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Apocalypse Hollywood: Survival Lessons From the Stars

Apocalypse Hollywood: Survival Lessons From the Stars
Hollywood doesn't always excel at realism, but, hey, if you're ever caught in a post-apocalyptic nuclear fallout crawling with zombies or run by apes, you'll thank your lucky stars you read the lessons here.

Previous Worst-Case Scenarios Stories
Apocalypse Chow
Meals ready-to-eat (MREs) are the military’s answer to a long-term, disaster-proof food supply. But does the taste inspire the will to survive? To find out, we had some of PM’s hungriest staffers take a flavor face-off. Here’s what the end of the world tastes like. (Published in the October 2009 issue)
4 People Who Faced Disaster—And How They Made it Out Alive
Some disasters are simply not survivable. But most are, and research on human behavior suggests that the difference between life and death often comes down to the simple—yet surprisingly difficult—task of recognizing threats before they overwhelm you. (Published in the October 2009 issue)
Beyond First Aid Kits: 5 Unexpected Survival Kit Essentials
Gallon jugs of water, fire extinguishers and first-aid supplies are the essentials of any good survival kit, but our survey of those who have outlasted disasters suggests a few more unexpected items. (Published in the October 2009 issue)
How Self Reliance Can Get You Through Any Disaster
Our complex world is more disaster-prone than ever—but there’s plenty we can do about it. Self-reliant, community-minded individuals can help people get through a major event when all else fails. Instapundit’s Glenn Reynolds tells us how. (Published in the October 2009 issue)
8 Tools and Gadgets to Prepare Your Home For Any Disaster
Every year, millions of Americans cope with the threat of hurricanes, wildfires, quakes and tornadoes—and blackouts can strike anywhere. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing your home and family. (Published in the August 2009 issue)
6 Safe, Strong—and Chic—Bomb Shelters You Can Buy Now
It seems the world's threats loom large enough nowadays that anyone who isn't paranoid should pay more attention. Fortunately, bomb-shelter styles are as varied as the paths to annihilation. Here are six of our favorites.
When Wild Animals Attack: An Encounter With a Rabid Skunk
Animal encounters are on the rise—and it's not just big animals like mountain lions, bears and alligators. Here, Brian Clark Howard revisits the time a rabid skunk attacked him while he camped in a friend's yard, just 1 hour away from New York City.
5 Useful Gadgets to Keep in Case of Power Outage
Most people are prepared for a small power outage. You've got the flashlight next to the bed, a couple of cans of soup in the pantry, and a few extra packs of AA batteries in the basement. But are you ready for a bigger blackout?
Marcus Schrenker's Fall From Grace: How this Financial Adviser (Almost) Pulled off a Daring Getaway
On Sunday, Indiana businessman Marcus Schrenker set his single-engine plane on autopilot and parachuted into the Florida night. Last night he was apprehended—here's how he (almost) pulled it off.
Just How Toxic Was the Tennessee Coal Sludge Spill?
The coal sludge spill near Knoxville, Tenn., last week sent more than a billion gallons of coal ash (mixed with water, making coal sludge) spilling across more than 300 acres, at some points covering the land 6 ft deep.
View Full Science: Worst-Case Scenarios Archive

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Eco-Muscle
Almost everyone agrees that hybrid cars are the next big step on our way to an all-electric future. But what if we use two parallel powertrains, gas and electric, to drive a full size car? That way, we can offer the muscular V8 performance that buyers crave, yet still produce zero emissions around town.

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