What Is Early Word? The Philadelphia Inquirer's experimental online "morning show", which began in Sept. 2005, went on hiatus in the summer of 2006, after a gradual shift to putting more of its content directly on Philly.com.
About the Host Peter Mucha, husband and father of two, grew up in Cherry Hill and is a lifelong Philly sports fan. He's been writing and editing for The Inquirer for 18 years.
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Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Grandpa Crankypants' Thoughts About Dating OK, I'm not really a grandpa yet. (As far as I know.) But as a husband of 25 years, I'm admittedly a fossil when it comes to courtin' and wooin'. And ... I'll throw my two cents in anyway about a couple of provocative pieces on lousy dates that appeared in Sunday's Image section. Enjoyable pieces. About where guys go wrong ("he's a mama's boy") and where women do, too ("she thinks she's on MTV"). Still, it occurred to me maybe what's really wrong is this ritual of talk, talk, talk over dinner or drinks before or after the talk, talk, talk of a movie, lecture or play. I mean, who doesn't stumble and stammer and induce disbelief while talking about me, myself and I? Think about it: What was the best time you ever had? More often than not, it was during some playful activity (a category that can include more than sex) that led to spontaneous surprises and laughter -- and away from practiced patter. Try some art or craft together, like throwing a pot. Play a sport you hardly ever play. Go on a random road, bike or bus ride. Go on a farm or factory tour. Totally adlib and improvise. Sure, you risk disaster. But you also risk having a time worth remembering when you're a Grandpa (or Grandma) Crankypants.
