Labor strike closes Eiffel Tower
PARIS » The Eiffel Tower has been shut down because of a strike.
The company that manages the tower says the CGT union, which represents most of the Eiffel Tower’s 300 workers, called the walkout Tuesday morning. Company director Nicolas Lefebvre said management and the union were in negotiations last week over salary raises, company profit-sharing policy and other issues.
The 124-year-old tower, normally open every day, sees about 25,000 tourists daily. It occasionally closes because of suicide threats, bomb threats or strikes.
Bicycle rental program takes off
NEW YORK » Authorities say those people using New York City’s new bike-sharing rental program have logged more than a million miles in less than a month.
City officials said last week that the miles are being racked up by more than 100,000 people who have signed up for daily, weekly or annual rides. They say the acceleration of use has resulted in 161,000 rides in one week alone. More than 30,000 rides were recorded June 21.
The program is called Citi Bike after a $41 million sponsorship from Citibank. An annual membership costs $95; a day pass, $9.95.
The program started May 27 for annual members and June 2 for others. It has 6,000 bikes at 330 stations in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
2 toy museums will become 1
ROCHESTER, N.Y. »The great minds of the toy industry will be honored alongside their famous creations when the Toy Industry Hall of Fame combines with the National Toy Hall of Fame under a partnership announced Tuesday.
The 5,000-square-foot National Toy Hall of Fame gallery at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester will undergo a $4 million renovation, with the goal of opening in late 2015.
The Toy Industry Hall of Fame, whose inductees have included Milton Bradley, Frederick August Otto Schwarz, Walt Disney and George Lucas, has been without a physical presence for about eight years following the closing of the International Toy Center in New York City.
Leaders of both halls have been talking for some time about combining the two as a way to raise their visibility and exposure and to promote their educational missions.
The combined halls will feature high-tech and hands-on interactive displays.
