hilarious jesus: March 2013

Monday, March 25, 2013

How To Find Safe Online Business Opportunities | Content for Reprint

Author: Vladimir Mesic | Total views: 182 Comments: 0
Word Count: 989 Date: Sun, 24 Mar 2013 7:25 PM

There are so many scams on the internet so I understand if you are looking for safe online business opportunities which you can be sure are leading you in the right direction and at least to some sort of success without the lies, fake promises and unrealistic expectations.

Chances are, you have already spent money on some of the make money online products and courses or got involved with one of the thousands of online business opportunities promoted online. The hype sales pages promise you instant money from commissions coming into your bank account while you spend the time doing things you like, lying on the beach drinking a cocktail of your choice, an internet business in a box, push button, just copy and paste, type way to make money with hardly any work involved.

Unfortunately it's getting worse and the number of these types of products is growing daily. There are millions of people who are trying to make extra money online and are falling for these scams. Some will argue that these programs and products are not scams but if you use the criteria of what value is offered to the buyer and what is actually promised in the sales letter or sales video, then most of these online business opportunities are scams.

So what can you do to avoid paying or joining an online business opportunity that will just cost you money or more importantly your time and the risk that you will invest your resources, using outdated techniques and practices which could actually be harmful to your credibility or your success? Here are some important things to consider when searching for safe online business opportunities.

Only consider spending your money with someone who stands openly in front of the offer with their name, real proof of why you should trust him or her. Make sure that when you find out their name to search them in Google and at least look up if they are actually a real person. They should have their personal website, be on places like Linkedin, published something of value and have a positive footprint.

If there is a gorgeous young woman, a hired actress pitching an easy way to riches with a one shoe fits all approach that anyone can do with no experience or website needed, no technical skills needed, no writing needed, then just walk away and don't even bother to look into it. Just remember or write down the website address so you can avoid it in the future but best is to ignore it.

If there are amazing promises of unbelievable earnings and screenshots of those earnings of a zillion dollars and x amount of cents with a lot of mansions, million dollar yachts and offcourse the absolute must of all scam sales pages, a latest model red Ferrari, to mention a few, then just use your mouse productively and get out. This brings me to the next point.

If you've started watching the sales video or sales page and you are not sure about whether to trust this guy, if you click to close the page and get another page asking you to stay on the page for a Special Offer with a discount offered, you try to close it again and there is another discount and another, that is a sure sign that the value of that product is just as low as the discounts on offer. Again not worth wasting your time with that either.

I would recommend that you work on getting real skills and proficiencies first. It is important to first gain the basic knowledge of how things work on the internet. The subject is huge to talk about in this article but understanding the process of owning and hosting your website, content creation, search engine optimization, writing sales copy, traffic generation and many other links in the chain is a start.

However, this general knowledge is just the beginning. You must acquire skills which will enable you to do research and choose your field, register your domain, host your site, know how to optimize your site, add content to it, learn how to drive free and paid traffic , how to monetize your content and so on.

You need to be good at basics before you can go on and achieve great success and. Learn to walk before you can start thinking of participating in the World Athletics Championship.

The problem is people don't want to put in the hard work and gain the necessary skills which are a must to succeed at anything, rather they keep searching for an easy push button solutions and go from one opportunity to another.

The real diamond of information you can take with you from my article here, in my opinion, is that you need to concentrate on getting real online skills. You need to be able to do things like log into your website, change anything you want to it, add more content or change your links and banner ads for example without relying on someone to do that for you. You need to know the technical part of building a list and writing copy.

Believe me, all that requires a lot of work, meaning time which we all in this age have in limited quantities. Here is a thought I'll leave you with regarding safe online business opportunities. There is no such thing as, completely "safe", which is especially true when talking about business in general.

After saying all that, if you have at least some of the skills mentioned here, it will be easy for you to choose safe online business opportunities and work on building a business and not waste your precious time chasing one business opportunity after another.

Vladimir Mesic is an author, webmaster and an offline contractor, applying his gained skills and experience in building businesses in various niches which can help people looking for safe online business opportunities. Find out genuine and authentic advice and mistakes to avoid in your search. Go to www.bestnsafe.com to find out the truth and how to achieve success.

1: Understanding Online Business Success

Starting a home based business to earn income online takes a significant amount of time and energy upfront to get things going. Not seeing results immediately can be discouraging and cause people to give up too early. In this article, we look at the process of starting a home based business and working through the frustrations to be there when the sales come flowing in.

2: Why You Need To Build Multiple Streams of Income For Yourself

Being an entrepreneur and earning multiple streams of income is a dream that many have, but in reality it does take some initial hard work to achieve this. Earning multiple streams of income is the wave of the future, and here are some tips and advice for you when you are looking for ways in which to do this for yourself.

3: What is Cyber Marketing And Why It Is So Important For The Success Of Your Website

Cyber marketing has now become an indispensable segment of e-commerce as well as the internet and World Wide Web related topics. Cyber marketing simply refers to a technique of attracting potential customers by advertising your products or services through such means as websites, emails, and banners.

4: Article Marketing Strategy: Putting Together a "Class Schedule" For Your Article Topics

Businesses go to so much trouble when there is one sure-fire, simple, very inexpensive way to attract new clients to a business: Teach a free class. That is what article marketing is like. Your articles are just like free classes. You teach your target readers something helpful in your article. Your resource box then says, "If you enjoyed this article you can visit my website and apply what you have learned."

5: The Best Way To Optimise Your Website SEO For Google Panda

If you want your SEO to work you now need to concentrate on appeasing Google Panda, and to do this you need to know what Google Panda's spiders/bots will be looking for. Find out here how to search engine optimise your website for the latest Google Panda algorithm, and achieve the success you deserve.

Source: http://www.content4reprint.com/internet-marketing/how-to-find-safe-online-business-opportunities.htm

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Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Karzai: Afghan Taliban, U.S. revive reconciliation talks in Qatar

KABUL (Reuters) - The Afghan Taliban and the United States have been holding talks in the Gulf Arab state of Qatar, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said on Sunday.

The Taliban suspended the talks one year ago, blaming "shaky, erratic and vague" U.S. statements.

The U.S. government has said it remained committed to political reconciliation involving talks with the Taliban but progress would require agreement between the Afghan government and the insurgents.

"Senior leaders of the Taliban and the Americans are engaged in talks in the Gulf state on a daily basis," Karzai told a gathering to mark International Women's Day.

But the Taliban spokesman in Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid, denied that negotiations with the United States had resumed and said no progress had been made since they were suspended.

"The Taliban strongly rejects Karzai's comments," he said.

U.S. officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

The Kabul government has been pushing hard to get the Taliban to the negotiating table before most U.S.-led NATO combat troops withdraw by the end of 2014.

Afghan officials have not held direct talks with the militants, who were toppled in 2001 and have proven resilient after more than a decade of war with Western forces.

U.S. diplomats have been seeking to broaden exploratory talks with the Taliban that began clandestinely in Germany in late 2010 after the Taliban offered to open a representative office in Qatar.

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is in Afghanistan to visit U.S. troops.

Hagel, who arrived on Friday for his first trip abroad as defense secretary, is also due to hold talks with Karzai, whose recent orders to curtail U.S. military activity highlights an often tense relationship with the 66,000 American forces here.

Hagel's visit also coincides with the passing of a deadline imposed by Karzai for U.S. special forces to leave the province of Wardak, after Karzai accused them of overseeing torture and killings in the area.

U.S. forces have denied involvement in any abuses and it was not clear if they were leaving Wardak by the deadline.

Regional power Pakistan indicated a few months ago that it would support the peace process by releasing Afghan Taliban detainees who may help promote the peace process.

But there have been no tangible signs the move advanced reconciliation.

(Additional reporting by Hamid Shalizi; Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Robert Birsel)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/afghan-taliban-u-revive-reconciliation-talks-qatar-karzai-064209499.html

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Monday, March 11, 2013

Mongolia Business Focus 11th March 2013 - EBM Consulting

Mongolia Business Focus

A digest of key Mongolian business news & information

11^th March 2013

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A selection of key articles, information and links of interest from the last 7 days regarding the business and risk environment of Mongolia compiled by analysts at EBM Consulting ( http://www.ebmconsulting.com.hk ).

EBM provides political risk, market entry, pre M&A, pre JV and enterprise risk due diligence services in frontier markets across Asia including Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam, Indonesia and the PRC, with Mongolia a specialty.

***** The Mongolian presidential elections are expected to take place at the end of June 2013. If you are interested to receive regular updates, commentary and informed political analysis of the election race, how the candidates are faring and what it means for investment & business in Mongolia then contact mark.burns@ebmconsulting.com.hk ****

Sections:

Business & Economy
Mongolian Language Media News
Mining & Investment
Politics & Security
Upcoming Events

Business & Economy

First Investments by Chinggis Bond

(Ref: Info Mongolia, 11 Mar, 2013) On Thursday, March 07, 2013, the Cabinet of the Government of Mongolia held its regular meeting, usually it takes on every Saturdays, but Friday, March 08 was observed as a Public Holiday, hence prior the holiday the Cabinet met and issued several decisions regarding the first investments into the biggest projects to be financed by the Government?s Chinggis Bond and resolved as follows?

Competitive industries require good leadership not hand-outs

(Ref: UB Post, 10 Mar, 2013) Earlier this week I was fortunate enough to take part in one of the most important economic events of the year in Mongolia, the Mongolia Economic Forum 2013. While I was impressed with the range and professionalism of the Mongolian companies present at the event, what caught my attention was the overwhelming number of companies requesting for government support in their respective fields of operation despite the fact that the majority of analysts, and even the President of Mongolia himself, believe that State intervention is the biggest risk in holding back economic growth.

Bank of Mongolia launches ?interest rate corridor?

(Ref: Business-Mongolia, 07 Mar, 2013) At its meeting on 27 February 2013, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Mongolia decided to establish an interest rate corridor based on macroeconomic conditions, demand for money market development and international experiences on monetary policy implementation.

Japan grants 2 million US dollars free aid to Mongolia

(Ref: News.mn, 07 Mar, 2013) The Foreign Minister Bold Luvsanvandan and the Ambassador to Mongolia from Japan Shimizu Takenori, on Wednesday March 6th, signed a note for 2 million US dollars in free aid to be available to the Mongolian people, supported by the Japanese Government.

Automated parking system to be introduced to Mongolia

(Ref: UB Post, 06 Mar, 2013) On Monday three companies, Sigma Mongolia, Dong Yang Menics and LG International, held an information session to introduce a modern automated parking system that they plan to pioneer in Mongolia.

Mongolia introduces a mandatory deposit insurance scheme

(Ref: Lexology, 05 Mar, 2013) The Deposit Insurance Law establishes a mandatory insurance scheme for the protection of bank deposits. The insurance programme replaces a blanket deposit guarantee issued by the Government of Mongolia under the Law of Mongolia on Issuing a Guarantee for Savings held at Banks dated 25 November 2008 (?Deposit Guarantee Law?).

Can KFC Wing it in Mongolia?

(Ref: Eurasia Net, 04 Mar, 2013) KFC shocked the fast food world last month when it announced that it had plans to start selling its fried chicken in Mongolia, which has mostly remained terra incognita for global fast food brands. The previous international fried chicken chain to have tried its luck in Mongolia was Kenny Rogers Roasters?, whose gamble on the country lasted only a few years.

BelAZ might supply more dump trucks to Mongolia

(Ref: Belta, 04 Mar, 2013) Mongolia would like to buy BelAZ dump trucks with the load capacity of 55, 130 and 220 tonnes. Over the past three years, BelAZ has shipped 35 dump trucks with the load capacity of 220 tonnes to Mongolia. They are used at copper and coal deposits there.

Mongolian Language Media News

Latest Mongolian language media articles translated by EBM researchers

Eighteen officials to be taken measures against by Anti-Corruption Agency

(Ref: mminfo.mn, 11 Mar, 2013) As of February 2013, the Anti-Corruption Agency has inspected income statements of 78 government officials. Totally 18 officials were taken measures against during the inspection. Two of them will receive warning, the monthly salaries of nine officials will be decreased by 30 percent, four officials will be down-graded and two officials will be fired following the measures taken by the Anti-Corruption Agency.

Additionally, the Anti-Corruption Agency has also organized online income statement reporting among 110 state authorities and local administrations within 45 days. Within the country, a total of 47,000 civil servants have registered of which 22 civil servants have delayed their income statements, and 15 civil servants have refused to report their income statements. Kim Jang Jin CEO of Development Bank was found to be one of them. According to the law, a person who refuses to submit an income statement must resign from his or her position.

Three licenses issued by MRA in last month

(Ref: mminfo.mn, 6 Mar, 2013) According to the Mineral Resources Authority, three licenses were newly issued in February, 2013. Those licenses were gold mining licenses.? The license for the biggest area was issued to ?Rio? company for gold mining with an area of 1091.35 hectare in Bayan soum Tuv Province.? Two other companies, Bogdyn Gold and ZTKH, are to operate gold mines with areas of 680.31 hectare and 441.48 hectare respectively.? These gold mining licenses are in Arkhust soum, Bayan soum, Sergelen soum of Tuv Province.????

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Mining & Investment

US raises serious concerns over Oyu Tolgoi?s environmental, social impact

(Ref: Unuudur, 10 Mar, 2013) World number two miner Rio Tinto (LON:ASX) has suffered another setback at Oyu Tolgoi in Mongolia after the US refused to vote on World Bank funding to expand the massive copper-gold project in Mongolia. Operator Turquoise Hill Resources (TSX:TRQ), which is controlled by Rio, has already spent more than $6 billion on the mine in the south Gobi desert where it hopes to start commercial production by June.

Mongolia working hard to avoid the mistakes of 2009 with new mining law

(Ref: Mining.com, 10 Mar, 2013) Jargalsaikhany Mendee writing in the Asia Times Online argues Mongolian lawmakers in the process of finalizing a new bill to regulate the mining industry are hoping to avoid the mistakes of the past. The Mongolian parliament has revised the rules governing mining companies and foreign investment in the sector several times since introducing its so-called Gold Program in 1990, but previous laws have not always produced the desired outcomes.

Aspire needs rail approval to start Mongolia coal mine on time

(Ref: Coal Guru, 09 Mar, 2013) Bloomberg reported that Aspire Mining Ltd the Australian company seeking to build a coal mine in Mongolia, said that it needs government approval for a rail line by the end of the year to meet its production target.

U.S. Abstains on Controversial World Bank Mongolia Mine Project

(Ref: IPS, 07 Mar, 2013) The United States has refused to vote for involvement by the World Bank Group in a massive but controversial mining project in Mongolia. In abstaining, the U.S. representative cited concerns over the potential environmental consequences and an inadequate impact study of the mine plan.

PDAC-Mining legend Friedland looks to burnish his image

(Ref: Reuters, 05 Mar, 2013) Leave it to the irreverent Robert Friedland to brighten the mood of a mining conference in the throes of a deep, collective depression. The outspoken financier, known for his talent for picking winners in a risky business, made a rare public appearance on Monday to trumpet his latest venture, Ivanplats Ltd.

Politics & Security

Ambassador of Mongolia to the Republic of Turkey, B. Batkhishig Presents his Letter of Credence

(Ref: Info Mongolia, 11 Mar, 2013) Mr. Badamdorj BATKHISHIG, to represent Mongolia as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Turkey, presented his Letter of Credence to the President of Turkey Mr. Abdullah Gul at the CAnkaya Presidential Palace, Ankara on March 08, 2013.

New Heating Technology Struggles to Combat Pollution Scourge

(Ref: Unuudur, 09 Mar, 2013) Foreign donors and the Mongolian government are pumping millions of dollars into cleaning up Ulaanbaatar?s smoggy winter air, which the US Embassy calls one of Mongolia?s most critical environmental concerns. But as yet another relief project draws to a close, the city has little to show but more stubborn gray haze.

Mongolia Ambassador to Singapore B.DELGERMAA Becomes the Governor for Mongolia at the Asia-Europe Foundation

(Ref: Info Mongolia, 07 Mar, 2013) The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the Republic of Singapore, Banzragch DELGERMAA is being appointed as the Governor for Mongolia at the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), effective from March 15, 2013.

Condolences sent on death of Hugo Chavez

(Ref: News.mn, 07 Mar, 2013) President Elbegdorj Tsakhia has sent his condoles today for the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, to Diosdado Cabello Rond?n, President of the National Assembly of Venezuela. The message reads: ?Please accept my heartfelt condolence for his family, children, relatives and the people of Venezuela on the loss of Hugo Rafael Chavez Fruas, President of Venezuela, on behalf of people of Mongolia?.

Prime Minister hosts ?Morning New Idea? online meeting

(Ref: News.mn, 07 Mar, 2013) The Prime Minister receives civilian voices and opinions via the online meeting ?Morning New Idea? every Friday. But the Prime Minister was to hold the online meeting this week one day earlier because Friday is a public holiday.

Alaska National Guardsmen Travel to Mongolia for Aviation Maintenance Exchange

(Ref: Alaska Native News, 06 Mar, 2013) Four Alaska National Guardsmen are in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, March 4 ? 7 for an aviation maintenance exchange to educate Mongolian Air and Air Defense Force members on the C-130 Hercules aircraft.

Ts.Elbegdorj receives Danish Speaker

(Ref: UB Post, 05 Mar, 2013) At the beginning of the meeting, President Ts.Elbegdorj conveyed his satisfaction with the friendly relations between Mongolia and Denmark, and expressed his gratitude to the Danish government for promoting Mongolia?s democratic changes from the very start and for implementing many projects here through the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA).

Upcoming Events

Asia Mining Congress 2013 (12-15 Mar 2013)

The Asia Mining Congress is the region?s leading mining investment event connecting the most important global mining stakeholders with Asian opportunities and capital. In its 9th year, AMC attracts 2,000+ participants and will continue to offer the most authoritative agenda and targeted networking for you to do business with the mining and investment community in Asia.

Venue: Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, Singapore

The 3^rd Annual Miner and Supplier (14-15 Mar, 2013)

?Ministry of Economic Development? and ?Mongolian Mining Exchange? are jointly orginizing the 3rd forum about mining procurement which named ?Miner & Supplier 2013? in 14 and 15 March of 2013. This forum has been supported and contributed by mining business companies and governmental organizations since its first organizement.

Venue: Chinggis Hotel, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Mines and Money Hong Kong 2013 (18-22 Mar, 2013)

Mines and Money Hong Kong is where mining companies from around the world come to raise capital in Asia and meet with investors from Hong Kong and mainland China. Cementing its position as a major fixture on the global mining investment circuit, Mines and Money Hong Kong 2013 will bring together over 3500 institutional investors, mining entrepreneurs, brokers and investment analysts for five days of high-value networking, investment analysis and deal-making.

Venue: Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

Mongolia Investment Summit (16-18 April, 2013)

With major investors, government officials and mining companies providing insights and discussions at the Mongolian Investment Summit in London you will gain important answers to these questions and more.

This is your chance to meet with and hear from the government, small and large cap miners and other sectors offering fantastic investment opportunities while hearing the fund managers and corporate financiers assessment to put you in the best position to identify high growth investments in Mongolia.

Venue: Kensington Close Hotel, London

Mongolian Mining Summit 2013 (01 ? 03 Oct, 2013)

Mongolian Mining Summit 2013 will cover a range of topics and issues, including, but not limited to: Investment opportunities and partnerships, Mongolian government role in promoting and encouraging the mining industry, Strategic alliances between Australian and Mongolian entities and so on. Specialist, focused workshops will also comprise a critical part of the conference, as well as organised field trips.

?Venue: to be Confirmed, Perth, WA

About ?Mongolia Business Focus?
Mongolia Business Focus is a periodic compilation of news and enterprise risk related articles associated with Mongolia. The articles are compiled and distributed by frontier market specialists EBM Consulting, market entry & enterprise risk consultants (www.ebmconsulting.com.hk). EBM has offices in Hong Kong and Ulaanbaatar and associates in 55 countries worldwide. We have over 4 years of experience supporting companies and investors making informed business decisions in Mongolia through the provision of due diligence and related services.

Join the LinkedIn Mongolia Risk Management & Due Diligence Group

Source: http://www.ebmconsulting.com.hk/ebm-news/mongolia-business-focus-11th-march-2013/

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Officials: Michelin eatery in Denmark sickens 63

FILE ? This is a March 14, 2012 file photo of Danish restaurant Noma in Copenhagen. More than 60 customers who dined at Noma one of the world's top restaurants in Denmark say they got viral gastroenteritis from eating there last month. The local food authority says it ordered a cleanup and safer handling of food at Noma, which has two Michelin stars and is a three-time winner of the world's top restaurant in S. Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants list. (AP Photo/POLFOTO, Jens Dresling, file) DENMARK OUT.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) ? Danish food safety officials ordered a cleanup and better food handling at Noma, one of the world's top restaurants, after more than 60 people fell ill with viral gastroenteritis from eating at the two-star Michelin eatery that has also hit top spot three times in the world's best restaurants list in Restaurant magazine.

The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration said Friday it had investigated the popular, waterfront restaurant in Copenhagen after complaints from customers who had dined there during a week in February. It was not immediately clear what food had caused the infection.

Agency spokesman Morten Lisby described the outbreak that caused vomiting and diarrhea as "massive."

The 63 infected people ate at Noma between Feb. 12 and 16, according to a food safety report based on an inspection of local restaurants and food retail companies a week later.

Restaurant manager Peter Kreiner apologized for the incidents and said they were trying to track the source of the infection with officials.

"Our business is based on having satisfied customers here and we're incredibly sorry on behalf of our guests," Kreiner told Danish TV2. He said the restaurant had contacted the agency as soon as it became aware of the complaints.

Noma, which opened in 2004, is widely known for its chef Rene Redzepi who relies on fresh, locally-sourced products, from moss and snails to sloe berries and unripe plums. The restaurant has been credited with redefining Nordic cooking and receives thousands of reservation requests every day.

Menus at Noma cost up to 1,500 kroner ($260) and table reservations often must be made months in advance.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/bbd825583c8542898e6fa7d440b9febc/Article_2013-03-08-Denmark-Restaurant%20Woes/id-68317f961a2a4c02b94eeeae01bd0cca

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Sunday, March 3, 2013

Obama Campaign Releases 4th Quarter Fundraisers List

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith are among the new names on the updated list of fundraisers released today by the remnants of President Obama's reelection campaign to reflect fourth quarter contributions.

An Obama for America spokesperson says there were few additions to the list, as the bulk of fundraising came earlier in the race. The 2012 fourth quarter began Oct. 1, just over a month before Election Day.

Smith and Pinkett-Smith are new additions to the list of bundlers who raised north of $500,000. Their appearance is not surprising: In late October the Hollywood couple hosted a fundraising luncheon at their California home for first lady Michelle Obama. The event sold out 250 tickets at a minimum $2,500 per plate.

The updated list can be found here.

Today's disclosure was a voluntary move by the campaign. Federal guidelines only require candidates to disclose fundraising from registered lobbyists. Obama and Republican Sen. John McCain agreed to disclose all bundlers who raised upwards of $50,000 during their 2008 election bid; Mitt Romney did not follow suit in this most recent season.

Kerry says US releasing millions in aid to Egypt

CAIRO (AP) ? U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Sunday rewarded Egypt for President Mohammed Morsi's pledges of political and economic reforms by releasing $250 million in American aid to support the country's "future as a democracy."

Yet Kerry also served notice that the Obama administration will kept close watch on how Morsi, who came to power in June as Egypt's first freely elected president, honors his commitment.

"The path to that future has clearly been difficult and much work remains," Kerry said in a statement after wrapping up two days of meetings in Egypt, a deeply divided country in the wake of the revolution that ousted longtime President Hosni Mubarak.

Egypt is trying to meet conditions to close on a $4.8 billion loan package from the International Monetary Fund. An agreement would unlock more of the $1 billion in U.S. assistance promised by President Barack Obama last year and set to begin flowing with Kerry's announcement.

"The United States can and wants to do more," Kerry said. "Reaching an agreement with the IMF will require further effort on the part of the Egyptian government and broad support for reform by all Egyptians. When Egypt takes the difficult steps to strengthen its economy and build political unity and justice, we will work with our Congress at home on additional support."

Kerry cited Egypt's "extreme needs" and Morsi's "assurances that he plans to complete the IMF process" when he told the president that the U.S. would provide $190 million of a long-term $450 million pledge "in a good-faith effort to spur reform and help the Egyptian people at this difficult time."

Separately, the top U.S. diplomat announced $60 million for a new fund for "direct support of key engines of democratic change," including Egypt's entrepreneurs and its young people. Kerry held out the prospect of U.S. assistance to this fund climbing to $300 million over time.

Recapping his meetings with political figures, business leaders and representatives of outside groups, Kerry said he heard of their "deep concern about the political course of their country, the need to strengthen human rights protections, justice and the rule of law, and their fundamental anxiety about the economic future of Egypt."

Those issues came up in "a very candid and constructive manner" during Kerry's talks with Morsi.

"It is clear that more hard work and compromise will be required to restore unity, political stability and economic health to Egypt," Kerry said.

Syria and Iran also came up, according to officials.

With parliamentary elections in April approaching and liberal and secular opponents of Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood saying they will boycott, Kerry called the vote "a particularly critical step" in Egypt's democratic transition.

Violent clashes between protesters and security forces have created an environment of insecurity, complicating Egyptian efforts to secure vital international aid.

Officials in the Egyptian presidency said Kerry stressed the need for consensus with the opposition in order to restore confidence in Egypt that it can ride out the crisis. Morsi was reported to have expressed the importance of Egypt's relationship with United States, which is based on "mutual respect," and focused on the importance of the democratic process in building a strong and stable nation.

Kerry made clear that in all his meetings, he conveyed the message that Egyptians who rose up and overthrew Mubarak "did not risk their lives to see that opportunity for a brighter future squandered."

He also told the country's bickering politicians that they must overcome differences to get Egypt's faltering economy back on track and maintain its leadership role in the volatile Middle East.

The U.S. is deeply concerned that continued instability in Egypt will have broader consequences in a region already rocked by unrest.

U.S. officials said Kerry had planned to stress the importance of upholding Egypt's peace agreement with Israel, cracking down on weapons smuggling to extremists in the Gaza Strip and policing the increasingly lawless Sinai Peninsula while continuing to play a positive role in Syria's civil war.

The impact of his message of unity to the opposition coalition seemingly was blunted when only six of the 11 guests invited by the U.S. Embassy turned up for the Saturday session and three of those six said they still intended to boycott the April parliamentary election, according to participants.

Kerry said that the U.S. would not pick sides in Egypt, and he appealed to all sides to come together around human rights, freedom and speech and religious tolerance.

In an apparent nod to the current stalemate in Washington over the U.S. federal budget, Kerry acknowledged after meeting Foreign Minister Kamel Amr that compromise is difficult yet imperative.

"I say with both humility and with a great deal of respect that getting there requires a genuine give-and-take among Egypt's political leaders and civil society groups just as we are continuing to struggle with that in our own country," he said. 'There must be a willingness on all sides to make meaningful compromises on the issues that matter most to all of the Egyptian people."

The opposition accuses Morsi and the Brotherhood of following in the footsteps of Mubarak, failing to carry out reforms and trying to install a more religiously conservative system.

Morsi's administration and the Brotherhood say their foes, who have trailed significantly behind Islamists in all elections since the uprising against Mubarak, are running away from the challenge of the ballot box and are trying to overturn democratic gains.

From Egypt, Kerry headed to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, with later stops in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, where his focus is expected to be the crisis in Syria

Kerry is set to return to Washington on Wednesday.

___

Associated Press writer Aya Batrawy contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/kerry-says-us-releasing-millions-aid-egypt-161105370.html

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Anheuser-Busch defends itself with newspaper ads

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Budweiser-maker Anheuser-Busch InBev defended itself against allegations it is watering down its alcoholic drinks by taking out full-page advertisements in newspapers across the United States.

The company was placing ads in more than 10 newspapers nationally, a representative of Anheuser-Busch said on Sunday. The ads featured a picture of a can of drinking water below the caption, "They must have tested one of these." Anheuser-Busch donates water to the American Red Cross.

Beer consumers have filed a proposed class-action lawsuit accusing the company of mislabeling the alcohol content of the brands Budweiser, Michelob, Michelob Ultra, Hurricane High Gravity Lager, King Cobra, Busch Ice, Natural Ice, Bud Ice, Bud Light Platinum and Bud Light Lime.

The company has said the lawsuit is groundless.

(Reporting by Leah Schnurr; Editing by Bill Trott)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/anheuser-busch-defends-itself-newspaper-ads-194136413--sector.html

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