Plus, I love Jess.

Hoyt: I [bleep] hate her. She will not stop talking!

I wasn’t sure about the addition of Holly but now I am excited to see what she brings to the table this late in the season, especially after all the tweets that she is a witch. The main question I have in my head is whether she knew what happened to Tara and said that she was a rape survivor in the meeting so that she could get close to her, just like she knew about Arlene’s baby. Speaking of the baby, when she was sitting with Arlene and Arlene was saying that her baby was evil, there was a moment there. Something baaaaad is going to happen! *shiver*

Now for the good stuff. Really loved the scene between Nan and Eric when he was being interrogated. It was good to see that there is actually an Authority or some authority anyway (a bunch of faceless guys in a room over a webcam does not an Authority make, but we shall see). Also, anyone else notice that after claiming that she only drinks TruBlood to Eric, Nan is just like any other vampire with her little human suck-toys? She certainly seems to have a lot of power for a vampire who’s supposedly just the face of the American Vampire League.

Nan: Listen, you whiny little bitch…you brought us this steaming pile of shit, and you’re going to make it go away. Now bring me his fangs or I will have yours.

Lastly, what in tarnation is Sookie? We have Bill miraculously going to her secret dream place where he meets up with Claudine, and obviously she tells him what Sookie is, but we still don’t know! Dammit. Like the twist that Hadley’s kid (Sookie’s nephew) is also the same as Sookie, but now I really need to know why the vampires all have such a huge interest in her.

I am guessing that all this is going to come together in the last couple episodes somehow as Sookie undoubtedly will have to be the one to kill Russell (possibly working together with Eric and Bill) if only because he is 3000 years old and stronger than any other vampire.

Can’t wait for the next episode! True Blood airs on Sundays on HBO at 9pm EST.

I do have to add a mini-postscript that Russell, despite being a complete lunatic, does make some good points about current society. Could True Blood be delivering a public message about excess and morality? Hmmm.

“Now the American Vampire League wishes to perpetrate the notion that we are just like you. And, I suppose in a few small ways we are. We’re narcissists. We care only about getting what we want, no matter what the cost, just like you. Global warming. Perpetual war. Toxic waste. Child labor. Torture. Genocide. That’s a small price to pay for your SUVs and your flat screen TVs, your blood diamonds, your designer jeans, your absurd garish McMansions! Futile symbols of permanence to quell your quivering spineless souls.”

That’s it! *shakes fist to sky* No more designer jeans for me!

One big unicorn, strong and free, thought he was happy as he could be. Then three little kittens came around and turned his whole life upside down. They made him laugh, they made him cry. He never should have said goodbye. And now he knows he can never part from those three little kittens that changed his heart.

I had the near-forgotten pleasure of viewing Despicable Me in a real live drive-in theater, complete with miniature playground, deck chairs, and honest-to-goodness speaker boxes on poles between the cars. We did get reception on a radio station so it wasn’t entirely all old-school. It wasn’t 3D but still, what a great experience!

Rated at 79% on the Rotten Tomatoes tomatometer, Despicable Me lived up to its hype. More delightful than despicable, Despicable Me is a great family film that is sweet, funny, and endearing for adults and children alike.

Surrounded by a slice of suburbia in his hidden uber-outfitted, underground lair, Gru is a super-villain who is plotting his biggest crime yet…to steal the moon. All he wants is to win his mother’s approval. With the help of three orphaned girls to infiltrate his nemesis’ lair by selling cookies, he manages to steal back a shrink-ray (crucial in his plan to shrink and steal the moon). But what he doesn’t plan for is everything else it takes to raise three little girls, like meal time, play time, telling stories, and goodnight kisses. After they turn his life completely upside down, Gru decides to send them back to the orphanage. In the end, Gru and his Twinkie-like minions (who are hilarious – case in point, the photocopying of their bare bottoms and giggling like crazy had me in stitches), manage to pull-off the heist, but Gru realizes that what he really wants in the world is to be with his three girls. He wins his mother’s approval when she finally tells him that she’s proud of him for becoming a dad.

Gru: It’s like my heart is a tooth, and it’s got a cavity that can only be filled with children.

With a ton of great humor, Despicable Me is a heart-warming movie that will make you only want to see it again and again and again. Gru has some great one-liners as a first-time parent that were hilarious.

Gru: You will not cry, or sneeze or barf or fart! No annoying sounds.

Agnes: Does this count as annoying? (puffs her cheeks)

You can’t help but fall for the girls, especially Agnes, the one with the giant doe eyes and an unhealthy obsession with anything fluffy.

Agnes (staring at a plush unicorn at a fair): It’s so fluffy, I’m gonna die! SO FLUFFY!

She reminded me of the little girl in Monsters Inc. Super adorable!

Despite Gru’s gruff exterior, the girls look past all that, and start to see all the good things in him that would make him a great dad. Their love is immediate and unconditional. Like Gru, at the heart of it all, they just want to be accepted and loved, and find their own place in the world with a loving family of their own.

Edith: Mr. Gru is nice.

Margo: But scary.

Agnes: Yeah. Like Santa.

An enjoyable experience that I didn’t really expect, I would rate Despicable Me four out of five stars. The Twinkies probably warrant their own star. Absolutely loved em! I’m saving the final star for a 3D viewing which I heard was fantastic, so this rating is to be updated at some point. For now, Despicable Me is 95 minutes of superbad goodness. Enjoy!

True Blood. They’re hot. They’re sexy. They’re undead.

You bet your pants they are!

If you’re shy, easily offended, or don’t like blood, turn away now. This ain’t for the fainthearted.

The True Blood Rolling Stone cover is mad sexy! It’s everything that True Blood is about – vampires, blood, nudity, sex, and rock n’ roll. Ok, maybe not so much the rock n’ roll part but definitely the first four with lots of intrigue, various other paranorms, and a lot more sex than just the one word above implies.

Featuring Alexander Skarsgard (Eric Northman), Anna Paquin (Sookie Stackhouse), and Stephen Moyer (Bill Compton), the cover, like the show, is bold, dramatic, and provocative, typical of many past Rolling Stone covers.

Absolutely love Alan Ball’s comment to Rolling Stone, “To me, vampires are sex, I don’t get a vampire story about abstinence. I’m 53. I don’t care about high school students. I find them irritating and uninformed.” Hilarious.

Check out the latest issue of Rolling Stone on newsstands now. The article will be available online on Friday, August 20th for Rolling Stone subscribers.

Evelyn Salt is a CIA operative, sworn to defend her country. When a KGB defector shows up at CIA headquarters and says that Salt is a trained Russian sleeper agent (insinuated into American society as a child as part of an elite operation), who is going to kill the Russian President, Salt is immediately on the defensive. She wants to make sure her husband is safe so she breaks out of lock-down causing a massive full-on agent chase with some nice trailer-truck leap-frogging stunts. In a complete reversal of what I expected (that she was a good guy), she makes her way to NY, assassinates the Russian President, and then turns herself in. Escaping police custody, she meets up with the Russian defector on a barge where he kills her husband in cold blood. Masking her devastation, Salt learns that it is all part of a greater plot to kill the US President and start a multi-nation war to bring down the United States. She eliminates everyone on the barge, and heads to the White House to stop a series of carefully pre-planned events involving a lot of sleeper Russian agents like herself. In a heart-stopping sequence from where one of the Russian spies makes a move on the US President, Salt makes it to the safe-bunker where she learns that her CIA partner is also part of the Russian mission, and is about to set off a nuclear missile. She breaks in and stops him but not before the SWAT team takes her down, believing her to be the bad guy. In the end, she manages to escape with the reluctant help of the main agent in pursuit who believes her account of what really happened.

There aren’t a lot of special effects or CGI, just awesome plain vanilla action that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I found Angelina Jolie’s performance as a spy to be exactly what it needed to be – great fight scenes, decent acting with not a ton of needless dialogue, and a great poker face. She is a spy after all! The convoluted conspiracy theory plot had me guessing as to where Salt’s loyalty lay, but in the end, she did prove to be one of the good guys and saves the world from nuclear disaster. I loved the twist where she shoots the Russian President with a paralysis toxin from a spider, because she knows that if she doesn’t do it, someone else will do it for real. I thought the fleshing out of the real plot (complete world anarchy) was believable, and Salt ends up being the rogue Russian-turned-American spy who brings the whole conspiracy down.

Overall, Salt was good, mindless but engaging fun. As an action film, in my opinion it held its own against the Bourne movies or even the James Bond franchise. Just because Salt’s a chick doesn’t mean that she can’t lay a good beat-down on the bad guys. Cool, action summer flick, plus the boys will like the part where she, um, takes off her undies to block a surveillance camera. Part Bond, part Basic Instinct, what’s not to like? I would rate Salt 3 and a half out of 5 stars.