A book on online dating, author visits Bucktown cafe

As a tie-in to phase two of the three-part Valentine's Day series, "Aly" met an author this past week at caffe de luca's free tarot night.  Her name is GeVonna. She is pictured. Below is a press release for her book. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                              For more information, contact:

January 26, 2010                                                   GeVonna, Author of “Busted: Cyberstyle”

                                                              (404) 257-2577 / GeVonna@bustedcyberstyle.com

 

 

New Book Shares How to Avoid the Snares and Traps of Online Dating… And How to Set a Few of Your Own

 

“Busted: Cyberstyle” Reveals Insider Tips for Dating in Cyberspace Just in Time for Valentine’s Day; Now Available on Amazon.com

 

CHICAGO, Ill. – According to news reports, an estimated 30 million people logged in to dating sites in 2009 to search for a love connection. While the Internet dating industry boasts its fair share of success stories, cyber dating is not without its snares and traps. And singles who turn to dating sites around holidays, especially Valentine’s Day, are often the most vulnerable.

 

To help women avoid common online dating disasters, GeVonna, author of “Busted: Cyberstyle…An Undercover Approach to Online Dating” is sharing tips from her new book on how to avoid losing in the online dating game. Her book, now available on Amazon.com, shares the intimate details of her real life online dating experiences, which serve as a road map for women looking for love online on the heels of New Year’s Eve and in anticipation of Valentine’s Day. Each account reveals the complex landscape of dating sites and the sharp curves and dead ends that women should be aware of before they venture in.

 

“So many women make New Year’s resolutions to find love and then just weeks later, Valentine’s Day arrives and they're still alone,” said GeVonna. “That dynamic often pushes them toward joining online dating sites to expedite their journey toward a relationship, or causes them to use poor judgment if they’re already registered on a dating site. It’s at that point that they are likely to fall prey to the games people play online, and instead of finding themselves on the fast track to love, they find themselves on the fast track to heartbreak.”

 

In 1997, after a broken engagement, GeVonna tried online dating for the first time.  Since then, sites like Match.com, Eharmony.com, YahooPersonals.com, and most recently, BlackPeopleMeet.com have become her primary method for meeting eligible bachelors. In the process, she’s gained tremendous insights into the pros and cons of online dating and the behaviors and red flags women should be aware of.

 

In her book, GeVonna shares her  insights on everything from how to set traps instead of getting caught in them to strategies on how to distinguish the real men from the players. Ideal for both cyber dating veterans and newbies alike, “Busted: Cyberstyle…An Undercover Approach to Online Dating” is the ultimate playbook for women who want to master the online dating game.

 

GeVonna’s book is packed with pearls of wisdom gleaned from her interactions with dozens of male suitors she’s met online. According to the online dating diva, it’s imperative for women to:

 

• Establish guidelines for yourself in order to help make the best use of your time, which can include only responding to messages, rather than winks and flirts.
• Create cheat sheets to keep tabs on the men you’re most interested in and the conversations you’ve had.
• Before going on a date with a guy you’ve met online, email your girlfriend his photo and contact information.
• Do your homework. Cleverly use phantom and reconnaissance profiles to determine if a guy is sincere or if he’s playing the field.
• And most importantly, if you’re setting a trap, don’t get busted.

 

“A lot of women fail to realize that while online dating may be more convenient than having to go out and meet people, it still  comes with its own set of challenges, and it’s important that you’re prepared,” said GeVonna. “The key is to remain in control, have fun and don’t take rejection personality. Have faith that you’ll find ‘him’ online or offline, and enjoy every step of the journey until you do.”

 

Visit Amazon.com today to purchase “Busted: Cyberstyle Busted: Cyberstyle…An Undercover Approach to Online Dating.” The book retails for $14.95 and ships within 24 hours. For more information about Gevonna, visit www.bustedcyberstyle.com. Join her mailing list and receive her online dating safety tips, free of charge.

 

Gevonna is available for broadcast and print interviews on the topics of her book, online dating, relationships and more. To schedule an interview, contact Gevonna (404) 257-2577 or GeVonna@bustedcyberstyle.com.

 

About GeVonna:

 

Originally from Chicago, GeVonna is a former media personality, actress, informational speaker and the author of “Busted: Cyberstyle.” She has appeared in commercials and independent films, and is currently working on several projects, including her next infotainment piece, “From Fired to Fired Up” and “Just a Pew Away,” a film based on her book. GeVonna is a graduate of the University of Kansas, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism. For more information or to contact GeVonna, visit www.bustedcyberstyle.com.

 

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A Timely Photograph

I took this fun photo of longtime local Paul, his dog Zelda, and a 39-month calendar featuring folk art images of Barack Obama just a few hours before the president's big State of the Union address last night, which I missed because I was reading tarot cards at caffe de luca. 

More on the calender in the next Pipeline...  As for our president, even if he were doing a better job I still wouldn't want to stare at him or any politician on my wall each month. 

Five New Comedic Shows in Feb. @ Gorilla Tango

For Immediate Release:
Press Contact: Kelly Williams @ 773.598.4549, kelly@gorillatango.com
Audience Contact: Gorilla Tango Theatre @ 773.598.4549, info@gorillatango.com
Kill Date: February 28, 2010

Five Comedic Shows open at GTT in February!

Chicago, IL (February 1 – 27, 2010): Four new shows will be opening up at Gorilla Tango Theatre in February! KEYMASTER/GATEKEEPER, the premiere sketch show by improvisational duo Bamifazi, runs Mondays at 8pm, February 1 – 15, 2010 (tickets are $10); F.A.T. PEOPLE, the female sketch duo of Kimberly Franck and Natasha Hansen explores what it means to be ‘F.A.T’, on Wednesday at 9:30pm, February 3 – 10, 2010 (tickets are $10); ABOUT THE GREATEST PORNO, EVER!! returns to the GTT stage after its successful run this past November, performing Tuesdays at 8pm, February 02 – 23, 2010 (tickets are $10); and TGIF RAW, where "Serious and Dramatic Actors" take on the transcripts from early 90's TGIF shows in this dark comedy which runs Saturdays at 11:30pm, February 6 – 27, 2010 (tickets are $12). All shows perform at Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago 60647; to purchase tickets call 773-598-4549 or visit www.gorillatango.com.

ABOUT KEYMASTER/GATEKEEPER:
Keymaster/Gatekeeper is the premiere sketch show of Bamifazi, the new improvisational duo formed by Chicago improvisers Luciana Bonifazi and Tom Bambara. The show opens with a few suggestions from the audience that will fuel an evening of hilarious conversations between some of Bamifazi’s favorite characters. Audiences should also expect an appearance by the ever-popular Sheldon & Rachel stars of the Chicago based web series of the same name. Mondays at 8pm, February 1 – 15, 2010 (tickets are $10).
Below is a link to the publicity photo for this show:
http://www.gorillatango.com/pr/KeyGate.jpg; L-R, Luciana Bonifazi & Tom Bambara

ABOUT F.A.T. PEOPLE
F.A.T. What does that even mean?? Come find out, as Kimberly Franck and Natasha Hansen explore what it means to be F.A.T. From a gospel song about baking, to a new kind of workout video, these ladies address social issues, as well as share personal experiences. Different improv teams will open for them each week. Wednesday at 9:30pm, February 3 – 10, 2010 (tickets are $10).
Below is a link to the publicity photo for this show:
http://www.gorillatango.com/pr/FATPeople.jpg; L-R, Natasha Hansen & Kimberly Franck

ABOUT THE GREATEST PORNO, EVER!!
The Greatest Porno, EVER!! follows ordinary people whose lives are irrevocably altered upon the arrival of an underground tape that portrays the act of carnal gymnastics in a manner so disgusting it's oddly arousing...and in some cases, deadly. Bachelorette parties and adult film aficionados alike won't want to miss the sexiest, yet sickest show in town.... Tuesdays at 8pm, February 02 – 23, 2010 (tickets are $10).

ABOUT TGIF RAW
This February, sitcoms from the early 1990s are getting RAW in the hands of  “serious and dramatic” actors. Heralded as “deeper than Shakespeare” and “way more serious than ‘August: Osage County’”, this workshop production will make you “Thank God It’s Funny”. Drawing from the wealth of human experience, this dangerous troupe of actors portray characters such as Steve Urkel, Balki Bartokomous, and ‘lil Michelle Tanner with the depth and rawness they deserve. [Warning: This dark improvised comedy contains harsh language and inappropriate material.] Directed by Lauren Maul. Saturdays at 11:30pm, February 6 – 27, 2010 (tickets are $12).
Below is a link to the publicity photo for this show:
http://www.gorillatango.com/pr/TGIFraw2.jpg; additional photos and photo ID available upon request.

(from the WPB/SSA #33 newsletter) 

Gorilla Tango Theater Presents - Circus Cats of Chicago

Come to the special-one-day only-Valentine show staring the Cupid Cats, Chicago's only trained domestic cat show. The fantastic felines will ride skateboards, roll barrels, ring bells, push carts, walk the high wire, climb ropes, and jump through hoops! Don't miss your chance to meet them live and in Purrson. See: www.circuscats.com for more. The show will run at the Gorilla Tango Theater (1919 N. Milwaukee Avenue) at 4pm & 5:30pm on Saturday February 13. Tickets are $15; call (773) 598-4549 for reservations.

For more information on any of the above shows or to schedule a review or interview, please contact Kelly Williams at 773.598-4549 or kelly@gorillatango.com. 
-----------
Gorilla Tango Theatre (GTT) is a year-round theatrical venue where audiences of all ages can consistently go to see a wide variety of talented artists. GTT exists to provide artists with an opportunity to produce their work in professional environment. GTT was created by Second City- and IO-Chicago-trained Dan Abbate and boasts an 80-seat performance space. GTT Chicago is conveniently located at the intersection of Western and Milwaukee in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood. Easily accessible by public transportation, GTT is steps away from the Western Blue Line stop and the #49 Western, #73 Armitage and #56 Milwaukee buses. Street parking is readily available.  With shows for both children and adults, all GTT performances are on a rating system, similar to the one used in movie theatres. GTT offers a variety of affordable beer and wine for purchase. Consult the website for rating information, tickets, and details.

www.gorillatango.com
1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647 – 773.598.4549

the lovely ladies of g boutique & a few items

The fictional 'Wicker Tim' and 'Buck Lily' plan to celebrate Valentine's Day in style this year, and they're calling upon a variety of very real and local resources to help them out during a sponsored content serial story spanning three weekly issues. 

More on this in Tuesday's Pipeline, aka part one, but for now here are a few images snapped inside G Boutique at 2131 N. Damen. 

challenge yourself

This week I only had a day or so in which to take pictures.  Thankfully a few people submitted photos at my request, or allowed me to use their camera to take a picture of them, and then emailed the photo to me.  

Realizing my camera wasn't going to come back from the repair shop in time, I did end up purchasing a back-up. As for quality, while I don't consider myself to be a real photographer, I do see the difference between images shot on a $500 camera vs. one that costs $150. 

This was one of the first pictures I took with the spare while waiting at a red light near Damen and Fullerton.

A 'for lease' building with peeling paint, an inspiring billboard, a sky as gray as the tone of the day, somehow it all kind of felt like Chicago. And home. 

CAPS schedule

Residents that are concerned about crime should be aware of upcoming Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) meetings, which run from 7 to 8 PM on various days of the month. There are eight beats within Wicker Park Bucktown.

Unsure of your district and beat? Me too. Click on this link, and go to the box on the right side of the home page, and enter in your address to find your beat.

Beat 1312 meets on the second Tuesday of every month at St Helen's Church, 2301 W. Augusta in the basement.

Beat 1322 meets on the first Wednesday of every month at the 13th District, 937 N. Wood.

Beat 1323 meets on the third Wednesday of every month at the Northwest Settlement House, 1012 N. Noble, 2nd Floor.

Beat 1424 meets the second Wednesday of every month at the Wicker Park Fieldhouse, 1425 N. Damen.

Beat 1431 meets the first Thursday of every odd-numbered month at the 14th District, 2150 N. California.

Beat 1432 meets the third Thursday of every month at Holstein Park, 2200 N. Oakley.

Beat 1433 meets the second Thursday of every even-numbered month at Pulaski Park, 1419 W. Blackhawk.

Beat 1434 meets the second Monday of every month at the Bucktown Wicker Park Library Branch, 1701 N. Milwaukee

WHACK: The Tonya Harding & Nancy Kerrigan Story

More on this in Tuesday's Pipeline, maybe like a review or as close as I can come to writing one, but for now I'll just say that it's difficult to resist a musical with trash talking lyrics set to Disney style music, so check out WHACK at Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milw. if you can. 

I saw WHACK last night, and it was exactly what I needed: a good laugh, and a reminder that women can be bitches to each other, to their legally blind (Nancy) and gin-drinking-insult- slurring (Tonya) mothers, to their ex-husbands-now-boyfriend as was the case with "skanky Tonya Hard-on" (Nancy's take on Tonya) and to just about everyone else when they're on a ruthless quest for Olympic gold as Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan were in the 1994 Olympics. 

Pictured (photo courtesy of Kelly Williams of Gorilla Tango and the show's writer) are the legs of Leslie Nesbit as Nancy, left, and Cassie Cushman and her fist as Tonya. 

Click on image to see the full pic.