212 Feet Above the Hudson River, a 120-Year-Old Engineering Marvel Is Re-Engineered for a New Era

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Built to facilitate transport of coal from the mines of Pennsylvania and West Virginia to the mills of New England, the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge was deemed the longest in the world when it opened in 1888. A fire in 1974 damaged the 6,767-foot iron span that rises majestically above New York's Hudson River. Obsolete thanks to speedier rail routes, the bridge was never repaired. It appeared destined for demolition or worse -- remaining as a colossal white elephant.

Now the elephant is getting a spectacular makeover, transformed into a state park boasting its own superlative. Dubbed Walkway Over the Hudson, the revitalized span will be the world's highest pedestrian bridge when it opens in the fall of 2009. Not only will strollers and cyclists enjoy magnificent views from their perch 212 feet above the river's surface, but links to rail trails on both shores will enable them to continue walking and pedaling for more than 30 miles.

Fred Schaeffer
Click the photo for more images of the Walkway Over the Hudson project.

This success story not only serves as a classic example of turning an eyesore into an asset but illustrates the amazing potential of grass-roots resolve. ...

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Didn't you hate not having access to credit when you were 6? Today's kids don't have to suffer like you did. Meet Bennett Christiansen of Aurora, IL. He's got a shiny new Bank of America credit card with a $600 limit.

From CBS2 Chicago:

Amy Christiansen said her entire family had been receiving credit card applications addressed to each member of her family, including Bennett, who has since turned 6, and Christiansen's 3-year-old child.

Christiansen said she decided to allow Bennett to fill out a credit card application from Bank of America. He accurately wrote in his birthday in 2002, his annual income of $0, and the fact that he is an "other," that is, neither a homeowner nor a renter. He signed his name in writing that was obviously that of a child, she said.

A short time later, Christiansen said she received a credit card with Bennett's name on it.

Christiansen was left baffled, and troubled by the ease with which the application was apparently accepted.

Yes, Bennett signed up and was approved for a credit card. Bank of America has responded: "We do not knowingly solicit or grant credit to a minor," [a spokesperson] said.

Hey, look at the bright side. Assuming a 24% interest rate and a 2.5% minimum payment, Bankrate's minimum payment calculator says that Bennett can have his $600 paid off by the time he's 19.5! (Yeah, we know, even 6-year-olds know not to just pay the minimum payment... it's still kinda funny.)

Mom Shocked When 6-Year-Old Gets Credit Card [CBS2] (Thanks, Bill!)

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