The first of four viewing platforms giving visitors an unrestricted view of the devastation and the ongoing recovery efforts at what was once the World Trade Center opened to the general public on Sunday.

The 13-foot high wooden deck can hold between 300 to 400 people at a time. Three other similar platforms are being constructed at other locations around the site, but there was no immediate word on when they would be finished.

The platform was opened to the public after Mayor Rudolph Giuliani made the first visit on Saturday. He said he was confident those who use the platform will respect what he calls "hallowed, sacred ground."

"(The platform) will allow people to reflect on the importance of human life," the mayor said. "It will allow people to reflect on the importance of democracy and political freedom."

The rectangular, fenced-in structure is located on Church Street alongside the cemetery behind historic St. Paul's Church.

TAKING A TOLL

There was a time when crossing the Golden Gate Bridge was something anyone who came near San Francisco wanted to do. Used in countless TV ads, promotions, works of art and the subject of many documentaries, the bridge that connects San Francisco and Marin County has been fabled since it was first constructed in the 1930s.

But, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, the sagging economy -- making the $3 toll less affordable, coupled with fears that someone might just bring down the bridge in another act of terrorism -- have caused a sudden downturn in crossings and a big decrease in revenue. Unlike the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge was not built as part of a massive federal public works project. It was constructed with monies from bond issues voted in by a dozen cities and counties that ultimately benefited from the elimination of the old ferry crossings.

Now, according to the publication, the bridge -- actually not golden, but painted International Orange -- faces a $5 million budget shortfall. That gap could double in just two years if more cars and trucks don't start crossing the span soon.

(Thanks to UPI Feature Reporter Dennis Daily)

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

In the wake of Sept. 11, many people are re-thinking the way they live their lives and what's important. That's according to a new survey conducted by General Nutrition Centers.70 percent of those questioned said New Year's resolutions are more meaningful this year. Topping the resolutions list: enjoying life more, followed by spending time with friends and family, eating healthy and exercising.

REASONS TO CELEBRATE THIS WEEK:

MONDAY: This is New Year's Eve, the last day of the Gregorian calendar and traditionally a day of merrymaking to welcome in the new year.

Many U.S. cities hold family-friendly celebrations known as First Night.

Today is Make Up Your Mind Day.

Belgium, Germany, France and Switzerland observe St. Sylvester's Day.

This is Namahage in Japan. In the evening, groups of "Namahage" -- men disguised as devils -- go door-to-door, asking "Any good-for-nothing fellow hereabout?" The idea is to give sluggards a chance to reform, or be punished by devils.

Samoa celebrates the Samoan Fire Dance today.

And it's World Peace Meditation, an opportunity for people to focus their energy and thoughts on peace. (Web site: quartus.org)

TUESDAY: This is New Year's Day, the first day of 2002 and a public holiday in the United States and many other countries. The first day of the year is traditionally a day of personal stocktaking, for making resolutions for the coming year and sometimes for recovering from the excesses of New Year's Eve.

Today being Jan. 1, this is Book Blitz Month, Bread Machine Baking Month, Celebration of Life Month, Christian/Jewish Humor Month, Clinical Trial Awareness Month, Coffee Gourmet International Month, Family Fit Lifestyle Month, International Life Balance Month, International Quality of Life Month, International Creativity Month, National Be On-Purpose Month, National Clean Up Your Computer Month, National Get To Known An Independent Real Estate Broker Month, National Glaucoma Awareness Month, National High-Tech Month, National Hot Tea Month, National Mailorder Gardening Month, National Personal Self-Defense Awareness Month, National Poverty In America Awareness Month, National Reaching Your Potential Month, National Yours, Mine and Ours Month, Oatmeal Month, Senior Spirit Month, and World Reverence for Life Awareness.

Today through Jan. 7 is Celebration of Life Week, Diet Resolution Week, National Lose Weight/Feel Great Week, New Year's Resolution Week, and Silent Record Week.

It's "Get A Life" Day.

Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., issues its annual New Year's Dishonor List of words that should be banished from the English language. (Web site: lssu.edu)

A Universal Hour of Peace is held today at noon (Greenwich Time), during which everyone is asked to meditate for peace. (Web site: som.org)

This is Z Day, honoring those people and places whose name begins with the letter "z" and are always listed last alphabetically.

Cuba celebrates Liberation Day today.

It's Independence Day in Haiti and in Sudan.

And today and Wednesday is Foundation Days in Taiwan, a public holiday commemorating the founding of the Republic of China in 1912.

WEDNESDAY: The Earth will be at its perihelion, or closest point to the Sun in its orbit (at 91,400,000 miles) at 9 a.m. EST today.

This is Happy Mew Year For Cats Day. (Web site: wellcat.com)

It's Ancestors' Day in Haiti today.

The traditional Japanese festival of Kakizome is celebrated today, when the first strokes of the year are made on paper with the traditional brushes.

This is Passport Presentation day in Russia, a ceremony for 16-year-olds who are then recognized as citizens of the country.

And many cantons of Switzerland celebrate Berchtoldstag today. The holiday commemorates the founding of the city of Berne by Duke Berchtold V in the 12th century.

THURSDAY: This is Memento Mori, which is Latin for "Remember, you die" -- a reminder that life is fleeting so enjoy what you've got today. (Web site: wellcat.com)

FRIDAY: This is Dimpled Chad Day, commemorating all the dimpled chads left over from elections worldwide. (Web site: wellcat.com)

Today is Trivia Day.

And it's Independence Day in Myanmar, the nation formerly known as Burma.

(Thanks to Chase's 2001 Calendar of Events)

BY THE WAY...

Who was the first chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff?

Gen. George C. Marshall, born on this date in 1880, headed the newly formed Joint Chiefs of Staff committee during World War II.