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"Dragon Tattoo" Girl Down To Five
Three Australians, one New Yorker and one French woman have seemingly emerged as the rumoured final candidates to play Lisbeth Salander in David Fincher's upcoming Hollywood adaptation of the bestselling "The Girl with Dragon Tattoo" reports IndieWire and Showbiz 411.
The quintet have beaten out more familiar names like Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Ellen Page, Mia Wasikowska, Keira Knightleyand Anne Hathaway who are apparently no longer in the running. Over the weekend Portman admitted no-one had been in contact with her about the project at all in fact. Here's a look at the list of candidates:
1. Rooney Mara
The 25-year-old New Yorker has several TV guest spots along with some gay-themed indie dramas like "Dream Boy" and "Dare" to her resume.
After appearing in small roles in "Youth in Revolt" and "The Winning Season" last year, Mara has broken out this year with the lead heroinne role in the "A Nightmare on Elm Street" remake back in April and a key role in Fincher and Sony's "The Social Network" in October. The latter certainly puts her in pole position.
2. Emily Browning
One of the two most experienced actress on the list, the 21-year-old Melbourne-born actress has been starring in various major Hollywood fare since 2002 from kid lit fantasy ("Lemony Snicket"), to horror ("Ghost Ship," "Darkness Falls," "The Uninvited") and historical drama ("Ned Kelly").
She also has various Australian TV work to her credit, including the lead role in Zack Snyder's upcoming action fantasy feature "Sucker Punch".
3. Sophie Lowe
One of Australian cinema's emerging stars, Sophie Lowe first appeared in 2007 with several indie efforts which lead to her scoring the sexually manipulative title role in Rachel Ward's 2009 incest-themed rural-set family drama "Beautiful Kate".
Lowe has also starred in acclaimed filmmaker Ana Kokkinos' "Blessed" and the upcoming supernatural thriller "Road Kill" alongside Xavier Samuel ("The Twilight Saga: Eclipse").
4. Lea Seydoux
The French thespian also has quite a lot of experience to her name since first coming to notice in the Asia Argento-led "An Old Mistress" in 2007.
Along with acclaimed French films like "La Belle Personne," "Lourdes" and "De La Guerre", the actress has some Hollywood tentpole experience playing the mistress of King John (Oscar Isaac) in Ridley Scott's "Robin Hood" and scored a brief role in Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds".
Her name was the last of the five to be revealed.
5. Sarah Snook
The true unknown of the list, Snook has only a single TV/film acting credit to her name - a guest starring role in an episode of Aussie medical drama "All Saints".
The NIDA graduate however has become something of a sensation on the Sydney stage scene with performances in the likes of "The Shape of Things," "King Lear," "Love for Love" and "Gallipoli".
The five may not be final as apparently if screen tests for the five don't work out, the studio could well go back to some of the former candidates they had in mind for the role.
This entry was posted by Dark Horizons on July 26, 2010 at 5:29 am, and is filed under Other News. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.


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Joining FFVA is more than a transaction. It's a connection. When you join FFVA, a team of the industry's leading experts on crop protection, labor, water management, government relations, communications and marketing is working for you. That is why FFVA, since 1943, continues to be the leading voice of Florida agriculture. FFVA is a trusted, essential partner for Florida growers, serving specialty crop agriculture since 1943.
We represent a broad range of crops: vegetables, citrus, berries, tropical fruit, sod, sugar cane, tree crops and more. We are a strong, unified voice on issues that affect you, listening and responding to your needs by helping to shape agricultural public policy. FFVA is your go-to resource, no matter the issue. What's more, FFVA is ensuring the sustainability of Florida agriculture and the association through our Emerging Leader Development Program.
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The final show of Bellator Fighting Championships' three-event "Summer Series" likely will take place at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.
In Tuesday Bellator Chairman and CEO Bjorn Rebney told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio) that final preparations are being made for the Aug. 20 event, which airs on MTV2.
In addition to the finale of the eight-man Summer Series featherweight tournament, Bellator 48 also could feature a title fight, Rebney said.
The possibilities? Welterweight champion Ben Askren (8-0 MMA, 5-0 BFC) vs. season-four tournament winner Jay Hieron (22-4 MMA, 3-0 BFC), or lightweight champ Eddie Alvarez (22-2 MMA, 6-0 BFC) vs. season-four tourney winner Michael Chandler (8-0 MMA, 5-0 BFC).
"We've just got to figure out which one," Rebney said.
(However, sources close to the fighters suggested the title fights could take place on other dates.)
If Bellator 48 does take place at Mohegan Sun, it'll be the fifth event at the Northeast venue. Only Hollywood, Fla., has hosted more Bellator shows.
"We haven't signed off on everything yet, but they've been awesome hosts," Rebney said. "We've done some spectacular events up at Mohegan, and we're looking to bringing back the Summer Series final there."
Bellator recently concluded a 12-week fourth season. The Summer Series works as a bridge between it and season five, which kicks off in September with another 12-week run.
For more on Bellator 48, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.
(Pictured: Eddie Alvarez)


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Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?betsydc Oct 11, 2012 9:48 PM (in response to mere_wood)
I have used quckbooks and found it very difficult to navigate and very expensive to use online so I could access it when out of town. I discovered Freshbooks.com, a cloud accounting site, and have been very happy with them.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?mere_wood Oct 17, 2012 11:18 AM (in response to betsydc)
Does it make your taxes more difficult using Freshbooks?
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?LessAccounting - Allan Branch May 28, 2013 2:23 PM (in response to betsydc)
Freshbooks is a wonderful app with some limitations on bookkeeping features. If you ever need a balance sheet or other accounting features check out our simple accounting software, LessAccounting.com
Quickbooks has been the gold standard of accounting software for many decades but there's many new cloud based accounting applications like Xero, Wave, Outright and us that are slowly chipping away at Intuit's death grip on it's customers.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?Moderator Melinda Oct 12, 2012 9:33 AM (in response to mere_wood)
Hi Mere_wood,
I too found quickbooks to be difficult. I actually used my own software developed by a friend. It was great using custom made software. Had everything I needed to help me organize my finances. Good luck!
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?mere_wood Oct 17, 2012 11:18 AM (in response to Moderator Melinda)
That's a nice plus to have!!
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?jking.4-5-6 Oct 21, 2012 11:17 PM (in response to Moderator Melinda)
HI Melinda, I am looking for a good computer and business software that will grow with my company. I want to avoid the race for the biggest and best technology. I just want a system that will store and retrieve my files and data. I need to generate year end totals and reports, also to customize and print checks for contractors and expenses. I now use the "Neat Works" filing system. But I need more. Do you have any ideas? Are you knowledgeable about the new "Apple iMac" Desktop Computer? I'm thinking the Apple Software may be easer for me sense I'm not all that computer literate. Please help, or point me in the right direction.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?Moderator Melinda Oct 25, 2012 9:18 AM (in response to jking.4-5-6)
Hi jking,
I am not familiar with the apple imac. Our office uses windows computers because of the architectural software. I do know that mac is simpler than windows but it also depends on what field you are in. Mac is used by many editors and writers. The reason I chose to develop my own software is because I wasn't really satisfied with what was being offered at the time. I too needed something to grow with. It was an added bonus for me to have a friend who was a software developer. I must warn you, developing your own software can be very pricey. You must put everything on a scale. My suggestion to tou is, write down exactly what it is you need for your company to be efficient (taking the future into account as well). Then go shopping. Look around and see what is offered. There maybe something close to what you need. There are many good suggestions here. If you feel that there is nothing that satisfies your needs, you could develop your own. But I caution you again. It is VERY pricey to develop your own software. Good luck to you.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?jking.4-5-6 Oct 28, 2012 8:18 AM (in response to Moderator Melinda)
THanks Melinda, u seem 2 have good insight into my situation. I have thought extensively about building my own personal software, but after facing my skills shortfall I quickly return to looking for a "plug-n-play" system that comes close to my needs.
SInce our last talk, I downloaded "Office 2010" and bought the book too. So I'm going through that hoping Excell will show me how to create the forms I want.
MY old laptop ran out of RAM, and it seems a newer and later model is better than trying to upgrade the old, which is why I'm looking at an iMac, then maybe I can focus on my business over the next few years rather than on my computer. Agin, thanks for much needed advice.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?rick Oct 12, 2012 10:47 AM (in response to mere_wood)
I use MAS90 and like it but find it is not very common.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?mere_wood Oct 18, 2012 10:38 AM (in response to rick)
Yeah, I've never heard of it. What do you think are the positives of the software? Any negatives?
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?mere_wood Oct 22, 2012 11:14 AM (in response to rick)
You're right, this is the first time I'm hearing about it. Do you like it?
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?lou1s Oct 12, 2012 10:48 AM (in response to mere_wood)
Quick books was great yesterday, today we rest on technology and in the cloud, in other words most people are using an online software they can access from anywhere and automate their process's right down to one click tax filing, I use outright.com there is a free version and you can upgrade as you grow or most of the larger banks are offering the service of book keeping, payroll and taxes for prices that range from free to $40 per month so if you have a biz checking account you should ask if the service is provided.
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Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?mere_wood Oct 12, 2012 3:42 PM (in response to OfficeGoddess)
Do you use Quickbooks for B2B or B2C?
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Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?mere_wood Oct 15, 2012 4:19 PM (in response to OfficeGoddess)
Do you ever have issues with customers paying you on time?
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?ken Oct 16, 2012 5:45 PM (in response to mere_wood)
Actually yes! I've been "stiffed" once in my 19 years in business. It was a Canadian company and very tough to go after. This past week I had an invoice "finally" paid, that was due 16th-June -12. I hung in there with them as they were trying to get their biz turned around. Needless to say, I'll be requiring payment up front, a policy I have enforce for any international companies...including Canada LOL!
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?mere_wood Oct 17, 2012 11:19 AM (in response to ken)
grrr that's the worst. However, that's really nice that you only have been officially stiffed once!
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?mere_wood Oct 15, 2012 4:18 PM (in response to lou1s)
What about invoicing?
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Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?mere_wood Oct 15, 2012 5:32 PM (in response to OfficeGoddess)
Oh whoops, I meant for that to reply to someone else! My bad!
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Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?account on me Oct 16, 2012 8:54 PM (in response to Kathleen Ries-Jubenville)
Kathleen - I totally agree with you. I've been using QuickBooks for 10+ years. (I still have a client using QuickBooks 2002!). I agree with you that the set-up is crucial. I find that if a client doesn't have the basic accounting knowledge, like debits vs credits, they can get lost. But then, that's what companies like us are here for, right?! If shown how to do the simple check writing and making a deposit, I think most clients get along with it just fine. And with guidance from a professional that has worked with QB for awhile, they can usually accomplish what they need. I definitely don't like the MAC version - too many restrictions. And it seems to loose something (data?) when the data is transferred back and forth between Windows and MAC versions.
Best, Peggy Headington, Account on Me
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?cottageowner Oct 16, 2012 11:09 PM (in response to account on me)
I still maintain for the 'ordinary' person starting a small business Quick Books software is not user friendly and hard to use for some things. Sure, if you are an accountant or CPA I'm sure you understand the program very well. Most people starting a small business, however, can not afford an accountant. We are just looking for a program that can help us get to the point where we can hire someone like you or Kathleen...but in the beginning, I feel most of us can't do that. Quick Books touts that they are 'user friendly' and 'easy to use' and I just don't see it. I'm not a dummy...I know hardware and I know software. I used to write programs in C+ and Visual Basic. I also had training in bookkeeping years ago. None of that helps me with this program. As someone else stated, he uses just what he needs in the program. I do the same. But I know the program can do so much more, and yet I don't trust it to give me an accurate year end report for taxes because of mistakes I'VE made because the program makes some things so difficult. Just my opinion.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?toddwerts Oct 17, 2012 8:51 AM (in response to cottageowner)
Newbie here also. I've been using it (QBO) since 2007 and found it simple to use. My major issue is that it's not compliant with Government Accounting rules! So, if I experience just a little bit more growth, I'll have to find another solution. Kathleen, is there anything in the works to make QBO compliant?
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?mere_wood Oct 17, 2012 11:37 AM (in response to account on me)
Do you also train people in Quickbooks?
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?ken Oct 16, 2012 5:39 PM (in response to mere_wood)
Hi All,
I'm new, just joined moments ago. In answer to who "uses QuickBooks here". I've been using it since the late 80s, I guess. Currently using the 2010 version and the MFG/Wholesale module. I'm comfortable with it and find it quite adequate for my small biz. I like the automation aspect of being able to email invoices and my accountant has an in-house expert if I run into a problem.
Just thought, I'd jump in with a little background and getting my "foot in the door" of this forum.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?cottageowner Oct 16, 2012 6:08 PM (in response to ken)
I've been using Quickbooks Pro for 3 years now and hate it. I don't agree with Kathleen that it is user-friendly. I know others who use it and hate it also. I'm definitely going to look into some of the other programs mentioned above. I've taken some training in Quickbooks Pro and also have a manual for it, but I still find it difficult to use...especially to fix something I input. Credits also drive me crazy. I paid $250 for this software because it was highly recommended by a network group I belong to...but after using it and questioning them about it, I found that they, too, have problems with it. I wish they had told me BEFORE I bought it!
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?ken Oct 16, 2012 8:23 PM (in response to cottageowner)
As I mentioned earlier, I have used QB since the late 80s. I have learned to dig around for answers. I refer to it as an"accounting program for non-accountants". You do need some definable background. understand it. My most critical comment is the support for it sucks! So, in a away, I feel your pain. I wold hate to entertain the thought of adding all of my basic data into a new program. So, with this thought, I'll leave you with these words...."The Devil you know is better than the Devil you don' know"
Good luck with any alternatives.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?tmunsey Oct 16, 2012 8:42 PM (in response to ken)
I have been using Quickbooks Pro for a number of years. It is a powerful program, but I only use the portions that are useful to my business. It is great at Trade Shows for making sales, which also updates my inventory. My Merchant Account is also with Intuit so all of my credit card transaction go through the program. If I have any questions I go to my Accountant who is very good with the program and helps in any setup requirements. She also uses the program to do all of my taxes.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?mere_wood Oct 17, 2012 11:38 AM (in response to cottageowner)
have you looked at other softwares? There are also some good ones in the cloud like Xero or Freshbooks. What do you primarily use your Quickbooks for?
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?gardener Oct 16, 2012 8:48 PM (in response to mere_wood)
I've been using QuickBooks Pro for a long time, and I like it, but the only other program I've used is M.Y.O.B., which was much harder to correct mistakes in. I have a small landscape gardening business, and what I like most about QB Pro is that I only need to enter my own and my employee's hours once, in order to generate both invoices and paychecks. It IS fairly expensive and Intuit is always trying to sell you more products and services, which is annoying. I looked at the online version of QB but it seemed to lack a lot of important features and, as others have pointed out, there are lots of free online accounting apps. I use TeamViewer if I need to access my data remotely.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?bharris13 Oct 17, 2012 8:47 AM (in response to mere_wood)
I work for my husband HVAC company and am a 1 person office. We use quickbooks and also a program that we just bought by Desco called ESC. they intergrate together but you dont have to use both. Anyways..let me start by saying I have a degree in Psychology so accounting and book keeping is WAAAAAY out of my comfort area. I took two quickbook classes and read quickbooks for dummies from front to back. For me invoicing, setting up customers and purchase orders, and vendors..paying bill was easy and pretty straight forward. However Inventory and the initial set up i still have issues with and quickbooks if it is not set up correct initially can cause issues down the line..luckily the lady that taught the classes I went to helps me all the time and it a GREAT advisor. I can give you her information if you would like. The ESC program I like alot better...it is expensive but it does soo much more in one program that my company needs.
In a nutshell the basics of quickbooks was easy, for me at least, but the background information and intial set up is what is a headache and the inventory setup and tracking can get confusing. It is also hard for me once i notice something on reports that does not look right to find the mistake that caused that...but that could be my lack of knowledge in the area and not a quickbooks issue. We dont use their payroll so I cannot comment on that.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?mere_wood Oct 17, 2012 11:41 AM (in response to bharris13)
This is really helpful Bailey, because I find a large majority of people handling the books at a small biz don't necessarily come from an accounting background. Do you have ever issues with late invoices? customers paying late?
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?bharris13 Oct 18, 2012 9:26 AM (in response to mere_wood)
For the most part we do not...we have a select few that do and we do charge fianance charges for late payments which we use quickbooks for. As far as collections we do have a collections company that we use for that few that refuse to pay...which isnt alot.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?clifmil7 Oct 17, 2012 8:53 AM (in response to mere_wood)
I have been using QB's for since 2007. We thought we were set up correctly by our first accountant but that was not the case. We have been through 3 accountants and they have all said the previous did not know what they were doing. We are now on our 4th accountant and he is redoing 2008-2010 tax returns. He is not a quickbooks expert though. You need an accountant that will set you up correctly, show you the basic steps and check up on your entries about once a quarter. I did my own payroll in QB's which is not hard because I only had a few employees.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?bharris13 Oct 18, 2012 9:27 AM (in response to clifmil7)
We too went through several accountants until we found the right one....I def advise getting an accountant and a if you have a quickbooks advisor get them in touch with your accountant to set it up right the first time!
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?douglasbeale Oct 17, 2012 9:09 AM (in response to mere_wood)
I've been using QB for years, and yes, they are always trying to sell me something. But other that that I love the company.
I cant remember how long ago I started but I think it was the second year it came out. I took a coarse that lasted one or two days, and another one about ten years ago. I may take another one next year, but I'll never change.
I buy a new copy (usually says Pro or something but I've had Construction too) every few years. I just bought one early this year and I love it.
I would recommend it. Just plan on going to a course.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?mere_wood Oct 17, 2012 11:42 AM (in response to douglasbeale)
what are you primarily using Quickbooks for?
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?clifmil7 Oct 17, 2012 4:31 PM (in response to mere_wood)
Pretty much everything. Invoicing, how much taxes to pay, payroll, quotes, sales orders, purchase orders, inventory.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?cliff Oct 17, 2012 12:54 PM (in response to mere_wood)
I have been using Quickbooks Pro since 2008. I have found it to be a much more powerful accounting tool than many free programs but there is definitely a need to understand basic accounting principles in order to be accurate. The most important thing is just to use it as it was designed. Such as Create Invoice/Receive Payment/Make Deposit and not just randomly assign credits and debits to a ledger. It's not rocket science but if you are in business pick up a book on Basic Bookkeeping/Accounting and familiarize yourself with it. It's really the least you should do if you are serious about having a successful business. Thereafter you can set up the program to work flawlessly and generate reports and be able to transfer and have your accountant work on your files with ease. It's been a standard in many businesses and by accountants for years for a reason. It is comprehensive and works well with their methods. But like talking to any professional whether it be a doctor or lawyer or accountant it might be nice to have them speak in layman's terms but ultimately the methods and language must serve their purpose if they are to fulfill their task most effectively.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?HIMAL TAX LLC Oct 17, 2012 1:40 PM (in response to cliff)
I am an accountant and have been using Quickbooks products for many years. Is there any specific questions you have that I can help you with. Even thought, it is easy you still need some basic knowledge of Accounting.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?mere_wood Oct 18, 2012 10:43 AM (in response to HIMAL TAX LLC)
I'm mainly trying to get a feeling on SMB owners take on Quickbooks. We're designing a software that integrates with Quickbooks to help with receivables management, but I get mixed reviews from our users on their impressions of Quickbooks.
Do you think it's safe to say some accounting background is needed to successfully use Quickbooks?
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?ken Oct 18, 2012 12:27 PM (in response to mere_wood)
First as noted earlier, I have used QB for long time. I do not have any formal accounting training (college courses etc) most all of my learning has been OJT (on job training) over the years..
In answer to having a "knowledge of accounting"?
It is certainly easy(ier) to have a knowledge of double sided accounting principles. Especially, when it comes to Journal entries. The beauty of QB's modules is their programing auto-applies the offsets behind the scenes.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?bharris13 Oct 19, 2012 8:31 AM (in response to mere_wood)
In my opinion I feel if I had a better understanding and background knowledge in accounting, Qb would be easier to use as far as like ken said with the journal entries, knowing how to understand the reports better and use the information they give you and also to better find mistakes and to understand how QB does some of the "behind the scene" work. The basics of QB is easy- entering invoices, paying bills, writing check, entering a purchase order, entering vendor and customer information and recalling that information, and receiving payments. That part is pretty straightfoward without an accounting background.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?melissasbkpg Oct 17, 2012 1:20 PM (in response to mere_wood)
I have been using QuickBooks for about 12 years. I use it myself for my business and for 95% of my clients. I don't agree with QB marketing that suggests you don't need any accounting knowledge to use their program. I guess you can use it without any knowledge but you are going to end up with a mess and probably pretty frustrated. I have had clients use online programs such as Freshbooks and I do not like it at all. The ones I saw were a mess and the numbers were deceiving and incorrect. It seemed a bit one dimensional like doing your taxes on Turbotax. Overall, I love QB, although with anything, it is not perfect but they are making a lot of progress. If you are going to buy it I suggest (as the many other suggestions above) that you get some training. I'm sure there is a QB ProAdvisor nearby that you could hire. Depending on your accounting knowledge and computer savyness it could take a little or a lot of time
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?mere_wood Oct 18, 2012 10:43 AM (in response to melissasbkpg)
Are you an accountant or a Qbooks advisor?
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?melissasbkpg Oct 18, 2012 11:03 AM (in response to mere_wood)
A Bookkeeper & QB ProAdvisor
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?satsuki Oct 20, 2012 4:41 AM (in response to melissasbkpg)
Hi Melissa,
I am a newbie. I am starting an online business. Would you recommend QB for this type of business? There is NO inventory as I deal with drop shippers. I don't understand, from reading some of the previous comments, how you can only use part of a program and expect to get good reports. I want a program that will take care of my total accounting needs. I want good Financial Statements, (income statements, Profit & Loss)
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?melissasbkpg Oct 20, 2012 10:03 PM (in response to satsuki)
Yes, you should be able to use QB for your online business. There are many types of businesses and they don't all have the same accounting function requirements. As you stated that your business does not have inventory, yet many do. Some companies have payroll and some don't, some don't keep track of customers through QB. It depends on your business and what you need. If you are entering everything into QB that pertains to your business then you will be able to generate accurate reports. I image that you will be entering expenses through a bank and/or credit card and income through deposits or invoices. By just those few types of entries you will be able to easily generate a balance sheet and profit & loss. I hope that helps and answers your question. Good luck with your new business!!
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?satsuki Oct 21, 2012 3:58 PM (in response to melissasbkpg)
Hi Melissa,
Thank you.I understand that there are various versions of QB. I was just talking to my son-in-law who has a business and his QB goes into a lot of detail, into different levels of how he bills. I don't want that detailed billings. He said that in QB Basic that you can actually have two company books on one program. Is that correct? I could run two completely separate books? At present I have one website and I am working on a second (through my online class). Can I setup books for these two sites and then combine them into one?
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?soulewoman Oct 17, 2012 6:40 PM (in response to mere_wood)
I have used QuickBooks Online for about 5 years. It started out with just the basics but they have added many features over the years and we love it. Why, you ask? Well, I travel and can get to my books online at any time since it is cloud based; it allows me to download from my banks, credit cards and sets up payroll and tax payments. My assistant can also work from home and not always be in the office. I have two businesses and get a discount from QuickBooks. I looked at the PRO version but it was just too much stuff and too difficult. The other thing we like is we can call them and get help if we need it and my accountant has her own access if we need her help. Recently they added the ability for my clients to pay directly online as a EFT transfer and this has cut the turnaround by my largest client by about 11 business days!
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?mere_wood Oct 18, 2012 10:44 AM (in response to soulewoman)
That is awesome! I've read so much on how enabling online payments can get you paid faster. Glad to see Quickbooks is making that possible.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?Discount Insurance Oct 18, 2012 10:01 AM (in response to mere_wood)
I am using Quick Book for long time and It's the best accounting tool I ever use!!
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?jcwilliamscpa Oct 18, 2012 10:12 AM (in response to mere_wood)
Quickbooks is a great software package, but so is Sage. We use both for our clients, but Quickbooks by far is the most popular.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?mere_wood Oct 18, 2012 10:45 AM (in response to jcwilliamscpa)
Do you have certain criteria that changes what you recommend to each client?
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?account on me Oct 25, 2012 1:43 PM (in response to mere_wood)
Yes I do.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?account on me Oct 25, 2012 1:52 PM (in response to mere_wood)
Yes, depending on the type of business.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?bill7744 Oct 22, 2012 10:08 AM (in response to mere_wood)
Used QuickBooks for over 10 years. Reliable, easy to use and it works - does invoicing, emails, online transaction importing, tax integration. Single user - easy and reasonable, multiple users a bit pricey.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?chris4449 Oct 23, 2012 12:42 PM (in response to mere_wood)
A friend of mine runs a successful order fulfillment company. He wrote in a recent blog that QuickBooks is the most indispensible tool he uses. The blog article is "Beginner's Luck and Internet Sucess."
The link is karolmedia.com.wordpress.com
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?Stephen Hartfield, CPA Oct 29, 2012 12:48 PM (in response to mere_wood)
Hi mere-wood,
I am a CPA with a wide range of accounting software product experience both in my practice over the last 20+ years and inside businesses where I have acted as a CFO.
The software programs that I have used range from the first DOS programs that were written for the PC in the early 1980s to Microsoft Dynamics (big program) to the more current Windows based systems: Peachtree, QuickBooks, AccountEdge.
When I advise clients on what type of accounting software to purchase I ask two questions: 1) Where do you intend to be in the next 5 to 10 years and, 2) Are you looking to customize the software to your needs or are you just looking for a vanilla program out of the box. (I guess that is technically three questions!)
The first question is relevant because. If your business will always be a mom and pop small business that will never branch out to other cities or locations then QuickBooks, Freshbooks, AccountEdge will be fine for you. If your business is going to grow dramatically, then Peachtree will be the right choice because it is easily upgradable within the Sage product category.
The second question is self-explanatory.
Which to Choose?
I would stick with a desktop version. The cloud is advancing very rapidly, but I think it needs a little more maturing before it is ready for everyday use. By the way, I am what is known as an "Early Adopter" because I embrace almost all new technology items as soon as they are available. And while I have heard great things about QB Online and I have used it from time-to-time, it will need a bit more time.
How to Set Things up Right the First Time.
The key is to set up your Chart of Accounts (COA) correctly the first time. The COA is the skeletal structure of the Accounting System. Everything else is a little trial and error.
QuickBooks is as good as any of the other programs out there. It has a lot of bells and whistles.
And, the best part, there is a very active user community where you can get all of your questions answered.
I hope this helps you.
Stephen R. Hartfield, CPA
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?charlotte cfo Oct 30, 2012 4:09 PM (in response to Stephen Hartfield, CPA)
Thank you Stephen,
I have used QB pro for over 10 years and last time we upgraded was to the 2006 version so as you probably know that means I can no longer email PO's. I've been looking at upgrading to the QB on line but you are the second person to say it needs more time.
Can you expand a little on that.
I love QB in partner with B of A, makes accounting easy. yes, B of A does our payroll and I love it, very cost effective too!!
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?Stephen Hartfield, CPA Oct 30, 2012 5:25 PM (in response to charlotte cfo)
Hi Charlotte,
In my reply to mere_wood, who is a newbie to QB, my aim was to get her the most bang for her buck with the least amount of frustration.
QB Online at $40/month for the Online Plus gets a little pricey at $480/year. Especially, when you consider that the desktop version is only $250 and, as you are aware, can be used for quite a number of years before upgrading.
The next big difference between the two is the ability to backup and restore quickly. This is essential for a new user. You backup before you print your first invoices or checks. If it gets messed up, restore it quickly and try again. I believe this also possible with QBOnline, but it is much more convenient locally.
And my biggest issue is that QBO does not have the strong Inventory and Project/Cost tracking that the Desktop version is so good at.
Now those are the things that might be important for a new user. Since you are an experienced user, those issues may not matter as much. And, of course, it also depends on the type of company you are using the QB for.
I hope this helps you, if not please let me know.
Stephen R. Hartfield, CPA
Here is a link for a feature-by-feature comparison: Online Accounting Solutions and Professional Internet Accounting Software - QuickBooks OE | Compare
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?ken Oct 30, 2012 4:56 PM (in response to mere_wood)
Hi all,
I've been using QB for well over 10 years and am at the 2010 version. I like the emailing of invoices this version supports. I us the manufacturing wholesale/retail module and it suits me well, although, I do not like the shipping interface as I have never found it an easy feature. I don't see the features offered in the more recent versions enough incentive to pay for the upgrade. I would think being long term users, as are many of the respondents here, QB upgrades would be offered at a more reduced rate.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?amspcs Nov 1, 2012 10:58 PM (in response to mere_wood)
If I may, I'd like to comment on this thread from the standpoint of one particular service Intuit sells, payment processing, which happens to be my area of expertise. Intuit offers credit card processing thru a processing company they purchased some years back, Innovative Merchant Solutions. The system works great, and integrates seamlessly with QB software, which is fine and good. The only problem with QB processing as I see it is the widely accepted myth that the propreitary QB credit card processing solution is the ONLY way to seamlessly integrate with their financial software, which many merchants appear to believe. Years ago, this may have been the case, but this is absolutely untrue these days. The fact is, there are now several third party payment processing alternatives that integrate with QuickBooks as well as, and in some cases better than, the proprietary QB product itself, at significantly better pricing, due to the fact that third party providers permit users to use virtually any merchant account instead of the high priced proprietary QB processor. I see far too many uninformed QB advisors and CPAs doing their clients no favors by steering them to the QB processing solution.
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?moneytrack Dec 4, 2012 4:46 PM (in response to mere_wood)
I've used both Quickbooks and Freshbooks to help operate small businesses. Quickbooks definitely has more accounting features. It is very difficult to run any type of complex business using Freshbooks alone. Many businesses that I have consulted with use both. Freshbooks has a nice user interface and is great for sending invoices.
The Money Track
Independent Financial Advice & Personal Financial Planning
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?Tran Nguyen Dec 6, 2012 1:24 PM (in response to mere_wood)
I personally utilize both Quickbooks and Sage (PeachTree). To be honest, our virtual desktops handle QuickBooks much better than it handles Sage. I find Quickbooks beneficial, though difficult to navigate in the beginning.
I do, however, enjoy all I can utilize Quickbooks with excel so I can build pivot tables, graphs, cash flow charts, and all that fun stuff that an accountant has to do. I have dabbled in Freshbooks, but the instance I mention it to a client, they get edgy that it's not a name brand that they recognize. So for me, I just stay away from it for the client's sake.
I hope this helps!
Tran Nguyen
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?EVA7777 Dec 23, 2012 11:51 AM (in response to mere_wood)
Most of my clients prefer QuickBooks. I have used other programs such as Peachtree and Great Plains but find that QuickBooks is much more user friendly for small to medium businesses. Of course I provide Bookkeeping services to clients and generally handle the majority of their bookkeeping for them but my clients are able to navigate the program to pull the reports they need for management and planning purposes. By providing my clients with remote bookkeeping services they have more time to work on their business instead of being burried in mountains of paperwork and struggling to do their own bookkeeping. However, I still prefer QuickBooks over most of the other programs I have used and find it much easier to train my clients in the use of the program as well. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help!
Re: Who here uses QuickBooks?Jim Peters Jul 10, 2013 2:53 AM (in response to mere_wood)
I have used the QuickBook. It is very easy to use. Very useful for the accounting and budgeting tasks. Newbies may feel some difficulties, but again, it is easy to use.
Trying to get more info on QuickBooks for small businesses. Would love to know what you think!


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Yesterday I enjoyed appearing at the Ohioana Book Festival in Columbus, Ohio, a festival I've appeared at for several years now. It's a great time to meet new readers, reconnect with those who have read my books, and mingle with other authors, bookstore owners, librarians, and book lovers. This year I was asked to be on a panel with other authors who have published both traditionally and independently. There was a lot of discussion, but there were a few things that didn't get said.
If you are AN AUTHOR WHO WANTS SOME ADVICE ABOUT THE PROCESS, this post is for you!What I Wish I'd Said about Self-publishing at the book festival panel. #indiepublishing #selfpublishing Click To Tweet
1. Don't Rush to Publication
I get it. It's discouraging when you learn how long a publisher takes to get a book out. You just want your book to be launched to the world, and you don't want it to take sooooo loooong! While doing it yourself will most likely get your book to the marketplace quicker than a traditional publisher would, don't rush the process. Take the time needed to polish your book, to send it to critique partners and early readers, to get it to an editor, to make changes, to perfect the book cover and title, to get some reviews and endorsements prior to publishing, and to create some pre-publication buzz. You will also need time to review proof copies, make any necessary changes, and wait for the first copies to be printed and shipped to you.
I don't know how many times I've heard a self-published author say something like, "I need to get my next book out by September and it's already July and I only have half of it written." No, no, no! Stop it! That's just not enough time to do all the things I've listed above. Remember, you are in charge. Not having a deadline forced on you is one of the advantages of doing it yourself. No one is insisting you have your book out by a certain date. You may be shooting for something like launching it at a book festival or getting it out before you have knee surgery, but plan for that way in advance. Rushing never produces anything good. I'm sure your parents told you that when you were younger. That advice never goes out of style.
2. Carefully Consider the Title and Cover
Get second opinions, lots of them. I have seen (I'm sure you have too) many terrible covers done by indie authors on their own computers. The fact is, we do judge books by their covers. If you are not an accomplished artist, don't do it. You don't want to risk having your cover show up on one of these sites. There are stock images sites, and photo sharing sites where you can get images for low cost or for free that are high resolution. For print books your image must be high resolution. But even if you use a quality image, choosing the best font type, size, and color requires a practiced eye. You may think you know what looks good, but obviously many people are getting it wrong. You will also need to consider how it will look online as a thumbnail and how the spine will look. The genre of your book should be considered. Look at others that sell well and study them.
I worked with an artist and saved money by bartering some writing services. I have gotten many compliments on my covers. Most people don't realize that this cover:
was not created by the publisher who did these two
The most important thing I wish I'd had time to talk about….
3. Get a Professional Editor
During the panel discussion it was mentioned that you'd need to either hire someone or get friends who are really good at it to edit your manuscript. No, no, no! Stop it! Please don't think your friends, even avid readers and college professors, can edit your books. They may make it better and serve a valuable role in the process, but you need to finish with a pro in order to produce a professional product, one in which the reader doesn't even notice the editing. Yes, that costs money. Again, planning ahead is critical. Having had some wonderful editors with my traditional books, I knew how valuable that process is. You do need to pay people for the work they do for you. Save your money. Do some freelance magazine writing, take on an extra job, Some people are using crowd funding. I did a little of that with Sofia's Tune (thank you, contributors!) For my next book I won a grant I applied for to pay for one of the best editors out there.
Anything less than a professional editor will result in a book that is less than it could have been. Who wants that? Even if your book is free from typos and grammatical errors, an editor will have feedback about flow, about the organization, clarity, and word choice. Once you've worked with a professional editor, you will understand that a good editor will make you look smarter, and just generally help you be a better writer than you ever thought you could be. Don't skip it. Don't skimp. Just don't.
But here's an advantage you will have by publishing on your own. You will most likely use a publishing platform like Create Space. Your print books will be print on demand. If you find a mistake you can temporary take that title down, fix the mistakes, and re-post it. Your changes can also be made to your ebooks. By not having thousands printed like a traditional publisher would do, you will not have thousands of books with your name out there with errors.
I should say a word here about copy editors. If you don't know the difference between a copy editor and a substantive editor, that's enough to tell you you need a pro. I had a great edit for Sofia's Tune. I put the book out there. And then I kept finding typos and misspellings that we'd both missed. Not the editor's fault. She was not doing a copy edit. I happen to have a friend named John who is great at finding those things. He even found mistakes when I was re-publishing a traditionally published book that went out of print that the original editors had not caught. John now goes over all my self-published books at the very end, right before I send them to a formatter (which is another service I hired out. Not expensive and so worth it since ebooks and print books have to be formatted differently.) Try as you might, you WILL miss things in your manuscript. So will your mother and best friend (unless John is your best friend.) Trust me on this.
So Now I Said It
Those are the things I wish I'd said to the room full of writers who came to the panel. They might not read it here, but just in case, I wanted to try. And I hope others stop by to learn a little of what I've learned along the way. (And I'm still learning!) Let me know if you have any questions!


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At MCMXCIX, we write comics and iOS apps.
Like fantasies with tons of adventure and bratty princesses? Check out our web comic City of Sand.
Got an iPad? You'll love DoubleFeature. Awesome comics and tons of extras for only 99¢!
Anyway, thanks for stopping by. Feel free to drop me a line at or follow me @jemmons.
—Joshua Emmons
July '11, Chicago


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Q When our office manager retired, I had hoped to be promoted to the job. Instead, the company brought in a "temporary" office manager who apparently has extensive experience in our industry. What advice would you give me for improving my "career rating"? — No initials please.
A Unless you're already an ace, consider dramatically upgrading your digital skills through continuing education. Demographics are changing, bringing in younger workers who grew up with computers and video games, and how can you manage them if you don't know what they're doing?
Additionally, revisit your relationship skills. A huge hunk of career success depends on your ability to communicate well and foster mutually beneficial relationships at work, says Beverly Flaxington (thehumanbehaviorcoach.com), a behavioral analyst and author of "Understanding Other People: The Five Secrets to Human Behavior." Among Flaxington's tips:
Confront thoughtfully when you must face another person about a disruptive behavior or a performance issue. Learn best practices in giving feedback: what works and what doesn't.
Assumptions can fuel workplace misunderstandings, lost sales and failed business negotiations. Come to every interaction with open eyes and attitude. Rather than assume what the other person thinks or wants, learn to love the question, "Why?"
We're great at seeing others' flaws and missteps, and we also often think we see ways in which they can avoid getting into trouble with a few simple tweaks of their behavior — much better than we can do this for ourselves. Focus on you, and let others make their own mistakes.
Let the other person finish her thought completely. This means not giving feedback or adding commentary until the person is completely through talking or asking.
Watch others' reactions to things being said. You'll observe "helpful" people, "I feel sorry for myself" people and "giving" people, to name a few types. Now watch yourself. Do you react as a "type" instead of as an objective listener?
Q I'm thinking about connecting with a career counselor and career coach. How can I choose a good one, and also, do they do the same thing? — P.V.
A Your best bet for referral to either type of professional in private practice is from a friend or school counselor who has first-hand experience or recommendations from many others. Word gets around about who's good and who's not helpful. You'll have the choice of seeking local counsel or distance counsel online. There's much similarity and some overlap between counselors and coaches.
Many career counselors emphasize assessment, personal evaluation and the career decision-making process. Counselors don't usually get involved in job search campaigns but function more like teachers who instruct a client on how to seek greater self-knowledge. Counselors typically have an academic counseling degree awarded by a university.
These professionals come from various walks of experience, and they train, coach and mentor, rather than counsel. But coaches may also emphasize assessment, personal support and encouragement. Coaches work to make sure the client has full responsibility for "taking the knowledge and running with it." Coaches typically have certifications awarded by a professional coaching organization.
Once you have a few names, check out each one at a no-fee orientation meeting for the purpose of understanding the professional's services and their cost. I strongly recommend against signing an upfront contract for a specific amount and instead suggest that you pay as you go, much as though you would pay a doctor or lawyer. Career coaches disagree, arguing that a signed contract keeps the client engaged until success is achieved with good employment.
The initial meeting also serves the purpose of testing the rapport between you and the professional. If you don't feel the two of you relate well, trust your instincts. You have no obligation to proceed. Keep shopping until you find a "good fit."
Email career questions for possible use in this column to Joyce Lain Kennedy at firstname.lastname@example.com; use "Reader Question" for subject line. Or mail her at Box 368, Cardiff, CA 92007.


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Salman Khan's NGO Donates for Healthcare in Uttar Pradesh
Published: 10th January 2014 12:39 AM | Last Updated: 10th January 2014 12:54 AM | A+A A-
One of the highest paid actors of Hindi cinema, Salman Khan says his NGO Being Human has committed to fund 200 paediatric heart surgeries in Uttar Pradesh, and on behalf of the stars who performed at the Saifai Mahotsav, Rs.25 lakh have been donated to the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital in Aligarh.
The "Dabangg" star, who is under fire for participating in Saifai - the home village of Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav - Wednesday, says whenever he travels for performances, his aim is to aid healthcare and education in the country.
"Whenever I visit a place for a performance or a promotion, I see it as an opportunity to help the locals in the areas of healthcare or education," Salman posted on his Facebook page Thursday.
Talking about his contributions, he posted: "In Nagpur, on Sunday (Jan 4), Being Human pledged to fund 100 paediatric cardiac cases in Maharashtra state.
"And in Etawah, Being Human, on behalf of all artists who performed yesterday, has committed to fund 200 paediatric heart surgeries in UP (there is already a wait list of 81 children we have received who are being moved to Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon and their surgeries will get done by month end and Being Human is in touch with local NGOs and hospitals for their lists also)."
"We have also contributed Rs.25 lakh to the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital for the purchase of an echo machine, paediatric and neo-natal ventilator and a portable X-ray machine for their paediatric cardiac ICU," added the 48-year-old.
Salman, Madhuri Dixit and some other Bollywood stars reached the native village of the Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav in a chartered plane Wednesday.
Their presence at the event was not taken well as Bahujan Samaj Party leader Satish Chandra Mishra said the state exchequer's money was being wasted in Saifai while where people were dying from severe cold in Muzaffarnagar relief camps.
Also Read


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It's quite evident that we're not alone in our Givenchy Antigona obsession - we've spotted tons of celebs carrying the bag as well, from Kate Moss to Hilary Duff to Kyle Richards. The Antigona garners attention from everyone who lays eyes on it due to its exceptional yet classic design.
You know who else always turns heads? Miranda Kerr. The entire PurseBlog team crushes on her, and after we featured her in our Many Bags of series, we realized she loves bags as much as we do. Miranda's latest accessory of choice is the black leather Givenchy Antigona and she has been spotted toting it it countless times. In her other arm? Her adorable son Flynn. And if you weren't sure about the Antigona, Miranda Kerr wears it so incredibly well that you're sure to fall in love.


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Show this, stressful, everybody wanna call,
Gotta tell em naw, sometimes
Sit up in the record store
Seven hundred fans, man, everyone signs
And it gets so hard telling em all please try to form one line
But the player-haters combine
I don't think you know
How much of a strain it's been
I can't explain
It's insane
But I wouldn't give up a thang
Live with the pain
And resort to brain trippin'
I need a little release,
Something to stop my rage
I really need me a moment of peace
So baby girl wanna step on stage
Like its mardi gras
Girl take off your bra
Talking to all of ya'll
This is a party call
Theres song ain't about your
But I really love it when you
If you want me we can
My Baby doll
I really love it,
I can see them from the front row to the back
And it's beautiful, I've imagined this
Since I was a you, now that I'm
Old enough
Girls that are
Small enough
Grab your shirts
Roll it up
Even if you an A-cup girl, we can still play touch
If you a B and C cup, girl I bet you could make me erupt
D Cups, be the ones that are driving me nuts
Big breasts never trouble me
If you packin the double D,
Let everyone whos double E
Angelina Jolie, let me see those
Beautiful babies I'm all about the tedos
Miss Jackson packin them holy toledos
Missed the flash cause I didn't have Tivo
Ask me who's finer, player I'mma yell Tyra
Little sick in the head, still got the magazine of El Vira
Life is so grand, when you got your fans
Blasting off their shirts, flashing their Lindsay Lohans
I got a pocket full of Trojans,
We can all get nasty if you flash me baby,
You know the program
[Chorus x2]
Girls in the back, come to the front
Cause we in need of cleavage
And I've been looking at you,
Yep you and your home girl
Let me see both of them, now grab a hold of them
Look at what you're doing to me
Now grab a hold of him
Ah, such a nice sensation
You know the dogs been waiting
For you to quickly take off your Vickie
And show me your augmentation
Silicone or saline,
Either one puts me in a day dream
Talking about it gets me way steamed
Baby girl, this regime
When you see me, baby lift it up
Thinking I'm gonna miss it, nigga, what?
if I miss one (back it up)
(Stick me, he looks tacular)
From city to city crazy
Here's your instructions:
Show me them titties baby!
[Chorus x2]
Traveling for miles and miles
Girls gone wild love this peculiar style
So in order for us to get our head right
We need all your ladies
To turn on your headlights


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Backstops being trained in new plate procedures
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- An almost comical scene unfolded on a practice field at the Mets' complex late Friday morning, as general manager Sandy Alderson attempted to demonstrate what his catchers can and cannot do under Major League Baseball's proposed prohibition of blocking home plate.
All five catchers in camp watched as Alderson and bench coach Bob Geren discussed proper and improper blocking techniques. Though MLB has not approved any specific language on the new rules just yet, Alderson -- who is chairman of the Playing Rules Committee -- assumes that will happen within the next few days.
Even if it does not, Alderson said, the Mets are among a growing population of clubs instructing their catchers to stop blocking home plate anyway. The organization gave the injury-prone Travis d'Arnaud that mandate last spring in an attempt to keep him healthy and now has extended it to Anthony Recker, Taylor Teagarden, Juan Centeno and Kevin Plawecki, as well as every catcher in Minor League camp.
"We know more about concussions and so forth now than we knew 10 or 15 years ago," said Alderson, who traveled to nearby Jupiter on Thursday to discuss the issue with MLB executives Joe Torre and Tony La Russa. "We have to think about that. I'd rather be proactive than reactive."
Alderson expects a rule to be ratified soon requiring baserunners to slide into home plate on close plays and, by extension, requiring catchers to leave runners a lane to do so. But a gray area will exist in which catchers need to lunge across the plate to receive a throw, a situation that will be reviewable on instant replay.
It should be a learning process for both catchers and baserunners, but Alderson believes it will ultimately result in increased safety throughout the game.
"If you talk to former catchers, there are maybe one or two who voiced a different opinion," he said. "But the ones that I've talked to, or who have reached out to me, more or less to a man, they think that it's in the best interests of catching, and the game as well, to change the rule."


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ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Did you miss him yet?
After a brief hiatus from MMA, 12-time UFC veteran Kurt Pellegrino (16-6 MMA, 0-0 BFC) has announced his return to the sport. This time, however, he'll call Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney "boss."
The New Jersey native will make his promotional debut at Bellator 59 against Patricky Freire (9-2 MMA, 2-1 BFC). The event takes place Saturday, Nov. 26, at Caesar's Atlantic City in New Jersey.
The official announcement was made during Saturday's Bellator 49 broadcast on MTV2.
It's been just 103 days since Pellegrino announced his retirement to the world via his website.
"Over my most recent fights, I have come to the realization that at this point I no longer can [or] want to make fighting my first priority," he wrote. "It's hard to make a decision like this, but I feel it's best for me to step away for now, and time will tell what the future will bring for me."
At the time, Pellegrino was on the heels of two straight losses to fellow lightweights George Sotiropoulos and Gleison Tibau.
He wasn't finding much success inside the cage, nor was he able to devote enough attention and energy to his life outside the cage.
Him and his wife, Melissa, were expecting their second child. He had teaching duties at his gym. He had business ventures to entertain.
With so much on his plate, he made the decision to step away from MMA.
Frankly, he just lost the itch to fight. But it certainly didn't take long for him to get it back.
"Sam Caplan, our VP of talent development, called me, and he said, 'There is a slight chance that Kurt Pellegrino might be willing to come back and fight for this organization,'" CEO Bjorn Rebney said after Bellator 49. "We jumped all over it."
After a flirtation period between the promotion and Pellegrino, it may have been the actual Bellator 59 logistics that sealed the deal.
New Jersey is where Pellegrino grew up. It's where he still resides. It's all he's ever known. Pellegrino has fought in his home state in eight career bouts, including six of his first nine pro fights, while making his way up the ladder as a relative unknown.
"I have an opportunity to fight for Bellator in my backyard where I started this whole game," Pellegrino said. "I started fighting in Atlantic City. I won two championship belts in Atlantic City."
Not only will the fight take place in friendly territory, but it'll come against a formidable challenge in Freire, who was a finalist in a recent Bellator lightweight tournament.
It's precisely the kind of challenge that will require Pellegrino to dive headfirst back into the sport. And it's something he's now in a much better place to be able to tackle, even though it was just a short time ago when that was not the case.
"I started working out again real hard," Pellegrino said. "The summer has been amazing. I fell in love again with the sport. I had some demons. I had to kind of just walk away and be with my family for once."
For more on Bellator 59, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.


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For eighteen years, HPE and VMware have worked together to deliver game-changing results to our shared 500,000+ customers. Today, we are collaborating to revolutionize virtualization economics and create new efficiencies for our clients with the industry's most complete portfolio of tightly integrated and jointly engineered systems—from any desktop or device to the data center, cloud, and beyond.
Together, we're bringing the promise of the software-defined data center to life. The combination of HPE's award winning hyperconverged and composable infrastructure with VMware's compute, storage, and networking virtualization solutions dramatically improves both the value and business outcomes our customers experience.
When you choose a standards-based solution from HPE and VMware, your business benefits from:
"In today's competitive digital world, enterprises need technology that enables them to quickly introduce and scale new services. HPE Synergy with VMware Cloud Foundation will deliver a private cloud experience that empowers IT to be an internal service provider and enables rapid response to business needs with single-click DevOps delivery."
- Ric Lewis, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Software-Defined and Cloud Group, HPE
"HPE Synergy powered by Cloud Foundation will provide a powerful solution to consolidate traditional, private, and cloud-native workloads onto a single integrated infrastructure platform that is simple to deploy and operate. Customers will benefit from a highly dynamic, programmable infrastructure foundation that eliminates the operational overhead of traditional deployments thanks to new built-in lifecycle automation capabilities. We are excited about the value that HPE Synergy powered by Cloud Foundation will unlock to our mutual customers."
- John Gilmartin, Vice President and General Manager, Integrated Systems Business Unit, VMware
HPE collaborates with VMware to engineer and certify that the technologies work together – the products quite simply "just work".
In today's IT environment, companies need a strategy to maintain existing infrastructure for traditional applications while they deploy a wholly distinct infrastructure with unique tools for cloud-native and mobile applications. HPE Synergy is the first platform built from the ground up delivering this type of composable infrastructure. It uses a single management interface and Unified API to reduce complexity for traditional workloads and to increase operational velocity for the new breed of applications and services. The advantages include:
Dynamically reallocate infrastructure in minutes and increase IT administrator productivity by up to three times through single-click deployment of traditional and private cloud workloads. HPE Synergy with VMware Cloud Foundation delivers VMs at a cost 29% lower than traditional architectures and up to 50% lower than public clouds. It allows businesses to capitalize on the fastest platform for VMware environments, with 41% faster performance than the previous top scoring server.
Address the needs of traditional and emerging business applications in a single infrastructure by running vSAN. HPE Synergy with VMware vSAN offers the flexibility to scale storage and compute separately, while increasing IT administrator productivity dramatically. It features single-click deployment of traditional and private cloud workloads and streamlines the reallocation of infrastructure to drive down costs and improve performance. vSAN ReadyNodes are available for almost every HPE software-defined solution.
Manage your HPE Converged Infrastructure from within VMware solutions with HPE OneView. You gain comprehensive operational visibility and control in one place across applications, hypervisors, storage, and physical, virtual, and cloud environments.
HPE OneView gives you the ability to monitor and directly manage relationships between virtual machines and HPE infrastructure to increase the VMware administrator productivity and ensure quality of service.
This factory-integrated solution comes pre-configured with all integrations and testing, enabling quicker deployment and faster time-to-value. It seamlessly connects VMware vCenter with Operations Manager, Log Insight, and vRealize Operations with the manageability features of HPE Synergy, HPE ProLiant Server, HPE BladeSystem, HPE Virtual Connect, and HPE Storage.
With more than 500,000 licenses, HPE is the global leader in server virtualization solutions based on VMware technology — all sold with and running on HPE ProLiant Servers.
Together, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and VMware have designed a highly efficient IT infrastructure powered by VMware running on HPE ProLiant Servers. VMware ESXi™ is supported on a broad range of HPE ProLiant DL, ML, and BladeSystem servers and is delivered with active HPE ProLiant and consolidated lifecycle management for a consistent, reliable ProLiant experience and management simplicity in virtual environments. Transform your data center into a simplified cloud infrastructure and enable the next generation of flexible and reliable IT services.
HPE ProLiant servers are designed for agility through management and tuning features as well as enhanced performance with HPE Scalable Persistent Memory, a new integrated solution that runs at memory speeds with terabyte scale capacity. Match compute to workload and optimize based on your unique needs. HPE ProLiant is the first server to bring the balance of resources required to fully utilize the CPU—optimally running disparate workloads to make virtualization a foundation of digital transformation.
The HPE Client Virtualization with VMware Horizon View offers an end-to-end solution based on the best managed and virtualization-ready Hewlett Packard Enterprise ProLiant and BladeSystem Servers, Storage, and Thin Client access devices. It is a desktop replacement solution that provides IT teams with the flexibility to quickly deliver and refresh desktops regardless of device. Reduce business risk and lower the complexity and cost of desktop management, while continuing to provide end-users with the functionality of a stand-alone desktop.
Make hybrid IT simple and maximize the value of your connected devices with help from an innovative IT services organization. When the time is right for your company to step up to a modern IT infrastructure that includes VMware technology, choose a partner that knows VMware inside and out: HPE. Together, we'll develop a plan that delivers the greatest value to your business today and as your needs evolve.
Brigham Young University
"What we realized in terms of savings right up front was the OpEx savings. We don't need as many people to manage our server environment. We also identified mission-critical apps and just stand-up servers offsite, so business continuity is also key."
- Danny Yeo, Systems Admin, Brigham Young University
Forensic Risk Alliance
"We are a 100% HP shop and moved from about a 5% to a 90% VMware footprint. All of our data centers around the globe have grown exponentially using vSphere—it's been the catalyst for our growth. We changed our deployment model so we can scale out servers in a day. Without this technology our company couldn't have gotten to where we are."
- Gregory Capello, Director of IT, Forensic Risk Alliance
"Layering VMware on top of HP makes it a sure thing. You set it and forget it, so admins can walk away and do more of the complicated activities."
- Keith Livio, Solutions Architect, Raytheon


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Update your wardrobe ready for the new season with our latest womenswear collection. Embrace rich burgundy tones, luxurious velvets and sequin embellishments for outfits that are promised to dazzle this festive season. With floral printed tops, embroidered jumpers and figure-flattering dresses, these are the styles you need.


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How is "confession good for the soul?" What is Biblical confession of sins?
Keys to a Fruitful Life.
Avoid taking advantage of someone else
Can God be both Holy and loving?
Sin in our lives is not inevitable
God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
- 1 John 5:11


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No-one likes hacking about in code to get templates looking good. Good markup & commented code save you time.
The templates are standard html, and as such should work in any mail client. We test against these top ten mail clients.
Designed for people of all skill levels - expert or novice, it's really easy to get started. A monkey could it (probably).
Got a 'creative' streak? Layered design files come with every template, should you need to make any tweaks. Flavours are .psd & .png
Branding your email marketing is simple, all templates have a nice big 'logo-space' where you can drop in your own identity or logo.
All templates have a single price. You can pay directly using a credit card, or Theme Forest credit (for the Theme Forest exclusives).


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Hello! Today's most rubbish boyband is Boulavard! Please visit their messageboard at www.boulavard.co.uk and tell them how much you love them! The board is full of intelligent young ladies saying things like "lmao @ the song omg @ charlie the fitness of the dude! lmao @ u wishin ashley was matt... we all know u do lol! awww luv it when matts under the table! james is looking good in the vid too, wit woo the blue do!"
Anyway, stuff.
** Scots 'Fame Academy' muppet David Sneddon has told 'The Daily Record' paper that he wants to quit singing and concentrate on songwriting. This, of course, has nothing to do with the fact that all the worldly possessions he won in the 'FA' final will be taken off him at the end of the year, the fact his last single stiffed like a paedo in a playground, and it's highly likely he's going to be dropped anyway. Sneddo is said to be "disillusioned" with the music industry. More reality TV shenanigans with Phixx (cast offs from 'Popstars: The Rivals'), whose debut single, 'Hold On Me', is said to have impressed the Pet Shop Boys so much that PSB want to produce Phixx's next single (this is according to 'The Sun'). Actually, 'Hold On Me' isn't too bad, if you like that slight '80s sleaze sound.
** Charlie from out of Busted has two favourite record labels: Fierce Panda and Chemikal Underground. We presume Universal is his other favourite label. Said label (not Fierce Panda or Chemikal Underground. That would just be weird) is releasing the first new fruits since the band's debut album. It's called 'Crashed the Wedding', and it is a bit punkpop and uninteresting, quite frankly. Harmpf. Girls Aloud have a disappointingly rubbish new single too, called 'Jump (For My Love)'. A vague attempt at disco pop with Louis Walsh's favourite, Nadine, taking most of the lead vocal, it's not a patch on the mighty 'No Good Advice'.
** We hear, probably incorrectly, that the Fast Food Rockers album is "ace" (LIAR!) and contains songs that sound like ABBA. This of course makes FFR the new Steps, except with a dog in the band (insert your own joke here). Incidentally, DiS witnessed Faye from Steps on a panel at In The City, as she's now working for some publishing company or other. Exciting, yes? She seemed very lovely. Speaking of pop groups of yonder, MTV is making a Rise And Fall Of Boybands type of documentary, featuring members of Northern Line, 5ive/Five, Westlife, Blue, Boyzone and 911. Presumably Northern Line won't feature too heavily in "the rise of…" segment.
** Finally, pop's hero of the moment is the inimitable Simon Amstell, co-presenter of T4's 'Popworld', who, last Sunday, posed the question to Busted: "Which member of Girls Aloud do you think smells her finger the most?" They unanimously decided on Nicola.
Until next time…
Toodle pip.
The DiS Pop Monkey.xxx


text: Alfred John Church (1829-1912) was an English classical scholar. He was born in London and was educated at Kingâ¿¿s College London, and Lincoln College, Oxford, he took holy orders and was an assistant-master at Merchant Taylorsâ¿¿ School for many years. From 1880 until 1888 he was professor of Latin at University College, London. While at University College in partnership with William Jackson Brodribb, he translated Tacitus and edited Plinyâ¿¿s Letters (Epistulae). Church also wrote a number of stories in English re-telling of classical tales and legends for young people (Stories from Virgil, Stories from Homer, etc. ). He also wrote much Latin and English verse, and in 1908 published his Memories of Men and Books. Other works include: Stories of the Magicians (1887), The Count of the Saxon Shore; or, The Villa in Vectis (with Ruth Putnam) (1888), Heroes of Chivalry and Romance (1898), Stories of Charlemagne (1902), The Crown of Pine (1906) and With the King at Oxford (1909).


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Article first published as Chemistry in Kitchen: Broccoli Soup With a Twist on Blogcritics.
Read my previous blog to learn the difference between baking powder and baking soda. I have listed possible other uses of baking soda, beside the commonly known one: baking. Baking soda preserves and enhances the green color of vegetables while cooking in water and also affects cellular wall structure, speeding cooking by about 25-30%.
Broccoli soup – with a twist
Ingredients for an experiment:
– 500 grams of broccoli
– 1.5 litres of water
– 3 beef stock cubes
– mashed potato powder (4 spoons)
– powdered garlic ( 2 teaspoons)
– powdered ginger (1 teaspoon)
– baking soda (half a teaspoon)
This is a chemical experiment that you will be able to eat at the end. Fill two pots with three quarters of a liter of water each and bring water to a boil. Add 1.5 beef stock cubes to each pot and wait for the cubes to dissolve completely. Now add 250 grams broccoli to each pot, add baking soda to only the left pot, and start a timer.
After five minutes take out a piece of broccoli from each of the pots. The left is broccoli cooked in beef stock with added baking soda, the right is broccoli cooked in beef stock alone. You can see that left one is greener, but also very mushy.
I used a handheld blender to puree soup in both pots, then added two spoons of mashed potato powder to each of the pots, to make it decently thick. Let's compare the color of the two soups:
On the left is the one cooked with baking soda, on the right the one without. The difference in color is substantial. Taste-wise the left one is more potent as baking soda also enhances the tastes of ginger and garlic.
The same principle can be applied also when cooking other green vegetables, like green beans, peas, spinach, etc. I recommend soaking peas in baking soda before cooking.
A quick explanation about photos and programs: I have used a pretty old Canon D30 with an ancient lens (Canon EF 28-90) in pretty low light conditions. Photos are not edited, except for some cropping. Software used to combine the photos is good old MS Paint.
Stay tuned for tomorrow's blog about the effect of baking soda on cooked red vegetables.


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Recap: Dynamo take the reins with 3-1 1st leg win vs. DC
HOUSTON – D.C. United are accustomed to long odds this postseason, and that will certainly remain the case after Houston used three second-half goals to take the first leg of the Eastern Conference Championship 3-1 in front of a record crowd at BBVA Compass Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
In a game littered with injuries and perhaps defined by a controversial no call, the Dynamo used goals from Andre Hainault, Will Bruin and Kofi Sarkodie to cancel out Nick DeLeon's opener in front of 22,101 orange-clad fans.
Houston started out on the front foot, Luiz Camargo blazing over from a tight angle and Brad Davis lining up over a series of attacking free kicks, but soon injuries became the primary theme of the match.
United's Chris Pontius was the first to exit, straining his left groin in the ninth minute while taking a free kick before being subbed out for Lewis Neal in the 12th minute.
OPTA Chalkboard: Houston's switch to 4-3-3 pays second-half dividends
Neal nearly opened the scoring five minutes later, but Dynamo goalkeeper Tally Hall was there to swat his shot at the back post away after DeLeon's cross made it all the way across the box. Hainault nearly grabbed the lead for Houston in the 23rd minute, but his header from Boniek Garcia's quickly taken free kick flashed wide of Joe Willis' goal.
Just minutes later, Adam Moffat was the second casualty of the match, finally succumbing to a chest injury in the 25th minute after a collision with Robbie Russell kept him down earlier in the match. Midseason signing Giles Barnes entered for the Scotsman to shore up the Dynamo midfield.
WATCH: No call on Hainault challenge
United's Marcelo Saragosa was the also removed in the 40th minute with a left hamstring strain. Raphael Augusto, 21, came on for the veteran, making his first-ever MLS appearance.
But it wasn't Houston's players in the center of the park who were to blame for the opening goal in the 27th minute. That fell to Garcia and Sarkodie, who lost the ball to DeLeon on the left flank, splitting the Houston defense open. DeLeon slipped the ball in behind Bobby Boswell to a streaking Lionard Pajoy, who drove in from the left flank and smacked Hall's post with a terrific effort.
Fortunately for D.C., DeLeon was trailing the play and the rebound fell directly to the rookie, whose low effort caromed off Hainault and into the back of the net for his second goal in two games, giving United a 1-0 lead.
That, perhaps, should have been Hainault's last positive contribution to the match, as he appeared to haul down Augusto on the edge of penalty area just before the halftime whistle. Referee Ricardo Salazar waved play on, however, ruling it was not a denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity. United goalkeeper coach Pat Onstad was ejected at halftime after an animated discussion with Salazar.
United's complaints became especially relevant just six minutes into the second half when Houston tied the game. After Barnes was fouled on the left flank, Davis took the spot kick quickly, slipping Garcia in behind a sleeping United defense. The Honduran drove a low ball across the six-yard box, which was dummied by Kandji before Hainault buried it at the back post.
Five minutes later, United were forced to use their final substitution, as Brandon McDonald exited with a left calf strain for Emiliano Dudar. That's when things got really interesting.
The drama started in the 66th minute when it appeared D.C. would take the lead, only for Boswell to pop up on the goal line to head away Pajoy's goal-bound effort. Just a minute later, Bruin made the Black-and-Red pay.
Barnes drove past Dejan Jakovic on the endline and tried to slip a cross under Willis, but the D.C. netminder dove to push the effort away. It only got as far as Bruin, however, and he bundled it in off the post for a 2-1 lead.
With D.C. looking gassed, Houston put the game, and perhaps the series, away in the 80th minute. After United failed to clear a Davis corner kick, Sarkodie and Camargo played a nifty one-two, opening up the right back to find the far corner with a low, driven shot, a goal that sent the sellout crowd into hysterics.
Houston will take that two-goal lead to RFK Stadium for the series' second leg next weekend. That game will be Sunday at 4 pm ET on NBC Sports Network.
MLSsoccer.com Men of the Match
|What We Saw
|Giles Barnes
|Hits gaps hard and fast with and without the ball, and has top-notch vision. Works perfectly with Davis and Garcia.
|Will Bruin
|Did a ton of work holding the ball up, and was actually more effective in the 4-3-3 than the 4-4-2. Goal was deserved.
|Nick DeLeon
|Not playing like a rookie at all. Takes advantage of mistakes and puts in a full shift on both sides of the ball. An absolute treasure.


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I had all these fun sarcastic things to say about the new trailer for "Black Death" but I just don't have it in me. This red band sucker has witches, people getting poked with spikes and all around Medieval nastiness. Unfortunately now I just feel like I need a shower and I'd like to take a nap.
All kinds of hot pics have hit the tubes from the soon to be classic "Dead Race 2". Yes it's direct to DVD and no there's no Jason Statham but hey they still have cars in the movie with machine guns and stuff. That's still something, right?
Two new posters for Kevin Smith's "Red State" have been released and about as fun as shooting a toothless hog outside of a trailer hitch. Or at least that's what I assume the people in those posters would say. maybe something about vittles. Point being they look like they're a product of inbreeding. Get it?
In case you've been up all night wondering if Heather Morris from "Glee" is actually being considered for the role of Buffy in the upcoming re-make/re-boot/re-whogivesashit then I'm happy to report you can finally sleep. She is being considered. Happy now?
Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy are rumored to be up for the roles of Elizabeth and Darcy in the upcoming big screen version of "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies". I have no idea who those characters are so I couldn't tell you if this is a good idea or not. I also can't remember who James McAvoy is but I do enjoy the work of that girl from "The Princess Diaries".
Guillermo del Toro apparently has 30 different movies in production and now he's got a video game. The game is called "inSANE" and there's a teaser on the nets even though the game doesn't come out until 2013. There's no game footage, no hint about what the game is and really no info whatsoever but hey, Guillermo del Toro, right? Right.
I am not the least bit ashamed to admit I watch "Glee" and by far my favorite character on the show is Brittney played by Heather Morris. Well, Morris is now rumored to be the front runner for the upcoming "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" reboot which means I may actually want to see it. Of course that's only if she plays a cheerleader with a pretty hefty learning disability. I think that's what the original Buffy was about anyway though, right?
If you're going to call your movie "Roid Rage" you should probably have some high school football players who go nuts and start murdering everyone. But the trailer for the film shows none of that, not even a Barry bonds reference. I'm starting to think the movie doesn't even have steroids in it. All of this would be shameful if it wasn't for the great one liner at the 54 second mark. I don't want to spoil it for you.


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Initial Jewelry
Custom initial jewelry with a classic design. Choose to personalize a necklace, ring or bracelet by adding an initial which is engraved or cut-out. The initial jewelry can have one initial, two initial or three initials customized onto different pieces. Each of the initial jewelry pieces is delivered in a brook & york box.


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The U.N. atomic agency has found evidence at an underground bunker in Iran that could mean the country has moved closer to producing the uranium threshold needed to arm nuclear missiles, diplomats said Friday.
The news comes a day after Iran and six world powers found they were still far apart over how to oversee Tehran's atomic program but wanted talks to continue to avoid possible military action.
Iran is under several rounds of U.N. sanctions for its failure to disclose information on its controversial nuclear program. Tehran says it is enriching uranium to provide more nuclear energy for its growing population, while the U.S. and other nations fear that Iran doing that so it can later make nuclear weapons.
RECOMMENDED: Six key factors in Iran nuclear talks
The International Atomic Energy Agency has found traces of uranium enriched up to 27 percent at the Fordo enrichment plant in central Iran, several diplomats told The Associated Press.
That is still substantially below the 90-percent level needed to make the fissile core of nuclear arms. But it is above Iran's highest-known enrichment grade, which is close to 20 percent and can be turned into weapons-grade material much more quickly than the Islamic Republic's main stockpile, which can only be used for fuel at around 3.5 percent enrichment.
Calls to Ali Asghar Soltanieh, Iran's chief delegate to the IAEA, were rejected and the switchboard at the Iranian mission said he was not available. IAEA media officials said the agency had no comment on the latest report.
The diplomats — who demanded anonymity because their information is privileged — said the find did not necessarily mean that Iran was covertly raising its enrichment threshold toward weapons-grade level. They said the centrifuges that produce enriched uranium could have over-enriched at the start as technicians adjusted their output — an assessment shared by nonproliferation expert David Albright.
Albright, whose Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security looks for signs of proliferation, said a new configuration at Fordo means its tends to "overshoot 20 percent" at the start.
"Nonetheless, embarrassing for Iran," he wrote in an email to the AP.
The latest attempt to persuade Iran to compromise and let U.N. experts view its nuclear program ended inconclusively Thursday at a meeting in Baghdad. At the talks, six nations — the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany — failed to persuade Tehran to freeze its 20 percent enrichment. Envoys said the group will meet again next month in Moscow.
Iran went into the Baghdad talks urging the West to scale back on recently toughened sanctions, which have targeted Iran's critical oil exports and have effectively blackballed the country from international banking networks. The 27-nation European Union is set to ban all Iranian fuel imports on July 1, shutting the door on about 18 percent of Iran's market.
Iran started enriching uranium to 20 percent last year, mostly at Fordo, saying it needed the material to fuel a research reactor and for medical purposes. Still, its long-standing refusal to stop enrichment and accept reactor fuel from abroad has sparked fears it wants to expand its domestic program to be able to turn it toward making weapons.
Those concerns have increased since it started higher enrichment at Fordo, which is carved into a mountain to make it impervious to attack from Israel or the United States. Those two nations have not ruled out using force as a last option if diplomacy fails to curb the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.
Saeed Jalili, Iran's top nuclear negotiator, offered a lukewarm assessment of the latest negotiations, in light of European and American refusal to lift tough sanctions against Iran as Tehran had hoped.
"The result of the talks was that we were able to get more familiar with the views of each other," Jalili told reporters.
European diplomats focused on the positives.
"It is clear that we both want to make progress and that there is some common ground," European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who led the Baghdad talks, told reporters. "However, significant differences remain. Nonetheless, we do agree on the need for further discussion to expand that common ground."
But in Washington, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said significant differences remain between the two sides and that it's now up to Iran "to close the gaps."
"Iran now has the choice to make: Will it meet its international obligations and give the world confidence about its intentions or not?" Clinton said.
The diplomats who spoke to the AP said a confidential IAEA report on Iran's nuclear program to be released later Friday to the agency's 35-nation board will mention of the traces of 27-percent enrichment found at Fordo.
Iran already has around 700 centrifuges churning out 20-percent enriched uranium at Fordo. The diplomats said the report will also note that — while Iran has set up around 350 more centrifuges since late last year at the site — these machines are not enriching.
While the reason for that could be purely technical, it could also be a signal from Tehran that it is waiting for progress in the negotiations.
The report is also expected to detail the state of talks between the U.N. nuclear agency and Iran that the agency hopes will re-launch a long-stalled probe into suspicions that Tehran has worked on nuclear-weapons related experiments — charges that Tehran denies.
RECOMMENDED: Six key factors in Iran nuclear talks
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.


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Who are the typical distance-learners and what are their goals?
The typical distance-learning student is professionally active and would like to use further education to make a career move, to reorient him- or herself or gain new knowledge. The proportion of men to women among distance-learners is even. They are often in a relationship and often also have children.
The motivation for starting a distance-learning course often lies in the students' ambition to make optimal use of opportunities to gain further education, although they are not willing to sacrifice their income or their career. The career is often of the first importance, followed by the idea of undertaking distance-learning studies.
There are certainly other types of students, however. Some are still very young and start the course while they are still at school in order to save time later. People often study during their school time in order to be able to open up two career paths for themselves in the future or to acquire as much additional knowledge as possible. Older people who want a change or to further educate themselves often see in distance-learning an ideal opportunity to achieve their aims and a qualification without having to give up their everyday life. Of course, they have the advantage of not having to enrol in an educational institution in which practically all of the students are of a younger generation. Instead, they can study calmly from home without distractions and they can determine their own pace of learning for a successful qualification.
In terms of characteristics, the typical distance-learning student can usually be defined very specifically. He or she is ambitious, goal-oriented and disciplined. Some distance-learners are regular workhorses, for whom their career or the acquisition of knowledge is high up on their list of priorities.