**FILE** The dirigible Columbia failed in an attempt to pick up mail from the mooring mast of the Empire State Building in this Sept. 30, 1931 file photo in New York City, because of wind resistance. The dirigible is shown quite near the mast of the building while below thousands of people watched the attempt. Born in the Great Depression, the building has weathered economic hardship, world war, labor strikes, murder, terrorist fears and yes, even its own plane crash. On Monday, May 1, 2006, the Empire State Building turns 75 years old, a diamond jubilee for New York City's crown jewel. (AP Photo/File)