The three-minute date

If you're so busy you don't have time to meet people, speed dating might be the answer.

The Johnstown Inclined Plane and Young Professionals of the Alleghenies have teamed up to bring a speed-dating event to the Inclined Plane on Friday. Here's how it works: You sit across from a person of the opposite gender and chat for three minutes. After the three minutes, you'll have time to check "yes" or "no" as to whether you'd want to see the person again. At the end of the event, you'll have met 10 other singles in the area.

If one of your "yes" votes also checked "yes" to you, organizers will give you his (or her) e-mail address.

I think this is a fabulous idea, especially in this area, where it can be difficult for young professionals to meet outside of a bar setting. I once read that if you don't feel a spark for someone within the first few minutes, you probably never will, and I believe that.

It's open to those 21 and older, with age groups of 21 to 45 and 45 and older. Spaces are sold out for men 21 to 45 and women older than 45, but there are still spaces for women 21 to 45 and men older than 45. It's $15 per ticket, and you can register online at www.inclinedplane.com.

Check in is from 6 to 7 p.m. at City View Bar & Grill -- be sure to bring your ID. Speed dating is from 7 to 8 p.m. on the incline cars, and a mixer will be held from 8 to 9 p.m. at City View. Matches will be distributed at 9 p.m.

If nothing else, you'll have a good story to tell your friends over the weekend, right?