Epic problems require superhuman efforts. The 20 Blue Planet runners who are currently circling the earth have an urgent message: One in five people in the world lack safe drinking water. The result: 6,000 deaths each day and lives filled with sickness. In fact, the Blue Planet foundation estimates half of the hospitals in the world are filled with people suffering from waterborne diseases.

The message: A donation of $30 can provide a lifetime of safe drinking water for one person.

The Blue Planet relay run (15,200 miles, across 16 countries and four continents, 24 hours a day for 95 days) began in New York City on June 1. A team of 20 male and female athletes run along a route that includes the U.S., Ireland, the U.K., France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Belarus, Russia, Mongolia, China, Japan and Canada. Each runner sprints 10 miles a day to spread the message. Batons will be passed at more than 1,500 exchange points. The run will end back in New York on Sept. 4. Follow the race and/or help, at www.blueplanetrun.org.

— Chris Oliver

AIRPLANES

FROM THE SORE KNEES DEPARTMENT

For a more spacious airplane seat, check width and pitch with carriers before making a reservation.

Coach seat width on U.S. airlines varies from a cramped 16 inches (ouch!) to a passable 21 inches. The seat pitch is measured by the distance from the point on your seat to exactly the same point on the seat behind or in front. At some online booking sites, you can see which rows offer wider seats and the most leg room. A pitch of
36 inches is generous (and rare) by today's standards.

— Advertiser staff

TOP 10

ATTRACTIVE ATTRACTIONS

The top U.S. attractions, according to traveler popularity and TripAdvisor editors:

1. Orlando, Fla. (various)

2. Cirque de Soleil, Las Vegas

3. Hana Highway, Maui

4. Grand Canyon, Ariz.

5. Central Park, New York City

6. Alcatraz, San Francisco

7.Top of the Rock Observation Deck, New York City

8. Monterey Bay (Calif.) Aquarium

9.Bellagio Fountains, Las Vegas

10. San Diego Zoo

— Chicago Tribune