Today's Kool Idea: BirdieBall Limited Distance Golf Practice Ball

Golf is one of those sports that has earned much respect in The Daily Kool household over the years. There is just something about the mental and physical challenge, combined with getting out in the fresh air on a beautiful grassy course, that is both relaxing and stimulating. We admit it, though...our original motives for playing golf were not entirely pure. Yep, we used golf as a front to establish potential (and often profitable) business connections...we're so ashamed! There was only one problem...we didn't account for how hard it is to stick to the green. Oh, that darn Tiger Woods...he makes it look so easy!

We received a BirdieBall limited distance golf practice ball at a marketing convention we attended last year. We were intrigued by the idea of a limited flight (about 40 yards) practice golf ball with a long hang time, true-feel trajectory. Okay, we know it looks weird...but honestly, the BirdieBall is the best golf training aid we have ever owned. Because of the limited distance, we can create an impromptu driving range in our backyard or even at the park without worry. BirdieBalls are much safer than hitting real golf balls, with far better performance than you would ever get from a perforated practice ball or wiffleball. We love how the BirdieBall spins and flies exactly like a regular golf ball...just far enough to show ball flight, but short enough that you can hit and retrieve it with minimal effort. Plus, there is nothing quite as satisfying as the turbine hum that results from a perfectly executed swing.

The BirdieBall limited distance golf practice ball really performs just like a regular golf ball...hook, slice, chip and yes, even a worm burner (sigh). Regardless of whether your are giving a full swing or are in the chipping realm, you can count on the BirdieBall to behave appropriately. Experiencing the "true feel" and seeing the "true flight" of the amazing BirdieBall has dramatically improved our ability to control a real golf ball with only 15 minutes of practice per day. Not that the practice is a hardship anyway...BirdieBalls are amazingly addicting and have never failed to offer us a pleasurable, challenging and rewarding experience. Regardless of handicap or experience, this is quite possibly the "koolest" gift for any golf lover.

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Today's Kool Idea: The Swerve Neck Razor and Full Body Groomtool

A couple of weeks ago, we were waiting outside our favorite Mexican restaurant for our table to be ready, when our father started examining the back of his neck. Noticing that it was time to shave it again (yeah, Dad's a pretty hairy guy), he asked our mother if she could do it before his business meeting the next day. After some grumbling about last minute requests and a few Homer Simpson cracks, Mom said fine...after all, she's been shaving the back of his neck in between haircuts for the past 40 years.

Another one of life's strange coincidences. It just so happened that our friends at the Swerve were in the process of mailing us a sample of their product to review for The Daily Kool. We had come across the Swerve the day before, and thought it sounded like an unusual Father's Day gift. Weird, huh? We just can't make these things up...well, we could, but we really didn't.

The Swerve neck razor and full body groomtool is actually a pretty nifty little $5 invention. It has a patent-pending, ergonomic design that allows it to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. The Swerve contains a triple-action blade for swift cutting precision and a lubricating strip designed to help it glide smoothly along the contours of your body. Our tester loved how the Swerve gave him complete control when he used it to shave the back of his neck and upper body. He could definitely see purchasing one for himself...we gave him the sample to keep in the meantime.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind with the Swerve neck razor and full body groomtool. It is disposable, so expect to replace it every 4-6 weeks or so when the blade gets dull. The price is more than reasonable, and the company offers a three-pack of the Swerve if you want to save a couple of dollars on the individual cost. We would really like to see an interchangeable blade system sometime in the future. We would also like a more convenient storing solution for our Swerve (maybe something to snap it in)...we are not confident that the plastic tube it comes in, though convenient for travel, will prevent the blade from rusting. Also, remember that you may still have to trim the back of your neck before using the Swerve, depending on how much hair growth you have...this would be the case with any razor, though.

The Swerve neck razor and full body groomtool is a simple solution to unwanted hair growth. We love when products work as well as advertised...seriously, how often does that happen? We are definitely buying one for Dad (or is it for Mom?). A unique gift idea that any man would appreciate. The Swerve is absolutely worth the purchase and a great way to easily maintain your "kool" appearance. So tell us...do you have Swerve appeal?

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Today's Kool Idea: Weber's Way to Grill Cookbook

Summer vacation is finally here, and if you haven't done it already, it's definitely time to break out the barbecue grill. Many childhood memories feature Dad commanding our little charcoal grill, while the rest of us frolicked in the pool. Unfortunately, his skills were pretty much limited to puck...achem, hamburgers and hot dogs. The side dishes more than made up for it, though...particularly Mom's amazing pasta salad. Besides, it's more about the joy of being in the company of family than about the food, especially for the kids...yeah, right!

We were hanging out at our local bookstore a couple of weeks ago and came across the Weber's Way to Grill cookbook. A quick peek inside was all it took to determine that this was a definite "must have" in The Daily Kool household. Jamie Purviance, accomplished chef and teacher, has impressed us with this cookbook in so many ways. Diverse recipes, detailed instruction and beautiful photography are just the beginning. We love how Weber's Way to Grill focuses on culinary details to produce a winning meal every time, instead of settling for the mediocrity (sorry, Dad) that comes with just "winging" it. Clearly a lot of thought and effort went into the organization of this book. Weber's Way to Grill is chock-full of tips to maximize the flavor of your beef, chicken, pork, seafood, vegetables and even fruit, along with tempting side dishes to complement every recipe. Plus, there is an entire section on grilling basics that gives equal coverage to wood, charcoal and gas techniques. The resource section complete with rubs, marinades and sauces are worth the price of this amazing cookbook alone...not to mention the grilling guides that help to ensure cooking perfection...yes, even for Dad.

Weber's Way to Grill is one of the most comprehensive cookbooks on the market today....an all-in-one master class in every way. It is definitely an indispensable asset for novice and expert grillers alike. Dad is getting this one from the kids for Father's Day...a perfect gift, especially since we're planning on barbecuing dinner that night anyway. Okay, so the gift might be more for us than our father. Here's hoping we can get a medium rare steak out of the deal!

Check out this terrific recipe from Weber's Way to Grill. And, if all else fails, we've also included Mom's famous pasta salad. Enjoy!


Garlic-Crusted Rib-Eye Steaks
Paste Ingredients
4 large garlic cloves
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 bone-in rib-eye steaks, 10 to 12 ounces each and about 1 inch thick, trimmed of excess fat

Directions:

1. On a cutting board, finely chop the garlic, then sprinkle with the salt. Use the side of a knife to smash the garlic into a paste. Put the garlic paste into a small bowl and add the remaining paste ingredients.
2. Smear the paste evenly over both sides of each steak. Let the steaks stand at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before grilling.
3. Prepare your grill for direct cooking over high heat (450-550 degrees F), and brush the cooking grates clean.
4. Grill the steaks over direct high heat, with the lid closed as much as possible, until cooked to desired doneness. For medium rare, this will be about 6-8 minutes, turning once. Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
   

A Different Kind of Pasta Salad
Ingredients
1 lb box tri-colored rotini noodles
1 small jar sliced olives
1 small red pepper, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
1/2 cup mayo
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook noodles until al-dente. Drain well.
2. Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until ready to serve.
   

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Today's Kool Idea: Black & Decker Pivot Plus Cordless Screwdriver for Father's Day

When we were growing up, our mother was the primary handyman...uh, handyperson of the house. Our father could assemble a computer from parts alone in an instant, but changing a lightbulb would cause him to throw up his hands in horror...yeah, it didn't make much sense to us either. The one tool he held with complete confidence though, was a screwdriver.

We never realized how often we would have to use a screwdriver until we bought our own house. Thank goodness we have our Black & Decker Pivot Plus cordless screwdriver. It is, without a doubt, the most utilized tool in our home...and it's so amazing, we really believe that no Dad (or Mom, for that matter) should be without one on Father's Day. This tool is perfect for those everyday household maintenance jobs, from changing toy batteries to assembling furniture. Black & Decker really did a terrific job with this one!

The Black & Decker Pivot Plus cordless screwdriver has many, many features that (in our opinion) make it the best out there for the money. The dual speed range offers a choice between high speed drilling and low speed driving. The clutch comes with a remarkable 23 different positions to prevent stripping of screws (a common problem in The Daily Kool household), and the forward/reverse rocker makes it easy to back screws out of any surface. We absolutely love the locking, three position tilt option for tight or awkward spots and the small LED light for (albeit slightly) improved visibility. Our Black & Decker Pivot Plus cordless screwdriver included a 5ft. measuring tape...it's not a very necessary feature and one that doesn't seem available anymore. It's not pictured on the company's website or on Amazon, but the Target picture includes it (which is why we link to them)...however, keep in mind that if you order the Black & Decker Pivot Plus cordless screwdriver, it may not come with the measuring tape.

We have very few complaints about the Black & Decker Pivot Plus cordless screwdriver, but they are worth noting. The location of the connection of the charger plug is right in the pivot point and it doesn't allow for use while charging. Therefore, there have been times when we've had to stop in the middle of a project to recharge our cordless screwdriver. Definitely inconvenient, especially since it takes a long time to charge completely. To save the 6V battery, we try to only recharge it when the power is clearly diminishing and we give it a good six hours or so to complete. Now, we always make sure to plan ahead and charge it fully whenever we have more than a 3 hour project to help circumvent this problem.

The Black & Decker Pivot Plus cordless screwdriver is a terrific gift idea for Father's Day. Comfortable to hold and oh so handy, it is an absolute must-have for any household. You really can't beat the value, and it's one powerful tool that even our father can use. When we bought it for Dad a couple of years ago, Mom thanked us as well! Power and convenience at a great price...definitely a "kool" idea.

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Today's Kool Idea: Corby 7700 Pants Press for Father's Day

Though many professionals are recently adopting a more informal attire in the workplace, the males in The Daily Kool family are die-hard suit wearers. Sorry, President Obama...no business casual in the office for our men, especially Dad. He is meticulous about his appearance, even on the weekends...he wears a polo and dress pants to clean the pool, for goodness sake! Okay, we are the first to admit that his standards may be unreasonably high (and quite possibly, unnecessary)...but, the majority of men (and women) we know do like to look good. Unwrinkled, pressed pants are often high on their list of wardrobe priorities. After all, who wants to come to work looking like they've just rolled out of bed (even if they have)?

The Corby 7700 pants press is the company's number one best selling model for the past five years...and for good reason. This is terrific Father's Day gift for the man who takes pride in his appearance. We first came across the Corby 7700 pants press at a hotel stay in New York City. This particular stay was for business purposes, and having the pants press right in the room was really convenient. As soon as we got home from our trip, we went online to purchase one for ourselves...Dad got his for Father's Day last year. Its walnut finish is actually pretty attractive, and the combination of the pant presser design with personal valet makes it a convenient piece of bedroom furniture.

Though it is quite a pricey investment, the Corby 7700 pants press will more than pay for itself in dry cleaning savings over the long run. It's designed to refresh the original crease a dry cleaner creates, and to ease out the back of knee wrinkles. This helps keep trousers in shape longer, reducing unnecessary trips to the cleaners. We love how easy it is to use the Corby 7700 pants press, and the fact that is is gentle enough for all fabrics. The front panel opens to access the pressing area. Just raise the levers to reveal a cushioned heating pad. There are two stretcher bars which grip gently eases back into shape and slightly refreshing the crease. Insert trousers, close, set the timer (to 15, 30 or 45 minutes) and walk away. The presser cuts off automatically when ready. The Corby 7700 pants press can even be wall-mounted...keep in mind though that this will eliminate the jacket hanger feature...if you mount it in your closet though, it shouldn't matter much with your jackets already hanging nearby.

The Corby 7700 pants press is a great way to help Dad keep his pants beautifully pressed and presentable every day. The price of this particular model is in the mid-range...though there are more expensive ones out there, we really feel that this one is the best value overall. Check it out...if your Dad is anything like ours, he'll love it. With its quality and functionality, the Corby 7700 pants press is definitely a "kool" Father's Day gift for the special man in your life.

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Today's Kool Idea: Monogrammed Golf Club Links for Father's Day

Father's Day is coming up soon, and it's time to start thinking about how to honor him for the special man he is. We have always been able to count on our father for unconditional love, support and guidance. Dad (okay, we still call him "Daddy") is an extraordinary man...why should he receive an ordinary gift for Father's Day? That's why The Daily Kool will be featuring some unusual and "kool" gift ideas for Father's Day all this week.

When we saw these monogrammed golf club links at RedEnvelope (love this company, by the way), we knew they had to be our first Father's Day gift idea. Our father is an avid golfer...he simply loves the sport and plays it every chance he gets. Unfortunately, he has a tendency to lay his clubs on the ground when he switches them out. Yep, you guessed it...he forgets about them. We can't tell you how many clubs (especially putters) Dad's had to replace over the years because he's left them on the course.

RedEnvelope's monogrammed golf club links fit perfectly into the handle of most golf clubs. The set includes 14 links, engraved with Dad's full name, phone number and a single-letter monogram (first letter of the last name). They even come with a matching ball marker. The monogrammed golf club links are offered in both silver and gold finishes, giving each club an elegant, custom made look. Keep in mind that these links are as light as a feather...this might give the impression of low quality, but it's actually the opposite. Don't be fooled...the super-lightweight Alcoa aluminum material was specifically selected so that these beautiful links won't impact the swing. Anything heftier would likely throw off Dad's game. Also, since they are personalized, these links cannot be returned...we can't imagine you wanting to, but it is something to remember.

If your Dad loves to play golf as much as ours does, these monogrammed golf club links will definitely get you a "hole in one" (oh, come on...like you didn't see that pun coming) this Father's Day. He will absolutely love them, and he'll be the envy of all his golfing buddies on the course. RedEnvelope is known for prompt delivery, so there should be no problem getting this gift in time for the holiday. A simple, yet classy gift...an absolute winner "fore" Dad!

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