Bengal planning PPP boost for tourism sector

Kolkata: In a policy shift, the West Bengal government has decided to build mega tourism projects by involving the private sector under the Public-Private Partnership model.

The state government has identified a number of sites for creating infrastructure with the help of private companies, which will not only help develop tourism but also boost the overall economy of the area, said West Bengal tourism minister Bratya Basu.

Employment generation in the targeted areas is also one of the motives for the government in going in for such projects, Basu said.

«We are no longer interested in developing tourism projects by spending from state government coffers alone. The state government is keen on investing in building critical infrastructure in all the identified sites,» Basu told PTI. He said the state government would deal with the basic infrastructure like roads, electricity, drinking water, etc. in the targeted areas to attract investment by private players for the construction of hotels, restaurants and other facilities on a PPP model.

Instead of viability gap funding (VGF), which is practised in many states, the West Bengal government will be investing on creation of «critical infrastructure» to lure private investors, he added.

Among some of the areas to be developed as tourism hubs on a priority basis are Gajoldoba, Jharkhali and the Western banks of the Hooghly. The objective is to showcase the state in its entirety rather than with a focus on pockets like the Sunderbans, Darjeeling and Santiniketan.

With this end in view, the state government has identified over 200 acres of land at Gajoldoba in Jaipalguri, which is the gateway to the Dooars, to build a mega-tourism project, says Basu.

Over Rs 100 crore is lined up for investment in phases out of the state plan fund for infrastructure development on roads, power, drainage and water supply, he added. The tourism department will itself be spending Rs 7 crore to set up tourist cottages and Rs 2 crore for building a youth hostel.

Tourists can enjoy luxury cruise in Goa

Panaji Goa’s tourism sector has got a new attraction with luxury cruise boats being introduced for the first time in river Mandovi across Panaji for commercial use.

Though private players have their own cruise boats for several years, we have introduced the same service for general tourists comprising middle class families,» said Bhargav Desai, managing director, Desai Voyages, a Goa-based company.

The company has introduced motorised boats in Mandovi river, which is the major river in the coastal state, with vast picturesque backwaters. The concept is to show other side of Goa which is not beaches,» Desai said. Tourists can now charter a boat and spend time cruising the river line which has on it’s bank several villages, Old Goa heritage monuments and islands.

The company has launched open deck and open lounge boats which are ideal for a group, while main attraction is luxury boats which are ideal for honeymoon couples. Comfort is the hallmark of entire experience. Boats are built to ensure that person in it is highly safe and also enjoys the best of cruising,» said Joe Ralph, Project Manager, Floating Cruising River Residencies (FCRR), a company which has constructed these boats.

Soon, ‘neurotic’ robots that think like humans

Washington: Scientists are programming robots to be more ‘neurotic’ in order to help them make smarter, human-like decisions.

Jeff Krichmar, professor of cognitive science at the University of California, Irvine is experimenting with building neurotic robots that exhibit signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder, just like humans, or are afraid of open spaces.

He is doing this by making a robot act like a mouse in a cage.

«We’re trying to make the robot brain more like human brain. The brain has incredibly flexibility and adaptability. If you look at any artificial system, it’s far more brittle than biology,» Krichmar said.

«If you put a rodent in a room that is open and unfamiliar, it will hug the walls,» Krichmar said.

«It will hide until it becomes comfortable, then it will move across the room. It will wait until it feels comfortable. We did that with a robot and made it so it was so anxious it would never cross the room,» he said.

Krichmar’s team uses a rodent model and varying levels of dopamine and serotonin, the two brain hormones that control pleasure centers and well-being, ‘Discovery News’ reported. The effects of the chemicals on the rodent are then replicated in the robot’s software, Krichmar said.

«We’re mimicking the action of the chemicals with equations,» he said.

«We are doing mathematical models of brain or cognitive system, then putting that in software and it becomes the controller for the robot,» he added.

Krichmar believes that making a robot exhibit fear or caution might help make it better decisions. A search-and-rescue drone, for example, might stay put during foul weather instead of taking a risk to complete its mission.

The research was presented at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation in Hong Kong.

June 25/6/14

ARIES

Be adventurous and strike out into new territory, Libra. Be a pioneer. Work to make some new discoveries in the world. Today isn’t a day to worry about consequences. It’s a day to get things started. There is a great deal of fiery energy in the cosmos helping you in your quest for the new and fresh. Take the lead and try not to get thrown off course by leeches and party poopers.

TAURUS

Certain situations may be difficult to deal with today as they take an emotional spin, Scorpio. You’re getting anxious. Things are getting started without the careful planning and consideration you feel is necessary. Try not to worry so much. Your own doubt is likely to hinder any project. Have faith that things will work out. Be bold. Take an active role in helping to get the ball rolling instead of holding it back.

GEMINI

This is a great day for you to get up on stage and make your presence known to the crowd, Gemini. Let people know that you’re the leader of the pack. There is a great need for you to take the helm now, and you shouldn’t back away from this responsibility. The warrior instinct inside you is probably strong, so don’t hesitate for a second. Be brave and courageous in all situations.

CANCER

This is a good day to add spark to your life, Cancer. If things have seemed boring and stagnating lately, you may need to infuse a bit of excitement into the situation. Add flair and dynamism to the mix. Take matters into your own hands and actively pursue your goals. You have a strong inner sense of where you need to go. Trust your instincts and move in that direction. Don’t hesitate.

LEO

You’ll notice that your emotions are coming to a monthly climax today, Leo. Don’t be alarmed, but do be cautious about lashing out at people for no reason. You may feel on edge. Unintended slights from others could push you over that edge in a fury of emotion. Harsh words spoken today can damage other people’s feelings for a long time, so remain silent.

VIRGO

Extremes is the name of the game now, especially for you, Virgo. Today the emphasis is on action. You’re the one to call to get the job done. You won’t wait another second to simply go for it. Your emotions are flowing, and you have an endless well of internal strength and resources. Use this power to your advantage. Connect with others who share similar viewpoints, and watch the incredible results unfold.

LIBRA

Be adventurous and strike out into new territory, Libra. Be a pioneer. Work to make some new discoveries in the world. Today isn’t a day to worry about consequences. It’s a day to get things started. There is a great deal of fiery energy in the cosmos helping you in your quest for the new and fresh. Take the lead and try not to get thrown off course by leeches and party poopers.

SCORPIO

Certain situations may be difficult to deal with today as they take an emotional spin, Scorpio. You’re getting anxious. Things are getting started without the careful planning and consideration you feel is necessary. Try not to worry so much. Your own doubt is likely to hinder any project. Have faith that things will work out. Be bold. Take an active role in helping to get the ball rolling instead of holding it back.

SAGITTARIUS

You should find that the general mood of the day is favorable to your personality style, Sagittarius. Take this opportunity to present more of your thoughts and ideas to the world. Let your voice be heard. Use it with strength and vigor. You have partners and friends who are eager to hear what’s on your mind. Engage in verbal sparring. You’ll find that you can learn a great deal about yourself and others.

CAPRICORN

The fog has lifted and you’re ready to take off, Capricorn. The dreaminess you may have experienced lately has been nice, but now it’s time to get moving again. Use all that you have learned from that recent internal processing and put it to use in the practical world. Try not to get caught up in the crossfire of conversations that don’t really pertain to you. Feel free to start something new.

AQUARIUS

This is a terrific day for you, Aquarius, and you’ll find that there is a great deal of power at your disposal. This is a day of new beginnings. You have the opportunity now to start over and create a solid emotional base from which to work. Rid yourself of negative feelings and self-doubt. Use this day as an opportunity to strike out on new ground and achieve whatever you set your heart on.

PISCES

The fire is raging today, so be careful, Pisces. Try not to be too impulsive in your actions. Your natural tendency may be to lash out against others without really thinking about the consequences. If you find yourself getting hot under the collar, you might need to take a step back from the situation and settle down. Pursue your goals, but make sure that you don’t do so at the expense of others.

George Clooney Has Been Granted Two New Protection Laws in Lake Como, Italy, Ahead of His Fall Marriage to Amal Alamuddin

George Clooney gets new laws made in Lake Como, in preparation for his wedding to Amal Alamuddin

It’s good to have friends in high places! George Clooney has been granted two new protection laws in Lake Como, Italy, preventing fans and paparazzi getting close to his residence ahead of his planned wedding to Amal Alamuddin.

Sources confirm to Us Weekly that the Monuments Men actor’s friends at Laglio Council have just approved the laws and huge fines, designed to keep uninvited guests away from his idyllic lakeside mansion Villa Oleandra.

The laws, declared on Saturday, June 21, prevent anyone stopping on both the road outside his house, and the water directly in front of his villa, 24-hours a day. The restrictions will remain in place until September

Formerly confirmed bachelor Clooney, 53, became engaged to human rights attorney Alamuddin, 36, on April 22, and, as Us reported previously, are planning to tie the knot this fall. The couple had been considering both Lake Como and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where Clooney also owns a villa, as venues.

Mayor of Laglio, Roberto Pozzi, told Us that an official request to hold the nuptials in Italy have not yet been lodged. «We have not received any formal requests yet,» the Mayor said. «But we are ready for any requests.»

But these two new laws will make planning such an inevitably star-studded event, much easier.

“It is now completely forbidden to stop outside the entrance to Clooney’s villa,» the Mayor continued. «It’s a question of traffic and security. It is very dangerous and it’s also an issue of privacy.»

On the lake side of the property, anyone sailing or swimming within 100 meters from Clooney’s villa could be fined up to 500 euros ($680).

«We have never penalized anyone in the past,” Pozzi said. «This type of action is designed to bring about a change in people’s behavior and create a more peaceful environment. We have to guarantee privacy and security for George Clooney and his guests.»

Clooney made the most of his new laws at the weekend, arranging for his future mother-in-law Baria Alamuddin to visit him and his fiancee and stay overnight at their Como pad, away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi.

Gary Oldman Apologizes to Anti-Defamation League for Anti-Semitic Remarks in Playboy Interview

That didn’t take long! Within 48 hours of Playboy magazine publishing its extended interview with Gary Oldman, the actor has already apologized for the anti-Semitic comments that he made during the chat.
While he shared interesting opinions on everything from his film career to the legalization of marijuana, Oldman made headlines for his diatribe on political correctness.

The Dawn of the Planet of the Apes star, 56, spoke out in favor of controversial stars Mel Gibson and Alec Baldwin, excusing both actors for their past transgressions of using offensive slurs.
«I just think political correctness is crap,» Oldman said in the interview, before casually tossing around Jewish stereotypes, the N-word, and saying he doesn’t «blame» Baldwin for using offensive homophobic slang. He went on to add of Gibson’s past anti-Semitism, «Mel Gibson is in a town that’s run by Jews and he said the wrong thing because he’s actually bitten the hand that I guess has fed him—and doesn’t need to feed him anymore because he’s got enough dough. He’s like an outcast, a leper, you know?»

After the Anti-Defamation League took issue with the Dark Knight star’s words, he issued an apology, which was obtained by Deadline. «Dear Gentlemen of the ADL: I am deeply remorseful that comments I recently made in the Playboy Interview were offensive to many Jewish people,» Oldman wrote. «Upon reading my comments in print — I see how insensitive they may be, and how they may indeed contribute to the furtherance of a false stereotype. Anything that contributes to this stereotype is unacceptable, including my own words on the matter. If, during the interview, I had been asked to elaborate on this point I would have pointed out that I had just finished reading Neal Gabler’s superb book about the Jews and Hollywood, An Empire of Their Own: How the Jews invented Hollywood. The fact is that our business, and my own career specifically, owes an enormous debt to that contribution.»
«I hope you will know that this apology is heartfelt, genuine, and that I have an enormous personal affinity for the Jewish people in general, and those specifically in my life,» he continued. «The Jewish People, persecuted thorough the ages, are the first to hear God’s voice, and surely are the chosen people.»

Oldman went on to reference the Hebrew phrase Shalom Aleichem, meaning, «peace to you,» by saying, «I would like to sign off with ‘Shalom Aleichem’ — but under the circumstances, perhaps today I lose the right to use that phrase, so I will wish you all peace -Gary Oldman.»
The condemnation from the ADL specifically targeted Oldman’s mentions of the Jewish people.
PHOTOS: Gary Oldman’s Oscar honor
«Gary Oldman’s remarks irresponsibly feed into a classic anti-Semitic canard about supposed Jewish control of Hollywood and the film industry,» ADL National Director Abraham H. Foxman said in a release. «He should know better than to repeat and give credence to tired anti-Semitic tropes. Mel Gibson’s ostracization in Hollywood was not a matter of being ‘politically incorrect,’ as Mr. Oldman suggests, but of paying the consequences for outing himself as a bigot and a hater. It is disturbing that Mr. Oldman appears to have bought into Mr. Gibson’s warped and prejudiced world view.»

Squandering the family fortune: Why rich families are losing money

Rags to riches is a familiar narrative, but when it comes to preserving family fortunes, more often it’s rags to riches to rags.
Nearly 60% of the time a family’s money is exhausted by the children of the person who created the wealth, according to Roy Williams, president of wealth consultancy The Williams Group. In 90% of the cases it’s gone by the time the grandchildren die.

«It goes back to the Biblical story of the Prodigal Son,» said Williams, referring to the free spending child who blows his father’s inheritance yet is welcomed back anyway. «We haven’t changed in 2,000 years, and that same unprepared heir issue is now worldwide.»
Profligate spending by heirs — the type chronicled on sites like Rich Kids of Instagram — is often a reason for a loss of wealth, as is a simple lack of ambition.
»
The people who created the wealth were often obsessive,» said Russ Prince, president of the wealth research and consulting firm Prince and Associates. «But their kids were not hungry.»

Perhaps the most famous example is the Vanderbilt family. Cornelius, the patriarch, built a fortune on railroads and shipping during the mid-1800s. Adjusted for the size of the economy, he was the second richest American ever, worth over $200 billion — well above Bill Gates.
Yet his children — and especially, his grandchildren — lived lavishly, building huge mansions in New York City, Newport, R.I., and elsewhere, and did little to preserve the fortune. By the 1970s, the family held a reunion with 120 members attending, and there wasn’t a millionaire among them, wrote Michael Klepper and Robert Gunther in their book The Wealthy 100.
Yet the biggest reason family fortunes are squandered, experts say, is because the people who built the wealth do not pass along clear instructions on how to handle the money after they’re gone. That often leads to bitter infighting among surviving family members, and an eventual loss of fortune.
«The intent is good, but there’s a communications gap,» said Michael Liersch, director of behavioral finance at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. «People can have a different take on what the wealth creator wanted, and that creates dispute.»
Avoiding that might seem simple enough — just divide up the money equally. But in practice, preserving a fortune requires communication and collaboration that’s hard to achieve in any organization, let alone a family.
Large bequests should come with detailed instructions like whether the money will be used to pay for the education of all family members, how much will go to charity, whether money be available for entrepreneurial endeavors, and more.
«Families need to take their time to shape their attitudes toward wealth,» said Nathan Dungan, who runs the family wealth consultancy Share Save Spend. «It needs to go beyond maximizing returns and reducing taxes.»
Related: America’s love/hate relationship with the rich
One of the best ways to do this is to set up a philanthropic organization, experts say. That helps the family develop effective tools for communication and decision making, yet no one has a personal interest in the cash at stake. Those tools can then be used to better administer the family’s personal wealth.
«They create family banks, seed capitol, and go into businesses together,» said Tom Livergood, head of the Family Wealth Alliance. «If you pool your resources, you get scalability.»
A good example of this, said Livergood, is the Rockefeller family. They have a prominent foundation, and are still living quite comfortably seven generations after the fortune was made.
«It’s not that [John D.] Rockefeller was one of the richest guys in the world,» said Livergood. «It’s what the family did after.»

Stocks: 6 things to know before the open

Major global stock markets were in negative territory Wednesday, setting the stage for what could be another poor showing in the U.S.
Here are the six things you need to know to start the trading day:

1. Stocks in the red: U.S. stock futures were relatively weak following a day of steep losses on Tuesday.
During the previous session, the Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 119 points, its biggest one-day percentage drop in more than a month. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq both fell as well.
All major European markets were lower by about 0.5% Wednesday. Asian markets ended in negative territory.

2. Brace yourself for U.S. GDP figures: Market sentiment could be influenced ahead of the opening bell when the Commerce Department releases revised first quarter GDP numbers at 8:30 a.m. ET. The first estimate indicated that the U.S. economy shrank in the first quarter, and economists expect the revision to show an even deeper slump.
Briefing.com predicts the revision will indicate the economy contracted at a -1.8% annual rate. Any number worse than -1.3% will be the single worst quarter for the U.S. economy since the Great Recession.

3. Stocks to watch — Vodafone, Blackberry, Tesla: Vodafone (VOD) and BlackBerry (BBRY, Tech30) shares were under a bit of pressure ahead of the open. Tesla (TSLA) shares were gaining some traction.

4. Earnings expectations: Investors will get quarterly results from Barnes and Noble (BKS), General Mills (GIS) and Monsanto (MON) ahead of the opening bell. Bed Bath and Beyond (BBBY) will report after the close.

5. Dubai markets bounce back: Dubai stock markets suffered a sharp tumble to start the week, as concerns about continued turmoil in Iraq damaged investor confidence. However, the benchmark Dubai Financial General Market Index recovered about 5% on Wednesday.

6. Russian markets decline, again: Russia’s main Micex index declined by nearly 1% on reports that the West might slap more sanctions on Russia.
The Micex has been on a wild ride this year, dropping by over 20% and then fully recovering as worries about the Ukraine crisis and sanctions intensified and then receded.

World Cup: Colombia through as Group C winners after victory over Japan

Colombia celebrate their first-half opener
Jackson Martinez helped fire Colombia into the last 16 of the World Cup as Group C winners after a 4-1 victory over Japan in Cuiaba.

The South American nation were already assured of progress after defeating Ivory Coast and Greece and their third successive triumph sets up a second round meeting with Group D runners up Uruguay, while Japan finished bottom of the pile.

There was also a piece of history in the closing moments at the Arena Pantanal as Jose Pekerman sent on 43-year-old goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon for an emotional farewell outing for his country, making him the oldest player ever to appear in the World Cup finals, beating the record of Cameroon legend Roger Milla.

Pekerman’s side took the lead at the Arena Pantanal from the penalty spot in the 17th minute after Yasuyuki Konno foolishly felled Adrian Ramos, with Juan Cuadrado stepping up to calmly beat Eiji Kawashima.

Juan Cuadrado scores from the spot
Japan hauled themselves level seconds before the interval as Shinji Okazaki converted an excellent diving header from Keisuke Honda’s cross after getting in front of his man in the box.

But Martinez then restored Colombia’s advantage early in the second half as he drilled home with the aid of slight deflection after a wonderfully disguised pass from substitute James Rodriguez.

Martinez added a third on the break eight minutes from time and Rodriguez, who had joined the fray at the interval, completed the scoring with an impudent shimmy and chip.

Rodriguez enhanced his growing reputation with an influential display. The Monaco playmaker was initially rested with qualification assured but his introduction at half-time added a touch of class as his side raced clear after the break.

Japan needed a win to stand a chance of progressing and so understandably began positively but found themselves behind after 17 minutes.

Martinez’s through-ball sent Ramos running into the penalty area and Konno’s decision to attempt to challenge a player heading away from goal proved to be a disastrous one as he failed to get anywhere near the ball.

James Rodriguez created two and scored one
Cuadrado, the 26-year-old Fiorentina winger, smashed home the penalty, to seemingly put his side in control.

But Japan bounced back with Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa, who returned after being dropped for the goalless draw against Greece, forcing David Ospina into a low save after cutting back onto his right foot and Honda whipped a left-footed free-kick just past the goalkeeper’s left-hand post.

Just before half-time Porto striker Martinez had a chance to make things comfortable but bundled a ball from Ramos wide and that proved costly as with the final touch of the half Okazaki headed in at the near post from Honda’s cross.

Cuadrado was replaced by Colombia’s other stand-out performer Rodriguez for the start of the second half and his early free-kick was ballooned over by fellow half-time substitute Carlos Carbonero.

Rodriguez’s next contribution was more telling, however, as his neat control and lay-off inside the penalty area took two Japan defenders out of the game to open the way for Martinez to fire past Kawashima.

Jackson Martinez puts Colombia ahead
Eder Balanta, one of eight changes with Colombia already guaranteed a place in the knockout stage, was lucky to escape punishment after his flailing arm into the face of Okazaki drew blood while Yoshito Okubo blazing over from eight yards merely drew anger and frustration from team-mates and fans alike.

Japan were put out of their misery eight minutes from time when Rodriguez again provided the assist with a brilliant through-ball on a swift counter-attack for Martinez’s second.

With the game safe Colombia coach Pekerman bowed to sentimentality and brought on Mondragon for his first appearance in a competitive international for nine years to beat the record of Milla.

Rodriguez capped a brilliant 45-minute cameo with a cute finish in added time.

World Cup: Greece snatch late 2-1 win over Ivory Coast to reach last 16 Last

Georgios Samaras scored a stoppage-time penalty as Greece stunned Ivory Coast 2-1 in Fortaleza to reach the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time.

With Japan losing to Colombia in Group C’s other match, it looked like Ivory Coast would progress when Wilfried Bony scored in the 74th minute to cancel out Andreas Samaris’ first-half strike.

However, Greece were awarded a last-gasp penalty and Samaras stepped up to coolly dash Ivory Coast’s hopes and set up a tie with Costa Rica in the next round.

It was no less than the Greeks deserved for an enterprising performance after a slow start.

The Ivory Coast players were wearing black armbands in memory of Ibrahim Toure, the brother of team members Yaya and Kolo Toure who died last week.

Both Toures were in the side, having opted to remain with the squad in Brazil, on what was undoubtedly an emotional occasion for the pair.

Andreas Samaris: Netted opener
Powerhouse former Chelsea forward Didier Drogba was also included in the starting line-up as the Elephants looked to his experience to help guide them into the last 16.

But the Africans struggled to get into their stride, possibly hindered by the stop-start opening to the game that saw Greece lose two players to injury in the opening 25 minutes.

Coach Fernando Santos had already made one notable enforced change having brought in 37-year-old Georgios Karagounis for his 138th cap in place of suspended captain Konstantinos Katsouranis.

He was forced to make another with just 12 minutes gone as Panagiotis Kone went down with a hamstring injury.

It proved a significant moment as Samaris took his place but initially the game seemed to gather no momentum, with goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis calling for treatment soon after.

After a lengthy stoppage he tried to play on, but soon accepted defeat and was replaced by Panagiotis Glykos.

Wilfried Bony: Equalised
What broken play there had been by then had seen Ivory Coast looking to counter but a dangerous Yaya Toure cross for Drogba was cut out by Karnezis in his last significant involvement.

Greece suddenly burst into life just after the half hour as they caught Ivory Coast with a swift break from deep.

Samaras broke clear and played in Jose Cholevas, who slammed a shot against the bar from the edge of the area.

Another chance came after Samaras was impeded attempting to reach the rebound but Karagounis shot straight at Boubacar Barry from the resultant free-kick.

Gervinho and Salomon Kalou combined to threaten for Ivory Coast but Greece crowded them out and snatched the lead three minutes before the break.

Newcastle’s Cheick Tiote sold his defence short with an under-hit back pass and Samaris nipped in to race through on goal and clip a cool shot over Barry.

Yaya Toure tried to drag Ivory Coast back level before the break but he was unable to finish after a strong run and Samaris blocked his scuffed shot.

Samaras: Celebrates penalty winner
Greece dictated the tempo early in the second half with Lazaros Christodoulopoulos bending a shot narrowly wide and Dimitrios Salpingidis striking at Barry from distance.

Karagounis then rattled the bar with a well-struck effort from 40 yards.

Ivory Coast needed to respond and Souleymane Bamba flashed a header narrowly wide.

They broke through after 74 minutes as Kalou slipped in Gervinho and the former Arsenal man pulled the ball back neatly for Bony to finish from in front of goal.

Greece fought to the end and a cross from Vasileios Torosidis caused alarm when it drifted against the post.

Salpingidis also whipped in a dangerous ball across the face of goal but it evaded everybody and rolled to safety.

The greatest drama was still to follow as Samaras was upended in injury time by substitute Giovanni Sio and the referee pointed to the spot.

Samaras stepped up and coolly fired home to spark wild celebrations and deny Ivory Coast in cruel fashion.