Box Break: 2023-2024 Panini Contenders NBA Hobby Box

See which NBA player jersey card I pull.

Box Break: 2025 Topps Series 1 Retail Hanger Box

I pulled an autograph from this box.

 

Book Report: 'A Farewell to Arms'

A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've been on a Hemingway kick lately, and delving into his earlier work has fueled my fire for the author. The semi-autobiographical work details his World War I service and is seeped in cynicism and wry observations.

His storytelling is efficient and clear, abounding with truth and impactful minimalism. The story arc is penetrating and mildly uplifting, pulsing with a growing sense of fatalism that gnaws away at its bones. This is beautiful, elegant storytelling fueled by penetrating introspection.

"A Farewell to Arms" provides a steady stream of intimate observations and delicious slices of life. It may be a humanist examination of the chaos and doom brought on by war, but it seems like more of a peek inside of Hemingway's diary, before he was a capital-A Author, back when he was just a guy trying to find his way in life, bubbling with hopes and dreams, struggling to survive to see another dawn.

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Game Review: 'Indiana Jones and the Great Circle' PS5

 

It's taken a few extra months, but PS5 players can now enjoy the greatest Indiana Jones story since the 1980s.

Originally released as a timed exclusive on the Xbox Series X/S in December, "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" brings its swashbuckling ways to Sony's console. I was swept away by the initial release on GamePass, and relished the chance to don the fedora and bullwhip once again.

MachineGames does a spectacular job of replicating the look and feel of Harrison Ford's iconic performance, even without the use of AI. Credit Troy Baker for a phenomenal voiceover performance, as well as the dev team for replicating the look, feel and movement of the iconic character. The final product has earned Ford's appreciation, and ensures the character can survive well into the future.

The story is set in between the events of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "The Last Crusade," and crammed with knowing, loving references to the lore of the era. The globe-hopping adventures take you through Thailand, Egypt, China and the Vatican.

The game's excellent mix of hand-to-hand combat, stealth and light puzzle sequences blended with invigorating cut scenes that you wouldn't want to skip, recalls the thrill ride highs of the "Uncharted" games, which in turn were heavily inspired by "Indiana Jones."

An excellent tapestry of characters, action set pieces and twist-filled story arcs keep the narrative lively and exciting, leaning heavily into the pulpy trappings of classic Indy. The game looks great on the PS5, and the game is integrated well into the DualSense controller's unique capabilities.

Whether you play on the Xbox or PS5, "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" is a ludicrous amount of fun, and a must-play for Indy fans. Its release on the PS5 completes the circle, allowing gamers of all stripes to join in the mayhem.

Publisher provided review code.

Box Break: 2024 Topps Heritage Baseball High Number Hobby Box

 See which relic I pull.

Book Report: '101 Tough Conversations to Have With Employees'

 

101 Tough Conversations to Have with Employees: A Manager's Guide to Addressing Performance, Conduct, and Discipline Challenges by Paul Falcone
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is sort of a dry manual, but offers a chilling insight into a cutthroat, emotion-free mindset of management that tends to permeate the professional world. The sheer cold, calculated cruelty that emerges from the thinking of Falcone's insight is as discomforting as it is illuminating.

His Machiavellian advice coaxes managers to trick employees into incriminating and devaluing themselves, helping to tip the balance in the corporation's favor when it comes to potential lawsuits or NLRB grievances.

Many of the lessons here are examples of ingenious ways to protect yourself as a manger while undermining the livelihoods and senses of respect of those who serve under you. Occasionally, though, there are reckless recommendations that coax you to subtly threaten and instill a sense of paranoia in those who rank above you. Such tactics, I would guess, would come at the risk of your own head.

Although Falcone's advice is often tough to stomach and sometimes as labored as a textbook, it's still recommending reading for anyone who finds themselves in hot water at work. You could learn something valuable that could give you another shot at saving your job or throw off a sinister plan to trick you into taking the fall for something that isn't your fault.

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Device Review: Google 9 Pro XL on T-Mobile Network

 

In the constant struggle for smartphone supremacy with Samsung and Apple, Google has thrown considerable heft behind its Pixel line, innovating in the fields of foldables and AI. But its engineering team clearly holds its flagship device as its primary point of pride, and you can clearly see all the love and devotion that went into the creation of the Google 9 Pro XL.

The 6.8-inch screen, which boasts 1344 x 2992 pixels in a 20:9 aspect ratio, offers shimmering visuals, and boasts an astute brightness adaptability that shines bright when needed most help conserve battery with dimmer visuals when you don't need it.

The slick, sturdy design makes it easy to use such a large phone with one hand when needed, without putting much strain on your wrist or fingers. The phone is light and thin yet incredibly strong, responding ably to my unforgiving daily routine, which involves taking care of a device-drop-prone toddler.

Fueled by Gemini connectivity, the phone's suite of AI capabilities is as impressive as it is useful. The generative image creator and writing aids considerably amp up your content creation capabilities. Circle-to-search functionality is incredibly useful, saving you time and tedium by giving you crucial facts and specifications. In a sense, the phone makes you smarter, faster and quicker to respond. 

Fused with T-Mobile's speedy, beefy, industry-leading 5G network, the device handled streaming, gaming, downloads, uploads and a gauntlet of multitasking without missing a beat.

While the phone won't necessarily make you look better, its camera suite will make your images a lot prettier and more effective. Cutting out untold hours of editing, filtering, cropping and color correction, the AI-enhanced camera suite is a powerhouse. Add Me functionality sneakily plops you into any group shot you missed, the updated panorama mode helps you capture sprawling vistas with the elegance of a NatGeo photographer, and the ultrawide and telephoto settings help you nail incredibly detailed shots from distance.

If you're into hiking, world travel or trekking to other parts unknown, you should consider subscribing the T-Mobile Starlink service, which lets you stay connected to the world via satellite texts no matter where you find yourself.

On top of all of the Google 9 Pro XL's capabilities, it's got a beast of a battery within, often managing to go more than a day and a half of heavy use without begging for a recharge. 

A capable ride or die, the Google 9 Pro XL is an absolute beast that manages to tackle all your needs with comfort and ease. The device impressed me from every angle, and I feel like I'm only scratching the surface of what it can offer on the AI front. This is a phone that feels like my new best friend.

T-Mobile provided device for review. For a look at T-Mobile's Spring deals, click here.

Box Break: 2024 Topps Baseball Series 1 Hobby Box #3

 See which relic I pull.

Box Break: 2024 Topps Baseball Series 1 Box #2

 See which relic I pull from this box.

Box Break: 2024 Topps Inception Football Hobby Box

 See which two autographs and relic I pull.

Device Review: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra on T-Mobile Network

Staring at the screen of a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is like getting lost in the eyes of a crush. The dazzling, 6.9-inch, 1440 x 3120 Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 120Hz display pops with scintillating color displays, a breakneck refresh rate and brightness that shimmers even in full sun exposure.

The display has been called by many outlets as the best screen on the market, and it's tough to argue with those accolades. And it's just the beginning of the device's marvels. The Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite processor tears through just about any multitasking difficulties you can hurl at it. Whether gaming, watching videos, taking notes with the S Pen or recording and editing audio-visual content, the S25 Ultra hums with vibrancy on T-Mobile's superb 5G network.

The AI assistant, accessible via the Galaxy Now button on the home screen, is dazzling on the surface, but when put into use can have some rough edges. Now Brief gives you a daily rundown of news stories geared toward your interests, location and tendencies, ideally giving you a one-stop focal point to start your day. The integration with Gemini streamlines your search, shopping and navigation needs, and enhancements to photo and video editing, not taking and writing are refined and seamless. You may find the AI a little off-kilter and overbearing at times, but the way you continue to use it shapes the way it adapts to your needs.

AI makes your photography talents seem stronger than they really are, and the camera suite gives a hefty boost to your capabilities as well. The 200MP main camera, bolstered with 3X optical zoom, helps you capture the action from distance, perhaps making it seem as though your seats to a concert or sporting event were a lot closer than they actually were. The 12MP selfie cam is also impressive, letting you nail up-close visuals, whether you're making influencer videos or face chatting for business or social connections.

If you're riding with T-Mobile, you can subscribe the T-Mobile Starlink service, which allows you to be accessible anywhere by connecting with a satellite connection to text. The invaluable service could come in incredibly handy if you find yourself in remote locations.

While the $1,300 MSRP can ignite sticker shock, the price is largely justified by the Galxy S25 Ultra's bewildering capabilities. In my time with the phone, I've found myself more productive and effective. This is a phone for the mover and shaker, providing capable, AI-fueled assistance to those who have big ambitions in ever-dwindling time frames. If you can't make a dent in your to-do list, it certainly won't be the S25 Ultra's fault.

T-Mobile provided device for review. For a look at T-Mobile's Spring deals, click here.

Box Break: 2024 Topps Baseball Series 1 Hobby Box

 Check out the relic I pulled from this box.

Early Game Review: 'Koira'

 

A lyrical sense of innocence and altruism courses through "Koira," an endearing and fascinating indie-style game from developer Don't Nod. The game is set for release today, and is a delightful experience for all who happen upon its twisting path.

You play as an outsider who stumbles into a dark, mystery-laden forest. Early on, you happen upon a puppy caught in a trap, and forge a tight bond while mirroring one another's musical expressions. The dog becomes your companion as you solve a series of whimsical puzzles, unlock new areas and wander your way through parts unknown.

An excellent selection for younger players, as well as for parents to play through with children, "Koira" touches on themes of loyalty, trust and honor. Relying on sounds, insinuation, rhythm and critical thinking, "Koira" eschews the spoken word in favor of subtle cues.

The game wears its "The Legend of Zelda" influence on its rolled-up sleeve. Progress bottlenecks often, but solutions that allow you to advance are always fair and in plain sight. Comprehensive walkthroughs will undoubtedly surface, but you'll enrich your experience by ignoring them and using your own deduction skills to wind your way through.

"Koira" isn't as flashy or bold as some of Don't Nod's other efforts, which include "Jusant" and "Life is Strange," but it's far from a throwaway. The talented dev team channeled its considerable insight and sentiment into every pixel of "Koira," and that love and commitment shines through every moment. "Koira" has a way of sticking with you in between sessions, letting you ruminate over what you've seen and done and anticipate what's next. The game is a delightful recurring daydream that you long to come return to again and again.

Publisher provided review code.