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Friday, August 21, 2015


The tuck and roll:

Beach to chic makeovers on the TODAY show June 16. 2015.TODAY
Madison is featured here wearing a bold-patterned, high-waisted bikini bottom, which is great for covering any problem areas around the mid-section. She kept it simple with a white bandeau top and paired it with a classic white men's shirt as a cover-up. A cute sunhat and straw bag finish off the daytime look.
TODAY
When the sun sets, Madison can add a pair of printed shorts with an elastic waistband and tie the shirt at her natural waist, tucking the rest of it in at the back. Vazquez suggests wearing a metallic slip-on espadrille and a white cross-body bag to add a little flare. To polish the look, Madison added a metallic headband, which she places over her hair. Then Potempa advises tucking those beach waves into the back of the headband to create a textured up-do without the fuss of bobby pins or hair elastics. In 60 seconds, Madison is ready to hit the town in her beach-chic outfit!
(Button down, Madewell.com, $59.90; Swimsuit, PacSun.com, $24.95; Beach bag, Marshalls, $29.99, Shorts, H&M, $24.95; Bag, Stella & Dot, $49; Espadrilles, Lord &Taylor, $60)

The fringe and flare:

Beach to chic makeovers on the TODAY show June 16. 2015.TODAY
Brianna is sporting a navy blue one-piece swimsuit with mesh accents. For the beach, she added a black-and-white fringe kimono as a cover-up and some flip-flops.
TODAY
What's great for Brianna's look is that it can transition by just changing her accessories. She added white mules, a big trend for spring, which complement the kimono. Then she pulled the kimono to the front to create a wrap dress. Adding a wide belt secures the look in place. Vazquez suggests going for a belt with snaps instead of buckles to make it super-easy. Add a simple black clutch to create an elegant evening look. For hair, it's all about embracing those natural beach waves. To refresh your locks, Potempa recommends creating a mist at home with a combination of hair gel, water and any essential oils like coconut. Bottle it up and throw it in your bag. Then Brianna created a two-strand twist in the front with two bobby pins. Now, in less than a minute, she's ready for a formal dinner.
(Fringe Kimono, VinceCamuto.com, $129; Swimsuit, Macy's, $78; Sunglasses H&M, $9.95; Belt, Nordstrom.com, $40; Mules, Target.com, $29.99)

The two-in-one:

Beach to chic makeovers on the TODAY show June 16. 2015.TODAY
Bri's balconnet-printed bikini top is a new style for summer. It gives her coverage yet is still flattering. She adds a maxi shirt with a fold over waist in a gray color to complement the animal style print of her top. Adding aviator sunglasses, a tight braided pony tail and a black and white stripped beach bag give the look some extra style.
TODAY
After a day in the sun, Bri can quickly change into a casual-yet-stylish evening look that's great for meeting friends. She slides on comfortable wedges, giving her some height. Then all she has to do is release the fold from the skirt and slide it up to create a sleek strapless dress. The balconnet bikini top is the perfect style to wear underneath since there are no straps. Vazquez gave her a textured tan fringe crossbody to give the look texture. A few wooden necklaces accessorize the look and accent the boho vibe. The tight ponytail braid can quickly be transformed into a classic topknot. Pancaking the braid, as Potempa calls it, which is basically just flattening and pulling it out, loosens it, giving the hair texture. She then wrapped the braid around into a bun and fastens the extra strands with a bobby pin. Bri's quickly ready for sunset cocktails in town.
(Maxi skirt, Century 21, $34.99; Swimsuit, JCPenney.com, $16.49; Wedges, Payless Shoes, $15; Fringe bag, Kohls.com, $34)

Thursday, May 7, 2015


You Can’t Say That In English!By some estimates the English language has more than a million words. It’s impossible to nail downan exact figure, but it’s generally agreed that no other language has nearly as many. It’s not like any of us use all one million words, but still – you would think that English must have a word for everything, right?No way. Not even close.There are over 6,000 languages spoken on Earth, and all of them describe the breadth and depth of human life. But since all of these languages provide slightly different ways of seeing the world, no one language can perfectly encapsulate the entire human experience. Conversely, every language on Earth contains certain words that don’t exist in any other language. These linguistic gems can certainly be defined, but they cannot be directly translated. For example, can you think of just one word to mean the essence of yourself that you put into your work? You might say that you “put your heart and soul” into something, but the Greeks simply call this kind of passion for what you do μεράκι(meraki).Untranslatable words highlight the rich diversity of the ethnosphere. Geography, climate, cuisine, religion, history and humor are just some of the factors that lead every language to invent such unique and specific words – the outliers of the human experience.There are so many great examples of untranslatable words that we’ve decided to turn them into a continuing series. Here are the first eight.Un Words Engabbiocco (Italian)noun: that sleepy feeling you get after a big mealEveryone has succumbed to drowsiness after a meal at one time or another, but only the Italians have enshrined the phenomenon in a single word. When you wish you could take a nap after lunch, you’re “having the abbiocco” (avere l’abbiocco).desenrascanço (Portuguese)noun: the ability to improvise a quick solutionDesenrascanço is the M.O. of any high-functioning procrastinator. Not only does it mean to solve a problem or complete a task, it means doing so with a completely improvised solution. TV’s MacGyverutilized this skill every time he averted disaster with nothing but a bent paper clip and a chewing gum wrapper.hyggelig (Danish)adj: comfy, cozy; intimate; contentedDo you ever wish there was one word to combine everything snuggly, safe, friendly and caring? The Danes have you covered with hyggelig. The word is used so often in daily life that many Danes consider it part of the national character.sobremesa (Spanish)noun: after-lunch conversation around the tableThe Spanish are known for enjoying long meals together, but eating isn’t just about food. When you stay at the table after lunch in order to savor a final course of stimulating conversation, you are indulging in sobremesa.utepils (Norwegian)noun: a beer you drink outsideNorwegians must endure a long, dark winter before they can enjoy the brilliant, but brief, summer. So a beer that you can drink outside, while absorbing the sun’s glorious rays, is not just any old beer.verschlimmbessern (German)verb: to make something worse when trying to improve itWe’ve all done this before: by trying to fix a small problem we create a bigger problem. Perhaps you tried to repair a flat tire on your bike, and now the wheel won’t turn? Or after reinstalling Windows your laptop freezes every time you boot up? Oh no, don’t tell me you tried to fix that bad haircut yourself!yakamoz (Turkish) and mångata (Swedish)noun: the reflection of moonlight on waterNo matter which language you speak, from time to time you probably admire the moon’s reflection on a body of water. But unless you’re Turkish or Swedish it’s impossible to describe this beauty with a single word. The Swedish mångata literally translates to “moon-road”, an aptly poetic description.Turkish also has a very specific word, gümüşservi, but it’s not really used in everyday speech. It’s far more common to call the moon’s reflection on water yakamoz, which can be used to describe any kind of light reflecting on water, or even the sparkle of fish.Can you think of any totally unique words from your native language? Share them with us and we’ll compile the best in our ongoing video series!

Monday, May 4, 2015

New Product That Regrows Thicker And Fuller Hair Hits The Market

Want your hair to stop falling out? Sick of looking at your scalp? Tired of thin, damaged hair? Desire thick hair with full volume? Want the hair you used to have?
If you answered “YES” to any of the questions above you have found the solution to take back that lost confidence and start regrowing your hair!
One of the most emotionally devastating concerns we hear from women of all ages isthinning hair and hair loss. No matter how hard you’ve tried, it seems like you’ll never be able to have the long, thick hair that it seems like it’s so easy for other people to get. Or maybe you’ve spent years growing your hair out, only to struggle with breakage, dryness and frizziness. It’s not too late…you can fight back against hair loss with Keranique’sclinically proven formula!
It has always been extremely difficult (and for some, impossible) to grow long hair without resorting to expensive surgeries. This is because hair growth is largely influenced by age – as we age into our thirties and beyond, our bodies don’t make the chemicals we need to grow healthy, thick hair – resulting in frail, dry hair that falls out and refuses to grow past our shoulders.

The Results From Customers Are Almost to Good to be True!

“I was surprised by how fast-acting Keranique products were. I noticed a difference in my hair almost immediately…. there was an appearance of more volume and the thin areas were not as noticeable.“ – Evelyn E

Take a deep breath of relief. You can finally stop trying to hide and cover your scalp! Keranique was created exclusively for women who know how difficult is to live with the effects of hair loss and want to fight back.

New 2015 Research Shows a Breakthrough in Hair Growth

It’s been proven that most of us only grow hair at a rate of only half what we’re capable of! However, new research into the field of trichology (the science of hair growth) has revealed a proven blend of ingredients that are found in the new product Keranique, which will stimulate the scalp and follicle and INCREASE HAIR GROWTH BY UP TO 6 INCHES.
Researchers were stunned by the result: After just 30 days of use, all participants who used this formula saw an increase in growth and strength (many within 2 weeks), and ALL participants saw growth of up to 6 inches within 3 months of use.

Keranique Has Proven To

• Reverse the signs of embarrassing hair loss
• Reveal new growth in just 21 days – NATURALLY!
• Increase fullness and shine like you’ve always desired
• Show stimulation using enzymes, peptideds, antioxidants, and key vitamins

“Keranique not only made my hair thicker and fuller, but it made my hair shinier, healthier, and more manageable as well!.” – Leah

What Makes Keranique So Effective

The The 3-step Keranique Hair Revitalization and Regeneration System is specifically designed to work with a woman’s biochemisry and includes a product with the only FDA approved ingredient to help re-grow hair. The system consists of a revitalizing shampoo, volumizing conditioner and a hair regrowth treatment.
Step 1: Keranique Revitalizing Shampoo
The formula contains anti-oxidants and vitamins specifically designed to nourish and soothe your hair. Clinical tests show that the shampoo visually improves the lustre in your hair, hair volume, texture and smoothness.
Step 2: Keranique Volumizing Conditioner
The conditioner adds softness, volume and body to the hair while moisturizing and detangling at the same time. It is unlike any other conditioner currently sold on store shelves.
Step 3: Keranique Hair Regrowth Treatment
It features the FDA approved and powerful hair re-growth ingredient Monoxidil at 2%. This is specifically formulated just for women. This hair regrowth treatment is clinically proven to stop hair loss and regrow thicker, healthy looking hair.

Too Good To Be True?

The makers of Keranique should be commended on their product. In a sea of products on store shelves that simply do not work, here comes a product that works better than advertised.
For a limited time, Keranique is offering a 30 day trial, risk free. I really don’t think it can get better than this. If you’d like to try it, click on the coupon below and reserve your 30 day free trial. This is a limited time offer so I suggest you hurry and reserve your supply immediately.

Your Wanderlust, Explained By Science

It’s no secret that the phenomenon is a hot topic. But why do people love to travel?


From Paris to New York, a great many people receive satisfaction from exploration. In the frame of our modern culture, wanderlust abounds and it’s no secret that the phenomenon is a hot topic. But why do people love to travel? Counter to what one would assume is the default human desire (for safety or stability), we’re out roaming the globe challenging our views, adopting new ways of life, and embedding ourselves within the colorful embraces of the different cultures our planet has to offer.
Perhaps most importantly, through travel we learn that no matter what we’ve been conditioned to believe or how we’ve been taught to see the world, our borders are imaginary human fabrications. We realize that we’re all just people, roaming around trying to find ourselves, and finding others along the way.
For perspective, it is entirely by chance that you were born in New York, or California or Africa or Europe. What if your great grandparents had never immigrated? What if they had? It’s vital to regulate the judgments we use to make sense of each other’s lives on a frequent basis, and what better activity to demonstrate this exists than breaking down borders?
It’s also true that there are some people who would rather stay home, safe and sound in their comfortable towns. This is baffling for some. To others, it’s the ideal way to spend a lifetime.
So, when we have these two very different kinds of people, how can we explain each group’s respective preferences on a more scientific level?

Are Some Brains Truly More Wired For Travel Than Others?

There have been myriad studies on the brain; your brain on caffeine, in love, even on fiction. So what concrete conclusions can we glean when it comes to those prone to searching out the addictive newness, exploration, excitement, and sometimes even danger that accompanies a trip to an unknown land? When every other “type” of passion has been grouped, studied and analyzed, it’s interesting that travel hasn’t quite made the list. The reason may lie in the fact that defining a “traveler” is no easy feat; does one big trip do the trick, or do many sporadic journeys throughout a lifetime a traveler make?
For the sake of this post, let’s utilize the traits “openness” and “love of excitement” as qualifiers for the average traveler as, after all, someone who dreams of foreign locales, unknown places and exotic food, music and language is most likely sure to exemplify both.

A Propensity For The Unknown May Be Inherent.

It is now a largely acknowledged fact that we’re able to judge a person’s propensity for both openness and excitement based on the way their brains are formed, as well as which parts are most active. While researchers have conducted these studies with the purpose of proving there is a physical difference between people of polar political preferences, we can use these findings to our advantage in this case a bit differently.
Salon, Mic and Huffington Post have covered these reports, which reveal that while the brain activity of what we’ll call “Group Corgi” lends to a stronger physiological reaction to threat, fear and new experiences like change, “Group Shepherd” simply doesn’t have the wiring to react this same way. The amygdala, in this instance, is the star of the show. It controls decision-making and emotions. The studies effectively provide tangible evidence that there may, indeed, be a physiological reason some experience wanderlust while others would much rather stay home, that keyword being “fear.”
As Time writes on one study,
“…the insula/amygdala brain function model does offer [what they claim to be] a 82.9% accuracy rate in predicting whether a person is a Democrat or Republican — better than previous models which rely on a parent’s party affiliation or brain structure.”
If it’s true that one group is naturally less comfortable with the unknown while another is completely open to it, we may have our explanation.
To be clear, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to think; the cornerstone of diversity is that we are, in fact, different. But it’s fascinating to think that aspects of what make a born traveler could be aspects they are born with, and a lesser propensity for fear.
So whether you’d rather chill in your room with some coffee and a book or fly out to the Galapagos to bounce through hostels, you may have your explanation. Wanderlust could be something we’re born with.

Sunday, April 26, 2015

ZANTE THE IONIAN’S FLOWER OF THE EAST

White beaches, sea turtles and partying around the clock make Zakynthos a favourite holiday destination


The Venetians called this southernmost Ionian island Fiore di Levante, the Flower of the East. Its nobility and fertility made it the jewel of their empire. Today’s visitors would agree, though they come for its endless beaches – Lagana, Tsilivi, Argassi, Kalamaki, Alykes – where British, French and Italians party day and night. Looking for indelible moments?
You’ll find them when you swim at the famous Shipwreck Beach, watch the sunset from the cliffs of Keri and Kryoneri, listen to the islanders sing their cantadas and see the endangered caretta caretta sea turtles lay their eggs in the island’s white sands. Welcome to Zakynthos, as it is known in Greece, the island that has it all.

What to do in Zakynthos

Set sail for fabulous beachesFrom your seat on the caique that does the circuit of Zante, you’ll see a parade of beaches, one more magical than the last. Shipwreck Beach, Laganas, Gerakas, Vasilikos, Marathonisi, the Blue Caves ... all rank among the most splendid in Greece. In the contest for first place, the renowned shipwreck at the homonymous beach adds drama to the ubiquitous white sand, white cliffs and turquoise green water. Come early in the morning, or drop anchor the previous evening, so you can enjoy your first dive before the rest of the world arrives.
Enjoy your Stay at Louis Hotels.
The National Marine Park: reserved for sea turtles in the IonianThe sea and coast around Zante were picked for Greece’s first marine park. This is where the rare caretta caretta sea turtles lay their eggs. In spring these endangered creatures set off for Zante from the Libyan Sea and the southern Adriatic, not because they like the swim but because nature tells them to lay their eggs in the sands of Gerakas, Dafni, Kalamaki, Marathonisi and, especially, Sakania, east of Laganas, as they always have. If you’re lucky enough to witness this spectacle, please don’t disturb. 
To enjoy everything Zakynthos has to offer, fly with Aegean airlines.
Bokhali, the prettiest part of townZante is not only beaches. Take a stroll through lovely Bokhali, 2km from the centre of town, and you’ll find yourself stopping every few minutes to admire the panoramic view of the harbour, Argassi and the Bay of Laganas. Or to photograph the alleys lined with old houses and traditional cafes. Walk a bit higher, and you’ll come to the castle, camouflaged by greenery, where the Venetians had their island capital.
St DionysiosOne of Orthodox pilgrimage sites in the Ionian, St Dionysios draws crowds of believers throughout the year as it houses the relics of the saint of the same name (also the island’s patron saint). The impressive church was built in 1926, with a three-isled basilica and inner arch. The catastrophic earthquake of 1953 left it virtually undamaged. Miracle or solid foundations?

Hidden gems of Zakynthos

The Strofades, more islands to explore Only 37 nautical miles from Zante, these two islets are unknown to most tourists, Greek or foreign. A mystery surrounds the 15thcentury fortified monastery here. It houses an icon of the Virgin that washed up here undamaged after being thrown into the sea by 13th century Orthodox Christians in Constantinople to save it from the Iconoclasts who were destroying all paintings with human figures. 
The Rolling… StoneLocals claim that Mick Jagger hails from the village of Kiliomeno (which translates as rolling) and that’s why he named his band The Rolling Stones. This may well be local legend, but the truth is that Kiliomeno is delightful. Take your time to admire its traditional architectural style and old homes which resemble fortresses.
Zante by the glassSet aside some time for a visit to an island winery, some of which go back centuries. Hundreds of hectares are devoted to vines and there are more than 60 different grape varietals. 





Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Apple takes a stand against the most annoying iPhone accessory of all – the Selfie Stick

Apple has confirmed its annual developer conference – dubbed WWDC – will be held between June 8 and June 12 in San Francisco. The event is a chance for developers to take part in five days of sessions, labs and events around building software for iOS and Mac.
But those who snapped up a $1,599 ticket (around £1,071) for the upcoming event will have to leave their Selfie Sticks at home.
Apple has BANNED attendees from using the controversial monopods at WWDC.
The new rule was spotted in the iPhone manufacturer's registration and attendance policy.
"You may not use selfie sticks or similar monopods within Moscone West or Yerba Buena Gardens," the regulations state.
The National Gallery in London issued a ban on the infamous smartphone and camera accessory earlier this year.
The gallery placed the extendable monopods in the same category as tripods, which it has previously banned to "protect paintings" and "overall visitor experience".
Selfie Sticks are designed to allow people to position their smartphones and cameras much further than an arms' length from their bodies.
This allows people to capture a much wider field of vision.
The gadgets, which Time Magazine listed as one of the 25 best inventions of 2014, have spiralled in popularity over the last year with online retailers Amazon reporting a staggering 301 per cent increase in sales in the three months to last November. 
Football rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal united in January to ban fans from using Selfie Sticks during matches.
A Spurs spokesman previously confirmed that the club had chosen to take action after fans complained Selfie Sticks could wielded like a weapon.
It is believed Apple will announce the next version of its hugely successful iPhone and iPad software, iOS, at WWDC.
"The App Store ignited an app ecosystem that is simply amazing, forever changing the lives of customers and creating millions of jobs worldwide," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, in a statement.
"We've got incredible new technologies for iOS and OS X to share with developers at WWDC and around the world, and can't wait to see the next generation of apps they create."


20 Snacks Every Nutritionist Swears By


We all fall victims to bad snack temptations. That urge to just grab anything in sight can be difficult to avoid without planning out your snacks. We are all looking for that extra boost to keep truckin’. But not everyone is looking for a strict weight loss solution. Rather we all want that ‘feel good, taste good’ miracle snack. Nutrition is the simple part, the trick is consuming it regularly. Check out 20 snacks nutritionists feel pack the punch in a simple dose.

1. Canned fish: Tuna, salmon, sardines in water

This inexpensive snack choice is packed with protein, iron, potassium, and good unsaturated fats. A serving of canned tuna in water contains less than 1 gram of fat and about 100 calories. Extra tip: Because of its mercury content you shouldn’t eat tuna every day, but rather every three or four days, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.

2. Raw Spinach: Microwaved- Eat the whole bag. Taste is awesome when cooked.

3. Canned Vegetables: Any vegetable- Eat the whole can! Canned in water & salt- delicious!

Affordable, easy and according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics just as healthy as fresh vegetables. Tip: Drain and rinse to reduce sodium. 

4. Hardboiled Egg Whites: with salt or Tabasco sauce- Amazing!

Getting rid of the yolk reduces a bulk of the calorie count. Also, no need to worry about the fat or cholesterol content.
According to Livestrong,”one large, omega-3 enriched egg…has 71 calories, while a hard-boiled egg without the yolk contains a mere 17 calories…also contains an impressive 3.6 g of protein. Protein is essential for good health, regulating all of your body’s activities including muscle contractions, nutrient transportation and electrolyte balance…According to the University of Michigan Health System, the entire cholesterol content of an egg is in the yolk…210 milligrams. The yolk also contains 1.6 grams of unhealthy saturated fat while the egg white contains no saturated fat…With the yolk, the hard-boiled egg contains .85 gram of carbohydrates. Without the yolk, the carbohydrate count drops to .24 grams.”

5. Potato: Microwaved until soft- Eat it like an apple.

This underrated starch has great benefits. Medicalnewstoday give us a breakdown, “medium potato contains 164 calories, 0.2 grams of fat, 0 grams of cholesterol, 37 grams of carbohydrate, 4.7 grams of dietary fiber and 4.3 grams of protein. The same serving also meets 2% of daily calcium needs, 51% vitamin C, 9% iron, 30% vitamin B-6, 12% magnesium and 25% of potassium needs. Potatoes also provide phosphorus, niacin, folate, choline and zinc.”

6. Frozen Banana: You can even eat it with the frozen peel intact!

Great alternative to ice cream. It will retain all the potassium minerals intact.

7. Sauerkraut: Eat the whole can if you want.

Immune system booster packed with iron. Great source of vitamin C and K.

8. Pickle’s: Taste great, crunchy, extremely low-calorie.

Low in fat and calories, one dill pickle can make up 1/4 cup of the recommended daily vegetable intake.

9. Coleslaw: Make it with mustard, not mayo!

The main ingredient of coleslaw is cabbage, which is a cruciferous vegetable, known for it’s cancer fighting properties

10. Carrots: Eat them right out of the bag.

Rich in Vitamin A, fiber, vitamin K, potassium, folate, manganese, phosphorous, magnesium, vitamin E and zinc.

11. Celery or Cucumber: Crunchy, high volume, extremely low-calorie.

12. Apples: Eat the whole thing- core, seeds, stem included!

13. Kashi: 7 whole grain puffs- eat them dry. Better than popcorn or nuts.

14. Protein shake: Protein only- no added sugar, fat or carbs

15. Yogurt: Siggi’s plain- Virtually all protein

16. Almond milk: 30 calories per cup only

17. Ice cubes: That’s right! No calories!

18. Brown rice: Eat with chopsticks- Takes forever!

19. Dry oatmeal: Why not?

20. Grapefruit: High volume, low-calorie. Peel & eat.

High in antioxidants and rich in lycopene and beta-carotene. According to USDA National Nutrient Database, “half of a medium pink grapefruit, (3 ¾ in diameter) contains approximately 52 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 grams of sodium, 0 grams of cholesterol, 13 grams of carbohydrate (including 8.5 grams of sugar and 2 grams of dietary fiber), and 1 gram of protein…Eating half of a grapefruit per day will meet 64% of your vitamin C needs, 28% of vitamin A, 2% of calcium and 2% of magnesium.”

Note: grapefruit can interfere with certain medications, so consult your doctor before adding it to your diet.














Milan

Milan is the second-most populous city in Italy and the capital of Lombardy. The city proper has a population of about 1.3 million, while its urban area is the 5th largest in the EU with an estimated population of about 5,264,000. The massive suburban sprawl that followed the post-war boom of the 1950s–60s and the growth of a vast commuter belt, suggest that socio-economic linkages have expanded well beyond the boundaries of its administrative limits and its agglomeration, creating a polycentric metropolitan area of between 7 and 10 million people, stretching over the former provinces of Milan, Bergamo, Como, Lecco, Lodi, Monza and Brianza, Pavia, Varese, Novara. The Milan metropolitan region is part of the so-called Blue Banana, the area of Europe with the highest population and industrial density, and one of the Four Motors for Europe.
Milan was founded by the Insubres, a Celtic people. The city was later conquered by the Romans as Mediolanum, eventually becoming the capital of the Western Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages, Milan flourished as a commercial and banking center. In the course of the following centuries, it had been alternatively dominated by France, Habsburg Spain, and Austria, until 1859 when the city joined the rising Kingdom of Italy. During the early 1900s, Milan led the industrialization process of the young nation, being at the very center of the economic, social, and political debate. Badly affected by World War II, and suffering a harsh Nazi occupation, the city became the main centre of the Italian Resistance. In post-war years, the city enjoyed a prolonged economic boom, attracting large flows of workers from Southern Italy. During the last decades, Milan has seen a dramatic rise in the number of international immigrants, and in 2011 more than one sixth of its population is foreign born.
Milan is the main industrial, commercial, and financial centre of Italy and a leading global city. Its business district hosts the Borsa Italiana (Italy's main stock exchange) and the headquarters of the largest national banks and companies. The city is a major world fashion and design capital. Milan's museums, theatres and landmarks (including the Milan Cathedral, the fifth largest cathedral in the world, and Santa Maria delle Grazie, decorated with Leonardo da Vinci paintings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site) attracts over 6 million annual visitors. It hosts numerous cultural institutions and universities, with 185,000 enrolled students in 2011, i.e. 11 percent of the national total. The city is also well known for several international events and fairs, including Milan Fashion Week and the Milan Furniture Fair, the largest of its kind in the world, and will host the 2015 Universal Exposition, and Design World Expo in 2016. Milan is home to two of the world's major football teams, A.C. Milan and F.C. Internazionale Milano.