wonders of the world

a bunch of event and tourism managers are encouraging people to vote for the new 7 wonders of the world. i think it's a silly idea. clearly the first time round, the number was arbitrary, there just happened to be 7 great buildings of ancient times stuck in people's memories. also, is this new list supposed to compete with the hanging gardens, the colossus of rhodes etc? the mention of the pyramids on the shortlist seems to suggest that. but the other candidates are laughable compared to the pyramids: the sydney opera house?! schloss neuschwanstein?!?! how can you even begin to compare?

my objections notwithstanding: i expect there to be some considerable media hustle-bustle, so i better vote alas in the end the statue of liberty will be a new wonder. so i voted for petra. the rose-red city in jordan, carved into the stone, and incredibly beautiful.