Man vs. Stairs

Bear Grylls shows you the ropes of urban survival in Discovery's 'Worst Case Scenario'

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Love him or hate him, Bear Grylls commands attention—heck, we sent writer Steve Friedman to try and live by his outdoor rules (“I Will Survive,” Oct. 2008). So it’s no surprise he’s back: This spring, Discovery will launch Worst Case Scenario, which pits Grylls’ skills against urban dangers.

According to the presser, Grylls will “put himself into potentially life-threatening situations to show the how-to, hands-on, step-by-step instructions on everything you may need to know when faced with a worst

case scenario” Such “everyday life” dangers include:

• escaping a high-rise apartment fire

• fending off a shark attack

• escaping out of a sinking car

• getting yourself out of a frozen lake

• handling a car when its brakes give out while driving down a hill

• preventing a mountain lion attack

• falling down a flight of stairs — unharmed

Hmmm…there’s seems to be a bit of a mixed message going on here. I can’t imagine very many people having to fight off a shark in “everyday life,” but I suppose learning how to fall down the stairs without injury would be useful. Great party trick to scare your friends, at least. Make sure you’re wearing padded pants.

—Ted Alvarez

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