New York, New York pt. II

What's going on folks? Episode 2 is here.
I realized that a few days had passed and I was starting to drift away from the desire to finish the post. So before I lose all interest in this topic allow me to finish up what i started.

So where were we? Ah yes, my thoughts on the fact that there is 2 different world within my city right? Well just like there is two different worlds within my city I have 2 different thoughts about it. I like it and I dislike it for several reasons.
Like:
I like it because it leaves my area a mystery to those who dwell in and visit the big city of dreams. When people visit they either hear from someone in the city or someone back home wherever they are from, that they shouldn't go to the Bronx, or to Brooklyn. It's like Manhattan is the Pride lands and all other places in New York are the forbidden shadowy area that one must never go to! (If you're not a Lion King fan, you may not get that last reference.) In other words, the Bronx, and Brooklyn and parts of Queens are just infested with drugs, crime, and it looks like some sort of battle ground from a movie. Or at least this is what people think.

Dislike
I strongly dislike this because, well damn.... How would you feel if the average person who lives outside of you're area thought you came from some sort of ghetto where you're best friend is a crack head and you have to run home from work and school everyday. Or tell me this people, how would you feel if someone (from your city nonetheless) asked you "Wait, isn't the sky brown over there?" < Believe me when I tell you I'm not making this up. A girl from Brooklyn, BROOKLYN, right across the bridge asked me that one time.... She literally with a straight face, asked me "Ain't the sky brown in the Bronx?" Wow shorty, you need to get out more. Another one from Queens came to visit me and said out loud "I did not know that there were houses in the Bronx" or what about Buddy's homie in Brooklyn one time who literally looked us both in the eyes and said "Bro, I can't go to the Bronx man, I don't have a gun and it's night time." Or our homie in Ohio who dead ass asked me "What's the life expectancy in the Bronx? Like 16 years old?" After I gave him  a strange look he said "Nah, must be even younger than that right?" Damn B! Lol
You see where I'm going with this? It's this ignorance that my borough is a wasteland where only heathens and monsters live. Granted, I'm not gonna lie to you and say that there aren't areas that are bad.. Like Cam said "There's a war going on outside." Yes this has proven to be true, but this is EVERYWHERE..... Every state, every city has its tourist friendly spots and the areas where you don't wanna be caught in after dark.
Case in point whenever I go to Ohio (Columbus) I here that the West Side is less than friendly. In fact I wanted to go there (for reasons I will not share lol) and I was actually convinced that it wasn't a good idea. People from the East don't mess with people from the west in Columbus, Ohio, and vice-versa. So I'm here speaking to you on behalf of the Bronx and it's residents. The Bronx is indeed "The Hood" but when looked at through a different perspective it's freakin beautiful.... From the Grand Concourse down to Southern Blvd. To Morris Park back up to Fordham. From Cedar Park (The birthplace of Hip-Hop) back to Crotona Park. Tremont ave, Third Ave, University, the Projects, the Private Houses (That we DO have), the building and the shelters, My city is beautiful. You don't have to agree but that's what I'm tellin you. I'll vouch for the Bronx til I die because this is where I was born and raised and I turned out pretty damn good if I must say so myself.

So I guess what I'm saying is, the invisible barriers are there, and they are definitely felt, but It's not all that bad... Are there abandoned buildings here? Yes, are there crackheads? Yes in some areas, but that's not all we're about. There is a higher percentage of people here who are hard workers, business owners, talented artist, amazing thinkers and all around great people. So if you're visiting my city, don't be scared to get off the Tour Bus driving through Time Square hop on the 2, the 5, and 4 trains and come uptown for a lil bit. I promise you won't get shot. Come visit the Bronx Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, Shop at Bay Plaza or Fordham. Maybe catch a movie (even tho I watch movies downtown too Lol) Yes there is "Ghetto People" here, but to fully experience this city you have to take the good with the bad!

I guess those are my thought on the subject. In fact I've even considered writing a book about the Bronx, but I'll get back to you on that.
For now Enjoy these pics I took for ya.

I was Gonna let ya know which ones were taken in the BX and which were taken in Manhattan. But eff that, I feel the pics speak loud enough without telling you were they came from.

(Click Images to Enlarge)

All Photos taken by me. All Rights Reserved.

So which New York are you? Which one do you want to get to know? The Jay-Z and Alicia Keys New York or the Cam'Ron and Jay-Z New York? Lol

Stay Up and Stay Tuned!

Take it Down!

What's going on Bull Penners? By now I know you know that to me this is more than just a blog. This is my personal journal where I express and share all my experiences, my inner most thoughts (not really) lol and whatever else.

So this blog post is no different. This time I'm using it more so as a documentation. Remember the post "Losin It" like 2 years ago? Where I bought some dope ass expensive Rock & Republic jeans that fit about 2 sizes small? I told myself rather than return the pants I'll challenge myself to lose the weight to fit into the pants. Yeah that didn't work, I hung the pants outside my closet, I looked at pictures of the niggas in the catalogue and seen how dope it looked on them, etc. etc. etc. After about 3 days of "working out" I said "Fuck it" I'll give the jeans to someone who can fit em, cause by the time I can fit em shits will be all types of played out" Some will power huh?

However, believe it or not, I'm tired of living in the body I live in. Don't get me wrong, I'm confident enough to take my shirt off anywhere, as I'm sure you've noticed once or twice, but I just feel it's time to prepare myself for my mid 20's and there's no way I'm going into them with the same attitude and look as I've been rockin since I was 11.
Furthermore I feel this will help a great deal with the ladies! Not that I'm doing extremely bad in that department, but you know. Lol, say what you want, but women are just as shallow as I am. Yeah I may be cool and have a dope personality but if they aint attracted then you're doomed. You will be considered "Just a Friend" forever. Let's face it, unless you drop dead gorgeous, or filthy rich, the girls aint checkin for you, and I'm neither or. I know not one female who has "Fat" on her criteria list on top of all that. So seeing as how I was just recently shut down by the last girl who will ever shut me down, (the girl of my dreams-Remember Kryptonite) I figured, "maybe if you started workin out, lost some weight turned your body into something straight out of a surfer magazines, this wouldn't happen again" < I'm hard on myself, I know. But yeah.... I've decided that I'm gonna cut out the juice, avoid all fast and fried foods, I'm gonna stop eating passed midnight and I'm gonna start running again. It's gonna be painful cause anyone who knows me knows that juice is my crack, and 2:45am is my regular dinner time. And if you know me, you know I wouldn't run to save Keri Hilson from a burning building, Alicia Keys? Yeah, but Ms. Keri baby? Sorry love.... Lol. Never mind me and my jokes, it's late. But yeah, I refuse to be 25 with man boobs, plus I've wanted to get my ribs tattooed since I was like 19 and that just wouldn't look right with love handles. Basically, there's a lot I'm missing out on here by having this body, don't get me started on how annoying it is to shop considering fashion stops at a sz. 36 for men. So with all that said I guess it's time for a weigh in huh?

 ^Here it Is^

Live &in Living Color

No edits no nothin, this is all me.

^And this Here^

This is my first glass of water.

It's gonna be a loooooong winter.

So there you have it, I've given you yet another in depth tour of what's going on in my head! Now what other blogger do you know gives you realness like this? Not many if you ask me! Lolol.

The Diet starts today! Just water, no fried foods, no fast food, no eating passed midnight, oh boy... I can see the mood swings now! Pray for me folks!

Stay Up and Stay Tuned!

My Nigga! (Denzel Washington Voice)

"What's going on my niggas?"

Lol, what's new Bull Penners....
Disclaimer: This, post may contain a little foul language so if you think you'd have a problem with that please see to it that you leave now. You've been warned, Thank You.

So the other day while on twitter I said something about someone or some people and used the word "nigga." Big whoop right? Ya've heard me say that word here, on facebook on twitter and in person a million times. However shortly after the tweet I received a mention saying something along the lines of "What did I tell you about the n-word, stop that shit..." from a good friend of mine, Angie (@Imani_Sublime) Lol, This is not the first time that she's expressed her anger and dislike/hate towards the word and of it's use... And honestly I respect her as a person, a friend and all that so I try my hardest not to use the word around her, but this is Twitter we talkin about, I tend to go off and not worry about what my followers may think of my tweeted thoughts.
Initially I brushed it off, but after some time passed I actually sat down and gave it some thought... I then tweeted that I would write up a post about it and so here it goes. First I thought to myself "I been using the word nigga for as long as I've been using all the other words in my "street vocabulary" folder." Since I was 9 years old the word nigga has been in use by myself right along with "shit, bitch, fuck, fag," and whatever other repulsive thing you can think of.... Do I use these words all day every day? No of course not, but amongst my peers? Oh, Mother Fuckin right. And just incase you wanna say "Well you must not have a big enough vocabulary..." C'mon, have you not read my words before? EVERYONE curses, or has used profanity at some point, don't sit there and lie like you're exempt from that category. So my question is: "Is the word "nigga" really as bad as all the others I just mentioned? Would you be less offended if I looked at your sister and said "Hey bitch, what's good?" Don't answer that.
I know that many people's reason for wanting to get rid of the word is it's origin. They say things like "That word was used to offend and oppress black people" and things like "that word is disgusting and offensive" "a word that signifies so much hatred and pain" as my homegirl Angie put it....

Alriiight! Here comes the assholes opinion. Imma tell ya like I told my homegirl, "a word, or words can, will and have always ONLY had the power that YOU give them!" I'm well aware that some of you still don't understand what I mean, or where I'm going with this. Check this out, if you CHOOSE to be offended, appalled, or otherwise effected by a word then I really don't know what to tell you. Different people say different things, especially considering that from generation to generation words take on different meanings.
Case in point: 'Artificial' used to mean: "full of artistic or technical skill’. Now its meaning has a very different slant. And even Nice, whose origin comes from latin meaning "to know" once meant: Ignorant or unaware.... Don't believe me? Do your research like I did.


Angie told me to: "Look up the etymology of the word "nigger"...it's rooted from "Negro" which is in essence rooted from "Necro"... Which in Latin means death or to be dead. When the word "Negro" was used, it ewas meant to signify that Africans were dead because according to Christian faith they were soulless as they did not practice Christianity. So, basically to continue to call someone "nigga" or "niggaz" is furthering this concept that brown people have no soul... And we are living up to those standards. Again, true enslavement is when we accept their ideas on us as truth." Very well written and heart felt if I say so myself. But If I were to ask 5 people on twitter or Facebook or people at my corner store who use the word what it meant TO THEM, this would be the furthest thing from what they thought. Blame their blissful ignorance if you will, but that's just how it is. So I'm well aware of the other people who feel "Well people were disrespected by that word and it was used to keep black people down xyz" Okay, coo I understand that at some point the word wasn't a term of endearment as it's become these days, but which one of those people read my tweets? How many of them are my peers? Which one of those people who were once oppressed and kept down with the power of that word in the car with me when I say "You missed the exit my nigga!?" How many of them are listening to "Watch the Throne" with me while I'm in the house or on the bus etc. etc. And please don't misunderstand what I'm saying, I'm not trying to blame the music I listen to, nor am I trying to blame my actions or in this case my words on my environment, but at the end of the day it's all around me. By now, for me, using the word "Nigga" is like my accent. I can't control how I sound. I am indeed a product of my environment and I feel I'm a pretty nice guy if I say so myself. Granted, please don't mistake me for a disrespectful dude, I tend to watch my mouth around people I interact with and don't know well. I would hate for someone's first impression of me to be "The young man who couldn't stop cursing and using the N-Word," cause even I would hate to meet someone like that. However amongst my peers, in my comfort zone, on twitter (where the whole point is to talk your smack)I don't feel that I have to change how I speak. Especially to put anyone else at ease. So you telling me "Stop saying the N-Word" is like shoving your religion down my throat, and by now I think we all know how I feel about that! Some people say "dude" others say "pal" or "buddy" I say "nigga." Does this mean that I feel you should use it? Does this mean I'm telling you join me in my usage of the word? No not at all, it simply means that this is what I say, and I don't feel it's a bad word, however if you do...... Well, that's your issue. And I say it with all due respect.


But I will propose a challenge to those of you who would rather I didn't use it. Contact me in private (EnoBull@gmail.com) tell me "Eno I feel you should stop using the N-Word," and I will give you a chance to try and get me to stop using it. You'll see how when you hit me up.


For now
Stay Up and Stay Tuned.


P.S. If you, out of spite or ignorance hit my homegirl up on twitter, just to bomb her @ mentions with the N-Word, you and I will have severe problems. This post was not intended to start a war but to find some sort of common ground. You've been warned. So know that if you start following her and she follows back, you should tred lightly around her and have the respect you have for me for her as well. You've been warned.

New York, New York

(You may wanna Google lyrics or open up Youtube to read along with this one)

There's a few reasons why we say "New York" twice when we're referring to our city... The most obvious of course being the fact that New York is the name of a city in a state of the same name, but also because within this large city there is two different worlds, two different New Yorks. Are you drawn in yet? Have a seat let me explain myself.

For as long as I could remember, or at least since I learned there was a world outside of my beloved city, I've been very well aware that there have been two worlds within my city. In recent years there have been several songs dedicated to the Big Apple. Of course we know Mr. Frank Sinatra's classic and Ja-Rule, Fat Joe and Jadakiss got together to make a dope track dedicated to the big city as well. But two songs of them all have stood out to me and have all but put a literal and physical face to this fact. Both with Jay-Z. One alongside Cam'Ron and the other featuring Alicia Keys.
_________________________

"Welcome to New York City"
Artist: Cam'Ron ft. Jay-Z & Juelz Santana
Album: Come Home with Me
Year of release: 2002

This one is talking about the city outside of the city (Downtown Manhattan. It relates more to Harlem and the outer boroughs) This song discusses the drug game, the loitering in project building hallways. Carrying guns, wars going on outside one's window.
Jay-Z says certain lines such as "Rucker Game Attender" "Niggas will drive by in the day, murder you in the dark" "Wet niggas up like the Johnny pump is open, Nigga I play hard!"

Then there's some of Cam'Ron's lines: "There's a war going on outside no man is safe from/it don't matter if you 3ft. or 8'1," "Carry 8 guns/2 in the trunk/2 on the waist/2 on the ankles/2 to just spank you" "It's La Cosa Nostra..." "...They'll toast your go-for, bread loaf your chauffeur"

"Rich black thugs"

You see, its the lifestyle inspired by famous mafia movies. The ambition of becoming rich fast so they deal drugs. It's a news report of war going on in the very streets that these reporters live in. It's a story of a day spent outdoors, from a basketball game at Rucker Park (Very Famous park in Harlem where the greatest street ballers and even some entertainers and professional athletes come to play basketball) to giving you a warning of what may happen. The Johnny Pump (fire hydrant) being open, which is a very strong visual of NYC in the summer. But it's also a story of brief success "Mink on a motorcycle, trinkets they're so delightful, blinging there's so much ice, (Bling!)" This is the New York that the tourist never sees. The New York that lies beneath the surface of the clean Empire State that you see on post cards.

_________________________

"Empire State of Mind"

Artist: Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys

Album: Blueprint 3

Year of Release: 2009

This song is discussing the glamourous New York (Manhattan) Madison Square Gardens, no longer at the Rucker. Dreams coming true, Big Lights, High Fashion, Yellow cabs etc.

Jay-Z is quoted saying: "Now I'm down in Tribeca, right Next to DeNiro" "Sitting court side, Knicks and Nets give me Hi-5" "I made a Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee Can" "Statue of Liberty, Long live the World Trade" "I'm from the Empire State that's..." "Caught up in "the "In" Crowd, now you in style" 

Alicia's Hook: "In New York, Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there's nothing you can't do, Now you're in New York, these streets will make you feel Brand New, Big lights will inspire you, let's hear it for New York"


"One hand in the air for the big city, srteet lights, big dreams all lookin pretty, no place in the world that can compare, put your lighters in the air everybody say yeaaaahhhhh"

So triumphant isn't it? But do you see the vast difference between the two. One tells you that the streets of the city will make you feel brand new, the other suggests that if you're wearing anything brand new you may be at risk of getting shot over it in a mugging. "Remember the war going on outside?" That's what that's about. 

_________________________

So if you haven't figured it out, there's the "I can be whoever I want to be, I too can have a beautiful Tribeca apartment next door to my favorite celebrity" New York and then there's the "You may wanna be careful walking down the street because there is a war going on outside and this guy has a few guns on him, ready to test you all in the name of his respect" New York.

There's the "I have to hustle to get what I want, because no one is gonna hand it to me" New York and there's the "I'm famous, so professional athletes give me their hand in respect" New York.

So what are Eno thoughts on this subject? We'll see. Part II coming soon! I may even have a treat for you. But for now I think I wanna end this like an episode of Sopranos and.......

Stay Up, And Stay Tuned!

My Baby is 3 Years Old

Yooooo. I bet ya didn't even realize that last month was tha Bull Pen's anniversary did ya? Lol, It's all good. I didn't promote so I understand. But yeah, 10 days after my 21st birthday I put up "My First Post" lol... It's only a short 3 year later, but damn it feel like it went by too quick. Like I just started this. I feel I've grown before you, I feel like I've become a writer on the internet. However, instead of boring ya with my own words for a few paragraphs, this year I had a different idea. Rather than post pictures from the year, and rather than write out some boring "Anniversary Post" I wanted to put the blog in the readers hands for once. What do you mean? I mean I asked my readers, the ones who've been rocking with me since Aug. of 08, the ones who just started rocking with me, the ones who have rocked with me once or twice to write a testimony. I thought it be fun for the readers to see more than just one perspective for once. Feel me? It's almost a month late, but when you read all the things that all your fellow readers wrote, I think you'll find that the wait was well worth it. So with all that said, let's get started:
______________________________

Jemeka:
Eno Bull, if I ever created a list of my top 5 favorite writers, you'd be on it. I've told you before that you're really talented. Understatement maybe. I think it's awesome that you're so transparent and REAL when you write. It's inspiring, really. Visiting Tha Bull Pen is always an experience. Your posts evoke so many emotions. Your readers feel what you feel! "My First Love", "Untitled pt 1" and "A Song" are just a FEW of my favorites. Just keep doing what you're doing alright?


Reese: 
"What you mean you ain't got no malt liquor for the homies? Are you trying to get shot?" -The doctor that delivered Emilio Lorenzo Cortez Gutierrez. 


That's how awesome having a friend like Eno is. It makes you say cool intellectual shit you wouldn't normally say. I mean like, his blog is all like, funny and stuff, but mostly it's colorful and it has great photographs on it. He also told me to say that I learned something from his blog, or he'd kidnap my cat..so here goes:
I learned that Eno is a very good typist, he takes amazing photographs, and he likes to tell stories that help you get to know him better as a person. His entries just flow from the heart, it never feels like he's writing just to write, or blogging to get some fame. I know this cool dude offline..and he's everything his blog makes you think he is: tall, intelligent, and brown.
Congrats on the anniversary, and thanks for blogging and being an awesome friend homeboy.
You owe me like fiddy bucks. Love, Reese.

ps. Can I have my cat back now?


Nitza:
Apparently, we all have something to share. No, honestly - ask me to name people that have blogs and I can rattle 6 names of the top of my head: Sandy with travel, James with music, Ashley with her dating life, John on the art scene, Lynn on the Brooklyn life, and Lydia with whatever the week brings. In a word, exhausting. Now, having a blog site doesn't necessarily mean that your viewpoint is interesting, different, or relevant. A lot of these blogs are actually pretty dull, I don't mince words so I will label them all as "Generic" - Yeah, I said it. Around 1 year ago, I noticed that I kept returning to read Eno Bull's blog, Tha Bull Pen. Took me by surprise since I admit that I'm tired of blogs! But I realized that Eno's viewpoint, though different from my own, was actually quite interesting; he could be controversial, yet honest, loud, but sweet, a gentleman with a foul mouth. I found myself agreeing with Eno and wishing to give him a high five, then I wanted to punch him. Hey, I'm just being honest. Overall, the kid does a good job. He's my cousin after all and I wouldn't expect anything less. Love him (picture me with a grin in my face).


Dos:
Ode to my Eno LL … What can I say about tha homie Eno?! Aside from being my brutha from anutha mutha … aside from being a photographer and videographer extraordinaire … aside from being so handsome… so cool … so GQ …  … he has impressed me with his ability to express himself, his thoughts, and his ideas through his blog, Tha Bull Pen. Eno never fails to keep me entertained with his ideas, rants, and opinions … which all end up being very thought provoking, no matter the topic! I loved the blog so much … I harassed Eno to take Tha Bull Pen to the video blog world … Being the character that he is, I knew that the visual would definitely compliment the voice, the thoughts, and the ideas of Tha Bull! With that said … ALL LOVE to Eno and congrats to the 3 year anniversary of Tha Bull Pen! Wish you the most success!!! #DoWork!! #Salute!!! ~Dosage!!~


Ty:
His words, his wisdom, his individuality.....

Eno Bull's blog "Tha Bull Pen" is celebrating it's third anniversary and it is surely something to celebrate. Eno has blessed his readers with his thoughts which are innovative, true and invigorating. Eno is young but, unlike many in his age group, he is very gifted with the talent of written words from clear, educated thoughts. His blogs suck you in, makes you think, and leaves you satisfied with HIS knowledge. Every entry is unique and is an ode to his big heart and humble being. He is extremely family oriented and you can feel the love he has for his family through his words he shares with all of us. May Eno give his readers another year full of thought provoking, great reads.

Happy Anniversary to Tha Bull Pen!
Love you Eno!
Lady Ty


Angel:
I have never been a fan of blogs or bloggers, mainly because quite honestly I dont really care what others opinions are about things. I feel like I feel and, especially being a taurus, I am stubborn and am usually set in my ways & opinions! With that being said, after the 1st time reading "Tha Bull Pen"...I was a fan and hooked! Eno's blog was different to me for this reason...he didnt care either. It wasnt simply a blog of "this is the hottest movie out but I don't like it because...." , it was more real life wow these are things that meant enough to take MY time "I EXPERIENCED this situation today and I felt like this, I UNDERSTAND ya'll might not feel the same but YOU wast there. So feel how you want but Ima be me" I guess what Im saying is he is REAL! He isnt a blogger just worried about the number of posts he has or about riding the fence to make his readers happy....he's Eno...& he is definitely an example of Quality in a world of Quantity!


Michelle:
Here's the thing, I've never met a person of the male species that I feel is my exact counterpart. Reading THA BULL PEN is always an adventure, reading about secret loves, bitches that aint putting out (frontin). To being pulled intensely into something that Eno is engaged in from his love of photography to his obsession with music (good shit that it is) So on your anniversary i want to say i Laughed, learned and loved through your words, Ive been pissed off at your opinions and at the same time respected and agreed. Ive appreciated how your able to speak from a womans point of view as well as give the males BRUTALLY honest (niggaz dont do that) view. Ive appreciated how youve let myself as well your other dedicated readers into your world, into your head, damn near into your heart; and with that I want to say Happy Annivarsary ill be forever a fan. (when are you going to take my picture? "immortalize my shit")


Roxanna:
A modern day voice. Unmoved by criticism, hate, class, race or gender. Opinion is opinion. Like it or love it. I started reading these blogs since its birth and have watched it grow and take on a life of its own. Great writing will always find a way to make you question, understand and appreciate – although you may not agree with the discussions, and most certainly have your own opinion on the matter(s), one thing is always for certain Eno will state his case, present evidence and having you nodding in agreement before you reach the final period. The words spoken are “As Is” – so to speak. They are raw, they are lived and they are true. Anyone growing up in the hood can relate. We are all products of our environment and Eno simply puts life to paper in a way that is unmatched. Reading his blog is like having a conversation with him – right down to the expressions and tone. I love it! There is true talent behind these words and I ask everyone to take heed and watch these blogs because they will most certainly become something great. Eno does not write to make friends and that is what makes this a great blog. Keep up the good work baby brother!


Ieisha:
I have said this time and time again, but again Eno is an exceptional writer, one would deem his writings poetic. His blogs give us, the readers a chance to truly experience "How Eno's mind truly works." His blogs express emotions and feelings that we are often embarrassed to express to the world. One blog in particular I truly loved (I love them all) was the Fathers's day blog... That blog was probably one of the realest, most emotional words I have ever read. It showed the world a different side to Eno.... His bravery in putting those words on paper helped me to put in prospective my life in terms of my relationship with my own father. I walked away in awe and tears as it made me realize that sometimes having no father is better than having a father who is emotionless and unsupportive (I'm referring to my dad) that blog amongst many others were my guide to implementing not only a new way of life but it forced me to be real with myself about situations and feelings I tried to suppress!! Overall, I don't think there are words that I can express to give Eno the props he truly deserves! Your an awesome, real, controversial writer and your writing should be on the Times best seller list. Keep up the good work!


Dwayne:
As long as I've known Eno he's always been two things an asshole & a person with an opinion lol. But when he started his blog he found a way to combine both....and he did it in a brilliant way. I'm not just sayin this because he's my brother,but as a fan of social commentary, I've watched Tha Bull Pen go from a tongue in cheek rant to a clever well crafted gaze into the mind of a rebel. I've also had the privilege of being featured numerous times on the blog & hope I can be featured again in the future. So to my brother Eno Effn Bull & Tha Bull Pen I say.....Man Fuck ya blog, Add My BBM!!-Deascent


Buddy:
3 Years strong for tha Bull Pen!! An outlet much needed and so efficiently utilized by the man behind the posts , Eno mutha effin BULL!! From controversy to emotion-filled bloggin, uv kept me n the masses entertained bruh. Ya blog ain't a colorin book like most of these utha joints dat r heavily saturated wit pix, u capture the essence of expression thru literature, very eloquently. Keep doin it lil bro, much love, and u always have my support!


Che:
In the Nas and Damien Marley Distant Relatives album, on a song entitled “Friends”, Damien Marley says,

“Yes We Surely Had A Blast / We're Like Family / Me & You / A Nuh Every Path You Cross / Lead To Somebody Whe True / Of The Many That Are Called Only Chosen Is A Few”

That Practically explains my friendship with Edwin Gutierrez, known to others simply as Eno.

When I first met Eno, through Pers, and Buddy, he was quiet but very absorbent and observant, articulate in his own right, and only spoke when spoken to. These are my accounts, so he could disagree – but my memory is quite vivid. Eno was always down for a good laugh, and that is all that we did when the crew from Davidson Ave, gathered on the block or in an apartment.

It was the environment in which we grew up in that provided us with the creativity, experiences, and vocabulary that led us to make what we called “Music.” It was actually just rhetorical frustration on top of instruments that caught the ears of people that shared those same feelings, people like Edwin. Eno had the capability to interpret any bar that was spat from any section 8 / 4’ Treign / BXL member, in which I consider to be a skill, since I thought I was overly clever with words. It was this passion of his that allowed him to blend in with the crew.

When we began to perform at venues, Eno was there with a camera/video camera documenting everything moving. I can now look back and realize how important those times were to our development, and furthermore, how important the documentation was in itself. Eno took this craft and expanded, as any smart person would do with a talent that he or she is good at.

However, Eno has to accredit a lot of his maturity and growth to his large-supporting family: a large group of down-to-earth brown-skin people from Honduras, that consist of beautiful, fierce, loving females and talented, humorous, educated males. I consider myself - an African, from Ghana- extended family of theirs. And they have been nothing less than accepting of me and others alike. Therefore, as the junior, Edwin was somewhat forced to bare some of those traits to that of his immediate family – the gift.

The gift that was bestowed on this kid is one that he carried unconsciously through his actions and speech. If we as a circle didn’t curse, neither would he. If we didn’t go around bullying kids, neither would he. But had we pushed over a Street Fighter arcade machine for a thrill, he probably would have to, and eventually got caught trying to run because he was heavier than the rest of us, lol. But the point is, Edwin is a mold of positive influences, with his own twist.
 
Now, just like any individual who becomes educated, you beginn to make your own observations and draw your own conclusions to certain theories, and practices. Fredrick Douglas – after teaching himself how to read while in captivity – began to stumble across documents that revealed detailed information about the slave trade, and memoirs of his masters. In that instant, Douglas wished that he had never learned how to read to begin with. This is parallel to the complex that has now become of Edwin – a new “think for yourself” characteristic – which is extremely critical in this day and age, hence the beginning lines of this testimony, “Only Chosen Are A Few” Yes, it does deviate from the status quo, and so does he, but why should we all be alike? As long as you stay true to you, and have a positive purpose in life…then…live your life. But then we must ask ourselves, “What do we mean by the word ‘positive’?” I’ll leave that to the reader.

I envision great things for Edwin. Through his creativity, his options are endless. Take his blog for instance, and how far and popular it has become. He doesn’t ramble about how ‘fly he is’, or much he’s “balling” because that is not his purpose in life nor in his writing. Rather, his discussions vary from a wide range of topics from religion, and homophobia, to vanity and poverty. That makes for a good read. I personally enjoyed the “2011 Is Home” blog, which speaks about the small reunion that we as friends try to have once a year around January to make sure everyone is in perfect health and living right. I look forward to more of those. It allows us to reflect – through music, food, drinks, laughter, gaming and cutting, lol - how far we have come as simply FRIENDS. And you cannot put a corner store price tag on that. And it was Edwin who documented that event, which allows me reflect upon it, and laugh again – the literary double entendre. You can now return to the top and re-read the Damien Marley lyrics. - Che
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Honestly, I know it comes off as if I'm just saying this, but I literally read each and every one of these testimonies word for word. Before I copied and pasted I took the time out to read and understand what each and every one of you wrote, the same way ya take the time to read whatever it is I write. Some of ya brought me very close to tears and I swear ya all made me feel loved. I can't begin to express how much I appreciate all your words. I say it all the time that when I started this blog it was simply a journal for me. Well it's obvious that I've read the words of my journal out loud so much that it's brought me an audience of great people. I promise to continue to give ya the quality blogs that you've come to love. And I'll continue to thank the man above for blessing me with such great family like all of you. Peace Ya'll Eno Loves you all!
Happy 3rd Birthday to my blog!


Stay Up and Stay Tuned.


P.S. 
I didn't plan it this way, but it just so happens that this blog fell on 9/11. With that said I want to take the time out to pay my respects to all those fallen on that horrifying day 10 years ago.
R.I.P to all those victims and my sincerest condolences to the families who lost loved ones.