Monthly Archives: February 2020

The New 7 Wonders of the World

The New 7 Wonders of the World,  according to Wikipedia

(2000–2007) a campaign started in 2000 to choose Wonders of the World from a selection of 200 existing monuments.[1] The popularity poll was led by Canadian-Swiss Bernard Weber and organized by the New7Wonders Foundation based in Zurich, Switzerland, with winners announced on 7 July 2007 in Lisbon.[2][3]

Great Wall of China – China

 

Petra – Ma’an, Jordan

 

Colosseum – Rome, Italy

 

Chichen Itza – Yucatan, Mexico

 

 

Machu Picchu –  Cuzco Region, Peru

 

Taj Mahal – Agra,  India

 

 

Christ the Redeemer – Rio de Janeiro, Brazi

 

Great Pyramids of Giza – Cairo, Egypt (the only surviving of the original 7 Wonders of the Ancient World world was given honorary status)

 

The New7Wonders Foundation said that more than 100 million votes were cast through the Internet or by telephone. Voting via the Internet was limited to one vote for seven monuments per person/identity, but multiple voting was possible through telephone.[4] Hence the poll was considered unscientific.[5] According to John Zogby, founder and current President/CEO of the Utica, New York-based polling organization Zogby International, New7Wonders Foundation drove “the largest poll on record”.[3]

The program drew a wide range of official reactions. Some countries touted their finalist and tried to get more votes cast for it, while others downplayed or criticized the contest.[3][5] After supporting the New7Wonders Foundation at the beginning of the campaign by providing advice on nominee selection, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), by its bylaws having to record all and give equal status to world heritage sites, distanced itself from the undertaking in 2001 and again in 2007.[6][7]

The New7Wonders Foundation, established in 2001, relied on private donations and the sale of broadcast rights and received no public funding.[8] After the final announcement, New7Wonders said it didn’t earn anything from the exercise and barely recovered its investment.[9]

Although N7W describes itself as a not-for-profit organization, the company behind it—the New Open World Corporation (NOWC)—is a commercial business. All licensing and sponsorship money is paid to NOWC.

The foundation ran two subsequent programs: New7Wonders of Nature, the subject of voting until 2011, and New7Wonders Cities, which ended in 2014.

 

Travel Tip: Make a List

MAKE A LIST
by Debbie Ross, founder of the Womens Travel Network

When preparing my to-do list, I make each instruction as clear as possible. Below are some of the things on my list and by using this list I am sure not to forget to do these important tasks. I list them in order of priority and as I complete a task I tick it off.

PRE-TRIP TO DO LIST

  • Check Passport (should be valid at least 6 months beyond return date)
  • Pay bills
  • Put hold on mail, newspaper or ask a neighbor to collect your mail and clear flyers and papers from your doorway or mailbox
  • Mow lawn or make arrangements to have it done in your absence
  • Arrange for plant watering if needed
  • Buy necessary medications, supplements, first aid items, tissue packets, hand wipes and sunscreen
  • Purchase a journal
  • Buy TSA approved toiletries
  • Choose travel wardrobe, launder and press
  • Select luggage to use
  • Do packing trial and weigh, lighten up if necessary by removing unnecessary items or clothing
  • Get travel cash
  • Clear out any appointments (house cleaner etc.)
  • Clear out fridge; get rid of food that will spoil
  • Notify neighbor of your travel dates
  • Share contact information with neighbor / family member
  • Give house key to neighbor or family member
  • Arrange for trash cans to be taken to and from curb or move out of public view entirely
  • Check time zone differences
  • Put reservation numbers and confirmations on smartphone
  • Call bank to advise your will using cards while travelling
  • Backup laptop, smartphone and devices
  • Download movies or books to devices
  • Charge all devices
  • Check to make sure you have all necessary cables, battery chargers, plug adapters, voltage regulator
  • Tell everyone who is travelling with you what time you are departing for or arriving at the airport
  • Get gas for car if taking it to the airport
  • Make sure jumper cables are in the car or you have an emergency number such as CAA
  • Check airport parking map & print discount coupon or arrange limo to and from the airport
  • 24 hours prior, Check In online, select seats (if not already done), print boarding pass
  • Gather food / snacks needed for flight
  • Set automatic light timer / Set thermostat to vacation temperature if needed
  • Check all door and window locks, including basement, garage and shed
  • Check all taps are off tightly, including outdoor taps