My votes for the New Seven Wonders of the World
by V.E. on October 19th, 2006
filed under fyi, ladyamedeus
Vote for YOUR favorites here, at New7Wonders.
Great Wall of China (220 B.C and 1368 – 1644 A.D.) in China
The Great Wall of China was built to link existing fortifications into a united defense system and better keep invading Mongol tribes out of China. It is the largest man-made monument ever to have been built and is the only one visible from space. Many thousands of people must have given their lives to build this colossal construction. The Great Wall of China is incredible proof of Perseverance & Persistence!
Kremlin/St. Basil’s and Red Square (1156 – 1850) in Moscow, Russia
Built as a residence for Ivan I, the Kremlin was the official residence of the Czars until the 1917 Russian Revolution. Today, it still houses the President’s office. In front of the Kremlin is Red Square – an impressive and exuberant plaza which, for many people, is associated with the infamous May Day demonstrations. Rising from the square is St Basil’s Cathedral, built in the 1550s to commemorate Ivan the Terrible’s capture of the Mongol stronghold of Kazan. The Kremlin/St.Basil’s, is a representation of Fortitude & Symbolism!
Machu Picchu (1460-1470) in Peru
In the 15th century, the Incan Emperor Pachacútec built a city in the clouds on the mountain known as Machu Picchu (“old mountain”). This extraordinary settlement lies halfway up the Andes Plateau, deep in the Amazon jungle and above the Urubamba River. It was probably abandoned by the Incas because of a smallpox outbreak and, after the Spanish defeated the Incan Empire, the city remained ‘lost’ for over three centuries. It was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu is a symbol of Community & Dedication!
Neuschwanstein Castle (1869 -1884) in Füssen, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle was built in a time when castles and fortresses were no longer strategically necessary. Instead, it was born of pure fantasy – a beautiful, romantic composition of towers and walls in the perfect setting of mountains and lakes. The combination of various architectural styles and intrinsic craftwork has inspired generations of adults and children alike. Neuschwanstein Castle is a great tribute to Fantasy & Imagination!
Petra (9 B.C. – 40 A.D.) in Jordan
On the edge of the Arabian Desert, Petra was the glittering capital of the Nabataean empire of King Aretas IV (9 B.C. to 40 A.D.). Masters of water technology, the Nabataeans provided their city with great tunnel constructions and water chambers. A theater, modeled on Greek-Roman prototypes, had space for an audience of 4,000. Today, the Palace Tombs of Petra, with the 42-meter-high Hellenistic temple facade on the El-Deir Monastery, are impressive examples of Middle Eastern culture. Petra is a great symbol of Engineering & Protection!
Stonehenge (3000 B.C. – 1600 B.C.) in Amesbury, United Kingdom
Construction of Stonehenge took place between ca. 3000 and 1600 B.C. With each stone weighing around 50 tons, it is regarded as a truly amazing feat of engineering. Although it is not clear who built the monument, nor for what purpose, it has been speculated that it was either a temple dedicated to the worship of ancient earth deities, an astronomical observatory or a sacred burial site. Stonehenge represents Intrigue & Endurance!
Sydney Opera House (1954 – 73) in Sydney, Australia
When the Sydney Opera House was finished in 1973, this landmark building – in the true sense of the expression, – put the whole continent of Australia on the world map. This building does not imitate or reflect what we generally imagine an opera house might look like, indeed, it is a completely abstract interpretation. The ability to create abstract art only developed after the invention of photography in the late 19th century, when painters first began to experiment with an abstract, cubist interpretation of reality. The Sydney Opera House reflects Abstraction & Creativity!
Day Two hundred fifteen
by V.E. on October 19th, 2006
filed under 5reasons
- This (somewhat) amusing article.
- Did NOT miss Greek Council (thanks to a friend reminding me).
- Didn’t have to chalk the school (as a way of advertising) because it rained.
- Taking that Modern S. Africa test and knowing more than I thought I would.
- Authentic Nigerian food and discussion about African elections for lunch today.
