Lebanese Mobile telecommunications company “MTC Touch” announced its contribution of $ 10,000 dollars, which represent 100,000 SMS, to support the Jeita Grotto voting campaign, aimed at making the cave one of the seven wonders of the world of nature.
The company said in a statement that the initiative came to reaffirm “the company’s permanent commitment toward Lebanese society and its continued support for its growth and prosperity and is participating today through this contribution in reaffirming the Jeita Grotto site as a fundamental pillar of natural tourism. In doing so, MTC Touch provides a catalyst for the voting campaign as it enters its last stage.”
Voting ends on Friday, 11/11/11. Results should be announced later that day. If you’re in Lebanon, you can text “Jeita” to 1070, which costs $0.1.
If you’re outside Lebanon, you can consult the following image:
We really do. We need to bash EVERYTHING. There’s NOTHING that can take place in the country that is not frowned upon or looked down upon or criticized.
The latest? People are criticizing the whole “Vote for Jeita” campaign, with about 3 weeks left on the vote. They can’t even accept that the competition is NOT scam.
“Jeita doesn’t deserve to be a wonder,” is one of the things I’ve heard. “Why charge for the SMS to vote?” is another. “If the government wants Jeita to win, why don’t they vote?”
All of us need to want Jeita to win. Not the government. Not anyone else. We, as a people, should be proud that our country has something that has gained enough international recognition from international panels that judged Jeita as being worthy of being one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Regarding the SMS vote: The New 7 Wonders committee DOES NOT accept free SMS votes. The 10 cents charge we pay is one enforced by the New 7 Wonders committee. The government is not charging anything. I’ve voted 35 times so far and it barely caused a dent in my prepaid credit. And you know what, even if it did – I don’t care.
I recently stumbled on this blog post where they make out the vote for Jeita as some form of “national chauvinism,” saying that we need to study the other 27 finalists in order to make an informative vote. On that same post, a comment by “Noel” states that our “need” to have Jeita win is because we, as Lebanese, need “validation from some outside authority.”
Sure, our country is messed up in many ways. But I believe we have a lot to be grateful for. However, can we – FOR ONCE – stop being so pessimistic about everything that has to do with Lebanon? Can we just chill for a bit, sit back, relax and not overanalyze everything? Can we seriously cut it with the know-it-all attitudes and for once feel good that Lebanon is actually getting a reputation for itself apart from the whole war-torn country now sex-capital of the Middle East?
But here are 13 reasons why we all need to vote for this wonder:
1) Jeita is spectacular
2) Jeita is wonderful
3) Jeita is grandiose
4) Jeita is brilliant
5) Jeita is gorgeous
6) Jeita is poetic
7) Jeita is angelic
8) Jeita is radiant
9) Jeita is exquisite
10) Jeita is majestic
11) Jeita is sublime
12) Jeita is elegant
13) Jeita makes me proud to be Lebanese. And so should you!
Also quick info for you out there:
Jeita is the only limestone cave among the 28 nominees. Most of Jeita cannot be accessed by visitors. For instance, the lower cave is over 6000 meters long, only 500 of which are accessible to visitors via boats. Moreover, the upper cave is over 2000 meters in length, only 750 of which are accessible to the public. Jeita also has the world’s longest stalactite at 8.2m high.
And for those of want to vote, you can go to this link or check out this picture:
And for those outside Lebanon, you can vote via the website: http://www.new7wonders.com or text Jeita to your country’s corresponding number:
Also check out this ad featuring opposing Lebanese politicians, beauty queens and actors to promote the vote:
Back in 2008, the US was invited to Barrack the vote. This is our time to rock the vote, Lebanese-style.
The final stretch of the vote is here: we have one month left.
I know we’ve all gotten tired of it but we can’t let down now. We’re almost there.
And I have good news for you.
We can now vote via text – no more those long registration steps and choosing six other wonders we don’t really care about. And no, it’s not even an expensive text. Shocker, I know. We must really want to win for not using this to make money. It’s simply 10 cents per vote.
What to do?
Send the word “Jeita” to 1070. You’ll receive a reply acknowledging your vote.
So vote. And vote frequently.
And for those who are always short on credit, you can always use your many emails to make accounts on: http://www.new7wonders.com
A Separate State of Mind | A Blog by Elie Fares 