Lifestyles Briefs July 18, 2010

Crash dummies now in museum

WASHINGTON - The crash-test dummies who promoted auto safety for 25 years in public service TV ads are headed to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is donating auto safety objects to the museum Wednesday, along with General Motors and Volvo.

The collection includes several costumes and "severed limbs" from Vince and Larry, the famous crash-test dummies. Their popularity inspired toy lines, cartoons and even a video game.

The donation also includes a real GM crash-test dummy, a three-point safety belt from a 1961 Volvo and an energy-absorbing steering column from a 1967 Chevrolet.

Lonely Planet gives away itineraries

OAKLAND, Calif. - Lonely Planet is giving away itineraries online from an upcoming guidebook, "USA's Best Trips: 99 Themed Itineraries Across America."

The free PDFs can be downloaded from Lonely Planet's Facebook page. A different itinerary is available each week through Labor Day.

The book comes out in September.

So far, Lonely Planet has released three itineraries - Route 66, the Pacific Northwest and New Jersey diners.

Spaceport seeks tour contractor

LAS CRUCES, N.M. - The New Mexico Spaceport Authority is seeking proposals for a contractor to provide regular sightseeing tours of the spaceport facilities and construction site.

Officials hope to start regular weekend tours as early as Sept. 1.

The so-called "Hard Hat Tours" will be conducted every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with clearly defined operational schedules. Spaceport director Rick Homans says the tours will offer visitors an opportunity to watch as Spaceport America takes shape.

- The Associated Press