The Internet is such a glorious place for so much information – including dirt on any potential dates.

Do you look for warning signs about your date?/Photo and art Ryn Gargulinski

Not only can we Google any new folks we meet, but we have court records, home ownership documents and the Department of Corrections inmate search right at our fingertips. Don’t forget the controversial sex offender website, either.

Sure, checking out a date’s past can really put a damper on a relationship, especially if we find he’s done time for armed robbery or her name pops up next to page after page of naked photos.

But it can also give us an edge on finding out what a person is all about – before we’re stuck alone in a car with him or her.

Those top three dating sites – Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com – did a survey on the Google issue, asking only about blind dates.

They found that less than half of the men and women who responded – 45 percent and 42 percent, respectively – actually do Google their blind dates before they meet in person. Remember, too, that these are folks that meet each other online.

Of those who do Google their dates in advance, a whopping 80 percent of men and 71 percent of women would never admit to their dates that they did such a thing.

The main reason they wouldn’t fess up was because it would feel like they were stalking the person. Those who did fess up to doing a quick Google check said it may make for more interesting conversation.

“So, Johnny, what kind of weapon did you use for that armed robbery? Can you please pass the salt.”

What do you think?

Do you Google your dates in advance or do some type of background check?

What’s the craziest or most amazing thing you’ve found out about them?

Have you ever broken up over something you found out about a person online?

Thin is not in when it comes to dating, according to a poll taken by members of three online dating sites.

Dinner for two/Ryn Gargulinski

A hefty (excuse the pun) 85 percent of single guys said they simply adore heavier women.

Eighty percent of the men polled said the larger gals appreciate the attention more and are not as bitchy as their pin-thin counterparts; 69 percent of the guys said it’s what inside that matters; 54 percent said heavier women are better in bed; 13 percent said the rounder gals have more fun and 35 percent agreed with all of the above.

Nearly 80 percent of the guys said obese was OK, as long as he loved her.

On the flipside, 90 percent of women thought guys would find overweight women unattractive. Judging by the poll, they were way off the scale.

Go figure, pun definitely intended.

And the ladies, too, don’t mind if a guy has a few pounds to lose.

Nearly 88 percent of women polled said they feel protected by a bigger guy and “Yes, I love a teddy bear;” 74 percent said it would depend on how overweight he was but he better be healthy rather than a couch potato; and 30 percent of women wanted a guy who was fit and totally in shape.

We are not sure why the numbers don’t add up to 100 percent, unless folks were allowed to respond to more than one answer.

The sites that conducted the polls were Date.com, Matchmaker.com and Amor.com, and results were posted by parent company Avalanche, LLC.

What do you think?

Do prefer your date thin, muscular and fit or don’t you mind some extra pounds?

How many extra pounds are TOO many extra?

Would you pick your boyfriend over your dog? Your girlfriend over your boa constrictor?

Zola helped determine that one guy was a real jerk/Ryn Gargulinski

Whether we love animals or not, sometimes animals just don’t love us back – nor do our own pets always love our significant other. Or maybe the dude is allergic to dogs or the gal terrified of snakes.

When our pets don’t dig our dates, it could be a good way to gauge if someone is a jerk. If my dogs don’t like a guy, he is probably not worth hanging out with.

We have to give it some time, of course, as Sawyer and Phoebe usually don’t like anyone at first. Phoebe will growl and bark while Sawyer will go so far as to stick his head in a person’s face to gauge the person’s fear factor.

Those that don’t flinch get a second chance. Those that are afraid get menaced.

Those that dispense treats are usually quickly approved.

The most horrific pet fiasco in a relationship I can recall would have been a nightmare even without the pets. I owned Zola, an 11-pound miniature pincher, and was dating a dude we’ll call Ashol, who was about 6-feet-2 and more than 200 pounds.

He whined and whined when he claimed the dog bit him. I never saw the bite – or the blood – but I could tell Zola was none too fond of this dude.

Matters got worse when he brought over his cat. I don’t recall the cat ever being mean to me per se, but it was certainly mislabeled as a “housecat.”

The guy’s answer to a litter box was letting the cat crawl in and out through a bathroom window. Of course, he did not mention that until the cat moved into my place, clawed through a couple of screens and then proceeded to crap on the carpet in the corner anyway.

Ashol then claimed I was “seeing things” when I brought up the cat waste, which someone had attempted to clean up by smearing in an upward motion on the nearby wall.

When the cat then clawed at and popped my exercise ball, it was time for the dude to move.

In this particular case, the animals were very helpful in determining this guy was a jerk. But I think in this case, too, I could have figured that out soon enough on my own.

What do you think?

Have you had scary or negative encounters with your significant other’s pets?

Have your own pets hated someone you were dating?

Did you ever have to choose between your loved one and a beloved pet? Do tell!

Tucson is full of single guys – but our fair city was stuck at No. 17 on a list of 36 when it comes to meeting them, according to a report in The Daily Beast.

Who said you can't find a "good catch" in Tucson?/Ryn Garguilnski

That put us above Detroit, but below San Francisco. We are soaring above last place El Paso but far removed from first place Atlanta.

The report rated cities of 500,000 or more based on the percentage of single men who were deemed a “good catch” with a four-year college degree and the number of places to meet them. So it factored in the number of gyms.

Being No. 17, which is nearly smack dab in the middle, is none too awful. Except Tucson was ranked right below Milwaukee. Jeffrey Dahmer prowled Milwaukee.

That doesn’t say much for Tucson.

On the plus side, the report did call Tucson “the quirkier Arizona metropolis,” which is a definite compliment, and noted a few other points:

Beast Analysis: Tucson….offers great Mexican food and Old West charm. Though there are plenty of single men here, this perennially sunny city may not be the hottest spot to find a date. The social scene outside of the University of Arizona campus is wanting, and U of A’s party-school reputation may not be far off the mark. According to our numbers, Tucson ranks low in education. Click here for Tucson’s slide show page.

And it also quoted a very fun dating blogger:

What the Locals Say: “Dating in Tucson is a total crapshoot. I’ve met everyone from self-absorbed political types to videogame-playing 40 year olds with moody artists and kooky archeologists in between.”—Ryn Gargulinski, blogger

I’ve definitely had more trouble with guys I dated in New Mexico and New York than I have in Tucson. Both places ranked below Tucson, with Albuquerque barely above the bottom at No. 31 and New York City clocking in at a paltry No. 24.

So far no dates from Tucson have stalked me or drained my bank account (knock wood). And I have yet to meet a guy like those in Milwaukee who may behead us and stick us in a freezer.

What do you think?

Where would you rate Tucson for meeting single guys – or gals? Why?

Where were your worst dating experiences?

Some of us will go to great lengths to find that perfect someone – but is $10,000 too great a length?

You could get a date if you traded in these baubles/Ryn Gargulinski

A New York City woman named Orli Ross doesn’t think so.

This pharmaceutical rep, age 33, said she spent the last two years saving up the dough to buy the services of two high-priced matchmakers, according to a report on the ABC news website.

Her “purchase” is three blind dates with eligible, ready-to-marry bachelors.

“I really want to be in a great relationship,” the report quoted Ross as saying. “I want a husband, I’d like a family. I really feel I’ve done everything that I could possibly do up to this point. So, why not?”

While the story did not say if she would get a refund if none of the dudes worked out, we highly doubt it.

Whatever happened to those freebie matchmakers like in Fiddler on the Roof? Better yet, whatever happened to singles socials or supermarkets or even online dating for free or at a considerably lower cost?

This also reeks of desperation, kind of like a mail order bride. But we don’t know why this woman would be desperate. It’s not like she’s 104 years old and has to find a husband in the next hour or so. The site also showed her photo – no, she does not have six eyes, three mouths or two heads.

Perhaps she is just lazy – or shy. Or thinks money can, in fact, buy love.

What do you think?

Is paying $10,000 for a chance at three dates ridiculous or a fine idea?

Would you do it?

What’s the greatest lengths you went to in order to meet someone?

Ahh, a blond in a little red convertible may be the penultimate vision of loveliness at the intersection – until the blond turns his or her head and you see a face like a hag with missing teeth.

Would you date someone who drove this?/Ryn Gargulinski

But would you overlook the driver’s faults – or missing teeth – if he or she had a really cool car?

I never cared much for the cars my boyfriends had, as I don’t care much about cars. Living in New York City tends to do that to you. No one even needs a car.

Outside of New York, I do prefer dating a guy who has a car – as well as a valid license, as I once got stuck driving a grown man all over New Mexico.

Even if I’m not that into cars, there are plenty of folks who are.

Like Tucson man “Hot Rod” Robert, who owns two classics: a Mazda RX7 and a 1983 blue Camaro. He’s also single, by the way.

He’s been into road racing, motorcycles and fixing up his own classic vehicles. His Camaro alone has been a 6-year project – one that is taking such time due to the money and precision involved.

“It’s like building a model,” Robert said. “Every piece, every detail has to be in its place.”

No, he’s not single because he spends all of his time focusing on cars. Nor does he give his classic cars cutesy names (although that always adds a fun touch).

“Hot Rod” was brought up around cars and his main fascination revolves around nostalgia.

“Think about the cars you used to ride in when you were younger,” he said. When I mentioned the first car I drove was a royal blue hatchback, he said never mind.

Anyone who wants to check out more than 500 cars from all over the West can do so on Saturday and the Rotary’s Third Annual Tucson Classics Car Show.

It promises a fine variety of classic, antique and sports cars as well as, yes, the hot rod.

What: Rotary Club of Tucson car show
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17
Where: “On the Lawn” at St. Gregory College Preparatory School
3231 N. Craycroft Road, just south of River Road
Admission: $5 – proceeds go to Reading Seed Children’s Literacy Program
Each admission ticket also enters you in a raffle to win a 2002 Corvette or $10,000
More info: TucsonClassicsCarShow.com

The show will also include music, food and entertainment to make for a fine date, family or singles activity. May be a good place to meet some other single guys and gals if you, too, share a passion for cars.

Heck, you may even run into “Hot Rod” Robert and you can ask about the four black windows that once came crawling down on him as he was tinkering beneath a car that had been stored outside for some time.

Do you care what kind of car your date drives?

Are you embarrassed about the car you drive?

Would the car someone owns be a deciding factor on if you would date that person?

What’s the junkiest car a date ever owned? The best?

Any guy who gets stood up, brushed off or turned down may be suffering from one thing – he may not be a “real man,” according to an article at DrDating.com.

Photo Ryn Gargulinski

Women do look for “real men,” the article says, and one way to become a real man is to follow a real man role model.

So what the heck is a real man?

Being a real man means that there are certain traits you have to adopt and most of these are already latent in your personality, the article explains.

OK, I can see certain traits being “manly” or desirable. But I can’t see the allure of the site’s top three real man picks:

James Bond
James Dean
Donald Trump

James Bond is just cheesily stereotypical, like saying every woman’s role model should be Barbie.

While James Dean was handsome, he is reminiscent of the bad boy who never commits, runs around starting trouble and dies young. What the heck kind of relationship would that make?

Donald Trump. Yuck. He may be rich and powerful, but his face is wider than a two-car garage.

The article did give positive traits for each role model, like Bond’s relaxed confidence, Dean’s “live fast, die young” philosophy and Trump’s ambition, but the three still wouldn’t top my list. I’m not sure who would.

I tend to like a guy who is completely himself, not modeled after or mimicking someone with a really wide face.

Do you agree men need to mimic “real man” role models to pick up women?

Guys – who is your role model?

Gals – who would you want your guy’s role model to be?

If your weekends are yawing at you like an empty abyss, you can fill them up with several upcoming groovy events. These events are great for couples and singles alike, with the added bonus of perhaps meeting a special someone if you fall into the latter category.

Carnival of Illusion: A marvelous magic show

Don't miss Sarlot and Eyed through the end of Sept./submitted image

Dance of Illusion’s Roland Sarlot and Susan Eyed are still in town through the end of the month, with shows every Friday and Saturday night. I wrote a column about this awesome couple, and they say more and more folks are using their magic show as a great date spot.

Why it’s a hot date: What’s not hot about a compelling couple dancing with swords, pulling money out of a grapefruit and otherwise dancing with illusion? Much better, and cheaper!, than the same old – yawn – movie and dinner combination. Besides, they may even invite you on stage for a little up close and personal magic that wows you and your date.

When and where:
6 and 8:30 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday in September
Doubletree Tucson at Reid Park
445 S Alvernon Way
Adults $15; $10 seniors; 9 to 16 $10; age 8 and under $5 (no babies please)
Tickets include buy one entrée get one free deal from Doubletree
How to get tickets: online at carnivalofillusion.com

Art without the fru-fru gallery scene

Do you love art but feel like a cad when you’re standing at a fru-fru gallery reception? Feel cad-like no more. You can check out art in a cozy, kitschy atmosphere with two events at two of the coolest stores that support local arts and artists.

Celebrate Pop-Cycle's birthday on Saturday/submitted image

Pop-Cycle party celebrating first year in business

Three local artists had a dream – and that dream has just spent its first year as a reality on Fourth Avenue. This incredibly cool shop, run by sisters DeeDee Koenen and Jennifer Radler, and Shannon Riggs started by selling their own creations along with those of 12 other locals. The inventory, made mainly of recycled and “upcycled” items, has since expanded to cover pretty much every square inch of the shop.

Why it’s a hot date: Music and drinks add to the already enjoyable shopping – or just plain viewing – experience at Pop-Cycle. Items range from wall art to vintage hotpants with a little felt critter that were about half-size too small for me (dammit!). Buy your sweetie a gift – or some hotpants.

When and where:
7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 – 15 percent off all day shopping
Pop-Cycle, 422 N. Fourth Ave – Popcycleshop.com

Bohemia continues to artfully rock
Melo in Technicolor show, new work by artist Mel Dominguez

Another great gallery shop, actually one that spawned Pop-Cycle, is Bohemia, run by the charming Tana Kelch and dreamed up by herself and artist Daria Sandberg. This shop has regular celebrations and art openings without any uppity-ness. Next one up is a week from Saturday, Sept. 26.

Why it’s a hot date: More music – this jamming by the Golden Boots – more drinks, more gifts for your date.

When and where:
7 to 10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 26
Bohemia, 2920 E. Broadway
Bohemiatucson.com

Reptile show Sept. 19 and 20/Photo Ryn Gargulinski

Tucson Reptile Show

Lizards and snakes and turtles – oh, my.

Why it’s a hot date: You can buy your babycakes a gift from this place, too, as long as he or she doesn’t mind feeder crickets or wax worms. Seriously, though, other vendors will have arts, animals, clothing, books. One vendor even promises to “explore the past lives of your disturbed reptiles.” Lots of speakers and different species round out the mix. Can’t go wrong with a room full of slithering snakes, sneaky lizards, kooky crocodiles and hopping frogs, now, can you?

When and where:
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20
Tucson Expo Center, 3750 Irvington Road
Adults $7; kids 6 to 12 $3; age 5 and under free – Tickets good for unlimited access all weekend – tucsonreptileshow.com

Full disclosure: I’ve been a cheerleader for Sarlot and Eyed ever since I saw them last New Year’s Eve at Club Congress. Bohemia and Pop-Cycle both sell my art, but I would think they were cool even if they didn’t. I have no affiliation with the reptile show but happen to think reptiles are neat-o-keen.

Got any other cool date ideas? Do tell!

The pickup line “What’s your sign?” may have gone the way of disco shirts, but that doesn’t mean we still can’t use astrology to check our compatibility with other signs.

Gemini/Ryn Gargulinski

My current beau, a Pisces, often sends me my Gemini horoscope readings, especially if they mention buying gifts or being extra nice to those close to me.

Our signs are on the non-compatible category, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make it work.

Astrology doesn’t have to rule your life, but it does give you some hints on what you’re getting into.

I’ve dated a couple of Virgos, for instance, the same sign as my mom. I knew from experience Virgos were very creative and intelligent but tend to be a bit on the perfectionist side.

Sure enough, one dude ironed his jeans and walked around behind me with a broom when I was making a salad in his kitchen.

While the following rundown, complied from information from Romancestuck.com and Zodiac-Signs-Astrology.com, is not the be-all and end-all for relationships, it’s fun to check out for the heck of it.

All is not lost if you and your significant other are not listed as compatible, it just means you’ll have to work a bit harder not to constantly get on each other’s nerves.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Taurus/Ryn Gargulinski

Best trait/worst trait: Generous/moody
Good with: Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius, Aquarius
Trouble with: Cancer, Capricorn

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Best trait/worst trait: Loyal/stubborn
Good with: Cancer, Virgo, Capricorn, Pisces
Trouble with: Leo, Aquarius

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Best trait/worst trait: Clever/impulsive
Good with: Aries, Leo, Libra, Aquarius
Trouble with: Virgo, Pisces

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Leo/Ryn Gargulinski

Best trait/worst trait: Dependable/clingy
Good with: Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio, Pisces
Trouble with: Aries, Libra

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)
Best trait/worst trait: Confident/domineering
Good with: Aries, Gemini, Libra, Sagittarius
Trouble with: Taurus, Scorpio

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)
Best trait/worst trait: Reliable/fussy
Good with: Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio, Capricorn
Trouble with: Gemini, Sagittarius

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)
Best trait/worst trait: Graceful/vain
Good with: Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius, Aquarius
Trouble with: Cancer, Capricorn

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)
Best trait/worst trait: Passionate/manipulative
Good with: Cancer, Virgo, Capricorn, Pisces
Trouble with: Leo, Aquarius

Pisces/Ryn Gargulinski

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)
Best trait/worst trait: Independent/unemotional
Good with: Aries, Leo, Libra, Aquarius
Trouble with: Virgo, Pisces

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)
Best trait/worst trait: Patient/inhibited
Good with: Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio, Pisces
Trouble with: Aries, Libra

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)
Best trait/worst trait: Inventive/aloof
Good with: Aries, Gemini, Libra, Sagittarius
Trouble with: Scorpio, Taurus

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20)
Best trait/worst trait: Devoted/self-pitying
Good with: Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio, Capricorn
Trouble with: Gemini, Sagittarius

Thanks to dating game idea maven Carolyn Classen for this star-studded topic.

What signs have you had the most trouble dating? Why?

Do you read your horoscope or your significant other’s horoscope regularly?

Is it usually on the money or a bunch of hooey?

We all know the signs of someone who is NOT into you – he’ll never return your text messages, always has to run off to something like a family funeral whenever you see him in public, and once called you Brenda when your name is really Jan.

Photo and paint job by Ryn Gargulinski (note orb above second window from left)

On the flipside, there’s a whole host of ways to tell if a guy really digs you –and here are just a few of them:

He lets you paint his walls with some kooky design. Reverse tiger stripe? Bohemian jungle?

Whatever it is, he was freaking out halfway through the paint job when he saw me hurling and splattering colors all over his room with saturated sea sponges.

Thankfully he survived the freak-out and has been since thanking me daily for this real cool design…now just wait until we do the bone murals on the other walls…

He tries things you like, even if he’s never tasted curry. Indian food, meditation, yoga, poetry readings, you name it. If a guy is into you, he’ll respect the things you do and maybe even give them a shot. Full disclosure: I’ve yet to drag him to a poetry reading.

He can read your moods – and knows when to run. Guys that are paying attention in their very fond way will instantly know when you are cranky, angry or in desperate need of an afternoon nap. He’ll then give you space to fulfill that need.

Photo and paint job by Ryn Gargulinski

He’ll sacrifice football. Yes, NFL season has officially begun and my guy and I still spent much of the weekend in each other’s company. It may change once the season gets into fuller gear, but I’ll enjoy it while I can. Since I don’t watch TV, or don’t even get any TV stations, I’ve gotten guff in the past from folks who start jonesing for football, soap operas or commercial jingles that sing about chewing gum. I am wondering, however, why my beau no longer wants to hang out on Monday nights (haha)….

What do you think?

What are some signs that a guy – or gal – is really into you?

What are some ways you show your own affection?

What is the biggest sacrifice you ever made for someone or someone made for you? Did it involve Monday Night Football?