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The GNU Riders Choice is a freestyle snowboard. This year, I bought myself one with some money I received for Christmas. I went with the 157.5 Magne-Traction model after reviewing several snowboards on Snowboard Reviews.

The graphics and layout of the board have been redesigned for this years model. GNU is also now offering Magne-Traction on the Riders Choice. Magne-Traction is basically seven points of contact (kind of like little nubs) which are added along each side of the snowboard. I went with the Magne-Traction because I ride in a lot of icy conditions and will often wash out on my old GNU Cummings board.

Even though the weather was pretty crappy here until about mid-January, I have had the chance to take this board out about 10 times or so now. I'm definitely happy that I spent the extra cash to get a Magne-Traction model, because you can definitely tell a difference when it gets really icy out there. I'm also glad I waited until this year to buy the board because I really like the topsheet graphics much better than previous years models.

On the slopes, the Riders Choice delivers. It has a ton of pop and turns well. The Magne-Traction gives an excellent edge hold. I spent the first couple hours out with buddies just crusing the mountain. The board did really well for being a freestyle board. We then headed over to the park where the board was really able to shine. This thing will cling to icy features in the park like no other. I was able to save a couple near falls that my Cummings would have definitely gave out on.

My only real complaint, and this is partly my fault, is that the topsheet seems to scratch easily. I was waiting to get in the lift line and a skiier went right over my board. I was pretty pissed to see several long scratches on the topsheet. I guess that goes with the territory though. Overall, great freestyle board with a great look.

Justin Biggs is a snowboarder and student. You can find out more information on the GNU Riders Choice at Snowboard Reviews.

posted by 83212  # 11:49 AM 0 comments

John and Melissa were enjoying their dinner at a local restaurant. It was the first time in six months that they had gone anywhere without their newborn baby.

Melissa spoke up, "I hope we did the right thing, leaving our baby alone with the new nanny". In a calm voice John replied, "Honey, it's been a long sleepless six months. We deserve this night out. And besides, I'm sure our nanny is qualified to take care of our little girl for one night".

"You're right" Melissa said, "let's just enjoy this dinner". But a few moments later Melissa's cell phone rang; in a panicked voice Melissa said to John "WE HAVE TO GO NOW! SOMETHINGS HAPPENED TO OUR BABY! without hesitation, they flagged down the waiter, paid their bill and headed for home as fast as they could.

When they arrived home, their nanny explained that the baby had rolled off the couch and hit her head on an end table. She seemed O.K. but I called the doctor anyway, said the nanny. Hes on his way over here right now.

With suspicion running through her mind, and not knowing what to believe, Melissa immediately went to her bedroom and turned on the monitor to her DVR (Digital video Recorder). Weeks earlier, Melissa had purchased a hidden nanny cam disguised as a teddy bear, after hearing a story in the news about an abusive babysitter. In a few seconds she had her answer, the baby did just roll off the couch. That didnt make it ok, but Melissa wanted to trust her new nanny and now she felt a little more certain that she could.

It is always difficult for a parent to turn over the care of a child to someone else, and every parent who does so has concerns. Hidden cameras are one way of alleviating some of that worry.

Nanny Cams are just another name for hidden cameras. They are usually disguised as part of the dcor in a room. These days, technology allows us to create cameras that are small enough to fit into many everyday items, such as stuffed animals, flowerpots, and even kitchen appliances.

Nanny cams have become very popular in recent years for good reason. With the rise in domestic violence against children, you dont have to be paranoid to want to keep an eye on things while youre away. There have been many news stories centered on hidden cameras that have recorded a caregiver in the act of abusing a child.

Nanny cams are not only small and discreet, but they are also becoming more affordable than ever before, so you can purchase more than one to maintain surveillance in multiple rooms of your home.

With a DVR (Digital video Recording) system, youll be able to monitor and record all of your hidden cameras from one central location.

Experts say it is generally legal to use a hidden camera that records video without the consent of the nanny. However, the laws vary from state to state on whether you can record audio. Before taping conversation without consent from your nanny, check the laws in your state.

To protect your nannys privacy, and to make the best use of your nanny cams, only place hidden cameras where she will be interacting with your child. Never place nanny cams in bathrooms or private bedrooms. This would be considered as voyeurism and in most states you could be charged with of invasion of privacy.

Nanny cams have many uses other than just monitoring nannies or caregivers.

Nanny cams can also be used for watching over your child while they are sleeping, monitoring them while they are playing alone or monitoring your older teenager while they are home alone with friends.

Hidden cameras have also been used to catch cheating spouses in the act, and they are very popular with private investigators and law enforcement agencies that use them for covert operations.

Even if you do not suspect any type of abuse or misconduct from your child, nanny or spouse, the peace of mind in knowing there is not a problem is well worth the cost of the camera.

Steven Rubin is the owner of North American Security Products, LLC. A company dedicated to providing you with the means to protect and defend yourself against crime.

posted by 83212  # 6:02 AM 0 comments