Luciano's World

Monday, May 21, 2012

44 QUESTIONS + LIEBSTER AWARD

First, I’ll love to thank Toinlicious for giving me the Liebster award. Here is a little something about the award: "This award we’ve discovered is given to bloggers who inspire you and have less than 200 followers. The Liebster Award takes its name from a German word meaning 'Beloved, Dearest or Favourite.”

Thanks honey, I appreciate.

The rules:

1. Link back to the person who gave it to you and thank them.

2. Post the award to your blog.

3. Give the award to 5 bloggers with less than 200 followers that you appreciate and value.

4. Leave a comment on the 5 blogs to let them know that they have received this award.

Okay, I’ll be giving the award to:

1. Mstizzle

2. Cherry chatter

3. Chinny

4. Cee

5. Daughter of her king

Now to the elevens. Thank you 9ja great, Cee and cherrychatter for tagging me and Rhapsody for daring me. I enjoyed answering all your questions

The rules:

Post 11 random things about yourself

Answer questions posted by the person who tagged you (please answer Cee’s questions)

Create 11 questions and tag 11 people to answer your questions

Notify those tagged of the game

Notify the person who tagged you after you have answered the questions

No tag backs

11 random things about me:

1. I love twins. Will love to have them someday

2. I am a romance freak……..not the typical Nollywood thingny cos I think those are gross

3. Green is my best colour…….again, not all shades of green

4. I think “whatever” is the most annoying English word ever

5. I hide out in the toilet. Yes, you read right, whenever am stressed at work I just go to the toilet and stay as long as I want.

6. I hate it when people type "k" or “kk” for “ok” in conversations

7. I get bored easily

8. I have a thing for colours. If you see me wearing a red top, yellow shirt, green shoe and pink earing……..just holla at your girl.lol

9. I can stay indoor for a week…………………provided theres constant light and steady supply of food

10. I HATE pets……fish, parrot, cat, dog………..all of them

11. I don’t have a bestfriend

9ja great Questions

1. What's the most important attribute you look for in the opposite sex? Attitude

2. What's your passion? Still trying to figure that out

3. What would you do if you had a million dollars? Pay tithe, invest, help the poor, see the world, shop.

4. What do you consider you best attribute? I am very loyal

5. When did you have your first kiss? I was six

6. Do you prefer someone in suit or casually dressed? Depends on how you carry it but I like casuals

7. What's the best book you ever read? A lot.

8. If you had the opportunity to see any influential person,who would it be? ~~GEJ~~ Michelle Obama

9. Do you enjoy PDA (Public Display of Affection)? With the right person……..a lot

10. Comedy,Romance,Thriller,Drama,which of these best describes the type of movies you like? Romance

11. When exactly would you like to get married and start a family? Like last year.lol. when I meet the right person

Cee’s questions

1. What do you do in your spare time? Read, write, watch movies and mess around with paint

2. What one thing are you most proud of? Myself

3. What is your ultimate dream vacation? Paris

4. What are you most looking forward to in the next year? All the public holidays.lol

5. Most important thing you are saving up for? That’s a secret

6. Have you ever rescued someone? What were the circumstances? Yes, saw this accident on our way from work and we stopped, took them to the hospital and even contributed to pay the bills

7. Who influenced you the most when you were a child? My head-mistress. She had so much faith in me.

8. Who influences you the most now? My boss

9. What is the most daring or dangerous thing you’ve ever done? Daring….. Dancing in a competition. I don’t even want to think about it

10. What person in history would you most like to meet? Refer to #8 above

11. What would you love for your next birthday gift? (I just might surprise you ;) A cake thank you very much

Cherry chatter’s Questions

What is the one thing that frightens you the most? Labour pain

What song would you describe as your ‘theme song’ ie a song that best describes you or how you feel about yourself or certain issues? Breakaway – Kelly Clarkson

Kim Kardashian, the entire Jersey shore cast ( if they were formed into one body with a medusa head of all the cast members) and Nene Leakes; if you had one bullet, who would you shoot? Not a huge fan of E! but I think I’ll shoot Kim

What was the last most outrageous purchase you made? A shoe

Is it best to have loved and lost or is it best to not love at all giving the possibility of heart break? Give reasons. (P:S: No BS sappy and generic answers too) Its better to have loved and lost cos then you’ll know what its like to be in love and that there’s still someone out there for you

Tattoos or piercings. Which do you prefer and why? (‘neither’ is not an answer) (fake) tattoo of course………..i have a very low threshold for pain

Who do you love the most, your brother or your boyfriend? (If married, replace with husband) Give reasons. Brother. Family will always be there.

Is revenge ever justified? Give reasons. No. Romans 12:19

Is religion an important consideration in a relationship? Give reasons. Yes and no. depends on individuals and how spiritual they are.

If you were president for a day, what is the first thing you would do? Resign. Don’t want any of that s**t

What is your first memory of being aware of/attracted to someone of the opposite sex? I was six and on a play date.

And now to the hardest

Rhapsody’s questions.

1. Do you love yourself inside out, outside in? (If yes move to question 5) Yes

2. If you do not love yourself completely what is preventing your from loving yourself completely? I believe I love myself completely.

3. Are there external/internal influences that prevents you from loving yourself? No

what are they?

Are the influences rooted in childhood traumas?

What do you plan to do about it?

4. How do you plan to teach yourself how to love yourself as you are and understand that you are enough? The bible helps and I appreciate myself.

5. What things do you do for yourself that enriches and nourishes your being? Read, pray

6. How do you hold yourself accountable for your poor decisions? By living with the consequences

7. Are you able to forgive yourself your humanness and move forward without beating up yourself and getting stuck in the, what should have been, if only I had? Yes, I’m very good at moving on

8. How do you celebrate you, your uniqueness and authenticity? Ermmmmnn……..do not know the answer to this one. I guess I just pat myself on the back (mentally)

9. How do you stay motivated, hopeful and faithful to you, your thoughts, beliefs and ideals? Constantly reminding myself of who I am, what I want and where I want to be

10. If you were your own parent what would be the one thing you would teach yourself? To believe in myself

If you are doing that which you wish you had learnt earlier how do you plan to pass the lessons on to another person who may be stuck where you were? Showing the person there’s a lot more to life than being dormant

If you are not doing it, Why aren’t you?

How do you plan to implement it into your daily life?

11. Are you being true to your inner self or are you busy pleasing everybody else? Right now, the only person I please is me

If you are not being true to self, how’s that working for you?

Are you happy? Considerably

How do you define happiness? An inner feeling of peace

Am sure almost everybody is tagged already so I’ll just tag:

Gnetch and Chinny (please answer Cherry chatter’s questions)

Thursday, May 3, 2012

ANTONYMS OF A MIRAGE

So as most of you might have heard, our very own Ilola's first book is out. I am so excited and happy for her. The book is a must read and has enough ingredients to keep you turning the pages.

Below is a preview from ‘In My Pocket’

‘Goshe – A short form of Shokolokobangoshe

Scenario 2

Mummy Bobo: Olowo ori mi (owner of my head), how was that favourite food of yours that I made for you? I am sure you enjoyed it. I have come to tell you about Bobo, your son. He is about to write his SSCE exams. The other day, I heard my senior wife bragging to her cousin that kola, her son, made all his papers two years ago because he is hardworking and brilliant. She then said she is sure Bobo will do the opposite and fail woefully. Olowo ori mi, please, don't let my enemies laugh at me. I know you can help me get the exam questions on the eve of every exam paper. This is the only way Bobo will be able to prove her wrong and shut her mouth forever. Daddy Bobo, you always say you love me more than my senior wife and if you really mean that, you will not let her have the last laugh over me.

Chief Goshe: Woman! Woman!! Woman!!! I have always warned you about this Bobo of a boy, but you will never listen to me. You spoil him too much, I hope he won't be the source of your downfall in future. Anyway, I will give you what you request, after which he will go to the UK to start his foundation course. You better warn your son to buckle up now, because there is no way I will fly over to meet David Cameron to organize exam papers by the time he gets to the UK. A word is enough for the wise. For now, the exam questions are not a problem. I have the education sector IN MY POCKET!

Scenario 3

Oloyinbo: (Getting up from his two minutes prostration, which Chief Goshe acknowledged by massaging his head with the sole of his left foot, he then starts hailing loudly) Baba Goshe, Baba mi, you will live long, your enemies will not see their children. Anyone that says it will not be well with you, it won't be well with them too.

Baba mi, the time has come. I need your help seriously. It’s time for the councillor election for the local constituencies. As I told you last year, I intend to contest and since I have adopted you as my political father, who else will I run to but you? Baba Goshe, don't worry about my credentials. The minimum requirement is the SSCE result and I have already sorted that out with some boys and now have my results. All I need now is your backing and support. Baba mi, I am in your hand now o.

Chief Goshe: Oloyinbo, my nephew, see your mango head like that of my father. You want to run for councillor, hmm? I thought you were joking when you mentioned it last year. I hope you know the implications of what you are doing? The politics of our time is not for the lily-livered at all. You have to be on your toes at all times. Be ready to make friends and enemies, be ready to do anything to protect your political career and even your life from political detractors. It’s a dog eat dog world and make sure you are ready for all the consequences. You should have just accepted the business I offered to set up for you, but you youths of nowadays have been bitten by the get-rich-quick bug. Since you insist, I will help you. I will take you to a meeting tomorrow, where you will meet some powerful people. But know this one thing, you must not, in turn, bite the fingers of these powerful people, including mine, when you win. You will have to dance to their tunes. Otherwise, the ground will have no choice but to reject you.
After tomorrow, your victory is a done deal. Even if you don't contest, you have won! It’s a done deal, I have the electoral system IN MY POCKET!

Scenario 4
Sisi Peperempe: (After a steamy sex session) Honey boy, cookie crumble, sweetie, darling, sugar! I need your assistance o. You remember my youngest brother, Dodoyo, he's in Anti-graft commission’s custody. He was arrested last week
(Kissing his fat filled pot belly). They said he posed as a minister and defrauded some companies. You know the story of my family and how Dodoyo and I had to see ourselves through life by all means possible. He's the only family I have. We have gone through so much and he doesn't deserve jail time or to lose all he has worked for. (Pouting her lips, with permanent red lipstick on) Baby boo, you must help Dodoyo or else ehn...

Chief Goshe: Sisi Peperempe! C'mon, rest your little head. Why are you worrying yourself over nothing? I am disappointed in the way you keep worrying and emphasizing on this issue. After the three years of us playing this 'love game', you still worry about these little things. Before you start your rants again, don't worry I forgive you. I guarantee you that it is settled. Give me a maximum of two days, Dodoyo will get out of custody and all his frozen assets will be returned. Plus the anti-graft commission, plus the person that created the anti-graft commission, I have them all IN MY POCKET!

Scenario 5

Scenario 5

Mr. Sinwonje: (Smacking his stomach during a meal of Suya and bottles of Lager beer at a popular elite club in Abuja) Chief Goshe, what are you going to do about this latest development now? I think Mr. President is serious about this power thing this time around o. If those Japanese people dare sign that contract of the electricity overhaul in this country, that line of business is over for me o, and you know that means you will also lose your regular cut. Hmm, Goshe, this is not good news at all. That is my major income-generating business and I use it to keep body and soul, Princess and Priscilla together. Imagine that this whole country, Nigeria, will not need generators or diesels to make their life easier. This is serious disaster. I will do anything to make it fail….
Read the rest of this and a lot more when you get your copy of Antonyms of a Mirage

You can also view the trailer below

Thursday, April 19, 2012

BLOG TOUR: SOCIAL PUNK

After playing God for six years with the world he created, he couldn’t control any of his subjects, none at all. Over the years, he had watched them evolve and become the sum of their own choices rather than the sum of his; and for that, he regretted ever giving them life.

A small, blinking red light from just inside his eyelid reminded him of the news they sent him earlier that morning. The company had cancelled his funding and would shut down his project within three months. According to them, the project cost too much and took up too much space, and the inconclusive results couldn’t be published reputably, now or in the future.

Six years of his work, tens of thousands of lives at stake—and he could do nothing to save any of it. He bowed his head, letting his chin rest on the rim of his breakfast smoothie. The smoothie reeked of powder—crushed pills—but he supposed he had better get used to it. He wouldn’t be able to afford the luxury of real food after they canned him.

He closed his eyes and called up the camera view of one of his favorites, number 3281. She fascinated him; he couldn’t deny it. When he had designed her, her pre-teen rebelliousness lit fire in her eyes. A survivor, he’d thought. He’d meant for her to have it all—to grow up, to get married to the love of her life, and to have a beautiful family of her own someday.

But he had only given her sadness so far. Instead of creating a strict father, he had given her an abusive one. Instead of creating a loving boyfriend, he had given her a friend who could never love her. And instead of creating a strong, proud mother, he had given her a meek one, who watched the whole thing unfold and did nothing about it.

He looked at his last and final creation sitting in the chair across from him—his own son, not awakened yet. The law forbade him to have any children of his own, so this boy would substitute.

But he had done the unthinkable with this creation—he had bestowed on it his own thoughts, emotions, and decision-making processes. He’d given the boy his own mind, his own physical characteristics, his own wants and desires.

He had never done so with any of the others because of the dangers of investing too heavily in any one of his subjects. But who could he kid? He had not stayed objective thus far, watching some of his subjects more closely than others, wishing for the happiness of some at the expense of others. He had become an abomination, a monster of his own doing, who had created subjects only to watch them suffer.

He couldn’t forgive himself; not now, not ever. His eyes lingered on the vial that sat next to his breakfast smoothie, that he’d stowed away for the day when they destroyed all his work, his entire world. He would save it, tuck it away for now, for as long as he could protect them. When things spun out of his control, he would drink it and end himself the way he had ended them.

In the ancient stories, gods frequently gave their sons as gifts. Now, he would give his son as a gift to her, number 3281. So she could be happy in her last months on earth, before they destroyed her with the rest of them.

*The above excerpt is from Monica Leonelle new book "Social Punk".

Monica Leonelle is a well-known digital media strategist and the author of three novels. She blogs at Prose on Fire (http://proseonfire.com) and shares her writing and social media knowledge with other bloggers and authors through her Free Writer Toolkit (http://proseonfire.com/free-writer-toolkit).

Links to Purchase the Book:

Amazon: http://monicaleonelle.com/SocialpunkA

Barnes and Noble: http://monicaleonelle.com/SocialpunkB

Monday, March 26, 2012

TEMPTATIONS III

For, Toinlicious ,who prodded and almost punched me to come back and clear the cobwebs. xoxo

Akpos Ibrahim was driving me crazy.

I was singing and giggling and doing all sort of stupid things as I prepared to meet him for dinner. He had called me and said he’ll like us to meet and talk and I had been daydreaming about the perfect evening we’re going to have.

Jenny gave me her sixth crazy look of the evening. I ignored her.

“Are you sure you’re alright Lin?”

“And how’s that your problem Jen?”

She rolled her eyes and walked out of the room.

I applied the last touch to my makeup (I have to make a fine impression; with Tessie and all in the picture), practiced different smiles and finally decided to go with the “cool calm side smile” (it’s my best). Another look at my watch and I still had forty minutes to kill. With the kind of entry I was planning, it was important not to get there before him, its best to even arrive like ten minutes late (blame the traffic) so I went to seek Jenny out

“Are you sure you’re doing the right thing?”

“You mean a single girl going on a date with a single guy she kinda likes? Yes, totally right”

“And if the single guy has a serious relationship and his friend who wants to date you is actually the one that introduced you?”

“I’m sure you’ve seen better dramas Jen, just let it go”

“Sure, whatever”

Why was I even wasting my time with Jen when my prince charming would be waiting. I baptized myself with perfume and after saying goodbye to Jen, left the house.

* * *

He stood up when he saw me and the whole room stopped. The guy is gorgeous. My practiced catwalk, smile and handshake flew away in one second.

“Nice to see you again Linda”

It took me a moment to respond, I was busy taking in the perfection standing before me

“Linda?”

“Oh…….its won – wonderful to see you too”

My life should be a movie right now.

“What will you have?”

“~~Just you mister~~ anything”

Then I heard someone from behind me

“Honey, what are you doing here?”

I turned. It was the queen bitch; Tessie.

*please, has anyone seen Che? seriously missing her around here*
And in case you missed it, here is the part one and two.

Monday, February 20, 2012

BABY MAMA 3

I remember clearly too the first letter I wrote to somebody I don’t know. It was the letter to my child, the one I was to abort. I wrote it the morning before I went to see the doctor. It was short but I hoped he/she understands.

"Dear Yvonne/Kelvin

Mummy loves you but right now mummy cant keep you. I know it’s hard but I need you to understand. Grandpa won’t understand and grandma would blow a fuse. Mummy would have to drop out of school and work as a sales girl. It would be so bad cos mummy doesn’t know daddy and you will be deprived of all the good things. Please know that I love you.

Yours always

Mum.

I was at the address, clutching the N5000 in my hand and looking like a person just sentenced to death. Doctor Steve(as I latter found out was his name) opened the door and gave me the usual silent treatment. I swore in my mind never ever to have sex again till I’m married. Dear God, please, just don’t let me die.

"I saw the way that doctor looked at you yesterday, is he you boyfriend?" he said as he turned to face me when I closed the door behind me

The alcohol smell hit my nose and I tried hard to keep a straight face.

"No, I don’t know him"

He nodded and started bringing out the things he needed. I sat down at the couch nearest to me

"You are a very beautiful girl, no wonder you are pregnant"

I cringed and swore again not to have sex.

He came close to me and I could feel his alcoholic breath on my face.

"Where’s the money?"

I quickly stretched out my hand with the money in it. He took it, starred at it for a while and tossed it on the center table

"I could do it for free you know, just let me play with you a little"

I started shaking my head, saying no, I was imagining another pregnancy on the one before.

"I’ll get pregnant again"

He laughed, a mocking laugh

"No, I’ll take care of all that....." he started grinning as he grabbed my breasts and started pulling me close.

I struggled to get away but he was stronger than me, I kept struggling and kicking with my little strength. After what seemed like 10 minutes, he overpowered me and stripped my clothes and just as he was about to strip my panties the door bell rang. He left me to open the door

I grabbed my clothes .......and my money as I ran out, speeding past the guest. I stopped running when I put as much space between me and the house as possible. I was sucking in air rapidly when an elderly woman grabbed my hand and pulled me aside......

"Don’t you have a mother?"

I looked at my stomach to see if it was so obvious I was pregnant. I looked at her again, a confused expression on my face

"Go attend to your flows daughter" She said and gave me a disapproving look

I looked down and saw bright red blood flowing down my legs. I sat down on the road and started laughing