I’ve criticized Bear Grylls in the past.
But it’s with mixed feelings that I link to this mocking News article:
The Scout law begins with a solemn declaration that ‘A Scout is to be trusted’.
So one might expect the figurehead of Britain’s 450,000 Scouts to be one of the most trustworthy men in the country.
But the woggle of Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of the youth movement, must be spinning in his grave at the news that his latest successor as Chief Scout is TV presenter Bear Grylls – whose survival programmes were rumbled for containing faked scenes. …
Mail Online – Scouts pick TV’s action man faker Bear Grylls as their chief
In the real world, Grylls is likely to inspire the Scouts. And build that wonderful program.
I wish him luck.
… Perhaps Ray Mears would have been a better choice, though.
besthike.com 
Although some of his survival advice on television may be suspect, I still cannot help but respect his actual accomplishments.
agreed, scienceguy. the guy was in the SAS, broke his back, climbed everest, flew over everest in some weird prop-powered hang-glider, circumnavigated great britan on a jet ski and eats bugs on a regular basis.
i don’t think his critics will be happy until he dies attempting some ridiculous stunt without safety equipment (which well all know would never be allowed from the producers’ or the studio’s end of the deal).
I think Ray Mears would have been an excellent choice! He reflects the scouting spirit of honouring the knowledge of your elders, finding joy and pride in learning new skills, and respecting the wilderness. I guess Bear Grylls has more profile these days though. And eats more bugs.
I am with you on the awesomeness of Bear. He makes Chuck Norris look like Betty Crocker. I’ve been writing about him too. Great stuff you have here.