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Feel Good Friday – Every Man Jack
We are big fans of natural and organic products but we also know they can hit the wallet harder than a hippie hits a bong. That is why we are fans of Every Man Jack. Based in Marin Country, California the line offers products that contain only naturally derived ingredients. No parabens, no phthalates, no […] -
How I (kind of) set a range record in the Chevy Spark EV
Few men get to break records. Fewer still get to break automotive records. Some 115 years into the common automotive era, most worthwhile automotive feats have already been achieved. Delightfully for me, there’s at least one automotive yardstick to be set: wringing every last mile from the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV. We’ll leave history to […] -
5 custom motorcycles that will make you sweat: February 2014
A half-foot of snow blankets the world outside my window, with another half-foot plummeting from the sky. Gentlemen, it is officially the dead of winter. What better time to launch The Manual’s new monthly celebration of fantasy-inducing custom motorcycles? Kicking off this month’s collection are some finely crafted street machines that can make a man […] -
Store Your Stogies in an Ammo Box Humidor
If you go through cigars like Rambo goes through bullets, you need to get yourself an Ammodor. Designed and built by a small company in Greensboro, NC, Ammodors are a unique line of cigar humidors made from modified US Military surplus metal ammunition cans. On the outside they look like any old ammo can, but […] -
Top 10 Picks From the MoMA Design Store
The Manual selects its top 10 picks from the MoMA Design Store’s latest in cool gadgets, slick furniture and handy kitchen tools from your home. All in One Kitchen Tool Set Take the hassle and the clutter out of having eight different kitchen utensils with this handy Bin Akebono-designed All in One Kitchen Tool Set, […] -
Feel Good Friday – Industry of All Nations
When we walked the Capsule trade show in New York City several weeks ago we were quite pleased to discover a good group of brands who are really working hard to make this Earth a better place. They are offering up excellent looking and sustainable menswear we all can wear (and afford). One of the […] -
2014 BMW 435i Convertible: A very, very slow drive through the Valley of Fire
As a BMW designer walked on stage and began addressing a crowd of journalists, I immediately understood what the little radio and earpiece in my lap was for. He was speaking in German. And since my two years of high school German has all but dried up, I’d need some help to understand him. I […] -
In Conversation with George Gatewood of Longwood Antique Wood
Confession: We are in love with George Gatewood. We met him at the Garden & Gun Jubilee in Charleston, South Carolina but only for a moment. It wasn’t until we spent an hour with him on the phone that we really got Gatewood at full gallop. Born and raised in Kentucky, he has that twang […] -
Social Media and Art Collide With the Launch of the Instagramers Gallery
If the average lifespan of a tweet is five seconds, how long does an Instagram post last for? Though its existence may not be quite as brief, we generally consume the images on our Instagram feed in a similar fashion as we scroll down, gobble them up and forget about them forever more. Alas, that […] -
These Son of a Sailor Knives are Looking Sharp
Decades ago, there were a few essential items a gentleman would never be caught dead without carrying. While a handkerchief, wallet and watch were pretty standard, a utilitarian man would never leave home without his pocket knife. Some may think this accessory is passé, but lately we’ve been into the idea of having one on […] -
Feel Good Friday – Ministry of Supply
When a menswear brand is birthed at MIT we take notice. Ministry of Supply was launched in 2012 with the mission to ‘invent the future of business apparel.’ There are engineers, designers and material scientists all on board to make the best shirt for you to wear to work and feel damn good. Thermal Analysis: […] -
First Drive: 2014 BMW M235i
“Ghetto Supastar” is not exactly the song one might expect to come coursing from the speakers of a brand-new BMW. But, as I drove down Las Vegas Boulevard in a bright red 2014 BMW M235i, that is exactly what I was hearing. Despite my shock, it was surprisingly fitting, given my surroundings. For at that […] -
Furniture so fly it’s made from decommissioned aircraft parts
Forget about all that furniture made from reclaimed 19th century barn wood and upcycled skateboards – that stuff is played out. If you’re looking to fill your pad with something truly original and unique, check out Fallen Furniture. Instead of using bits of ancient wood, founding brothers Harry and Benjamin Tucker carefully source rare, reclaimed aircraft parts from […] -
I zapped myself with a 950,000-volt iPhone case stun gun
As a writer for The Manual’s brother publication, Digital Trends, I have ample opportunity to check out the latest and greatest in new technology. This is especially true during the annual gathering of collective insanity known as the Consumer Electronics Show. During the final day of CES 2014, long after the lack of sleep and […] -
Rumpl: The Last Blanket You’ll Ever Need
Designed for outdoorsy types with active lifestyles -
Use the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean for Pearly Whites
You haven’t experienced toothbrushing nirvana until you’ve tried the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean. This remarkable toothbrush combines advanced technology with sleek lines. The more you use this device, the less time you’ll have to spend in that dentist’s chair — aside from your semi-annual check ups. The DiamondClean is not only proven to remove five times […] -
All The Rage: Dirty Yoga
Two words: Dirty Yoga. Wait, what? It’s definitely a new fitness trend – but it’s not what it sounds like – you wont find any mud or dirt involved. Dirty Yoga is an online yoga class that you can take at home, on your own time. There’s something pretty relaxing about that. The online program […] -
Feel Good Friday- PACT
One of our new year’s resolutions was to be more eco and sustainability conscious. These kinds of resolutions creep in to all parts of our life, even our pants! When we were looking for new underwear, undershirts and socks, instead of going to Target for a pack of Hanes, we looked for a company that […] -
The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06: The first true American supercar
There are a few monuments moments in American history: signing of the declaration of independence, the moon landing, and the unveiling of the 2015 Corvette Z06 here in Detroit. If you think I am overselling this debut, you might be right. If you have even a modicum of American pride pumping through your veins, you […] -
Worn Out Wednesday – Benjamin Klebba
The recession was a great kick off to many careers. Take Benjamin Klebba for instance. He was working for a cabinet maker in Portland and got laid off and he thought, “Well, it is now or never!”. It was a struggle but after a year his company, Phloem Studios was getting more and more traction […] -
Feel Good Friday – Jonas Paul Eyewear
File this under ‘cute as hell’ and ‘why didn’t I think of that’. Jonas Paul is the first kids’ eyewear line on the market that has an excellent aesthetic and an awesome charity angle. We know, kids are kids, but they all may not enjoy the 80s mix of eyewear out there in neon colors. […] -
Meet Audi’s quaint yet sporty 2015 Q3 compact crossover
American cars have historically been quite large. I don’t need to list any off; you should know them by now. The classic American fascination with jumbo-sized cars seems to be waning, though. Buyers these days seem to value attention to detail, premium materials, and driving refinement over pure honking size. Enter the Germans, who have […] -
5 Expert Tips to Improve Your Home in 2014
Decorating your home or apartment can be a daunting task no matter what your situation. Maybe you’re moving into a new place and have yet to buy all your furniture. Perhaps you’ve collected so many pieces over the years, you have no idea how to make them flow in your current space. Or one of […] -
The Surfboard Grooming Kit
Although there’s a good chance that if you’re reading this you’re probably somewhere that’s below freezing right now, but if Instagram and Facebook are any indication, there are quite a few of you right now who are somewhere with surf, sand and sun. Panama, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Australia and Fiji are just a few of […] -
Feel Good Friday – ReFleece
With combined degrees from Northeastern, Stanford, Harvard and Yale, you would expect this power couple to be on Wall Street or CEOs of a Forbes flaunted company. Instead, Sam Palmer and Jennifer Feller have founded ReFleece, a company that designs iPad and tablet sleeves out of reclaimed fabrics. They work with some of America’s best […] -
Forget Gucci. This Bugatti belt buckle costs $84,000
Yes, you read that headline correctly. This is a belt buckle that costs $84,000. Now that you’re done shouting at your laptop, let’s dig into this thing: a belt buckle literally worth more than its weight in gold. Designed by Roland Iten, in collaboration with Bugatti, this belt buckle comes in three sizes: 87.29, 99.45 […] -
Treeline Rooftop Tents
A rugged four-season tent is an outdoorsman’s best friend, but with a dizzying array of poles, stakes, and tie-downs, they’re not always the most convenient thing in the world to set up. If you’d rather skip the “some assembly required” part, you could always get yourself a trailer, but that option is far more expensive, and […] -
The Best Wireless Speakers
If You Want Compact Crisp Sound: Bose Soundlink Mini Bluetooth Speaker Image used with permission by copyright holder This sleek speaker packs a lot of punch and fits in the palm of your hand. $199.95 at bose.com For the Party on the Go: Jabra Red Solemate Portable Bluetooth Speaker Image used with permission by copyright […] -
The Car Gadget Every Guy Should Own
Got some spare Christmas cash burning a hole in your pocket? Spend it on an OBD2 dongle. Your car will thank you. OBD2 is short for On-Board Diagnostics, version two. It’s a system that’s been built into just about every car made in the US since the mid 80’s, and it basically allows you to […] -
DIY Party Crackers For NYE
Guys love putting things together – from cabinets to tents, but when do we really have the opportunity (or the time) to do that sort of thing? Here is something you can do that will fulfill your crafty side, and is perfect for that New Year’s party you’re hosting. Here’s what you’ll need. -Wrapping paper. […] -
Feel Good Friday- Authentic Apparel
Every fall/winter when we start hearing what is trending in menswear, the ‘military look’ is always bandied about. It makes sense since men like utilitarian clothes and wear military items such as bomber jackets, cargo pants and tees on a daily basis. Not to mention the camouflage craze occurring at the moment. Well finally someone […] -
BMW details i8 performance figures in drab but impressive video
BMW sold out its entire first run of i8 plug-in hybrid sports cars. That doesn’t mean, however, that it doesn’t need to promote the thing, as the efficient yet torque-y powertrain will likely influence run-of-the-mill Bimmers in years to come. Last week, we saw a video detailing the i8’s exceptionally cool laser headlight system – […] -
NBA Players Show Style and Passion Off the Court
Out of all the American professional sports leagues, the NBA has long been on the front lines of promoting their players and their spectacular, balletic displays of athleticism and force. Never more has this been true than in the Age of Social Media, where the league has been quick to adopt the spreading and sharing […] -
The Top 5 Charities We’re Donating to This Year
As it’s the holiday season, many of us are taking time to reflect on how fortunate we are to be celebrating in good health surrounded by family and friends. But as we all know, not everyone is so lucky. As the saying goes, it is better to give than to receive. If you are looking […] -
The Best Post-Holiday Detox Plan Ever
In one week, the holidays will be officially over and we can finally get back to normal, everyday life. Which means we totally need to start detoxing from the copious amounts of booze and food consumed during the last month. But not to fear because we enlisted the help of fitness expert and one of […] -
Road Trip like a Boss in a Cricket Trailer
I don’t care who you are – we’ve all had those daydreams of selling all our belongings, buying an old RV or teardrop trailer, and roadtripping across the country. It’s definitely a tempting idea, but before you hit up craigslist in search of a busted-ass Winnebago, we highly recommend you check out Cricket. Unlike the […] -
The Manual Holiday Gift Guide: For the Design Junky
For the At-Home Cook: Folding Cutting Board They’ll be able to throw away their food scraps in a pinch with this cutting board. $20 at momastore.org For Tea Time: Alessi Pito Water Kettle Who says boiling water doesn’t have to look good? $490 at shop.cooperhewitt.org For the Chair Nerd: Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen Vitra […] -
FEEL GOOD FRIDAY – Wounded Warrior Project x Under Armour
Perfect for your gift giving time, Under Armour has partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit organization that provides programs and services for our injured military members and their families. Ending December 2014, Under Armour will make a donation of over $1 Million to Wounded Warrior Project. Offering a great range that includes graphic […] -
McLaren is replacing windshield wipers with ultrasonic force field from jets
I’m a car guy who loves working on his own car. And although I love do-it-yourself repairs, I hate changing windshield wipers. No matter how many times I do it – and I do it often because I live in rainy Portland, Oregon – I struggle with it every time. One time, I even left […] -
Flowershells let you plant your garden with a shotgun
Still toiling away with trowels and rakes to tend your unruly garden? Skip the hands-and-knees routine and show your soil who’s boss with Flower Shells. What’s a Flower Shell you ask? It’s exactly what it sounds like: a shotgun shell loaded with flower seeds. And no, just to clarify, you don’t stuff these things in […] -
Feel Good Friday – Capsule Market Square
If you are in New York City this weekend, be sure to check out this shopping experience linked to a great cause. Capsule, the premiere fashion and lifestyle trade event, is launching Capsule Market Square, a two-day shopping event featuring over 75 of the most sought-after men’s and women’s apparel and accessories labels (many we […] -
Chevy’s new world-class Corvette is the first you’ll want before you retire
I tapped impatiently on the steering wheel with a sigh as I surveyed the gorgeous desert scenery around me. I was idling on the side of the road in a brand-spanking-new muscle car, stuck in a conference call. I had mistakenly scheduled it at the same time I was supposed to be speeding through the […] -
The Best Dog Gone Gift Guide
What is a gift guide season without mentioning man’s best friend? For those of us with dawgs they can be like a best friend or even a very sloppy child, so why not treat them to something special this holiday season? The pet market has exploded in recent years and while some of it seems […] -
Suumo: Mural-Sized Street Art for your Walls
Still kicking yourself for missing out on that chance to pick up a bargain-priced Banksy? Don’t trip – it’s not too late to fill up your pad with legit street art, thanks to Suumo. These dudes make mural-sized reproductions of the most amazing graffiti caught in the wild. Work is plucked from walls all over […] -
Holiday Gift Guide: The Techie
The Jawbone Mini Jambox, $179.99 at jawbone.com. This little speaker may only weigh 9 oz., but it sure does pack a lot of sound. AViiQ Charging Kit Cable Rack, $60 at fab.com. Do all his or her tangled cords get on your nerves? Put some organization into his or her life with this cable rack. […] -
Feel Good Friday: Mister Beardwash
Mister Beardwash loves anyone or thing with whiskers. Case in point, with the purchase of every bottle of their wash and/or conditioner made specifically to clean beards and mustaches, you’re in fact donating to the North Shore Animal League of America, the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. What’s more beard warming than […] -
The only thing missing from Lamborghini’s Veneno Roadster is wings
Lamborghini sure knows how to make an entrance … a very showy, expensive entrance. Last night, onboard the deck of the Italian naval aircraft carrier Nave Cavour off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, Lamborghini officially unveiled the $4.5-million Veneno Roadster. Although only nine examples will ever be built, Lambo apparently spared no expense. […] -
Slim Down your Chubby Wallet with Coin
There is nothing in this world so horrendously inconvenient and uncomfortable as hauling around an overstuffed wallet in your back pocket. You know the type we’re talking about – the ones so bloated with cash, cards, and receipts that they leave a dent in your ass and throw off the alignment of your spine when […] -
Traveling Accessories You’ll Want For the Holidays
If your 2014 plans include a lot of travel, we’ve found something you’ll want to put on your holiday wish list—a compact, universal Voyager case produced by Manekibook, headquartered in Prague. Here’s what we like about this traveling companion: it has ample space for two passports, a section for paper money, a slot for three […] -
The Manual Gift Guide: The Jock
He loves watching sports as much as he loves to work out. You know the guy. He can’t stay away the latest scores and needs to work out regularly to stay fit. Get him something that you know will make him excited. For the Guy Who Likes Grooming: Jack Black Dry Down Powder This powder […]
