Steven John
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Author/Co-Author of 383 articles
Steven John is a writer and journalist living just outside New York City, by way of 12 years in Los Angeles, by way of growing up in Washington, D.C. Also, there was that stint in Boston. He can occasionally be found climbing mountains, is often spotted in a kayak or canoe, and is usually found at home with his wife, son, and daughter. His books hang out at www.stevenjohnbooks.com and, aside from The Manual, he has contributed to 'Business Insider,' 'New York Magazine,' and several other sites. Please reach out to The Manual editorial staff with any questions or comments about Steven’s work.
10 famous speeches in history that continue to stand the test of time
Great speeches transcend time and place, offering wisdom that speaks to every era and stirring souls long after their speakers' tongues have been silenced.
An introduction to the fine sport of bouldering
Bouldering might just be the easiest sport to get into. Here's everything you need to know about how to get started, where to go, and what gear you need.
Here’s how to make your own fancy coffee drinks at home
You don't need a barista or fancy machinery to enjoy fancy coffee drinks at home. You just need a few fine ingredients, basic kitchen tools, and patience.
How to make pizza: Icon Anthony Mangieri shares the secrets to his pizza recipe
Chef Anthony Mangieri has made more than 700,000 pizzas in his lifetime, and counting.
Man School 101: Gourmet Breakfast in 15 Minutes Flat
Making a majestic morning meal need not be be a difficult, involved ordeal. This meal, which I'll call Fancy Bacon Egg Cup Things, takes about 15 minutes.
Man School 101: How to unclog the kitchen sink
The best way to deal with a clogged kitchen sink is to not let it get clogged in the first place. But a good ol' plunger might be all you need for that clog.
Grilling safety tips (so the only things roasted are your meat and veggies)
Following these grilling safety tips will help prevent accidents and keep your barbecues injury-free.
How to open a beer bottle without an opener – you have lots of options
Here are seven simple methods for opening a beer bottle that involve a lighter, a table, money, and more.
How to escape and survive an alligator attack
There are some steps you can take to help your chances of surviving an alligator encounter, should you be in a situation that calls for them. Here they are.
6 easy camping cocktails to shake your post-hike thirst
The secret to making great camping cocktails while you're far from home is keeping it simple and delicious. Here are the best cocktails you can try.
How to change a light fixture without getting shocked
Can you twist two wires together? Can you do that twice? Then you can change a light fixture. You'll be surprised how easy it is with just a few instructions.
5 of the Most Expensive Gins in the World
As it turns out, there are a number of high-quality gins out there that will cost you a pretty penny. Here are five of the most expensive gins in the world.
The 25 Best Kitchen Gifts Under $25 That Will be Plenty Appreciated
Don't let your kitchen become a nightmare with the best kitchen gifts under $25 for 2021, guaranteed to bolster efficiency without breaking the bank.
The 10 best inspirational books that can change your life
10 inspirational books to help you feel ready to face what's next this year.
The 7 best classic fantasy books to get lost in
If you're looking to get into the genre or are already an aficionado with a few gaps in your reading list, classic fantasy novels are always a fine choice.
12 classic sci-fi books everyone should read
The stories found within are rich in characters, worlds, and nuance. Here are 12 classic sci-fi novels everyone should read.
How to pack a suit when you’re traveling light
Need help with how to pack a suit for your trip? Pick the method that works best for you and never have to stress about that part of traveling again.
How to drive in the snow: The complete guide to staying safe
Want to learn how to drive in snow like a pro? Here are our top tips, tricks, skills, and gear to take the sting out of winter driving.
The 10 best back exercises you can do, according to a celebrity trainer
A strong and functional back will help prevent injuries and add shape to your physique, so we've listed the best back exercises for you.
La Croix, Waterloo, Schweppes, and more: The best sparkling water on the market
Call it sparkling water, seltzer water, or carbonated water, these delicious drinks deliver flavor and refreshment without the calories.
The best kinds of wood for indoor fireplaces (and a few to never burn indoors)
There are few things more pleasurable about the autumn and winter months than a warm fire crackling in a fireplace.
The 5 best sports drink brands that aren’t Gatorade
Want to switch up your sports drink regimen? Here are some of the best sports drink brands out there to try today, and they aren't Gatorade.
How to get rid of cigar smell, breath, and smoke for good
If you love puffing away on a fine cigar but you (or your partner) hate the way it makes your breath, clothes, and house smell, we've got you covered.
A well-prepared motorist’s guide: How to jump-start a car
Learning how to jump-start a car results in less unpredictable situations, so we assembled a step-by-step guide to help you hone this automotive skill.
Easily Upgrade Any Space In Your Home With Stikwood
Stikwood gets its name for a fairly obvious reason: You peel away a covering of paper protecting adhesive strips on the back of these thin pieces of wood and then stick them on the wall. Here's what we learned after spending an afternoon installing Stikwood in our home.
Beyond the booze: A historian explains the real history of St. Patrick’s Day
We break down St. Patrick's Day history beyond wearing green and throwing back Irish-themed drinks.
A Man’s Gotta Meat
If my calculations are correct, more meat is better than less meat. So I really think you should meet a strangely charming company know as Zaycon Fresh.
Nixon watches are a fine choice for a first quality timepiece
Nixon watches bridge the gap between cheap, functional watches and pricier, luxury chronometers. For this reason, these watches a great investment
Cold weather hacks: The winter driving tips you need
For those of you who live in regions of the United States that get cold, here are a few quick ways to make driving a cold car less unpleasant this winter.
5 interesting facts about the Super Bowl’s history to gear up for the game
The Super Bowl is upon us, with the Eagles playing the Chiefs in Arizona this February. But what of the history and tradition wrapped up in the biggest game?
The fascinating history of Valentine’s Day (it’s way weirder than you thought)
Why do we celebrate Valentine's Day on February 14th? What's special about it? Let's find out in our guide about the bone-chilling history of V-day.
A Few Fine Things to Do in Munich
While there is much more to do in Munich, Germany, than drink beer and eat sausages, you're doing it wrong if you don't spend at least a decent portion of your visit drinking beer and eating sausages. Discover these and more in our Munich travel guide.
50 Places to Run Before You Die: Your Runner’s Bucket List Just Got Serious
My first thought on flipping through Chris Santella's book 'Fifty Places to Run Before You Die' was something along the lines of: "I'm going to die before I run in these places."
What It’s Like to Drive the 755-Horsepower Corvette ZR1 on a Racetrack When You’re Not a Racecar Driver
Would a $120,000 American-made sports car be all that much fun compared to a $300,000 Ferrari 488 or an equally expensive GTC4Lusso? Well, yes, as it turns out.
What It’s Like to Drive a NASCAR Race Car (and Where You Can Get Behind the Wheel)
If you're headed to Daytona Beach, Florida, then you're in prime position to see what it's like to drive a NASCAR race car. Other tracks offer this unique experience as well.
What is Small Business Saturday? The Black Friday Alternative
Support small business by shopping on Small Business Saturday on November 28.
Blobs, Frills, and Goblins, Oh My! These Are 8 of the Weirdest Sea Creatures
Ocean creatures range from the fascinating to the beautiful to the downright strange. Its nice to focus on the beautiful, but we're into what will scare us.
Meet Andrzej Bargiel, the One Man to Ski Down After Summiting K2
Once the impossible summit, Everest is today thought of by many as a rich tourist's playground. K2 on the other hand is a climber's mountain. And just once, a skier's.
The 10 Best Energy Drinks to Buy in 2022
Energy drinks are a great way to give your body the added edge needed to push harder and longer physically and to stay focused and on task mentally.
End of Season Fireplace Cleaning Tips from Jason Cameron
As winter comes to a close, Jason Cameron of the DIY network offers useful fireplace cleaning tips to ready yourself for next year's fire season.
How to Pick the Right Suit for Your Body Type
If you want to get the best suit for your body, you need to go to an expert tailor. If that's not in the cards right now, then take some expert advice before you go out looking for your next pair of coat and trousers.
Smoke-A-Holics BBQ’s Derrick Walker on Craft Barbecue, BIPOC Pitmasters, & More
Pitmaster Derrick Walker of Smoke-A-Holics BBQ breaks down how coronavirus, the Black Lives Matter movement, and more have changed the BIPOC barbecue landscape.
The 7 Best Trekking Poles for Your Upcoming Hike
In this guide, we'll give you a rundown of the best trekking poles as well as teach you how to choose the right pair of poles for your next hike.
“The Fly Fisher” – Life Through the Lens of Fisherman
You'd be forgiven for thinking that The Fly Fisher is more a book of philosophy than a how-to guide to fly-fishing. And for that reason, you'll love it.
‘Rivals Unto Death’ Book Review: The Hamilton vs. Burr Story
If you want to understand the events that led up to the day when Aaron Burr shot Alexander Hamilton, then read Rivals Unto Death.
‘Rain: A Natural and Cultural History’ Book Review
Explore the important role that water and weather play on our Earth — without the tone of a lecture — in Cynthia Barnett's "Rain: A Natural and Cultural History."
Survival Hacker’s Handbook: An Enjoyable Read That Just Might Stave Off Death
Among the things I'm hoping I never have to deal with are a grizzly bear attack, an avalanche, and being caught in the middle of a flash flood. But, if any of those things happen, I'll be better prepared to face them thanks to Ted Alvarez's enjoyable, informative new book, The Survival Hacker's Handbook.Â
Lower East and Upper West Book Review: Photos of NYC
Explore a bygone NYC and the lives of everyday people in the pages of Jonathan Brand's 'Lower East and Upper West: New York City Photographs 1957-1968.'