John Stein

Chicago

Contributor at Freelance

Articles

Equinox RS is sleek, sensible compact SUV

1 week ago | shawlocal.com | John Stein

First impressions mean a lot. When the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS landed in my driveway, the impression was immediate – a stylish, small SUV with a stunning Lakeshore Blue exterior was not going to struggle to turn heads. Another first impression: the 19-inch aluminum wheels were the perfect addition to the sporty good looks of this all-wheel-drive compact SUV. I tested the RS trim, which gives drivers a mixed bag of performance, practicality, and premium perks, along with a few quirks.
Santa Fe emerges with bold refresh for 2025

2 weeks ago | shawlocal.com | John Stein

Hyundai’s midsize SUV lineup gets a bold refresh this year and nowhere is that more apparent than in the top-tier 2025 Santa Fe Calligraphy AWD Hybrid. I recently tested this new addition to the capable Hyundai stable of vehicles. With its squared-off stance, luxury appointments, and a hybrid powertrain, the Santa Fe Calligraphy aims to straddle the line between family practicality and upscale appeal.
Mini Cooper S hardtop 2-door loaded with personality

3 weeks ago | shawlocal.com | John Stein

There are few cars out there that ooze the level of quirky personality that Mini Cooper enthusiasts gobble up decade after decade. I recently tested the S Hardtop 2-door model and walked away with a deep feeling that only a week of fun can produce. The 2025 Mini Cooper S Hardtop 2-door continues to embrace its quirky performance roots while layering on a modern, tech-forward experience.
XC60 B5 Ultra continues Volvo’s signature appeal

1 month ago | shawlocal.com | John Stein

Volvo has long been known for its clean Scandinavian design, safety-first engineering and comfortable interiors. The 2025 XC60 B5 Ultra with all-wheel drive largely upholds that legacy while also leaning into modern luxury and tech. In a competitive field of midsize luxury SUVs, I have found it takes a lot more than premium materials and stylish headlights to win over discerning drivers, especially at the price point of this Volvo.
Genesis G80 3.5T Sport delivers balance of refinement, fun

1 month ago | shawlocal.com | John Stein

In a luxury sedan segment dominated by long-established European names, Genesis continues to confidently carve out its own identity. In the first couple of years, Genesis was easily the luxury value flying under the radar, but that’s changed. Today, while it certainly packs an impressive array of luxury, tech and sophistication to warrant the term value, as far as flying under the radar, not so much anymore.
Oracle Cloud HCM 25B Release: What's New?

1 month ago | dev.to | John Stein

Does your organization use Oracle HCM Cloud? If so, get ready Oracle’s 25B release is around the corner, with a planned go-live in April 2025. These quarterly updates are not just routine maintenance; they’re critical to keeping your systems secure, compliant, and high performing. And with the Oracle Cloud 25B release, we’re expecting critical Redwood enhancements, with a new user experience and powerful features for your HCM environment.
Ranger SuperCrew 4x4 Lariat delivers midsize power, comfort

1 month ago | shawlocal.com | John Stein

When it comes to pickups, Ford can lay claim to being the most popular manufacturer, with millions of satisfied F-150 customers over the decades. But what about its smaller sibling, Ranger? Does it have enough of Big Brother’s DNA to make it a player in a very competitive segment? The short answer is “yes.”If you’re in the market for a midsize truck that blends power, comfort and capability, the 2025 Ford Ranger SuperCrew 4x4 Lariat deserves a closer look.
1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS

1 month ago | sportscarmarket.com | John Stein

Shooterz.biz ©2024, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s Chassis Number: MVIN215923IND In early October 1956, following approvals from GM’s top brass, Ed Cole, then General Manager of the Chevrolet Motor Division, assigned Zora Arkus-Duntov with the task of building a Chevrolet race car that would be known internally as Project XP-64, later officially named the Corvette SS (Super Sport). Zora Arkus-Duntov ...
Why Is Usability Testing Critical for Your Application Success

1 month ago | dev.to | John Stein

Whenever an application is developed, it is built with specific objectives and features designed to deliver a desired user experience. But how do you ensure that the application actually meets user expectations and functions as intended? This is where usability testing plays a crucial role. In this blog, we’ll explore what usability testing is, why it’s essential, and how it can help reduce development costs while improving overall product quality. What is Usability Testing?
New-look Kicks is small SUV with big personality

1 month ago | shawlocal.com | John Stein

From its very first appearance as an all-new model for 2018, the Nissan Kicks has pushed the design bar, picking up where its quirky sibling Juke left off. These two Nissan models defied convention with odd exterior designs and notable cabin features appealing to an entry-level buyer. The 2025 Nissan Kicks SR I recently tested offered an attractive mix of style, technology and practicality in the increasingly competitive subcompact SUV segment.