The Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano is the historic institution responsible for the Cathedral’s construction and maintenance since 1387. Since that time the Veneranda Fabbrica has been operating to ensure the Cathedral’s conservation, its architectural and artistic restauration, supporting services for the religious activities, promoting worldwide the extraordinary heritage of art, faith and history of the Monument. The Fabbrica takes in hand the entire cycle of the restoration, from the Candoglia marble excavation to its stone work in the Marmisti yard, to the positioning of the architectonical and decorative pieces of art in the Duomo’site. All the restoration phases need highly qualified and skilled personnels, being as it is the result of hundreds of years of experience. The Veneranda Fabbrica’s aim is to link ancient knowledge and technology, furthermore... the love for the Duomo makes the rest. The deterioration of the Duomo’s marble is though mainly from natural or man made causes (pollution for example) that can alter the stone. THE MARBLE WORKERS’ SITE Since the 1950’s, the marble workers’ site has been located 10 kilometers from the city center. The marble worker’s site is the yard were high skilled Veneranda Fabbrica stonemasons daily transform marble’s blocks into refined pieces of art. It is the workshop where the marble becomes architectural elements, decorations, sculptures and statues that make Milan’s Cathedral unique all over the world.

Numbers do matter, And if you ever thought Harmony of the Seas couldn’t measure up, just do the math. Since may 2016 it has been the world's largest cruise ship in numbers. Just a few of them: 227.000 gross tons, 10 millions hours by 2500 workers fto built it, state-rooms for 5.500 guests plus few for 2.000 crew members, 18 decks, 23 swimming pools, 24 elevators, as well as many restaurants and bars, casino and a 1380-seat theater. And the list goes on and on, not to mention also 1 parrot on captain shoulder plenty of everything is the strategy to make you feel busy and comfortable all the time on this floating village, divided into 7 neighbourhoods, each with their own style and attractions, peaceful outdoor space in Central Park; bustling amusement park style Boardwalk; the Royal Promenade for shopping, dining, drinking and dancing; Entertainment Place, for comedy, jazz and production shows; Youth Place, for the kids; Vitality Sea Spa and Fitness Center, for working out and getting pampered; and Pool and Sports Zone, for playing, swimming and being active. More than ever it doesn't matter where are you going , but how you are reaching your destination. Quoting Foster Wallace book " A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again ", I wanted to praise this superb example of the high-style hospitality industry , with a touch of of irony and sarcasm,and wondering how people enjoy their precious free time

As soon as you get out of the airport in Singapore you start gasping for air. Heat and humidity don't let you breathe, and it doesn't matter wether it's day or night, clear skies or cloudy, summer or winter. It's hard for everyone but for dogs, covered in hair, short or long, it can become unbearable, and there is no refreshing gel or detergent that can help. In Petopia, a holistic wellness centre and spa for dogs, cooling mud masks are very soothing and can alleviate any annoying rash. Even better is the hyperbaric chamber, which in a country lacking mountains and fresh air could be extremely beneficial for osteoporosis and several heart conditions that your pets could suffer. But Singapore is not only hot and sweat: it's a wonderful city in constant evolution, with fantastic restaurants, hotels, cultural events and all sorts of entertainment. Same holds true for our four pawed friends, who can enjoy all the services of the Wagingtom Hotel for example, a luxury hotel for pets, where they can meet new friends, be pampered with fragrant baths, and get their fur groomed and trimmed. After the treatment they can relax in a comfortable room or, for the luckiest, a whole suite for some privacy. On Saturday and Sunday a dive in the swimming pools of Sunnyweights is required, together with some training, swimming school for the most fearful, fun and jumping in the water for the others. Then a little break, a long shower to get rid of the chlorine and a jog on the treadmill. In Singapore, being a dog is really not too bad.

At the beginning it was just the most important design trade show in the world. After years the show moved outside the fair buildings invading the core of the city. For about ten days Brera district, Lambrate , Via Savona and many other places get packed with people exploring the streets with maps in their hands . days and evenings are busy with art installations , exhibitions , ultimate design projects and so on. Backyards , theatres, university open up for the everybody, looking for beauty and fun .

Imagine what it’s like to hold the key to the world’s finest art treasures.  Every day Gianni Crea arrives at work before most artlovers have lifted their head off the pillow. He is the first man inside the doors of the Vatican Museums.  He is the chief key keeper or ‘clavigero’ who holds the keys – nearly 3000  – to the rooms and corridors that are filled with stunning masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, Perugino and more.  He and his team open and close 300 rooms every day and he has the rare opportunity to also open the doors to the Sistine Chapel, a museum highlight.   “This is an extraordinary job because it gives me and my colleagues the possibility to open the pope’s museums to all the visitors who come here from every corner of the world,” Crea says.  “It is unique.”  More than six million people visit the Vatican Museums every year. What began in the early 16th century with a group of sculptures collected by Pope Julius II has grown into a vast collection of art and sculpture surrounded by architectural splendor. Meanwhile behind the curtain teams and experts are dedicated to painstaken restoration and protection of the musuem vast collection. Large laboratories deals with paintings, statues and sculpures collected by the popes. Cutting edge technology is used to save some of the oldest items of the collection. A journey in the backstage of what can be considered the most impressive art collection in the world

"I’m an architect and I’m Italian, so I have a passion for Italian design and for the person behind each sketch, each drawing. Design is not only a question of shape, but also a question of human nature" C.L. Carlo Lopresto is the owner of one of the most famous, original and important car collections in the world. He's the protagonist of the most important concours d'elegance all around the world, and the list of this prizes is endless. he'd love to be considered as a preserver of Italian history, of the history of an Italian car.

It's been 15 years since the beginning of the first “ Fomula zero” car race in the cold Nordic countries. Families, couples, friends face themselves driving home made “Frankestien” cars in real racetracks. In Norway they call it Billcross, Jokamiehenluokka “ the every man race” in Finland where all started , Folkeraes in Denmark and Sweden. If you want to take part of it , all you need is a good amount of bravery , lots of enthusiasm and hours and hours of artisan work to put together your own car, after you have just dismissed another one. You make your own unique patchwork almost forgetting what was the original car model, focusing on the safety roll bar , the seat and of course the engine. During the race the cars can crash into each other , overturn , get lost in a cloud of dust but as tradition the first one passing the arrival will win. Both Women and man can be on the highest step of the podium and at the end of the races all the cars must be auctioned with affordable offers , so everybody can keep on racing in a democratic style.

Venetians long ago learnt to cope with living in a lagoon. Will a new tidal barrier change their old understanding with the sea? text by @Lydia Polzer When the tide gauge at Punta della Salute at the southern end of Venice’s Grand Canal shows a water level of 1.1m, Luigi Frizzo knows his bookshop will be flooded. The seawater rises slowly at first, seeping over the threshold of the shop’s canal-side back door, then through the small forecourt and finally into the store. Frizzo shrugs it off. His bookcases stand on beer crates and many of his books are displayed in waterproof vessels, such as a rowing boat, a bathtub and a Venetian gondola. Frizzo climbs between his treasures wearing Wellington boots and a captain’s hat. Tiger, his cat, jumps lithely between the countertop, tables and shelves without so much as a wet paw.  Venice, built in a marshy lagoon, might have always had to contend with the tides of the Mediterranean sea. But the difference between high and low tides averages just 60cm. The streets remain dry even at 80cm above the city’s “mareographic zero” – the median water level of the canals. But high tides of 1.1m are a common occurrence in winter, leaving 12 per cent of the city under water, what Venetians call acqua alta, or high water. What’s more, Venice’s foundations are slowly sinking and seas globally are rising; that median water level is 23cm higher than in 1897 when it was established. This is increasing the frequency of flooding in Venice – along with sales of Wellington boots...  text by @Lydia Polzer

The Palio is the most important event in Siena, taking place on July 2 and August 16 every year. In the Palio, the various Sienese "contrade", or areas in which the city is divided, challenge each other in a passionate horse race in the heart of the city in the Piazza del Campo. Originally, there were about fifty-nine "Contrade"; now only seventeen remain, ten of which take part in the historical pageant and in the race at each Palio (seven by right and three drawn by lots). The 17 Contrade which still exist today are: the Eagle, Snail, Wave, Panther, Forest, Tortoise, Owl, Unicorn, Shell, Tower, Ram, Caterpillar, Dragon, Giraffe, Porcupine, She-Wolf and the Goose. Each Contrada has its own unique emblem and colors and represents an area of the city. As one walks through the streets of Siena it is easy to know in which Contrada you currently are in by observing the flags and emblems displayed along the street. Much like street signs, corners often designate the entrance into a different Contrada with signs. The Palio horse race has its origins in the distant past, with historical records indicating horse races in Siena already taking place in the 6th century. The Palio is much more than a simple event for the Sienese, it actually is a large part of their lives since the time of their birth. Each person belongs to a Contrada, participates in the life of the Contrada and the organization of the Palio throughout the entire year. The Sienese live the Palio with great passion and you'll certainly be able to see this if you have the chance to attend one of the races.

Every Hermès scarf has a tale. It takes about 18 months to produce a scarf once a the design is complete from one of the roughly 50 designers around the world. the perfect result is possible by a mixture of high technology and unique manufacturing. flaws of any kinds are not accepted; women eyes and hands double or triple check every production step, and the a single slight imperfection means destruction: filling for car seats or else , but not a second choice or a discount sale. Perfection is the absolute perfection for Hermès The first was created in 1937, based on a woodblock drawing by Robert Dumas, a Hermès family member, and since then every year they create 20 new designs; every 20 seconds one “ carré “ is sold around the world. If you think to all that you may realize that luxury is not that expensive.

Gevorg "Giorgio" Petrosyan (Armenian: Գևորգ Պետրոսյան; born December 10, 1985) is an Armenian-Italian kickboxer who competes in the middleweight division. Nicknamed "The Doctor" and noted for his supreme technical skills, ringsmanship and defensive prowess which has seen him defeat some of the best strikers in the world while taking little-to-no damage,[1][2] As of 24 July 2017, he is ranked the #3 lightweight in the world by LiverKick.com.[3] After immigrating to Italy from Armenia at thirteen years old, Petrosyan began his professional career as a Muay Thai fighter at sixteen, starting out as a -54 kg/119 lb bantamweight before moving up through the weight classes and settling at the -70 kg/154 lb middleweight division, taking numerous titles along the way. Following a decision loss to Nonthanan Por. Pramuk at Lumpinee Stadium in January 2007, he went on a six-year, forty-two fight undefeated streak considered to be the most dominant reign in the history of the middleweight division which was eventually ended by Andy Ristie at Glory 12: New York in November 2013. His switch to kickboxing rules and subsequent ascent began in 2008 when he began competing for It's Showtime and K-1, and he established himself as the world's top middleweight with two consecutive K-1 World MAX World Championship Tournament Championships in 2009 and 2010. He then joined Glory in 2012 following It's Showtime and K-1's demise and further cemented his place as the elite -70 kg/154 lb kickboxer by winning the Glory 2012 Lightweight Slam tournament.

After working in various restaurants in Turin, in 1958 Tuscan cook Giacomo Bulleri moved to Milan where he opened his first restaurant “Giacomo” in Via Donizetti, offering traditional Tuscan food. In 1990 he moved to his current premises in Via Sottocorno. This is his kingdom, where Giacomo continues to delight a loyal international following with his highly refined cuisine, interpreting the tradition he knows to perfection with all his mastery as a chef. besides the restaurant in the same streets that became his headquarter Giacomo opened the Bistrot , la Pasticceria, la Tabaccheria and soon there will be one Rosticceria, with high quality take away food. and it's not finished yet, just in Piazza del Duomo another restaurant inside the 900 Museum and a Cafeteria inside Palazzo Reale.

a well-recognized brand advisor and strategic consultant

The italian chef Massimo Bottura has recently been nominee as the best chef in the world with his Osteria Francescana in Modena. But his dedication doesn't end up in the kitchen. The 53 years old chef has always been engaged against manipulation and wastage of food, and in 2015, during the Expo in Milan , he founded “soul for food”, a non-profit organization with the goal of promoting social awareness about foot wastage and hunger throw a wide range of initiatives in collaboration with chef from all around the world ( such as Ferran Adrià, Alain Ducasse o Joan Roca), artisans, food suppliers, designers ans institutions. In concrete terms the first project starts with refettorio Ambrosiano. The catholic church donated Teatro Greco, an abandoned theatre from the 1930s in the outskirt of Milan, and after a 6-month renovation guided by Pavilion Zero director Davide Rampello and Massimo Bottura, it became a light-filled space equipped with a professional kitchen and an ample room for 96 guests. During the 5 months of Expo, 15 tons of food waste were transformed into delicious, healthy and seasonal meals that provided lunch for neighboring children and evening meals for the numerous homeless shelters in the area. Since then the refettorio continue with his mission and all the meals are strictly cooked with daily supply of supermarket waste. So basically the menu depend on the ingredients available of the day. This is just the beginning and it continues with a refettorio in Bologna, Rio and the next one will be in Turin.

Coworking Campuses the coworking areas are designed for members to connect, collaborate, learn and celebrate success together. The spaces include different areas to work, relax, enjoy your lunch or coffee and meet people. They are open 24/7 and offer all the facilities needed to grow your idea. Having a membership in one of the campuses allows access to all the network around the world. Join, travel and grow.

InGalera restaurant in the Jail of Bollate. an innovative way of doing rehablitation. InGalera, slang for 'In Prison' in Italian, is the first and only Italian restaurant located inside a jail and open to the public for both lunch and dinner. Set inside the Bollate medium security prison, on the outskirts of Milan, the dining hall has clean line modern interiors, designed by architect Augusta Comi. The employees are the prison’s guests, assisted by a professional chef and maître d’hôtel. Here, they are given the chance to learn and practice the art of cooking and serving refined food. The concept, explained city assessor Marco Granelli, is to help criminals who are serving a just punishment to leave the prison with a professional training under their belt and a possibility of a new life. Restaurant InGalera seats 50 guests. It is open to groups, children, vegans, celiac sufferers, guests with food allergies and the disabled. Just remind to make a reservation in advanced and register your ID card at the entrance.

Ever more people have accidents in the Alps, but a record number of them are now saved, thanks to the bravery and dedication of the volunteer rescue service. we went along on an emergency drill with Innsbruck Mountain Rescue to see these heroes in action I AM LYING on a stretcher, horizontally suspended against the rock face. There is a rock overhang above me and a 1700m abyss below. My helmet and a foil survival blanket are meant to shield me from the occasional small rock that comes rattling downwards. Curt commands fly back and forth: “One and a half metres down! Stop!” text available by ©Barbara Esser

these are the gyms that are not part of the mainstream. they are not exclusive clubs, they don't require a special entry card or high fees, they don't have shiny lockers and a sauna. these are the gyms for those who share a passion, who wants to meet similars no matter where you come from .

Milan, Paula Cademartori fashion designer. A constant made-in-Italy advocate, Paula moved to Milan in 2005 to complete her Industrial Design studies following the achievement of a master degree in Fashion Accessories at Istituto Marangoni, as well as a Young fashion manager certificate at SDA Bocconi. After working at the style office of Versace, in 2009 Paula participated to the Vogue Talents competition, included in the list of the 140 emerging talents of Vogue Italia. The year 2010 saw the establishment of the Paula Cademartori high-end bags brand, which debuted with the Spring-Summer 2011 collection. In July 2011, Paula participated to the Who is on next? competition of Vogue Italia, ranked among the most promising names of Italian creativity. The success of her creations is founded on an aesthetic vision focused on utmost care for details, combined with the determination to carry out production in Italy. Each bag is conceived as a design object to own and cherish. The precious seal of each model is a metal buckle, personally designed by Paula supported by her background in jewellery and industrial design. A fine factory brand, a modern vision of a logo that escapes from conventional designs.

Università Bocconi, founded in 1902, was the first Italian university to grant a degree in economics. For a century, Bocconi has played a leading role in Italy's social and economic modernization. It has remained true to its founding values of being a major research university, with democratic values and open to the world, as well as financially and politically independent. Università Bocconi believes that excellence can only be based on a person's academic profile as well as on his or her values and cultural and ethical background. This is why the University offers numerous activities, special occasions for people to enrich their knowledge. For post-experience management education Bocconi started in 1971 SDA Bocconi School of Management, engaged in MBA, Specialized Master Programs and Open Enrollment/Customized Executive Education. Explore the Campus Life pages to discover: cultural, sporting and recreational opportunities.

Robert Matthew Festing is the youngest of four sons born to Field Marshal Sir Francis Festing, Chief of the Imperial General Staff,[1] a Roman Catholic convert who became a Knight of Malta, and Mary Cecilia, née Riddell, the elder daughter of Cuthbert David Giffard Riddell of Swinburne Castle, Northumberland. His father was the grandson of Colonel Francis Worgan Festing. His mother's family is an ancient English recusant family, descending from the Throckmorton baronets and Blessed Sir Adrian Fortescue, martyred in 1539.[1] His three elder brothers are John Festing (a former High Sheriff of Northumberland), Major Michael Festing, and Andrew Festing (formerly President of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters). Fra' Matthew was admitted to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in 1977. In 1991, he took perpetual vows, becoming a Knight of Justice. From 1993 to 2008 he served as Grand Prior of England, the first in this office since 1815. On 11 March 2008, Fra' Matthew was elected Grand Master following a conclave-style meeting at the order's villa on the Aventine Hill in Rome.[1] Only the third English Grand Master of the Order of Malta, he is the immediate successor to the second, Fra' Andrew Bertie, the first being Hugh de Revel in 1258–59.

Taiye Selasi is the embodiment of "Afropolitan", a word she coined. Born in London, to a Nigerian mother and Ghanaian father, the 33-year-old writer and photographer grew up in the States and now lives in Rome. Her debut novel, a sprawling, globe-trotting family saga called Ghana Must Go, has received enthused endorsements from Toni Morrison and Salman Rushdie, and she is one of the Waterstones 11 for 2013. (c) Tim Lewis "the guardian"

Villa La Scrivana a Valmadonna (AL) (Prov. di Biella) L'Oasi Zegna valorizza un'area montana protetta che si estende per circa 100 Km2 in Piemonte, nella provincia di Biella, tra Trivero e la Valle Cervo. È attraversata dalla strada Panoramica Zegna, oggi statale, che l'imprenditore Ermenegildo Zegna, profondamente legato alla sua terra, realizzò per portare sviluppo economico alla montagna e alla sua gente. Ermenegildo Zegna, dedito al lavoro ma anche sensibile alla bellezza della natura, a Trivero, suo paese natale - oggi accesso all'Oasi Zegna - prima costruì nel 1910 l'omonimo Lanificio, ancora operativo, poi, a partire dagli anni '30, realizzò nelle aree circostanti un imponente piano di rimboschimento delle pendici brulle delle montagne con mezzo milione di conifere e molte centinaia di rododendri e ortensie, creando così un meraviglioso paesaggio alpino. Il progetto Oasi Zegna, messo a punto dai suoi eredi, nasce nel 1993 come naturale sviluppo del "pensiero verde" dell'imprenditore biellese, quale primo esempio italiano di mecenatismo ambientale e laboratorio all'aria aperta, che valorizza la relazione tra uomo, natura e cultura della montagna, con una particolare attenzione per le famiglie e i bambini. Luogo ideale per praticare, tutto l'anno, attività dedicate al tempo libero e allo sport, nel pieno rispetto degli ecosistemi, è ricca di numerose strutture turistiche che offrono servizi e ospitalità tipiche della cultura e della tradizione di montagna, raccolte in un Consorzio Turistico che opera per la promozione dell'area montana. È inoltre cellula dell'Ecomuseo del Biellese, dove l'attenzione è centrata sul mantenimento e la valorizzazione dell'economia e delle tradizioni legate alla montagna ed ha come oggetto l'alpicoltura nelle sue espressioni più tradizionali ma anche più moderne, messe in atto negli alpeggi di Moncerchio e di Margosio.

The Ricordi Historical Archive, nowadays hosted at the Braidense Library, is one of the most important private musical archives in Italy. Its history goes back in 1808, when it was founded by Giovanni Ricordi, who starts collecting and filing every document related to his work, such as original manuscripts, libretti, sketches, letters, photographs, posters. In nearly two centuries of activity, the archives have never stopped improving, giving life to an awesome heritage representing most of the italian history of music and theatre. The extraordinary value of this archive comes from the wideness of the historical background that its documents cover, providing an overlook about the italian culture and industrialisation level in one of the most important historical moments for our nation. At the moment, the archives embrace 3,593 scores aged from the eighteenth to the first part of the twentieth century (of these, 2,246 are autograph) about 15,000 letters of musicians and librettists, more than 10,000 sketches and fashion sketches, more than 90,00 libretti, 4,000 old photographs and several Art Nouveau posters by relevant graphic designers. In the Ricordi Historical Archives are filed the authentic manuscripts of 23 out of 28 operas written by Verdi, the ones of all Puccini's operas (except for "Rondine") and many more by Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, Paganini and Liszt, as well as from contemporary authors like Respighi, Malipiero, Casella, Pizzetti, Nono, Maderna and Donatoni. Reference work service is allowed only with a pre-arranged appointment. It is necessary to send a prior request about the topic, the period and the aim of the reference work by email. The reference work must be previously authorized by Ricordi and visitors must declare to accept the rules and its conditions.

Gewurtztraminer wine region, Italy

Villoresi Est complies with the energy efficiency and environmental impact guidelines established in the LEED standards The project was designed by studio Total Tool’s Giulio Ceppi and implemented in cooperation with Starching and Geoenergia. ICMQ has been the LEED consultant of the project during in the design phase as well as the construction phase. The new Autogrill resembles a volcano, gradually rising above the surrounding countryside until it reaches a height of 27.5 meters. Villoresi Est is made of eco-friendly, recyclable building materials, and the entire skeleton of the approximately 2,500 m2 building is constructed of PEFC-certified glued laminate timber from sustainable forests. The building is constructed of eco-friendly, recyclable materials. From its paved asphalt to its imposing roof, this one-of-a-kind structure is a visual stand-out, its fluid design calling to mind the experience of “rest in motion” typically enjoyed by travelers passing through these parts.

about botteghe storiche, it's a trade association which groups few hundreds of activities which have to have in common few characteristics . one of that in particular is that they are supposed to have the same kind of activity for no less than 50 years. so there are many and some of them are very interesting. the glass maker for example is a family company,. they make artistic glass decoration for private, big villas , but mostly for religious places. in Singapore they decorate something like 8 churches and the stae of singapore madev a postal stamp to honour theyr art. buttons is based in luxury and fashinable via Montenapoleone, tehy produce all kind of buttons and supply the most important fashion stylists. some of the buttons are a real piece of art

Landscape architect, architect/urbanist and professor in public space design at the Polytechnic University of Milan. Born in Germany in 1960. He has given many lectures concerning landscape architecture in several universities both in Europe and the USA. He is a member of the German Association of Landscape Architects (BDLA Board), of the Italian Association of Landscape Architects (AIAPP) and of the German Association for Garden Design and Landscape Architecture (DGGL). He has been also member of the Scientific Committee of Legambiente since 1999 and since 2005 he has been nominated a member of the German urban and landscape planning Accademy (DASL).

Rita Rovelli Caltagirone è una donna particolare, fin nelle più segrete e minime sfumature del suo carattere e del suo modo di porsi. Affascinante, inquieta e ironica, brillante e imprendibile, Rita, l'eleganza sospesa e racé d'un ritratto di Sargent, non ama il palcoscenico mondano e ha sviluppato nel tempo una grande passione per l'arte contemporanea. "Conoscere gli artisti - racconta Rita Caltagirone - frequentarli nella loro vita vissuta, vederli al lavoro, nella genesi dalla prima idea al compimento finale, cambia la percezione stessa di un'opera".

Josefa Idem Guerrini (born September 23, 1964 in Goch, West Germany) is a West German-born Italian sprint canoer. Competing in eight [1]Summer Olympics, she has five medals. Winning 35 international medals during her career, Idem was the first Italian woman to win World Championships (22 total, five gold) and Olympic medals in canoe sprint. At the 2009 world championships, she became the oldest medalist in the history of the world championships

Cadel Lee Evans (/k?'d?l/;[2] born 14 February 1977) is an Australian professional racing cyclist and winner of the 2011 Tour de France. He is the first Australian to win the Tour. Early in his career, Evans was a champion mountain biker, winning the World Cup in 1998 and 1999 and placing seventh in the men's cross-country mountain bike race at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. Evans turned to full-time road cycling in 2001, and gradually progressed through the ranks. He finished second in the 2007 and 2008 Tours de France. He became the first Australian to win the UCI ProTour (2007) and the UCI Road World Championships in 2009. Finally, he won the Tour de France in 2011, riding for BMC Racing Team, after two Tours riddled with bad luck.[3] At age 34, he was among the five oldest winners in the race's history.

Giuliano Pisapia is the son of lawyer Gian Domenico Pisapia, who has contributed to the definition of the Italian Code of Criminal Procedure of 1989.[3] In the 1970s he joined Proletarian Democracy, a far-leftist party. He attended the Liceo classico "Giovanni Berchet" in Milan. After being a volunteer in the Red Cross and a student in Medicine, a worker in a chemical factory, a teacher in the Beccaria youth detention center, and an employee in a bank, he finally turned to political and law studies, getting a double degree in Political Sciences and Law,[3] and joining his father's firm. Pisapia's actitivity as a lawyer was strictly related to his political commitment, as he took part in a number of trials with explicit political implications. For example, he represented Arnaldo Forlani in the Tangentopoli scandal era, activist Ovidio Bompressi in the trial for the murder of Luigi Calabresi, the family of anti-global activist Carlo Giuliani (shot dead by the police during the 27th G8 summit), as well as the daughter of Davide Cesare ("Dax"), killed by a neonazist in 2003.[4] He also participated in international trials, most notably in defense of Abdullah Öcalan, leader of the Kurdish militant organization PKK.[3] In 1995 Gian Domenico Pisapia died, and Giuliano refused to candidate for regional administrative elections to focus on his father's law firm. Nevertheless, in 1996 he joined the Communist Refoundation Party led by Fausto Bertinotti and was elected to the Parliament. As a member of the Parliament, in 1998 he voted for the motion of confidence to Romano Prodi's center-leftist government, despite the decision of the Bertinotti to vote against it (a decision that would eventually cause Prodi's resignation).[5] After the failure of Prodi's government, Pisapia volunteered for a while in a refugee camp on the border of Albania. In 2001 he was re-elected to the Parliament, again for Communist Refoundation.[3] In 2011, with the support of Left Ecology Freedom, he became the left-wing candidate to the seat of Mayor of Milan (a traditional stronghold of the right wing and Silvio Berlusconi) and unexpectedly defeated incumbent Mayor Letizia Moratti on May 30.

Anila Rubiku was born in Albania in 1970; today she lives and works in between Milan and Tirana. Rubiku's work includes drawings and installations. She has developed a unique way of actively incorporating local people into community projects that combine tradition and art, local history and a contemporary perspective, creating a fascinating new hybrid. In her latest projects she deals with memory, time, architecture, gender and social problems.

Umberto Veronesi (Milano, 28 novembre 1925) è un medico, oncologo e politico italiano, ricopre il ruolo di direttore scientifico dell'Istituto Europeo di Oncologia[1]...La sua attività clinica e di ricerca è stata incentrata per decenni sulla prevenzione e sulla cura del cancro. In particolare si è occupato del carcinoma mammario, prima causa di morte per tumore nella donna[2]...Veronesi è stato primo teorizzatore e strenuo propositore della quadrantectomia, dimostrando come nella maggioranza dei casi le curve di sopravvivenza di questa tecnica, purché abbinata alla radioterapia, sono le medesime di quelle della mastectomia, ma a impatto estetico e soprattutto psicosessuale migliore...Italian surgeon and oncologist, internationally known for his contributions on prevention and treatment of breast cancer throughout a career spanning over fifty years. He heads Italy's Nuclear Safety Agency.[1]

Chef Massimo Bottura is without a doubt one of the foremost ambassadors of modern Italian cuisine. From his first trattoria--Trattoria del Campazzo--on the outskirts of Modena in 1986, where he worked with rezdora Lidia Cristoni, to an apprenticeship under Chef Georges Coigny, Bottura formed a culinary foundation that combined regional Italian cooking and classical French training. He further refined his style under legendary Alain Ducasse at Louis XV in Monte Carlo. In 1995, Bottura opened his Osteria Francescana in historic central Modena, where he was able to freely blend his creative take on Italian cuisine with cutting edge contemporary art and design, bringing a modern aesthetic to the junction of tradition and innovation. Another formative experience--this time under Ferran Adrià--encouraged Bottura to continue pushing the envelope in his cuisine. Over the last 10 years, Bottura has worked to do just that, creating dishes such as "Five Textures and Temperatures of Parmigiano Reggiano" that showcase his maturity as an innovator, as well as his respect for his ingredients. Two Michelin stars and a sixth place ranking in San Pellegrino's World's 50 Best Restaurants list prove that Bottura's explorations are more than successful; they're inspiring. Like so many cutting-edge chefs, Bottura cooks to invite and evoke a contemplation of history, territory, and flavor. And on the stage of gastronomic conferences around the world, Bottura freely shares his creative process in demonstrations, lectures, and videos (such as the conceptual "We Are the Revolution," a narrative exploration of "original sound" through art, music, and food and his most recent production, "Il Ritorno," which pays homage to Emilia-Romagna and the value of place). An ardent advocate for culinary dialogue, Bottura serves on the board of the Basque Culinary Center under the direction of Ferran Adrià.

Geox is an Italian brand of shoe and apparel manufactured utilising waterproof/breathable fabrics.The company was founded in 1995[2] by Mario Moretti Polegato. The brand name, Geox, was created from a mixture between the Greek word "geo" (earth), and "x", a letter-element symbolizing technology. Polegato was born in 1952[3] near Treviso. Originally groomed to take over the family wine-making business, company promotional material has it the idea for the shoe came when he participated in a wine industry conference in Reno; while out jogging in Reno's hot desert climate, his feet got hot from the exertion and he had the idea to cut a couple of holes in the soles of his shoes with a Swiss Army knife. He developed the idea into a viable product with the help of a small leather-goods business his family owned. After unsuccessfully pitching his invention to several established footwear manufacturers, but after having passed the market testing phase for a line of children's footwear, Mario Moretti Polegato began large-scale production of shoes under the Geox brand name. That same year, he improved the original patent and extended the product range to men's and women's footwear.[cit

Switzerland, Kaufdorf, Gürbetal valley near Bern :hisotrical car cemetery. The Autofriedhof (car cemetery) is an extraordinary collection of rotting cars dumped by a spare parts salesman on land behind his workshops since the 1930s..The range of cars is fantastic: from Minis and Peugeots to old Chevrolets, Mustangs, Thunderbirds, Rileys and Jaguars from the 1950s and earlie.

The Fortezza da Basso in Florence is the name of the fortress that hosts the Fitfestival, the most important, long-awaited fitness festival in its twentieth edition. The castle-walls and the towers are like soldiers of the Folgore with ropes and rope-ladders ready for the "assault on the fort". It seems that even the showgirl Seredova has participated in the enterprise; but otherwise, "anatomical" graces being shown off aren't the main thing. Better to proceed on towards the entrance, where brochures about safe sex are distributed. Not that it's a bad thing, good heavens no, but it's like saying smoking is bad for your health in a chocolate store, seeing as the fitness festival is made out to be the anti-sex, anti-eroticism fair - a joyous war machine battling against cellulite and stretch marks; an aerobics course of autogenous training for feeling good: physically, socially and in a bathing suit.

Nato a Cercola, ha vissuto tra Vibo Marina ed Ercolano (città d'origine della sua famiglia), conseguendo il diploma di "Capitano di lungo corso" presso l'Istituto Tecnico Nautico di Pizzo. Determinato a diventare attore, frequenta l'Accademia d'Arte Drammatica della Calabria e, successivamente, la Scuola di Teatro Enzo Corea, diretta da Salvatore Corea, e l' Accademia d'Arte Drammatica di Varsavia. Dopo aver lavorato in piccoli ruoli in televisione e nel cinema, nel 1997 debutta in teatro con Le Troiane di Euripide. Tra il 1998 e il 2000 prende parte a delle tournée teatrali in Argentina e in altri paesi del Sud America. Tornato in Italia, continua ad alternare al lavoro teatrale, quello cinematografico e televisivo. Il suo primo ruolo televisivo importante è quello di Alberto Fusaro, interpretato nel 2002 e nel 2003 in Incantesimo 5 e 6. Tra il 2004 e il 2005 fa parte del cast della soap opera di Rai 3, Un posto al sole, nel ruolo del pugile Armando. Nel 2005 interpreta Tony Amitrano in Gente di mare. Il 2006 è un anno molto importante nella sua carriera, pieno di impegni e di soddisfazioni professionali, uniti alla popolarità raggiunta grazie soprattutto alla miniserie tv di Canale 5, L'onore e il rispetto, regia di Salvatore Samperi, in cui è protagonista nel ruolo di Santi Fortebracci. Ancora nel 2006 appare su Rai Uno nel ruolo di Salvatore nella miniserie Assunta Spina, regia di Riccardo Milani, e gira altre tre miniserie: Graffio di tigre, diretta da Alfredo Peyretti, in cui interpreta il ruolo di Kim, Giuseppe Moscati, regia di Giacomo Campiotti, entrambe in onda nel 2007 su Rai Uno, e Artemisia Sanchez (2008), regia di Ambrogio Lo Giudice, Nel 2007 torna ad interpretare il ruolo di Tony Amitrano in Gente di mare 2 ed appare nel film tv di Rai Uno, Fuga con Marlene, regia di Alfredo Peyretti; inoltre gira il film Liberarsi - Figli di una rivoluzione minore (2008), opera prima di Salvatore Romano, e la miniserie tv Pane e libertà, regia di Alberto Negrin, in onda nel 2009 su Rai Uno. Nel 2009 torna anche su Canale 5 nei panni di Santi Fortebracci nella miniserie L'onore e il rispetto - Parte seconda. Nel 2011 torna su Rai 1 nei panni di Giuliano nella serie Rossella con Gabriella Pession, Danilo Brugia e Fabio Sartor. Nel 2011 fa parte del cast della terza serie di Squadra antimafia - Palermo oggi, nel ruolo di Vito Portanova, un camorrista napoletano.

Toni Morrison began writing fiction as part of an informal group of poets and writers at Howard University who met to discuss their work. She went to one meeting with a short story about a black girl who longed to have blue eyes. The story later evolved into her first novel, The Bluest Eye (1970), which she wrote while raising two children and teaching at Howard.[5] In 2000 it was chosen as a selection for Oprah's Book Club.[7] In 1975 her novel Sula (1973) was nominated for the National Book Award. Her third novel, Song of Solomon (1977), brought her national attention. The book was a main selection of the Book-of-the-Month Club, the first novel by a black writer to be so chosen since Richard Wright's Native Son in 1940. It won the National Book Critics Circle Award. In 1987 Morrison's novel Beloved became a critical success. When the novel failed to win the National Book Award as well as the National Book Critics Circle Award, a number of writers protested over the omission.[5][8] Shortly afterward, it won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. Beloved was adapted into the 1998 film of the same name starring Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover. Morrison later used Margaret Garner's life story again in an opera, Margaret Garner, with music by Richard Danielpour. In May 2006, The New York Times Book Review named Beloved the best American novel published in the previous twenty-five years. In 1993 Morrison was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, the first black woman to win it.[9] Her citation reads: Toni Morrison, "who in novels characterized by visionary force and poetic import, gives life to an essential aspect of American reality." Shortly afterwards, a fire destroyed her Rockland County, New York home.[3][10] In 1996 the National Endowment for the Humanities selected Morrison for the Jefferson Lecture, the U.S. federal government's highest honor for achievement in the humanities.[11] Morrison's lecture, entitled "The Future of Time.

The Film & Television Academy (HFF) "KonradWolf" is the only art academy in the state of Brandenburg and the oldest and largest of the five media academies in Germany. The HFF is an artistic media academy with training concentrations in film and television. What makes the Academy unique is its combination of artistic and scholarly departments, where theory and praxis go hand in hand. As the oldest German film school, the academy considers itself not only committed to its tradition, but also open to new developments in the media branch. With its offerings in continuing education and cultural events, the HFF also strives to be a place of cultural, social, and political reflection.

Lake Maggiore and its valleys are alpine landscapes that merge into typically Mediterranean scenery, where popular traditions are combined with internationally renowned events, and villages, in which time seems to have stood still, peep down from their lofty peaks on towns that are looking to the future. Fascinating contrasts that make this a unique region.

Whether it was born of Cuban sailors or Pampas farmers, what's certain is that tango grew up in the brothels, where it was performed to get the blood moving before making love. Call it sophisticated foreplay. The dance is celebrated by writers, artists and musicians, most famously by writer Jorge Luis Borges, an Argentinean from Buenos Aires, the world capital of tango. From that tropical city, the tango spread like an epidemic, and one of the infected cities is Genoa, an Italian harbour city whose porticoes and alleys on a hot summer night possess an essence very similar to the tango. Not surprisingly then, in the heart of Genoa each June, the historical Palazzo Ducale hosts the Tango Festival with tango dancers from all over Italy and Europe and with masters from Argentina who wear smiles contrary to Borges's note that tango was a sad thought expressed in music.

Louis Vuitton chose Italy for its shoes. When the fashion house began its line of pret-a-porter shoes they asked: where are the best suppliers? Where are the best master craftworkers? Where are the best shoemaking training facilities? The answer to all these questions is Italy. And so in 2005 Louis Vuitton, a worldwide symbol of French luxury, opened a manufacturing facility in the Veneto in Italy's northwest. This modern factory uses the most advanced techniques and technologies, and nothing is imported from outside Italy: the shoes are conceptualised, designed and produced under the same roof.

Freiburg is located at the heart of the warmest and sunniest region of Germany, yet it takes more than just this to make it into a solar city. The Freiburg energy supply concept focuses on: o energy saving projects o use of renewable energy sources o application of innovative energy technologies o extension of on-site and remote district-heating systems In June 1992, the Freiburg city council adopted a resolution to the effect that it would only permit construction of "low energy buildings" on municipal land. All new housing must comply with the low energy guidelines. Low energy housing uses solar power passively as well as actively. In addition to solar panels and collectors on the roof, providing electricity and hot water, many passive features use the sun's energy to regulate the temperature of the rooms. Water heating technologies are usually referred to as active solar technologies, whereas other technologies, such as space heating or cooling, which passively absorb the energy of the sun and have no moving components, are referred to as passive solar technologies. Solar passive houses built to the very latest standards require only one fifth as much thermal energy as conventional buildings. The whole city is involved in Freiburg's solar policy. Many private companies and public facilities make their roofs available for solar modules. The people of Freiburg buy shares in the panels and are reimbursed when the power is sold to the city electricity scheme.

In a forest in the village of Kaufdorf in the Gürbetal valley near the capitol Bern a historic collection of cars from the 50s, 60s and 70s can be found rusting away and being overgrown by nature. The Autofriedhof (car cemetery) is an extraordinary collection of rotting cars, dumped by a spare parts salesman on land behind his workshops since the 1930s...

multimedia event at Palazzo della Triennale , Milan