Dating can be like assembling the silver monkey in Legends of the Hidden Temple, a challenge requiring wits, luck, and passing knowledge of primate anatomy. Skip the confusing steps of pick-up artistry with today's icebreaking Groupon: for $20, you get admission to a two-hour speed-dating event (a $40 value) from Two Minute Match. Events are held at bars, restaurants, and other venues in the Central Valley area.

Two Minute Match’s two-hour speed-dating events kick off with a complimentary drink while potential mates mingle as they register, learning the guidelines and talking points for the night's socially intriguing cavalcade. Prospective matches get two minutes to size each other up for dating or suit-filling purposes, allowing just enough time to gauge interest or be believably engrossed in the light fixtures. After the hour ends, picky patrons choose those who piqued their interest, hoping to find a mutual spark or win a free date night in the raffle rambunctiousness. Daters receive their matches the very next day, giving paramours time to de-quill the porcupine security mechanism on their visitor's couch.

Like a couture clown suit, events are tailored to age and interests, bringing likeminded people together in an amiable atmosphere. Daters from around the Central Valley area can coagulate at events for opposite- or same-gender searching, over 40s nights, and those still waiting for a "Who's The Boss” reunion season.