What to do if you encounter a bear in the woods? A few days ago Kate Abbott and I were doing the Skyline Challenge 50k run, and met a black bear on the trail. A friend of mine later offered suggestions on what to do if attacked:

• You do not need to outrun the bear—you just need to be faster than the person you are with.
• Try to look as big as possible.
• When that doesn't work, drop down, get into a ball, and prepare to be swatted around.

The same advice, metaphorically, can apply to arguing with one's spouse!

^z - 2010-07-13