Food for thought from Olympics chef (Rio Diary)

If fighting hunger could be an Olympic sport, celebrated Chef Massimo Bottura and his team would certainly be the gold medal winners.

Besides getting the thumbs up from the Olympic Village for their culinary skills, Bottura and his team are getting accolades for turning waste into the best through "RefettoRio Gastromotiva", a project aimed at serving impoverished residents.

The team of international chefs has been serving thousands of meals daily to the underprivileged using surplus ingredients that would otherwise head for the bin.

But for the acclaimed chef and owner of Osteria Francescana, one of Italy's best restaurants, "it's not just about feeding people but is about social inclusion and teaching people to avoid food waste".

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Selfie mania takes over Rio

Made famous by American host and actress Ellen DeGeneres during the Oscars and named as the Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year 2013, "Selfie", has become an inseparable part of modern day life, and the Rio Games are no different.

From the athletes to the spectators, all are gripped by the selfie mania. From clicking their wining moments at the podium or preparing for the big day at practice, athletes are busy snapping and sharing their pictures on social networks.

The spectators, as well as officials, are no different.

In fact Indian Sports Minister Vijay Goel courted controversy for his selfie penchant when the organisers threatened to cancel his accreditation, alleging he and those accompanying him entered areas that were off-bounds.

US Secretary of State John Kerry too joined the selfie fun with members of the US Olympic team -- but outside the games venue.

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Sightseeing Rio on buses

Explore the Copacabana Beach and treat your senses at the Museum of Modern Art or get a panoramic view of Rio -- the most happening city in the world at the moment -- courtesy Rio onibus.

Specially designed buses, including a double open roof bus, are offering 'Sightseeing Rio' tours giving the spectators a panoramic view of many of the city's sites.

The tour's many attractions include the neighbourhood of Arpoador, Forte de Copacabana, Copacabana Beach, the Enseada de Botafogo, the neighbourhood of Gloria and the Museum of Modern Art, among others.

Tour guides speak both Portuguese and English as they highlight the many sites along the route.

--IANS

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