Let the Scientists Tell us Where to Go

Egypt is pissed. Their pyramids didn't make the cut in the "new" 7 Wonders of the World competition.

First, why "7"? Letterman has 10. What's so magical about 7? It's not even alliterative. And, really, I can find 7 wonders in my own town. Doesn't 7 limit us when, in the world of The Long Tail, it ought to be 7,000 (or more)? I mean really, I'm reading a great book called the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. If I'm supposed to listen to 1001 albums...don'tcha think I ought to see more than 7 wonders?

But, I digress. What caught my eye on this story from eTurbo News is that the Custodian of the Giza Pyramids, Dr. Zahi Hawass, said “Wonders (should) not have been chosen by the public. They should have chosen 300 scientists all over the world to cast their vote."

Err, that's just as silly as limiting the list to 7. I'm going to listen to a scientist tell me where I should go on my next vacation? Not gonna happen.

Sure the list is a heavy handed attempt to attract attention to tourist sites but, like the social media that is influencing everything in our lives, these "votes" are but momentary thought candy.

And, guess what? They'll pick another 7 next year. Like the Super Bowl, it's not the be all and end all (cause, after all, they'll play it again next year). And the media will cover it. And some other site will get pissed.

Because they'll still be stuck on 7.

Comments

[JEB]

Right on target, Bill
My thoughts exactly! Scientists deciding this, please!!

[Eric Daams]

1001 Wonders of the World sounds good to me. Saves 7 select sites getting butchered by hordes of tourists. Spread the love a little.

Of course some people would call that the UNESCO World Heritage List...

[Bill Geist]

Great point on the destructive masses that will inflict damage on a select set of "wonders." Hey, Egypt should be happy to get OFF the list.