PARKA'KITO MOSQUITO REPELLENT

 **A Geek Daddy received the featured product to review for free **

 I always enjoy a trek hiking the bluffs of Mackinac Island looking out across the water of the straits where the Great Lakes of Huron, Michigan and Superior come together.  It is always a relaxing experience hiking through this tranquil setting full of impressive natural scenery.  Unfortunately, often times there is one major drawback that puts a damper on an otherwise fun time leaving you itchy and welted by the conclusion of your hike ... the forest full of mosquitoes.  The island may not have bears, lions or snakes to fend off but the wet and shady habitat at this Michigan state park makes a perfect breeding ground for pesky mosquitoes looking to steal a bit of your blood.  Ugh! if you are lucky you'll only be left itching for a few days and being unlucky could lead to a more serious problem like an infection of the West Nile Virus or a case of Encephalitis, among other illnesses.  I've used a variety of bug deterrents when going on hikes in the woods with mixed results over the years.

For my most recent trip to Mackinac Island, I took along with me some samples I'd been sent from PARA'KITO MOSQUITO REPELLENT to try out knowing that it could really come in handy based upon my past treks.  During my hike, I wore a wrist band and had a clip on my backpack that each contained a pellet filled with oils that interfere with mosquitoes sense of smell reducing the critters capacity to identify you.  I was a bit hesitant that this simple sounding solution would work, but PARA'KITO passed the "smell test" as I made it through my hike relatively unscathed without a noticeable mosquito bite.

With people having renewed concerns about mosquito-born illnesses due to the recent Zika Virus outbreaks as well as a societal trend to avoid physical interactions with harsh chemicals, PARA'KITO uses all natural-based active ingredients to ensure that its products sufficiently protect people from mosquitoes without the use of chemicals that could potentially cause their own negative health side effects.  PARA'KITO mosquito repellent is DEET, parabens and phthalates free.  It's mosquito repellent pellets made from a mixture of Citronella, Rosemary, Geranium, Mint, Clove, Peppermint and Cinnamon oils provide consistent protection for up to 15 days.  When they've worn out just pull the pellet out of your refillable band or clip and slip in a replacement. Refills can easily be ordered online and shipped to you.

Refillable bands made from neoprene can be worn on wrists or ankles are available in sizes for both kids and adults in a variety of shades and designs.  Kids designs feature pandas, pirates, monkeys and sharks.  Adult colors and designs range from standard black or blue to cosmic purple or camouflage among a variety of selections.  Clips are easy to use too - place them on strollers, bikes, backpacks, belts or purses among other things to keep the mosquitoes away.



Because PARA'KITO mosquito repellent is a hassle free, worry free product that is applicable for the whole family to use and with which I personally had success with using, it gets A Geek Daddy nod of approval. Enjoy your summer without having to worry about those pesky mosquitoes!  For more information, visit us.parakito.com

Also stop by the PARA’KITO Facebook page this summer for a chance to win their weekly contest on its Facebook page. Starting the week of June 20 through September 21, PARA'KITO will give away two wristbands (a $39 value!) to one lucky Facebook follower! Entering to win is easy! First 'LIKE' the PARA'KITO USA Facebook page. Then visit PARAKITO.com and share your favorite product from the collection in the COMMENTS section of the weekly Facebook post PINNED at the top of the Facebook page. Be sure to use #PKgiveaway in your response. Around 4pm ET each Thursday, they'll announce a weekly winner!

BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE animated movie playing at select theaters on July 25

It's no joke that Warner Brothers and DC Entertainment are releasing this summer an animated movie meant specifically for an adult audience.   BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE is an R-rated cartoon based on the acclaimed graphic novel of the same name which takes a journey into the dark psyche of the Clown Prince of Crime -- from his humble beginnings as a struggling comedian to his fateful encounter with Batman that changes both of their lives forever.  Years later, and now escaped from Arkham Asylum, The Joker devises a plan to prove that one bad day can make anyone as insane as he is.



Following a gripping prologue introducing Barbara Gordon's heroic adventures alongside Batman as Batgirl, BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE stays true to the authentic tale that has held fans' imaginations for nearly three decades -- spotlighting the birth of a Super-Villain, the fortitude of a Super Hero and the punchline that will leave you speechless.  BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE reunites the foundation of the popular "Batman: The Animated Series" television show with Bruce Timm returning as executive producer and actors Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprising their roles voicing Batman and The Joker respectively.  Slated for a direct to home video release, BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE will get a one night premiere showing on the big screen at cinemas across the United States thanks to Fathom Events partnering with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment.


Fathom Entertainment brings the acclaimed graphic novel-turned-film to select movie theaters across the United States providing BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE the big-screen treatment on Monday, July 25, 2016  at 7:30pm and 10:00pm local time.   In addition to the showing of the animated movie, audience members will be welcomed by a special introduction from Mark Hamill plus see a never-before-seen documentary about how Hamill was cast in this project and what the role means to him as an actor and a fan.  The event will conclude with a special behind-the-scenes look at how the Joker's memorable, yet disturbing song and dance number was recreated from the print pages of a comic book to be portrayed in the animated movie.

Tickets for BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE can be purchased online beginning Friday, June 17 at FanthomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices.  Fathom Events will be listing participating movie theaters on the BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE section of its website.

Coloring books aren't just for kids anymore

This Christmas a whole bunch of people in our family received coloring books for presents and none of them were children.  My college-aged niece, wife, and mother-in-law all received coloring books during our family's gift exchange.  Coloring books aren't just for kids anymore.  Many adults are beginning to take coloring up as a hobby and books with intricate patterns and detailed drawings are beginning to skyrocket up the publishing industry's best seller lists.

Health professionals are encouraging this new trend noting that for adults taking some time out to color can reduce stress, spark creativity, maintain fine motor skills, help keep your mind sharp, and can be just plain fun to do.  Several studies have shown that coloring can also have a therapeutic value in dealing with anxiety, cancer, depression, and post-traumatic disorders.  We have a cupboard full of coloring books that my kids are always using but I can't recall the last time I spent some time doing some coloring.  During my last routine doctor's visit, my physician warned me that my blood pressure was starting to become troubling so maybe I should take some time to relax a bit with one of these new adult focused coloring books.

This video shares some information about the benefits for adults when it comes to enjoying a coloring book:



While many of these adult focused coloring books are marketed to the ladies there are plenty of selections that will appeal to guys as well.  Plus with the popularity, and profitability, of this new trend a bunch of new coloring books are on their way to retailers to join the existing ones that are already on store shelves.  Here are a few suggestion that dads, and moms, who enjoy the geeky side of life will probably appreciate:

Art of Coloring Star Wars: 100 Images to Inspire Creativity and Relaxation 

This coloring book is filled with pen-and-ink illustrations that portray exotic sci-fi landscapes, elaborate patterns inspired by the movies, and memorable characters from the Star Wars universe.

Secret New York: Color Your Way To Calm

Color your way through the boroughs of New York City with this book filled with images of everyday life in the Big Apple. 

Coloring Dragons

This coloring book is filled with fantastic imagery of these mythic beasts from John Howe, the concept artist for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies.



Color Your Own Age of Ultron

Comic books aren't just for kids anymore and neither are coloring books.  Marvel has published a coloring book aimed at adults who enjoyed last year's blockbuster Avengers: Age of Ultron movie. Also coming out in 2016 will be Color Your Own Deadpool and Color Your Own Civil War based upon those two upcoming movies.



The Official A Game of Thrones Coloring Book (A Song of Ice and Fire)

Ideal for any fan of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire and HBO's Game of Thrones, this coloring book contains forty-five exclusive illustrations of the characters and places in Westeros.

Creative Haven Steampunk Devices Coloring Book

30 illustrations of flying machines, locomotives, submarines, watches and other curious contraptions with a steampunk flair.

Lost Ocean: An Inky Adventure & Coloring Book

Wonderful pen and ink illustrations take you on an underwater adventure through coral reefs and barnacle-studded shipwrecks to discover intricate shells and lost pirate treasure.  The sea life and backgrounds are as colorful as you want to make them.

Highlights Hidden Pictures: A Coloring Book for Grown-up Children

My grandma who was a librarian used to always give me a Highlights Magazine subscription for my birthday when I was a child.  Now this iconic children's brand has a publication featuring a nostalgic collection of Hidden Picture puzzles meant for a grown up audience.  Color the puzzles for a relaxing activity that will remind you of the fun you had as a kid doing the hidden picture puzzles in Highlights Magazine.

Plus coming out soon will be:

Doctor Who Coloring Book

This book features 96 pages filled with some of the best quotes from the television series and out-of-this-world images featuring the escapades of Doctor Who that will delight any Whovian.

Harry Potter Magical Creatures Coloring Book

Discover the magical beings and extraordinary beasts from the world of Harry Potter in this 96 page coloring book.  It also includes a selection of concept art and film stills from the making of the Harry Potter films to your coloring creativity.

There is even a Walking Dead coloring book based upon the AMC television show coming out in the Fall of 2016.

If you haven't colored in awhile with selections like the ones mentioned above you won't need to use your child's Care Bears, Paw Patrol, or Scooby Doo coloring book to have some fun....although there's nothing wrong with using a kiddie one if you want to.  Hey its all about relaxing and having fun! So get out those crayons, markers or colored pencils and embrace your inner artist.