November Writing Challenge Day 24: It’s Bruno!

I’m blogging every day this month. Some will be game-related, but this challenge is different than my most recent play-a-game-and-blog-about-it challenge. I’m writing a single post every day: no topic guidelines, with some posts being a collection of random thoughts. Click here to read yesterday’s post.

I stumbled upon a random Netflix series called It’s Bruno! last night. I’d never heard of it, but after reading the description I was excited to share my discovery with my wife.

Set in Brooklyn, New York, It’s Bruno! is about a guy named Malcolm and his puggle (pug-beagle mix), Bruno. We have a pug named Bruno and couldn’t believe what we found on Netflix!

Of course, the Netflix Bruno’s life is nothing like our Bruno’s life, but it’s a quirky and offbeat comedy. Each episode is about 15 minutes long, with plenty of cute doggos, and features some sort of confrontation with residents of Malcolm’s neighborhood. There’s Harvey and his dog Angie, who serves as Malcolm and Bruno’s nemesis. There’s Crackhead Carl with his shopping cart full of stolen goods on sale for five dollars each, Malcolm’s stoner buddies, the local pet store employees, and a whole assortment of interesting people.

Halfway through the series I started googling the show’s creator and star, Solvan Naim, a young, talented 22-year-old rapper, writer, actor, and director. There’s a quote in a Variety interview that reminded me of our Bruno: “He’s just a loving dog and he always wants to show you attention. He’s never angry or mad. We can all learn a little something from him.”

Pictured above is our Bruno. He may not have his own Netflix series, but if you ever meet him, you’ll see that he has the same loving personality of the more famous Bruno.

Day 353: Cat and Dog

Grumpy Cat and Boo.

Grumpy Cat and Boo.

I’ve been able to avoid all of the holiday retail madness so far, having finished my shopping on Cyber Monday (and a few items purchased online a few days later).

Today I found myself at Michael’s and Hobby Lobby. My wife and I were looking for arts and crafts supplies for an upcoming visit from our nephew and nieces. We have a lot of fun with the kids, especially during the crafts-making activities.

When we were in line I spotted Grumpy Cat and Boo (pictured above). I don’t know why I got such a kick out of seeing two Internet celebrities in stuffed animal form, but I did.

Day 79: Fido Friday

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Bruno

Ah, March Madness is in full swing. My alma mater’s UC sister schools played well, going 1-1, thanks to UCLA’s upset of SMU. They could’ve been 2-0, but UC Irvine fell a basket short of advancing. It was a great showing for the Big West tournament champion.

The early rounds are always my favorite because of the non-stop action and upsets. Thanks to the Internet, it’s now easier than ever to watch all of the games no matter where you are, although this isn’t always a good thing. Game notifications blowing up your phone isn’t the best way to maintain your concentration during the day. The stress level goes up as you sweat over one of your deep picks possibly being upset in the first round.

Thankfully, my buddy Bruno helped me relax when I got home on this Fido Friday. I hope he’s ready to do a little extra relaxation therapy as the tournament continues.

Day 54: Pug Life

Bruno the pug.

Bruno the pug.

It’s been raining the last two days and even though it’s good for us Southern California residents, I get antsy when I can’t go outside to exercise. I haven’t had a gym membership in years and I prefer it that way. I do miss lifting weights sometimes, but my modes of exercise these days consists of walking, running, or riding my bike. Does playing one of the Dance Central or Just Dance video games count as exercise?

My buddy Bruno (pictured above) is ready for the rain to stop, too. He’s not a video game fan, but he does miss going out to the park for his dose of exercise.