Airline water Study 2019: Which Airline's Water Is Safest At 35,000 feet? New Study Rates Health Of Water Provided To Passengers

 

Alaska & Allegiant Airlines The Safetst Water in the Sky

JetBlue & Spirit The Worst

New York, N.Y. - A 2019 Airline Water Study released by DietDetective.com and the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center at the City University of New York reveals that the quality of drinking water varies by airline, and many airlines have possibly provided passengers with unhealthy water.

Unhealthy water violates the federal government's Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (ADWR), which was implemented in 2011 and requires airlines to provide passengers and flight crew with safe drinking water.

The 2019 Airline Water Study ranks 11 major and 12 regional airlines mainly by the quality of water they provided onboard its flights. Each airline was given a "Water Health Score" (5 = highest rating, 0 = lowest) based on 10 criteria, including fleet size, ADWR violations, positive E. coli and coliform water sample reports and cooperation in providing answers to water-quality questions. A score of 3.0 or better indicates that the airline has relatively safe, clean water.

"Alaska Airlines and Allegiant win the top spot with the safest water in the sky, and Hawaiian Airlines finishes No. 2," says Charles Platkin, PhD, JD, MPH, the editor of DietDetective.comand the executive director of the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center.

The airlines with the worst scores are JetBlue and Spirit Airlines, the study shows. "Except for Piedmont Airlines, regional airlines need to improve their onboard water safety," Platkin says.

The ADWR requires airlines to take samples from their water tanks to test for coliform bacteria and possible E. coli. Airlines are also required to disinfect and flush each aircraft's water tank four times per year. Alternatively, an airline may choose to disinfect and flush once a year, but then it must test monthly.

The 2019 Airline Water Study also finds that the Environmental Protection Agency - one of the federal agencies responsible for ensuring safe aircraft drinking water- rarely levies civil penalties to airlines in violation of the ADWR.

Here are the study's findings:

• The major airlines receiving the highest Airline Water Health Score are Allegiant and Alaska - each with a score of 3.3 on a 0-to-5 scale. Hawaiian Airlines is a close second at 3.1.
• Piedmont Airlines, which operates American Eagle flights, is the highest-rated regional carrier with a score of 4.33.
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• Among major airlines, Spirit and JetBlue tied for the lowest score of 1 on a 0-to-5 scale.
• Nearly all regional airlines, except Piedmont, have poor Water Health Scores and a large number of ADWR violations. Republic Airways (which flies for United Express, Delta Connection and American Eagle) has the lowest score at 0.44 on a 0-to-5 scale and ExpressJet is second-lowest at 0.56. ExpressJet averages 3.36 ADWR violations per aircraft.
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• The number of ADWR violations by all airlines in 2018 was significantly less than the number in 2012, the first year after the ADWR was enacted. For major airlines, violations have decreased 69% (262 to 81), while violations among regional airlines have decreased 71% (351 to 103). However, the decrease might reflect a lack of enforcement by the EPA, which has issued few penalties in recent years.
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• The "Shame on You" Award goes to the EPA and nearly all major airlines (regional airlines weren't contacted) for their very poor response time and lack of cooperation answering detailed questions. The EPA didn't answer most penalty-related questions, and Spirit, Allegiant and Frontier did not respond to any questions. Very weak responses - and responses that didn't address questions - were provided by American, United, and JetBlue, which had a large number of violations during the past seven years.
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• Testing for coliform bacteria is important, because their presence in drinking water indicates that disease-causing organisms (pathogens) could be in the water system.
• When an aircraft's water sample tests positive for coliform, it must be tested again to determine if E. coli is present. If E. coli is not present, the airline must take repeat samples within 24 hrs, disinfect and flush the water system within 72 hrs. Or the airline can shut down the water system within 72 hrs and then disinfect and flush. If the sample is E. Coli positive, the airline must shut off public access to the water system within 24 hrs and disinfect and flush.
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• The ADWR does not require the same testing as the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, which includes other microorganisms in addition to total coliform. (See here).
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• An aircraft flies to numerous destinations and may pump drinking water into its tanks from various sources at domestic and international locations. The water quality onboard also depends on the safety of the equipment used to transfer the water, such as water cabinets, trucks, carts and hoses.
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• Here's the bottom-line advice from DietDetective.com and the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center. To be extra safe:
  • NEVER drink any water onboard that isn't in a sealed bottle,
  • Do not drink coffee or tea onboard,
  • Do not wash your hands in the bathroom; bring hand-sanitizer with you instead.

Airline Water Health Scores At-a-Glance (5 = highest rating, 0 = lowest):

Major Airlines

Alaska Airlines: 3.3, Allegiant Air: 3.3, Hawaiian Airlines: 3.1, Frontier Airlines: 2.6, Southwest Airlines: 2.4, Delta Air Lines: 1.6, American Airlines: 1.5, United Airlines: 1.2, JetBlue: 1, Spirit Airlines: 1

Regional Airlines

Piedmont Airlines: 4.33, Sun Country Airlines: 2.78, Envoy Air: 2.11, GoJet Airlines: 2, Trans States Airlines: 1.78, Compass Airlines 1.22, PSA Airlines: 1.22, SkyWest Airlines 1.11, Endeavor Air: 0.78, Air Wisconsin Airlines: 0.68, ExpressJet Airlines: 0.56, Republic Airways: 0.44

Airline Water Study Results*

Major Airlines

Alaska Airlines
Onboard Water Health Score: 3.3 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 335
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 2
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 0.01
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 1
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 64
Cooperation In Water Investigation: Not helpful
Comments: While Alaska Airlines has a very low number of violations per aircraft, and received the highest water score. The airline has several unrecorded violations for its failure to collect repeat or follow-up samples of a coliform-positive result.

Allegiant
Onboard Water Health Score: 3.3 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 91
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 6
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 0.06
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 2
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 0
Cooperation In Water Investigation: Not helpful
Comments: Allegiant has a very low number of average violations per aircraft and received the highest water score.

Hawaiian Airlines
Onboard Water Health Score: 3.1 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 57
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 25
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 0.44
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 0
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 7
Cooperation In Water Investigation: Somewhat helpful
Comments: The airline says it samples water twice as often as EPA guidelines recommend. However, the airline had a relatively high average number of violations per aircraft. It is also important to note that 15 of the airline's 25 violations (since 2012) were in the last 18 months.

Frontier Airlines
Onboard Water Health Score: 2.6 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 91
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 19
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 0.21
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 4
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 8
Cooperation In Water Investigation: Not helpful
Comments: Frontier had a relatively high number of violations for failure to conduct routine monitoring.

Southwest Airlines Co.
Onboard Water Health Score: 2.4 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 754
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 33
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 0.04
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 2
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 122
Cooperation In Water Investigation: Not helpful
Comments: Southwest had a very low number of violations per aircraft. However, the airline had an elevated number of violations for failure to conduct routine monitoring and failure to perform corrective actions as required.

Delta Air Lines
Onboard Water Health Score: 1.6 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 916
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 213
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 0.23
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 15
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 359
Cooperation In Water Investigation: Helpful
Comments: Delta is the only airline to actually written a blog post on its water. However, the airline had a relatively high number of average violations per aircraft and a very high number of positive E. Coli lavatory samples. Additionally, the airline had a very high number of violations for failure to conduct routine monitoring and a high number of violations for failure to perform corrective actions. Endeavor Air, a subsidiary of Delta, also did not do very well with a score of 0.78.

American Airlines
Onboard Water Health Score: 1.5 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 968
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 108
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 0.11
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 23
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 660
Cooperation In Water Investigation: Not helpful
Comments: American Airlines had a very high number of galley water samples testing positive for E.Coli. Additionally, American had a relatively high number of violations for failure to conduct routine monitoring and failure to perform corrective actions and repeat or follow up samples. American also owns regional carriers, PSA Airlines and Envoy Air, which have very poor onboard water records. However, its other subsidiary, Piedmont Airlines, received the highest water score.

United Airlines
Onboard Water Health Score: 1.2 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 786
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 79
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 0.10
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 3
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 205
Cooperation In Water Investigation: Not helpful
Comments: The airline had a high number of violations for failure to conduct routine monitoring and failure to collect repeat or follow-up samples of a coliform-positive result. Additionally, United is associated with the regionals Air Wisconsin, ExpressJet and Trans States Airlines, which have very poor onboard water records.

JetBlue
Onboard Water Health Score: 1 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 254
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 354
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 1.40
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 9
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 144
Cooperation In Water Investigation: Not Helpful
Comments: A poor response from JetBlue representatives and a poor water safety record. JetBlue had the highest number of total ADWR violations among the major airlines and a very high number of average number of violations per aircraft. The airline also had a relatively high number of water samples testing positive for E. coli and a high number of violations for failure to conduct routine monitoring, failure to perform required corrective actions and failure to collect repeat or follow-up samples of a coliform-positive result.

Spirit Airlines
Onboard Water Health Score: 1 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 135
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 193
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 1.43
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 1
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 31
Cooperation In Water Investigation: Not helpful
Comments: Spirit had the highest number of average of violations per aircraft among the major airlines. Additionally, the airline had a high number of violations for failure to conduct routine monitoring and failure to perform corrective actions as required.

Regional Airlines

Piedmont Airlines (operates as American Eagle, owned by American Airlines)
Onboard Water Health Score: 4.33 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 60
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 1
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 0.02
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 0
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 5
Comments: Piedmont, a subsidiary of American Airlines Group, had the least number of ADWR violations among all regional carriers.
Sun Country Airlines
Onboard Water Health Score: 2.78 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 30
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 19
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 0.63
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 2
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 8
Comments: Sun Country had a relatively high number of average violations per aircraft.

Envoy Air (operates as American Eagle, owned by American Airlines)
Onboard Water Health Score: 2.11 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 63
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 63
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 1.00
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 24
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 172
Comments: Envoy had a very high number lavatory water samples testing positive for E. Coli. Additionally, the airline has a relatively high number of violations for failure to perform corrective actions and a high number of violations for failure to collect repeat or follow-up samples of a coliform-positive result.

GoJet Airlines (operates as United Express, Delta Connection)
Onboard Water Health Score: 2 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 53
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 26
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 0.49
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 2
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 64
Comments: GoJet Airlines had a relatively high number of average violations per aircraft. As of August 6, 2019, Delta Connection ended its partnership with Gojet and Compass Airlines.

Trans States Airlines (operates as United Express)
Onboard Water Health Score: 1.78 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 46
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 33
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 0.72
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 2
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 0
Comments: Trans States Airlines had a relatively high number of violations per aircraft.

Compass Airlines (operates as Delta Connection and American Eagle)
Onboard Water Health Score: 1.22 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 56
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 113
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 2.02
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 0
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 65
Comments: Compass had a very high number of violations per aircraft and a very high number of violations for failure to conduct routine monitoring, failure to perform corrective actions as required and failure to collect repeat or follow-up samples of a coliform-positive result.

Mesa Airlines (operates as United Express and American Eagle)
Onboard Water Health Score: 1.22 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 145
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 73
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 0.50
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 7
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 67
Comments: Mesa had a relatively high number of violations per aircraft.
PSA Airlines (operates as American Eagle and owned by American Airlines)
Onboard Water Health Score: 1.22 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 144
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 78
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 0.54
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 7
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 89
Comments: PSA had a relatively high number of violations for lavatory water samples testing positive for E. Coli and failure to collect repeat or follow-up samples of a coliform-positive result.

SkyWest Airlines (operates as United Express, Delta Connection, American Eagle, Alaska SkyWest)
Onboard Water Health Score: 1.11 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 512
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 117
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 0.23
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 25
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 1042
Comments: SkyWest had a very high number of the lavatory water samples testing positive for E.Coli. Additionally, the airline had a very high number of violations for failure to conduct routine monitoring and a very high number of violations for failure to collect repeat or follow-up samples of a coliform-positive result.

Endeavor Air (operates as Delta Connection owned Delta Air Lines.)
Onboard Water Health Score: 0.78 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 157
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 322
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 2.05
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 14
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 430
Comments: Endeavor had a relatively high number of lavatory water samples testing positive for E. Coli and a very high number of average violations per aircraft. Additionally, the airline had a very high number of violations for failure to conduct routine monitoring, failure to perform corrective actions as required and failure to collect repeat or follow-up samples of a coliform-positive result.

Air Wisconsin Airlines (operates as United Express)
Onboard Water Health Score: 0.67 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 64
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 188
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 2.94
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 4
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 133
Comments: Air Wisconsin had a very high number of average violations per aircraft and violations for failure to conduct routine monitoring and failure to collect repeat or follow-up samples of a coliform-positive result. The airline also had a relatively high number of violations for failure to perform required corrective actions.

ExpressJet Airlines Inc (operates as United Express)
Onboard Water Health Score: 0.56 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 128
Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 430
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 3.36
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 12
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 679
Comments: Abysmal. ExpressJet had the highest average number of violations. The airline also had a very high number of lavatory water samples testing positive for E. coli and violations for failure to conduct routine monitoring, failure to perform required corrective actions and failure to collect repeat or follow-up samples of a coliform-positive result.

Republic Airways (operates as United Express, Delta Connection, American Eagle)
Onboard Water Health Score: 0.44 / 5 Stars
Aircraft Fleet Size: 191 Total ADWR Violations (2012-2019): 132
Avg # of ADWR Violations per Aircraft: 0.69
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For E. Coli (2012-2019): 6
Total Water Samples Testing Positive For Coliform (2012-2019): 125
Comments: Republic had a relatively high number of average violations per aircraft and a very high number of violations for failure to conduct routine monitoring and failure to perform required corrective actions. The airline also had a high number of violations for failure to collect repeat or follow-up samples of a coliform-positive result.

Canine Comforts: Study Reveals The Locations Of The Most Pampered Pooches

• Comparethemarket.com reveals the best locations for your four-legged furry pooch to be pampered.
• The research analyses the number of dog salons training centres, kennels, vets and parks relative to the population of the city.
• Nottingham tops the UK list while across the pond in the US, Long Beach, California ranks the highest.

Given the growing trend of dog owners treating their pets as VIPs (very important pooches), it’s apparent that some cities are more accommodating for four-legged furry friends than others. From hydrotherapy to dog scootering, as well as the number of parks, vets and dog salons in major UK towns and cities, the new study by comparethemarket.com reveals the best locations to pamper your pooch.

Best US cities to make a fuss of your four-legged friend

1. Long Beach, California - The coastal city in southern California takes the top spot for the best cities to treat your dog to some pampering. With 985 dog training centres, over 445 kennels and a staggering 259 dog grooming salons, you can treat your canine to some well-deserved comfort.
2. Mesa, Arizona - Coming in at second, the city of Mesa is a hub for pampering your furry friend, with over 619 vets, 546 dog training centres and 337 kennels.
3. Atlanta, Georgia - The state capital of Georgia ranks third in the list thanks to its 65 great open parks, 661 vets and 139 dog salons.
4. Sacramento, California - Sacramento comes in fourth in the rank of pampered pooch capitals. It boasts 88 large parks, 471 dog training facilities and an impressive 439 vets located across the city.
5. Seattle, Washington - Surrounded by mountains, forest and parkland, Seattle is a great city for your canine. It is also home to a staggering 96 parks, 673 vets, 663 dog training centres, and 152 dog salons.

Top UK locations for pooch-pampering

1. Nottingham - Famed for its legends of Robin Hood, Nottingham is also the capital for indulging your dog. With over 16 large parks and 14 dog salons across the city, and with the third highest number of dog-training facilities (totalling 71), Nottingham takes the top spot.
2. Liverpool - Liverpool ranks second in the list for the best city to treat your furry friend with 11 dog grooming salons, 261 kennels, and a whopping 107 parks for your dog to stretch its legs and roam.
3. Hull - The East Yorkshire city of Hull is in third place when it comes to pampered pooch capitals thanks to its 26 dog training centres, 116 kennels situated across the city, and 46 parks.
4. Birmingham - Birmingham takes fourth place with 26 dog salons, 84 dog training facilities and an impressive 205 vets scattered across the city.
5. Edinburgh - The Scottish capital takes fifth place on the list with 26 dog training centres, 25 vets, and 155 parks.

Pampered Pooch Capitals

For more information on the pampered pooch capitals or to see the full list here.

National Museum Of American Jewish History To Present East Coast Premiere Of NOTORIOUS RBG The Life and Times Of Ruth Bader Ginsburg October 4, 2019 – January 12, 2020

First museum retrospective of the Supreme Court Justice–turned–cultural icon,

based upon the Internet phenomenon and bestselling book

PHILADELPHIA, PA—The National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH) will be the premier East Coast venue for Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the first-ever exhibition about the trailblazing associate justice. Based on the New York Times bestselling book of the same name and created in partnership with its authors, Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik, the exhibition will take a deeply personal journey through historic change with an entertaining yet rigorous look at the life and work of Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG) and the Supreme Court. It will also examine her varied roles as a student, life partner, mother, change-making lawyer, judge, women’s rights pioneer, and pop culture icon. Notorious RBG will be on view at NMAJH from October 4, 2019 through January 12, 2020. Presenting this special exhibit will kick off our celebration of the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote.

Justice Ginsburg’s life and nomination to the Court are not new to NMAJH. She has been featured in the Museum’s core exhibition since our grand re-opening in 2010 as part of our exploration of contemporary Jewish life in America and has been a longstanding Museum member. In addition to exploring her work as a Supreme Court Justice, the special exhibition delves into her roles as student, wife, mother, lawyer, trailblazer—and pop culture icon. NMAJH’s location on Independence Mall provides the unique and ideal backdrop for exploring Justice Ginsburg’s story and the circumstances that brought her to the Court. It places the Justice’s story at the very location where the United States was founded and the US Constitution established the Supreme Court.

“Notorious RBG continues NMAJH’s commitment to marginalized voices whose stories give us richer understanding of the American experience. In Sara Berman’s Closet, we placed a women’s closet on Independence Mall, putting it in conversation with its male-centered monuments and offering a new perspective on immigration and making a life in America. This fall, I am thrilled to celebrate Justice Ginsburg’s groundbreaking career as an activist, advocate, icon, and the first Jewish woman to serve on the Supreme Court,” says Josh Perelman, PhD, Chief Curator and Director of Exhibitions and Interpretation.  “Justice Ginsburg’s life and career are an essential reminder that the freedoms promised here in Philadelphia are the right of every person in the country.”

The exhibition Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg was organized by the Skirball Cultural Center, in Los Angeles. Through archival photographs and documents, historical artifacts, contemporary art, media stations, and gallery interactives, it explores the American legal system and civil rights movements through the lens of Justice Ginsburg’s personal experiences and public service. Like the book, it tells the parallel stories of her remarkable life and the efforts she joined to expand “We the People” to include those long left out of the Constitution’s promises.

Justice Ginsburg acquired the nickname “Notorious RBG” after a series of fiery, record-breaking dissents she gave from the Supreme Court bench in 2013. Most vividly, she protested the gutting of the Voting Rights Act, comparing the decision to “throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet.” Ginsburg’s brave and bracing voice inspired Americans dismayed by the court’s rulings, and moved then-NYU law student Shana Knizhnik to create the Notorious RBG tumblr, referencing  rap star Notorious B.I.G. In homage to Notorious B.I.G., the exhibition section titles are inspired by his lyrics.

No other Justice, however scrutinized or respected, has so captured the public’s imagination. Her every utterance is clickbait, and since 2013 there have been thousands of homemade RBG costumes, cocktails, ice cream flavors, and more. Comedian Kate McKinnon made her a recurring Saturday Night Live character, and Felicity Jones has played her in the 2018 biopic, On the Basis of Sex. The 2015 book Notorious RBG is a runaway success and three other Ginsburg-related books have gone on to become bestsellers. The adoring portrayal of a woman like RBG as both fierce and knowing “is a crucial expansion of the American imagination with regard to powerful women,” wrote feminist author Rebecca Traister.

The exhibition marries immersive 3-dimensional environments with historic artifacts to bring key moments in Justice Ginsburg’s personal and professional story to life. These environments will bring key moments to life, such as recreations of Justice Ginsburg’s childhood Brooklyn apartment and of the Supreme Court bench, where visitors can take a seat and imagine making their own opinions heard. Visitors will also gain insight into RBG’s marriage to Martin “Marty” Ginsburg, her partner of more than fifty years, through family snapshots and other materials from their life together, including some of Marty’s favorite recipes as the accomplished amateur chef of the Ginsburg household. Finally, reflecting RBG’s effect on pop culture, Notorious RBG will include contemporary art and expression that she has inspired, by such artists as Maira Kalman and Ari Richter.

The exhibition is narrated through a combination of the Justice’s writings, opinions, and interviews. Along with objects linked to Justice Ginsburg and the Supreme Court, visitors to the exhibition will tour the whimsical yet powerful world of Notorious RBG memes, fan art, and parody – from a cartoon action figure named Wrath Hover Ginsbot to renderings of the Justice’s likeness on t-shirts, nail decals, and even as tattoos.

 

For more information, visit nmajh.org/RBG.

The exhibition Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is organized by the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles. It is made possible by support from the following Lead Donor:

Lynda and Stewart Resnick – The Wonderful Company

Along with generous support from the following donors:

Angell Foundation

Engaging the Senses Foundation

Rebekah and Howard Farber

Karsh Family Foundation

Women for Justice and [t]Ruth

This exhibition was made possible thanks to the generous support of one of the great many admirers of RBG. 

About the National Museum of American Jewish History
The National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH), located on historic Independence Mall in Philadelphia, brings to life the more than 360-year history of Jews in America. Tracing the stories of how Jewish immigrants became Jewish Americans, the Museum invites visitors of all backgrounds to share their own stories and reflect on how their histories and identities shape and are shaped by the American experience. An open door for all, NMAJH honors the past and contributes to a better future by sharing the power of imagination and ideas, culture and community, leadership and service, in ways that turn inspiration into action.

Visiting NMAJH
NMAJH is located at 101 South Independence Mall East at the corner of Fifth and Market Streets in Philadelphia. Museum hours are Wednesday to Friday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am - 5:30 pm. Museum admission is $15.00 for adults, $13.00 for senior citizens and youth, free for children 12 and under, Museum Members, and active military with ID; reduced prices available if purchased online. Connect with the Museum on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For more information, visit NMAJH.org or call 215.923.3811.

About the Skirball 
The Skirball Cultural Center is a place of meeting guided by the Jewish tradition of welcoming the stranger and inspired by the American democratic ideals of freedom and equality. We welcome people of all communities and generations to participate in cultural experiences that celebrate discovery and hope, foster human connections, and call upon us to help build a more just society. For general information, the public may call (310) 440-4500 or visit skirball.org.

Travelore Tips: 4 Surprising Things Travel Insurance Covers

Travel insurance is know for covering common travel mishaps, such as a medical emergency or travel delay, but many travelers are unaware that their policy may cover a number of less common, but equally costly trip scenarios. Here is a list of 4 surprising scenarios travel insurance can cover in case you're working on any summer travel-related features. A Sick or Injured Travel Companion A common misconception is that travelers need to experience a medical emergency themselves in order to be covered to cancel or return home early from their trip. The Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits within a travel insurance policy can cover travelers to cancel their trip if their travel companion experiences an illness or injury before or during their trip, even if they are not listed on the same policy. Extreme Sports and Adventure Activities  While standard travel insurance policies usually limit coverage to more traditional adventure activities like hiking and snorkeling, some policies can provide coverage for a wide range of more extreme sports such as mountain climbing and scuba diving. Travelers who purchase adventure and sports travel insurance can be covered by the standard medical and cancellation benefits while participating in adventurous activities during their trip. A Work Emergency or Layoff  Many travel insurance policies include the Cancel For Work Reasons benefit, which can cover a traveler to cancel a trip or return home early if their pre-approved vacation time is revoked due to an unforeseen work requirement, even if they are self-employed. Some policies can also cover a traveler to cancel their trip in the event they experience an involuntary layoff or termination of employment. A Severely Damaged Home If a hurricane or other natural disaster severely damages a traveler’s home while they are away, most cancellation policies can cover the cost for the traveler to return home early, as well as any unused trip expenses due to the early return. Some policies can also refund travelers if their place of work is rendered uninhabitable.

About Squaremouth Squaremouth compares travel insurance policies from every major travel insurance provider in the United States. Using Squaremouth's comparison engine and third-party customer reviews, travelers can research and compare travel insurance policies side-by-side. More information can be found at www.squaremouth.com.

Venture Off The Beaten Path In Puerto Vallarta

Get off the #PuertoVallarta #touristtrail for #offthebeatenpath adventures. Photo: @PuertoVallarta

Mexico is known for its outstanding beach towns, which pull hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. But just because a destination is popular with tourists does not mean that there are no local, under-the-radar secrets to be discovered. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico's west coast beach capital, is a destination that is very much on the tourist trail, yet still provides adventures off the beaten path for those who are willing to look. Puerto Vallarta is the jewel of Mexico’s west coast, strategically located on the Bay of Banderas. The city itself has a fabulous marina, hotel zone, and historic downtown, and is also within driving distance from some of the smaller beach communities that sit along the bay. It is a haven for luxury, fine dining, all-inclusive resorts, local culture, art, history, adventure travel, and more. Of course there is plenty to see and do in the resort areas and on tours, but travelers looking to venture off the beaten path will find so much to discover. Adventure enthusiasts will love the many hiking opportunities available in and around Puerto Vallarta. One of the best is a coast-hugging hike that runs from the small village of Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas beach. The hike is relatively unknown to tourists and is mostly a local activity, but those who make the journey are rewarded with dramatic views over turquoise-colored water, private beaches and coves, and even a secret beach club that acts like a private party hideaway on its own stretch of sand. To access the hike, hire a taxi or take a local bus south to Boca de Tomatlan to find the trailhead. To return travelers can hire a water taxi back from Las Animas to Boca de Tomatlan. Speaking of beaches, visitors can discover a small beach community only accessible by boat. The small fishing village of Yelapa is surrounded by jungle-blanketed mountains, offering a quiet beach escape far from the activity of Puerto Vallarta’s more central beaches. A handful of restaurants dot the shore, and there are a few basic hotel accommodations for those who wish to spend the night. One of the best things to do in Yelapa is take the hike back into the jungle to find the beautiful waterfall. Get your cameras ready for one of Puerto Vallarta’s ‘wow’ factors: its sunsets. Epic almost any night of the year, the skies over Puerto Vallarta explode with fiery colors. While most visitors will pick their perches down along the shore, those in the know will be high above the city taking in the sunset and views below from the Mirador Cerro de la Cruz. This hilltop vantage point has sweeping views over the entire city, Zona Romantica, and the bay. It’s beautiful at any time of day, but for those truly Instagrammable photos, sunset is unbeatable. Finally, foodies will delight at the off the beaten path dining that packs the city. While the restaurant gastronomy scene is absolutely worthwhile, it’s the local spots that truly set Puerto Vallarta dining apart. Roam the taco trucks in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood, or sink your teeth into delicious fish tacos and ceviche at El Solar Beach Club. Tip: Remain at El Solar after sunset for live music and a local party almost every night of the week. From isolated beaches to the next undiscovered taco experience, adventures in nature, and everything in between, Puerto Vallarta might be one of the most popular destinations in Mexico but it offers a world waiting to be experienced off the beaten path. For more information on Puerto Vallarta, please go to www.visitpuertovallarta.com.