U.S. behind Cuba, South Africa, and Philippines in gender equality

by Catherine Bodry on

Here’s something for you: if you’re looking to live in or visit a country where men and women are treated equally, don’t head to the U.S. Out of 128 countries, the U.S. only made it to 31st place, behind Cuba (22nd), South Africa (20th), and the Philippines (6th).

The World Economic Forum compared four areas: differences between men and women’s salaries, access to education, political representation, and health, including life expectancy. Nordic countries topped the list, with Sweden coming in first, followed by Norway, Finland, and Iceland. It’s worth noting, however, that the Forum reminds us that “no country has yet achieved gender equality.”

In last place were Yemen, Chad, Pakistan, Nepal and Saudi Arabia.

Read Reuters’ complete report here.

Thanksgiving parades: more than just Macy’s

by Catherine Bodry on

Looking for a good old-fashioned Thanksgiving parade, but aren’t up for Macy’s? Or perhaps you’re looking for the excitement and crowds of the Macy’s parade, but live on the wrong coast? Well, we’ve done some research here at Gadling and come up with 5 lesser-known parades worth checking out.

1.) America’s Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration — Plymouth, Massachusetts

What better place to celebrate Thanksgiving than its birthplace? In their twelfth year, the festivities at Plymouth include music, historical reenactments, vintage American cars and hand-made floats. There’s also a food festival, where you can sample a variety of New England’s “culinary delights.” The events are sponsored by the Plymouth Rock Foundation, a non-profit organization that “strives to keep the traditions and values of early Americans from being forgotten.” I wonder if the historical reenactments will include stoning or the wearing of a scarlet letter?

The parade actually takes place on Saturday, November 17, which is the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Read all about it here.

%Gallery-9415%2.) America’s Thanksgiving Parade — Detroit, Michigan

The website for Detroit’s Turkey Day parade absolutely gushes with enthusiasm and pride. Apparently, this parade has “captured the imaginations of millions of children and their families for generations.” Whoa. If any of you have seen Waiting for Guffman, (incidentally my favorite movie) you might understand the eagerness of this website. But I digress. Here’s what the organizers have to say about their upcoming parade:

On November 22, 2007 we will celebrate the success of the great city of Detroit. Over the past decade, Detroit has seen some major transformations; new businesses, entertainment, restaurants, sporting and cultural events, festivals and of course PARADES!! With the exciting rebirth of the downtown area…the 2007 Parade celebrates “Hats off Detroit!”

If you’re at the parade, you can take part in a 10k “Turkey Trot,” 5k “Stuffing Strut,” or the “Mashed Potato Mile.” But maybe hold off on dinner until after you’ve run the race.

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3.) McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade — Chicago, Illinois

This parade boasts “giant helium balloons, fabulous floats, award-winning marching bands, talented equestrian units, unique performance groups, and local and national celebrities.” What more could you ask for? The procession travels north on State Street from Congress to Randolph. Organizers expect 400,000 spectators and 1.5 million viewers. If you’re in the area but don’t feel like leaving your couch, catch the live broadcast on WGN-TV and WGN-DT 9.1 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. You’ll find more information here.

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4.) Mother Goose Parade — El Caljon, California

Entering its 61st year, the Mother Goose Parade sets itself apart by offering what many other Thanksgiving festivals cannot — sunshine. If the threat of a Nor’Easter is keeping your buttocks firmly attached to your couch during all the Thanksgiving fun, it might be time to consider a little light therapy. Held on November 18th, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, this procession doesn’t start until the afternoon, which allows you ample time to lounge around poolside beforehand. But be warned: spectators begin lining up at 8:00 a.m.

5.) 6ABC/Boscov’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Although the Macy’s parade tends to steal the limelight as the nation’s biggest, Philly’s parade was actually our nation’s first — it began in 1920. Not that the anyone’s bitter or anything. The march lasts more than three hours and features 13 marching bands, floats, balloons, a 1,000-member youth choir, a tap dance troupe, and all the Disney characters. Santa takes up the rear, so you might want to have your Christmas list ready.

This one takes place on November 22, starts at 8:00 a.m., and is free. More info here.

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Finally, for those traditionalists out there, be sure to check out our gallery of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day floats. Little on this planet can compare with the eye-popping wonder of these mega-balloons!
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Traveling doggy style!

by Abha Malpani on


It seems like more and more pet-owners want their dogs to match their lifestyle, not only at home, but also when they travel. Hence the recent popularity for doggy dining restaurants, and special welcome packs for dogs on check-in at hotels is no longer uncommon.

Dog food companies are taking advantage of the growing ‘in-separation’ between owners and their dogs and producing doggy latte drinks, doggy beer, and doggy donuts — how awesome is that!

In Spain every other person has a dog, but I haven’t really noticed the kick-off of dog beauty salons or clothes/accessories shops here in Madrid, let alone doggy dining. But, every 14th of January, on the day of Saint Anton (Saint of Animals), Spaniards get to take their pets to church. On this day, you will see queues of people waiting for their dogs and ducks to be blessed.

So, pets are going to restaurants, hotels and churches — do you think they’ll ever be able to fly with us rather than with our baggage?

[Via MSNBC]

Photo: Gavin Ashworth, MSNBC

The Last Supper at 16 billion pixels

by Neil Woodburn on

The problem with the true classics of art these days is that it’s very difficult to get up close to them. The Mona Lisa, for example, is protected by bulletproof glass, a red velvet rope, and at least one guard stationed within arm’s length. Good luck getting close enough to inspect the brush strokes on that little lady!

The Last Supper, perhaps the second most famous painting on our planet is equally difficult to inspect closely.

Until now that is. Last weekend the da Vinci masterpiece was unveiled digitally at an astounding resolution of 16 billion pixels. Wow. Internet users can zoom in to the most minute detail, inspecting every fleck of paint, aged crack, and bits of weathering and damage.

Frankly, it’s a little disturbing just how much the painting has deteriorated over the last 500 years. It still, however, maintains its magic even when one zooms in so far that you no longer know what you’re looking at. And for many, this will be the best viewing they will ever have of the painting. According to a recent AP article, only 25 visitors are allowed to view the painting at a time. This equates to roughly 320,000 people per year. That’s a pretty low number. As for me, I’m content right now just zooming in online. Click here to do so yourself.

Storefront for Art and Architecture hosts BIG in NYC

by Grant Martin on

If you’re in New York City at all over the next month, be sure to check out the exhibit integrated into the Storefront for Art and Architecture at 97 Kenmare St. The nonprofit will be hosting BIG, a Danish group through the balance of this month, focusing on innovative residential spaces and ideas. The models of several designs are displayed in the Kenmare St. space, largely built out of LEGOS.

I know, we’ve all seen that giraffe or airplane built entirely out of Legos at the mall, but seeing this in person is different. You can get right up to the giant buildings, look straight into the 32nd floor across to the other side and see all the Lego people interacting. It’s like being Godzilla.

Entrance to the Storefront is free; stop by before November 24th for your giant-person fix. And make sure you have the audio on for that Youtube video — that song has been driving me buggers all week.