February 2017 – BISMARK'S CAVE

Psalms of a Forlorn – Tarkaa Moses

Posted on 28 Feb 201727 Feb 2017 by Kator Tarkaa

Beneath the skies stood us,
The moon acting like a bodyguard,
It wouldn’t let our peace be still,

Under its light I pried open my chest,
My warm heart did I place before you,
Just upon your widely opened palms.

In the day was so much expectations,
Our planned meeting on schedule,
The night had no choice but to be alive,
With such soft melodious sounds,
It was clear it was the orchestra of crickets.
We stood with no one talking,

It was like a moment before dancing,
Even though the stars were shining,
And the mosquitoes were spraying,
I could not tell if the deep pricking
I felt on my skin were kisses.
Sweet smells wafting,

The sensual smell of the mangroves,
The romantic touch of the forest breeze,
The aroma of plump juicy mangoes,
Under the tree where we lay.
Her chubby saccharine lips opened,

A shiver ran down my backbone,
That moment had arrived,
Closer I drew, to hear her loving words,
Time immediately stopped when she said,

“Kator, I have a boyfriend.”

Tarkaa Moses studies law and enjoys reading anything. He is not so amazing on the internet but a professional muse in the real world. You can connect with him on all major social networks. User ID: iTARKAA

Bismark's Corner, Let's Meet You, Styles of the Cave, Uncategorized

FACE OF THE CAVE FOR THE WEEK (Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence)

Posted on 27 Feb 201726 Feb 2017 by thechatterboxteam

This week’s faces of the cave are Kennedy and Ify. See their profiles and pictures below. They slay!
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Name: Ify Ogueli
State: Anambra State
School: Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka
Discipline: Chinese Studies

Profession: Model
Likes: Honesty & Neatness
Dislikes: lies & greed
Favourite quote: If you don’t have Christ – Bishop David Oyedepo

Contact: 08029794240, IG: @ogueliifeyinwa

My anticipated ebooks – “The life of a Lagos” whore and “Campus Affair” are available. Get Your Copies Now! And enjoy an in-depth view of real life happenings in our society – the bad and the ugly! It also serves as an eye opener.
To get copies, email: maduka_ekene@yahoo.com
Facebook- Bismark Ekenedilichukwu Benson

Name: Kennedy Ogidi
School: Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka
Discipline: Sociological and Anthropology

Likes: Art, music, movies and cooking, travel, sports, fitness and fashion
Dislikes: discrimination, pride, laziness and dirtiness
Favourite Quote: Let your dreams be bigger than your fears and your actions be louder than your words.

Contact: Kennedy Ogidi (Facebook)

________________________________________
Quote For The Week
“Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present” – Jim Rohn

To qualify for the next Face of the cave series
*Have your profile be a clear face shot.
*Give a brief description of yourself and please make sure to include your likes, dislikes and hobbies.
*Submit them to the chatterbox team within four days from now via bbm pin- 2898fd68 or inbox Bismark Ekenedilichukwu Benson on Facebook.

Cheers to the new Face of the cave!

Share your thoughts on this week’s faces in the comment box.
We’d also love for you to stay in touch with us! The best way to keep up to date is to subscribe to Bismark’s Cave. You can do this by tapping the ‘follow’ option.

Bismark's Corner, Let's Meet You, Uncategorized

Interview with Micronesia Anyanwu: Nigerian Cardiologist in the US Army

Posted on 25 Feb 201724 Feb 2017 by thechatterboxteam

All across the world, Nigerians are making a difference in different fields like, arts, science, technology, fashion designing, etc.
The Cave interviews Micronesia Anyanwu – A Nigerian flying the country’s flag outside the shores of the country. This bright mind works in the medical unit of the US Army.

Micronesia Anyanwu is a big inspiration to the vast majority of young people trying to make a difference around the world.
In this interview, Cardiologist, Micronesia Anyanwu shares with us his experiences, aspirations and everything you’d love to know about a world of weapons and camouflaged attires.
Read interview below.
_______________________________________________

Q: Can we get a glimpse of your background?
A: I was born in Lagos Nigeria and I’m from Imo state. I grew up In Lagos, London, Spain and now USA.

Q: What’s your area of specialisation?
A: I’m a Doctor for the United States Army, I specialise in cardiology.

Q: What does it take to be in the medical unit in the US army? I’m sure many folks would love to know how to go about this.
A: It takes a lot to be a doctor. In my case, i always thought I would be a comedian but that changed. I attended Command Day Secondary School Ojo Lagos and moved to the states, went to Texas Tech University and also graduated from the University of Austin Texas. So, it takes dedication and hard work and I believe anyone can do it.

Q: Being a Nigerian, Army Doctor, are you treated differently?
A: Being Nigerian, I’m not treated differently and due to my exposure to different countries (40) I learn something new everyday and adjust to the situation.

Q: What informed your decision to take up this job which involves lots of travelling, knowing the risk and hazards associated with it?
A: What made me take this job was an advice I got from my mentor who has passed on. He said, “always chase your dreams just to show people nothing is impossible.”

Q: So far has your career been rewarding?
A: My career has been rewarding I wanna do something more, achieve more and get to a higher scale.

Q: What was your first deployment/mission experience like?
A: First deployment was Iraq where I almost lost my life, terrible experience I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy. I was there for 1 year and 3 months and I’ve been to a lot of violence prone areas as well.

Q: Most dangerous part of the world your job took you to.
A: Most dangerous part of the world I’ve been is Russia.

Q: Let’s know the good sides of the job.
A: You get to work anywhere in the world you want to.

Q: Any advice on how the Nigerian Army can take better care of soldiers deployed on a mission?
A: Nigerian army should not just recruit for infantry, they should get people from all fields of life and the government should be able to empower the army with adequate capital for ammunitions, and salaries that can take care of its soldiers.

Q: Single or taken?
A: Single

Q: What’s on your music playlist?
A: Phyno, Flavour, Runtown, Olamide and Don Jazzy.

Q: How do you relax?
A: I relax by travelling to Europe and Asia to visit family and friends.

Q: How would you describe Bismark’s Cave?
A: I think the blog is educative and entertaining and it opens the audience to a lot of interesting views.

Cave Tales, Uncategorized

Marriage Counsellor – Iniobong Leroi Umoh

Posted on 23 Feb 201723 Feb 2017 by thechatterboxteam

“Pastor! Pastor! I need your help and counselling”
“Calm down brother Silas, have a seat and tell me what the matter is”
“Pastor, my wife has left me! She packed out of the house five days ago and has refused coming back despite all my pleas. I never knew it was going to end this way o”
“What was the issue?”
“We were quarreling and keeping malice with each other. We have not been talking to each other for three weeks”
“You mean you were not talking to your wife for three weeks? And you were both living under the same roof?
“Yes Pastor”

“What was the cause of the quarrel?”
“Pastor it was her food o, she prepared Okro soup that was very tasteless. I couldn’t eat it and i told her that she needs cooking lessons. She flared up and we exchanged harsh words and fought each other”
“So what did you do to mend fences with her? Did you try to broker peace as the man of the house?”
“Pastor…I asked a friend for advice, and he told me to leave the bedroom and start sleeping on the sofa in the living room. He also told me to stop talking to her and refrain from giving her money for anything”
“I hope you did not take that advice!”
“Erm…erm…I did…”
“Are you kidding me? I am seriously disappointed in you, Brother Silas, you should know better than this”
“My friend assured me that it will work. He told me that she will come begging me to take her back”
“Who is this friend of yours?”
“His name is Monsieur Leroi”
“Is he a married man?”
“No pastor he is single”

“Silas, why are you so dumb? How can you go seeking marital advice from an unmarried person? How would such a person be able to give you the right advice when he has not experienced what marriage is all about? You should know better than this!”
“Pastor please help me…talk to my wife, tell her that I love her, tell her to come back home. Tell her that I miss her so much”
*…beep…beep…Ring…ring…ring…*
“Brother Silas, is that not your phone ringing? Answer your call”
“Hello, yes, it is me Silas…what are you saying?…Whaaat! Are you sure of this? Did you see them? Is my wife there? Oh my God! Thanks for this info, I am coming right away!”
*Jumps out of seat and rushes to the door*
“Wait! Brother Silas, you looked shocked and agitated, what was that phone call all about? And where are you running to?”
“Pastor I am going to commit murder!”

“What are you saying, Silas?”
“My cousin works as a receptionist in Blue Ray hotel. She just called me to inform me that Leroi and my wife have just checked into a room in the hotel”
“Unbelievable! Just calm down and remember that…”
“Stop it, Pastor! I am going to kill someone. I am going to commit murderrrrrr!!!”
*bangs door and runs out*

#Leritude

Iniobong Leroi Umoh

Bismark's Corner, Let's Meet You, Styles of the Cave, Uncategorized

FACE OF THE CAVE FOR THE WEEK (Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence)

Posted on 20 Feb 201726 Feb 2017 by thechatterboxteam

This week, we have Emeka and Anita as the ‘official’ faces of the cave.
Two amazing young people who look so damn good; they are also good at their respective vocations! That’s why I love these ones.
See more about them below.
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Name: Amram Emeka Ani
State of Origin: Enugu

School: Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Field: Medical Radiography

Likes: Honesty, humility, respect
Dislikes: lies, disrespect, arrogance

Favourite Quote: “tough times never last but tough people do”
Contact: 08100940496

Name: Anita Godwin Michael.
State of Origin: Akwa Ibom.

Profession: Writing (Creative writing)
Likes: passion, creativity, dedication and good character.

Dislikes: Arrogance, recklessness, stagnancy and an unteachable mind.
Favourite Quote: “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase” – Martin Luther King Jnr.

Contact: 08035798290

________________________________________
Quote For The Week
“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do” – Rumi

Cheers to the new Face of the cave!

Cave Tales, Uncategorized

THE BATHROOM STAR – Iniobong Leroi Umoh

Posted on 18 Feb 201718 Feb 2017 by thechatterboxteam

You wish you can sing. You believe you have the music talent. You believe you can sing better than the top music stars in your country, but whenever you try to sing out loud your voice scares you. Your voice is a huge disappointment. So you tell yourself that you can’t sing. But the moment you step into the bathroom to take your bath,
you turn into another person. You become a music superstar. Your voice becomes angelic and divine. As you lather your body with soap you start hitting the high notes.

Your voice would make Whitney Houston turn green with envy in her grave. If Adele hears your voice, she would be jealous and afraid that you would take the Grammy awards from her next year.
“Cause I am your lady and you are my man, whenever you reach for me, I am gonna do all that I can” You sing like you are Celine Dion, performing in a sold-out concert at the Apollo theatre in New York.

Your high pitched voice can be heard in your compound and around the neighbourhood.
“When a man loves a woman, deep down in his soul she can bring him so much misery” Your tenor voice is just like Michael Bolton singing.

For the entire duration, that you are in the bathroom, you effortlessly sing up to five songs from different music genres. But immediately you leave the bathroom, the music flow ceases. You revert to your normal self. Your voice gets back to being cracked and ugly. You welcome the change from temporal music stardom to real life mediocrity with indifference. You had since concluded that you would never be a great singer. You would never be able to perform to thousands of adoring fans. You had nicknamed yourself; The Bathroom Star, destined to perform only in the bathroom stage.

Your neighbours have been hearing you sing every day of the week. They have been complimenting your voice. They have been encouraging you to take up singing as a career. You only wish they could stop pestering you.
Last week, one of them told you about a music talent hunt show in town. The Prize for the top winner is N10 million plus a new exotic car. She said you must go for the auditioning. When the others heard it, they agreed with her. They insisted that you must go. They said you stand a good chance of making the shortlist and winning.

So today you are in the venue for the auditioning. The hall is filled with contestants, all of them struggling for just ten spots. You have done the registration. You have been given a tag which you have pinned to your gown. You are number 74. Number 73 has just gotten out from the auditioning room. A sullen look is on his face. You quickly realize that he hasn’t fared well with the judges. Your heart skips a beat as you hear your number being called to face the panel.

You walk into the auditioning room.
The panel of judges is seated around a polished mahogany table. They all stare quizzically at you. They are three ladies and two men. You recognise one of the faces. He is a rapper who has hit stardom with a hit single last year. You feel intimidated standing before him.
The judges welcome you and ask you for your name. You tell them you are The Bathroom Star. They exchange quick looks and giggle.
“What song are you doing for us?” The head of the panel asks you.
“Unbreak my heart by Toni Braxton” You reply.
“Great song! Go ahead and show us what you can do. You have three minutes to convince all of us to shortlist you for this life changing competition”

Your memory has suddenly gone blank. You have forgotten the lyrics of the song you had taken many hours to practice in the bathroom.
“We are still waiting for you!”
“Unbreak my heartttttt! Say you love me again” The lyrics burst out in a disorderly manner. Your voice is totally flat. You are singing off-key.
The judges are frowning at you. One of them laughs and the rest follow suit.
You are embarrassed. You know that you have ruined your chances.

“It’s a No from me!”
“Me too, it’s a No! Awful voice!”
“No! I don’t think you can sing”
“Sorry dear, better luck next time”
You walk out with your head bowed in shame. You are crushed and defeated in your spirit. You would never become a music star. Music stardom would always be a tall dream for you. You would always be The Bathroom Star for the rest of your life.
#Leritude

Iniobong Leroi Umoh

Cave View, Uncategorized

Let Her Speak 2 – by Ann Fina

Posted on 16 Feb 201714 Feb 2017 by thechatterboxteam

Click here to read Let Her Speak 1
I once had such similar experience. It was around 2012. I was 15, still fresh from high school and awaiting my admission into the university. During that period, a male friend of mine paid me a visit. Both my parents and my siblings had all gone out, I was the only one at home.

After the pleasantries, there were so many things to catch up on; how we missed high school, the crushes we had, the party we had after our final exam… but long story cut short, the music changed, and the dude attempted to sexually assault me. Honestly, I never knew I was such a good fighter when the moment came for me to defend myself.

I fought, I screamed, neighbours intervened, dude took to his heels. My parents got back; the ordeal was narrated to them. Later that day, I was given a good beating. Yes, you read right. They kept telling me it was my fault; that perhaps I was dressed indecently or was flirting with him. All my attempts to explain what happened were shunned, as they were in no mood to believe me.

I had expected my dad to ask about the guy’s residential address. I expected him to confront him with the police and probably put him behind bars. He never did any of that though, which was shocking, because I wasn’t only his daughter, the assault also took place under his roof. Ultimately, I took the blame alone, which should never have been the case.

I know there are many girls who have had similar experiences. When they had the courage to speak up, they were either told they are lying or are coerced and compelled into keeping quiet about it.
While we teach the girls how not to get raped, perhaps we should teach the boys how not to rape. We should make them understand that their dignity doesn’t lie in how many ladies they have slept with, and how they ought to respect a woman’s “NO”.

Instead of blaming and put the onus of responsibility on the victim, let’s face the act and punish the offender. Let’s stop this act of shaming rape victims, because it only serves as ammunition for perpetrators.
Click here to read Let Her Speak 1

Ann Fina studied Law at the prestigious Ebonyi State University, Abakiliki. She loves to write. She can be reached on facebook via her name – Ann Fina

Cave Tales, Uncategorized

RED VALENTINE By Peter Benjamin Peter

Posted on 14 Feb 201714 Feb 2017 by thechatterboxteam

Lend me the lyrics
Lyrics of drowning titanic
Sung by living spirits
When water erupted volcanic

Lend me a poison
A Juliet kiss, a suicide
To moisten romantic season
A coffin for groom and bride

Lend me an hour
A Sampson’s plea for power
When sweet Delilah turns foe
For love to die a hero

Lend me a red valentine
A beheaded feast of love to dine
When stars decorate the moon’s groom
And promises lead to the bedroom

If for love I die today
Would you name it Benjamin’s day?
A monument for all to see
Please do remember me

If I be darkened in love’s shadow
Drowned besides an old widow
To thee I make a dying plea
Please do remember me

If I took her poisoned tea
But no monument bears my name
A lost bet, oh what a shame?
Please you, remember me

If Sampson’s hair should grow like grain
And Titanic sail again
If Romeo and Juliet should see
Please do remember me

Peter, Benjamin Peter is a young Akwa Ibom born writer. He is a student of Heritage Polytechnic Eket and an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service

Sightings & Places, Uncategorized

Sightings & Places – John Ikediashi takes us to Benin City

Posted on 14 Feb 201712 Feb 2017 by thechatterboxteam

John Ikediashi takes us through his neighbourhood – The city of Benin!
He reveals a lot of details we probably never knew about this multicultural town. John also mentions his fondness for the food, some hottest spots, UNIBEN, and much more. Let’s go there!
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Benin city is bordered by Ondo, kogi, Delta and Abuja. It is a busy town occupied by people with diverse languages, who value and cherish it’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. It is ruled traditionally by the monarch, Oba Ewuare II. Benin is an ancestral town that has a lot of traditions and festivals like the Igue festival.
Benin is home to many institutions of higher learning. One of which is the University of Benin; my alma mata. UNIBEN’s main campus is situated in a town called Ugbowo, it is mostly a commercial area, while the extended campus is located in Ekenhuan village.

I’ll tell you about Ugbowo area, because that was where I spent most of my time in Benin City, as a student of UNIBEN.
There are three areas of residence for students of UNIBEN namely BDPA, Ekosodin and Osasogie. BDPA is regarded as a place for the elite – where you find all the big ballers and wannabes, fine girls and fresh boys and basically those students who just have this notion that they are in a better place.

BDPA has a very famous street called 19th street, now this street is the busiest street in the whole of BDPA, it is about 5 minutes drive from the beginning to the end and has lots of hostels along the road. Some of which are very expensive and the occupants are usually seen as the big boys and girls, some of these hostels include REEBOK, PROGRESS HOSTEL etc..
BDPA has a famous hotel almost at the end of the street called Deutschman Hotel, where most times people go to chill, relax and swim in the super cool pool.

This one is very important – There is a very popular ‘buka’ (local canteen) in BDPA that has saved the lives of many students.
It’s a haven for most students who come back from school late in the evening, and you just quickly rush in for any of the finger-licking dishes they serve. Cornerstone Restaurant has saved so many students trust me.
Anybody who stayed in BDPA would also be familiar with another high class ‘buka’ called “Toseton”, where food tastes like honey. Enough to drain one’s pocket.

‘Ekosodin’ is the other side of the school at the back gate of the school. Here you have the more rugged students who are just in school to make their way through; without really caring for the fun or the swag. You also find really cute girls here and also guys who are ‘sharp’ and know how to woo ladies really well.
Ekosodin offers affordable housing and some very good eateries.
It is quite a very big place, obviously bigger than BDPA but there is a very popular eatery called ‘APEX’ which does exactly the same thing ‘Toseton’ does to students..lol
I know all these food joints because I’m a foodie!

Another significant place is ‘Osasogie’. It houses the University of Benin Teaching Hospital too. It is well known for high crime rates and its said to be one of the most unsafe areas during or even after school sessions are over.

Life as a student in the school can be fun and interesting or can be very tough and uneventful.
Not forgetting the group of boys in the school hostels, especially ‘hall 3’. They developed a habit or teasing and “arrowing”. They are known for standing in groups along the path leading to a famous complex in the school called “june 12”. They’ll tease students so much that a student might fall down or do a u-turn, due to lack of confidence. They were that bad.

Some popular slangs they use in school and around the school premises and the whole city include “who you epp?” a term that had already been in vogue before superstar indigenous rapper Olamide took the phrase and coined it into a song. Another slang was “you don baff?” Lol. This slangs sound more funny and real especially during heated arguments.
Another notable fact is that the reggae dance hall star and German juice crooner Cynthia Morgan is a product from Benin city too.

Benin has a great night life. Young people in this clime really love to party hard and trust me with a lot of clubs and bars they do it well and good. The main spot for all these happens in the GRA quarters, with clubs blasting loud music and drinks going off the table. Club Cue, Club Jokers, Club Terrazzo, District 41 etc are always the places to be on a weekend night.
That sums it up. Benin city is indeed a place to be.

John Ikediashi

Bismark's Corner, Styles of the Cave, Uncategorized

FACE OF THE CAVE FOR THE WEEK (Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence)

Posted on 13 Feb 201711 Feb 2017 by thechatterboxteam

It’s a lovely Monday, and we’ve got two of the finest men and women on the planet. The Faces of the Cave this week are – Nnamdi and Ezinne.

Nnamdi is one of freshest young men alive with a good hint of swag. Yep!
This good looking, Political Science graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University is also incredibly intelligent; yet, has a great social life. This is what we want in the cave!
Nnamdi lives in Awka and he loves to hangout with cool folks with great minds. So you could holla at your boy whenever you’re in town!

Ezinne likes to call herself ‘Peachesexy’ and no doubt, she’s all peaches and sexy!
Behind the beauty, style and glamour is a young lady who is passionate about her profession – accounting. Ezinne is a cost accounting supervisor in one of the leading manufacturing companies, and her work ethic is undeniable.
When this beautiful, Abuja based young woman was asked to describe her personality, In her words, “I know what I bring to the table, so believe me, I’m not afraid to be alone.” #Boss Lady #IndependentWoman
These are words every woman should live by!

Please scroll down to see their photos and profiles.
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Name: Okpala Nnamdi
State of Origin: Anambra

Institution and Field: NAU/political science
Likes: shoes, true friends, football and video games

Dislikes: Deceit.
Favourite Quote: “Ever tried, ever failed, no matter, try again, fail again, fail even better” – Samuel Becket

Contact: 08107550996

Name: Ezinne Duru (Peachesexy)
State of origin: Imo

Profession: Accountant
Institution and Field: Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State/ Economics

Likes: Hard work, kids, fashion, taking photographs
Dislikes: Jealousy

Favourite Quote: “To be beautiful means to be yourself, you don’t need to be accepted by others, you only need to accept your own amazing self and thank God”