But Everyone Calls Me Psycho

Sad story but a weird twist. A beautiful student at Wesleyan, 20 or 21, is shot to death at a bookstore by campus. The guy, 29, is the son of a prominent businessman and had briefly dated and was totally obsessed with her; a million e-mails, calls etc. A sailor who had served with him said that some people called him, during a hitch in the Navy, "Psycho Steve."

I can't even remember whether I have shared my idea for a great nightmare date for a magazine article, though it might be better in video.

Here's the gist: get a single woman who is perhaps co-workers with friends of yours. Have them tell her that there's a really nice guy they know who's looking to date. Tell the woman only that he's good looking and successful, but is "kind of shy."

Have the woman meet you at a coffee shop or a diner for lunch.

Here's the crucial part: seat her facing out toward the restaurant. Beforehand, you will have told everyone in the diner that you are staging a prank, and that they should act "normal" when you come in.

Well, after she's seated, you come in; wearing a ski mask.

"Hi, you must be Susie; I'm John (or whatever)." Sit down quickly, so she can't immediately escape. For extra points, have the staff greet you familiarly, as in "Hi, John, what's up?" You behave totally normally, as if nothing is remiss.

Here's the question: would most women go out (and stay out) on a date with a guy wearing a ski mask? More extra points if you wrap the mask around your neck with electrical tape.
If not, try one of those swine-flu masks people were wearing in Mexico. It could be the next cool thing.