Olympic viewing: The sparks of family bonding can reduce ?withdrawal?

Olympic viewing, says one expert, is a rollercoaster dream that creates family bonding in the daily date with excitement and 'Olympics withdrawal' when it's all done. This mom says the 2012 London Games have sparked a revelation about one son's dream to compete in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 2016 ? so there will be no withdrawal as the Olympic dream keeps going.

By Lisa Suhay,?Correspondent / August 3, 2012

Olympics viewing on TV allows for family bonding time over the exciting dream. Instead of a let down and withdrawal after two weeks of viewing, one mom's son will continue the Olympic dream hoping to compete in jiu-jitsu in Rio come 2016.

Petr David Josek/AP

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Year after year we shoo the kids away from the television and worry about how to connect with them and then we find unity in front of the box, glowing with Olympic common ground, but one expert warns about managing what he calls "Olympic withdrawal."

Skip to next paragraph Lisa Suhay

Lisa Suhay, who has four sons at home in Norfolk, Va., is a children?s book author and founder of the Norfolk (Va.) Initiative for Chess Excellence (NICE) , a nonprofit organization serving at-risk youth via mentoring and teaching the game of chess for critical thinking and life strategies.

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In an interview this morning, Robert Thompson, the founding director Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University, cautioned me that the uptick I am experiencing in family bonding with my husband and sons as we all whoop by the TV can have a wicked let-down when the daily date with excitement is all over.

?The Olympics is really amenable to viewing as a communal event because, if you?re the only one in the bleachers, a?game isn?t as much fun to watch,??Professor Thompson explained. ?It?s almost like this multi-day holiday effect. Which brings us then to the Olympic withdrawal. It?s like when the circus comes to town ? you?re in heaven and then heaven packs up and leaves. Some people actually suffer depression afterwards. Some families may have very little in common and Olympics has potential to bring all those diverse aspects together and when it goes away, then everybody?s back to their own problems, communication devices, and segregated worries.?

We already had a bit of that experience last month as a family of avid Tour de France watchers. When the event wrapped this year, we had that gassed-out, moody swing. We went our separate ways, and all the bickering and shoulder shrugging that is?typical?in a home with four boys (three of them teens) and parents with busy lives did indeed seem a bit more sharp and edgy.

So Thompson?s words gave me pause to reflect and perhaps plan a bit more seriously how to counteract what is coming when the Olympic flame and TV go dark.

In our home, Olympics has been both a source of unity and education. It gave me a chance to discover one of my sons? hidden Olympic dream about Brazilian?jiu-jitsu?for 2016.

Weeks before the Olympics started, the most laid-back and aloof of my boys, Ian, 17, began to actually speak to me about things not involving the words??What?s for lunch???and ?have you seen my Gi?? He?s a Gracie jiu-jitsu?blue belt who spends as much time in the dojo as the guy who owns it.

He began talking about judo, which he hadn?t known was an Olympic sport,?and asking me to come watch YouTube Olympic videos of past matches with him. Then he ran around the house gathering his brothers and his father to come watch, occasionally pausing a video to commentate about a technique as compared to his beloved Gracie technique.

I hated breaking the news that jiu-jitsu is not yet even an exhibition sport for the 2016 Rio Games. Chess is actually in line way ahead?of it?in consideration for inclusion in the summer Games.

This felt like it was going to be the moment when the whole, ?Let?s all sit together and hang on every Olympic moment? bubble burst. He walked away. A few minutes later he came roaring back whooping and grabbing me by the wrist to come see what he?d found ? there?s a petition and movement to get the sport into its home games in Brazil as an exhibition sport.

?Yes! Yes! Mom help me do this,? he said looking?intensely?into my eyes. Those words every mother of a child with a dream has ever heard, whether?it be about a sport, college, or career choice.

It?s the moment when the spark flies from the Olympic torch and we, as parents, choose to let it die or catch it on a candle we keep in the window for our children?s sake.

We?re going?for it.?Ian and I are taking today away from the TV to see what we can learn online about how it all works and what we, as a family, can do together between now and 2016. Break out the coconut water and let the pursuit of new games and Olympic flames begin.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/IZ1u4RwVHUo/Olympic-viewing-The-sparks-of-family-bonding-can-reduce-withdrawal

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Odds of Syria peace get bleaker as Annan quits U.N. mission

UNITED NATIONS/GENEVA (Reuters) - Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan is stepping down as the U.N.-Arab League mediator in the 17-month-old Syria conflict at the end of the month, the United Nations said on Thursday, the latest sign that the outlook for a diplomatic solution is bleak.

"Mr. Annan has informed me, and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Mr. Nabil Elaraby, of his intention not to renew his mandate when it expires on 31 August 2012," Ban said in a statement, adding that he and Elaraby were in discussions on appointing a successor to Annan.

"Kofi Annan deserves our profound admiration for the selfless way in which he has put his formidable skills and prestige to this most difficult and potentially thankless of assignments," Ban said.

Russian U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin was quick to react, suggesting to reporters outside the Security Council in New York that Moscow was disappointed that Annan was bowing out.

"We understand that it's his decision," Churkin told reporters. "We regret that he chose to do so. We have supported very strongly Kofi Annan's efforts. He has another month to go, and I hope this month is going to be used as effectively as possible under these very difficult circumstances."

Churkin added he was encouraged that Ban was looking for a successor to Annan.

Speaking to reporters in Geneva, Annan cited "finger-pointing and name-calling" in the 15-nation Security Council as one of the reasons for his decision to step down.

Council diplomats have said privately that the United States and Gulf Arab states have become increasingly frustrated in recent weeks with what they saw as Annan's dogged commitment to diplomacy at a time when they believe all avenues for dialogue with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have been exhausted.

Churkin quickly started finger-pointing about Annan's departure, suggesting that Western powers that opposed "reasonable and balanced proposals" in the Security Council undermined Annan's peace efforts from the start.

Western diplomats, however, blame Russia and China for vetoing three council resolutions intended to ratchet up the pressure on Assad to stop his attacks on civilians and halt the fighting, which has escalated into a full-scale civil war.

(Reporting by Louis Charbonneau in New York and Tom Miles in Geneva; Editing by Sandra Maler and Vicki Allen)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/annan-step-down-international-syria-mediator-154545166.html

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JW Marriot Guanacaste Resort and Spa | Costa Rica Scuba Diving

Posted by sam on Aug 2, 2012 in Costa Rica Dive Spots, Dive Resorts, Scuba Certification, Scuba Diving | 0 comments

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa

Location

Made to revive senses and spirits, JW Marriot Guanacaste Resort and Spa is an exclusive sumptuous resort at Costa Rica that offers unforgettable vistas and elating experiences! Meet the exquisite nature at its best, enjoy sunsets at the white sand beaches, exotic birds flattering winds above the clear blue water searching for prey, striking rainforest wildlife calling out sounds and peeking from the lush trees. The resort offers unique ambiences with its outstanding culinary styles of four restaurants and two bars; a holiday here is out of the world!

The local environment is rich in its biodiversity and wildlife, enchanting the winds with energy and excitement. 5 miles from the resort lies world class diving and sport fishing areas. Beaches are specially known for the surfing adventure they offer.
Take a tour in the rainforests, to interact with various mammals, birds and trees. Walk through the natural canals and waterfalls, beauty that will take your breath away! Palo Verde National park is just around the corner.

Other family activities, tours and sports have a wide array of options to choose from.

Facilities

The resort is generous in offering facilities and amenities to its guests.
The resort is known for its spa and the pampering it offers. A large variety of treatments and amenities are providing for the ultimate relaxation. To name a few, Body scrub, Body wrap, foot bath, hair and scalp treatment, in-suite massage, and beauty services like makeup, facials, manicures, and more.
The fitness and recreation center is perfectly equipped to serve its guests the best machines and exercises; the fitness classes are complimentary.
Other facilities include- Babysitting, barber and beauty shop, bookstore, car rentals, Avis, ATM, evening turndown service, gaming room, gift shop, laundry, valet dry cleaning, and more.

Activities

Activities and sports are innumerable, for as long as you stay make sure to grab as many memorable experiences as you can!

Scuba Diving:
The rich biodiversity of the Ocean and its extreme beauty makes the waters perfect for scuba diving experience. The adventure takes you at the Ocean?s bed to meet the fabulous underwater life and their environment. Meet innumerable schools of fishes, touch corals of variant textures, feed ample of underwater life, click images, take a stroll at the ocean bed and come back up in the boat. The equipments, life guards and training for beginners are all of world class and certified. Further, training and certification courses are available too.
To make the experience more exclusive try the night scuba diving at a private spot, it takes least 4 members to book this thrilling experience.

Other water sports include Water skiing, river rafting, jet skiing, surfing, sailing, sport fishing which is 0.6 to 50 miles away from the resort.
Activities in the rainforests are Nature?s trail, bird watching, night walk, horseback riding, etc.
Activities within the resort include tennis, board games, treasure hunt, cooking lessons, creating your own kite and more.

Dinning and Restaurants

The four restaurants and two bars have their individual ambience, dress code and specialty.

Azul Pool Bar: (Lunch)
Located at the swim pool and beach, the casual bar serves drinks, appetizers and lunch.

Azul Grill: (Lunch)
Grasping the best of the Pacific Ocean views, Azul Grill Restaurant specializes in Mediterranean and seafood cuisine.

Lobby Bar:
Serves exotic drinks/ cocktails in a tropical ambiance. The bar/ pub is specially known for its Panini menu and fine wine.

Manista Restaurant:
serves international cuisines all day, its specialty is its award-winning breakfast.

Sabanero: (Dinner)
A steakhouse that serves fabulous international and domestic beef cuts.

Tamarine: (Dinner)
An Asian Fusion dining experience with signature cocktails!

Accommodation

Every room ensures comfort and luxury with furnished exclusive ambience and interiors. Cleanliness is guaranteed with twice a day room cleaning and 24/7 room service. Bathrooms are spacious with deep soaking bathtubs and shower. Wi-Fi is available at every spot in the hotel. Options for accommodation aren?t more than two:
Guest rooms that have a balcony or terrace opening up to the breeze from the rainforests or the Ocean.
Deluxe suites provide additional space, luxury and stunning views!

Rates

The rates are for per couple per night, $269 ? $439, excluding 13% tax. These rates are the standard rates, offers packages and JW rewards are available.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sjojw-jw-marriott-guanacaste-resort-and-spa/

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Source: http://www.costarica-scuba.com/jw-marriot-guanacaste-resort-and-spa-an-out-of-the-world-experience-at-gunacastes-popular-diving-spot/

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Three million Syrians need food, farming aid: UN

Three million Syrians need food, crops and livestock assistance, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation said Thursday, citing a survey by the United Nations and the Syrian government.

The FAO said that figure included 1.5 million Syrians who "need urgent and immediate food assistance over the next three to six months, especially in areas that have seen the greatest conflict and population displacement."

"Close to a million people need crop and livestock assistance such as seeds, food for animals, fuel and repair of irrigation pumps," said the joint statement by the FAO and the UN's World Food Programme (WFP).

"Further scaling up of food and livelihoods assistance will be required over the next 12 months as the people needing nutritional support are expected to reach three million," the statement said.

The survey, conducted in June by the FAO, WFP and the Syrian agriculture ministry, found that the farming sector has lost a total of $1.8 billion (1.5 billion euros) this year due to the conflict.

The losses included damages to crops such as wheat, barley, cherries, olive trees and vegetables, as well as to livestock and irrigation systems.

"While the economic implications of these losses are quite grave, the humanitarian implications are far more pressing," WFP's representative in Syria, Muhannad Hadi, said in the statement.

"The effects of these major losses are first, and most viciously, felt by the poorest in the country," it said.

"Most of the vulnerable families the mission visited reported less income and more expenditure -- their lives becoming more difficult by the day."

Farmers have been forced to either abandon farming or leave crops unattended due to the lack of labour, the scarcity of fuel and the rise in fuel costs, and insecurity, as well as power cuts, the report found.

Wheat harvests have been delayed in Daar'a, Homs and Hama as well as in the region around Damascus.

The report also said that deforestation was on the rise as farmers used the forests for fire wood due to the lack of cooking gas and fuel.

The WFP began sending food aid to Syria in October 2011 and has gradually scaled up its operations, reaching 540,000 people in July. It said it aims to reach 850,000 people this month.

The WFP said it faced a funding shortfall of around $62 million on an overall budget of $103 million.

The FAO began its assistance operations in December 2011 to more than 9,000 small herders and farmers' households.

The FAP said it needs $38 million for the next six months to help a total of 112,500 rural households

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/three-million-syrians-food-farming-aid-un-093730144.html

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Stocks move higher ahead of Fed statement

Laurence Meyer, Macroeconomic Advisers senior managing director, debates whether further Fed intervention is needed to stabilize the U.S. economy, with Stephen Roach, Yale University senior fellow.

By NBC News wire services

Updated at 12:05 p.m. ET: Investors drove stock prices up slightly Wednesday as they looked ahead to the Federal Reserve?s statement on interest rates.

Central bankers are likely to show that they are ready to act to support a weakening U.S. economy, but will stop short of aggressive measures for now.

The market posted its biggest two-day percentage gain to close out last week on increased expectations both the Fed and the European Central Bank will plan further actions to stimulate their respective economies at meetings this week, but the index has stalled the last two sessions as it reached levels not seen since early May.

A report showed U.S. manufacturing sector shrank for the second month in a row in July as new orders improved modestly but employment dropped to a 2-1/2-year low.

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said its index of national factory activity inched up to 49.8 from 49.7 in June, shy of economists' expectations for 50.2.

A reading below 50 shows contraction in the sector.

China's official factory purchasing managers' index edged down to an eight-month low of 50.1 in July from 50.2 in June, suggesting the sector is barely growing, while a rival HSBC survey indicated the more market-sensitive private sector is starting to recover.

MasterCard, the world's second-largest credit and debit card processing network, is expected to post a higher second-quarter profit as more people across the globe use cards instead of cash. Other major companies announcing results include Metlife, Prudential Financial Inc and Tesoro Corp.

According to Thomson Reuters data through Tuesday morning, of the 321 companies in the S&P 500 that have reported second-quarter earnings to date, 67.3 percent have reported earnings above analysts' expectations. Over the past four quarters, the average beat rate is 68 percent.

European stocks closed mixed Wednesday, helped by a string of better-than-feared corporate results ahead of policy decisions by the Fed and the ECB which some expect to result in bold action to support their economies.

Asian shares fell as soft Chinese manufacturing data further undermined investor confidence and as hopes faded for bold stimulus action this week by the Fed and the ECB to underpin faltering economies.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Source: http://marketday.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/01/13067220-stocks-move-higher-ahead-of-fed-statement?lite

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Casper Smart: Exotic Massage Parlor Attendee?!?

Poor, poor Jennifer Lopez.

While the singer is talking openly about possibly marrying Casper Smart, the 25-year old backup dancer has been totally betraying his gorgeous girlfriend, according to the latest issue of In Touch Weekly.

By frequenting an exotic massage parlor in New York City!

The tabloid has snapped photos of Smart allegedly exiting just such an establishment in Hell's Kitchen, where an employee named Bibi confirms she witnessed Casper entering, sticking around for about 10 minutes and then leaving.

"He is a nice man. He has strong muscles," Bibi tells the magazine, sounding like someone who has talked to Casper and maybe even seen him shirtless.

Smart and Lopez have grown quite serious in the last year or so, with insiders saying the backup dancer is totally smitten with his older ladyfriend.

But that's not how a worker at a gay peep show downstairs from the massage parlor in question sees it.

"Casper has gone to the exotic massage parlor twice this month," Don Jayasinha says.

Smart's reps actually do acknowledge that he's been on this NYC block, but they claim it was purely to get a new tattoo. Is that a believable story? You tell us, but only after hearing from the photographer who snapped the images of Casper that In Touch has published.

He says the dancer looked “relaxed” as he exited the establishment. That pretty much settles it, doesn't it?

Source: http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2012/08/casper-smart-exotic-massage-parlor-attendee/

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CLD Electric Offers Discounted Electrical Services In San Diego

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