#52 – Minnesota Golden Gophers 7-5 SU; 7-5 ATS

Fargo’s Take One of the best rushing teams in the country could turn into a very average rushing team. Minnesota has averaged at least 200 ypg on the ground in each of the last five years including at least 257 ypg over the last three but that will change this season. Laurence Maroney is playing in the NFL, the fourth back in four years to eclipse 1,000 yards. The fourth on that list is Gary Russell, who rushed for 1,130 yards last season as a backup but he is academically ineligible so the Gophers are hurting. The passing game will take center stage but it’s the defense that needs to start picking things up as it has increased its points allowed in each of the last three seasons. Minnesota has gone bowling in each of the last four seasons and it will take an all-around effort to make it back in 2006.

Returning Starters on Offense – 6 The loss of the backs is hard to overcome but the offensive line had a lot to do with that success and the departure of four-year starting center Greg Eslinger is enormous. Two starters on the line do return as does Matt Speath, one of the best blocking tight ends in the country so if Amir Pinnix can emerge as another Gopher threat, things could be good once again. Quarterback Bryan Cupito will be in his third season as the starter and since he has improved in each of the last two years, he could be in for a huge year. He completed over 59 percent of his passes last year after a 47 percent completion rate in 2004. He has also tossed just 16 interceptions over the last two seasons. His top three receivers are back and if the line can come close to the minuscule three sacks allowed last year, the offense could thrive once again.

Returning Starters on Defense – 6 This is the side of the ball that will determine Minnesota’s postseason fate. The defense allowed an inexcusable 29 ppg last year, 80th in the country while the total defense finished 90th in the nation. It allowed over 34 ppg in Big Ten action with five teams scoring at least 35 points. The Gophers have had at least seven starters returning the last four years but only six are back this season with a lot of youngsters mixed in there. The defensive line is extremely young and inexperienced with only one starter back and he is a sophomore. As many as three sophomores or freshmen are expected to be in starting slots this season so it will be up to the limited veterans to take the defense over and improve in all areas. That is easier said than done however.

Schedule The schedule is extremely difficult but that is nothing new playing in the Big Ten. The non-conference slate is a joke as always with games against Kent St., Temple and North Dakota St. helping. The Gophers do have to travel to California in the second game of the season but that is the only out of conference challenge. The Big Ten slate is difficult as usual with four losable road games at Purdue, Wisconsin, Ohio St. and Michigan St. The only sure win home game is against Indiana, which is an improved team and can’t be taken for granted. The other three games are against Michigan, Penn St. and Iowa. That equates to seven likely or at least possible losses so some upsets need to occur for the Gophers to go bowling. Illinois is off the schedule, a bad break.

You can bet on… Minnesota will have more passing yards than rushing yards for the first time since 2000 as it will be up to Cupito to gain control of the offense and flourish. He can definitely do it but it’s up to his defense to be able to make some stops, something it didn’t do last season. The Gophers are 0-4 ATS the last four seasons as a home underdog and they will be in that spot when Michigan comes to town for their Big Ten home opener. Making it even worse is that the Gophers handed the Wolverines a three-point home loss last season so Michigan will be coming in looking for some payback. It was the first victory for Minnesota in 16 years and could be the last for another 16.

# 11 – Florida St. Seminoles 8-5 SU, 6-6 ATS

Fargo's Take Florida St. is always a preseason candidate for the national championship, but the recentFailures have put the program in question. In the last five years, the Seminoles have fallen 19 games. To some extent relative, Florida St. lost only 18 games in the last 14 years, going all the way back to 1987. Something is wrong in Tallahassee and all the fingers at the offense, which only come yet even close to the 530 YPG, that the Seminoles offensive coordinator Jeff year before Bowden came on board. Florida finished 59th St. total offense and 44thScoring in last season's offense and it must be a big boost. This was the defense decimated by graduation and is a very young unit this year. The Seminoles play in the ACC Atlantic Division and weaker because of that, they moved into the most popular on pure talent alone. The talent, must exceed, when Florida St. to get back to one of the top teams in the country.

Returning starter on offense – quarterback Drew 6 The offense was based onWeatherford last season and he did his best to carry the Seminoles. He threw an ACC freshman record 3230 yards, while throwing 18 touchdowns. The problem was that he also threw 18 interceptions and had no hint of a running game behind him. He was sacked 32 times and that was not his fault, as the offensive line was cut back from injury. Only two full-time starter from the line are back, but the starting five consists of all five players with at least one game started. Weatherfordgets three of his top four wide outs back, along with Lorenzo Booker backwater, third on the team last season with 38 catches. Booker was a disappointment last year with only 552 meters overthrow the Seminoles finished an embarrassing 109th in the country in rushing offense. The line was the main cause of this and that will improve this season.

Returning starters on defense – 5 The defense held the team together for most of the season last year but fall apartat the end of the year when the Seminoles dropped four of their last five games. The defense allowed 27.4 PPG on the road to trigger just 17.9 PPG in the first seven games. Looking back on this defense Nicholson brings some huge issues on the basis of the fact that four of the NFL's defensive starters were drafted in the first round of the draft and once that is not AJ. Talk about poor performers. This season is the fifth defense Place in the ACC and 16th in the nation inthe pre-season series on those players that need to be replaced based. Linebacker Buster Davis and defensive tackle Andre Fluellen will be the leaders and are the big playmakers heading into the season, but the usual result with the Seminoles, others.

Schedule The schedule is extremely simple, as far as ACC schedules and go the non-conference slate is an absolute joke. Florida St. is playing in Miami in its opener is by far the toughest ACC competition and finished the season playHome win against Florida, the most difficult non-conference competition. The other three non-conference games are all far inferior teams at home against Troy, Rice and Western Michigan. On the ACC grid, missing Florida St. Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and North Carolina, three of the four best teams in addition to Miami in the ACC Coastal. The other hard-conference game against Clemson, but is at home. A total of eight home games with the Seminoles the last four games of the year,Place at Doak Campbell Stadium.

You can … If the Seminoles can upset Miami in the opening weekend, they're running a legitimate shot at a realistic National Championship. Clemson and Florida are the only two teams stand in their way, but these two are at home, where Florida St. is 20-4 the last four years and not to lose more than a game in this season. A possible rematch with Miami in the ACC Championship, National Championship would have implications. The Seminolesonly had a successful season since versus the number 2,001th Florida St. is just 10-17 ATS as a home favorite over the span of only including a 1-3 ATS mark last season. The Seminoles are home dogs, only once since 2002, expect ATS loss last season against Miami not so, they get to see points at home this year.

My message to my friends today is to take care of your car while you have it. It will save you some money in the long run. In particular, today, I want to stress to make sure your tires are properly inflated. Have you ever ridden a bicycle with the under-inflated tires? If you have, you know that your legs have to work so much harder. This same kind of “drag” also makes your engine work harder if your car tires are not properly inflated. I noticed one day that my SUV was getting under 20 mpg on the highway before I pumped up my tires. After that I’ve noticed I got almost 23 mpg on a highway trip. I know that does not seem like too much, but it can make a difference in the long run and will also make your tires last longer.

To add to your convenience I would recommend getting a portable air compressor. Some of these battery air compressors can plug right into your car cigarette lighter for power while you pump your tire. I prefer a combo that includes a 12 volt battery jump starter so you can also have something handy around for your car battery as well. I keep one in the trunk at all times and it helped me out in many situations. Some of these also include a built-in inverter for a portable power source for small electrical items for camping and other outdoor activities.

The great thing is that with one of these you can eliminate another hassle and save a trip to the gas station and paying 75 cents to use their air pump. One morning I found my tire was really low and I had to hustle to find a gas station with a free air pump since I did not have any change on hand. I also did not have too much time on my hands and had to drive out of my way. With a portable battery air compressor you can inflate your tire within minutes right on the spot.

Basically, I love all my listeners and friends and hope this article helped you all and I welcome any feedback and any valuable information you can share as well. Until next time, please remember to always drive safely!

There are a variety of capacities, sizes and shapes for portable air compressors, the most common work with 12 Volts, are small and not heavy, and can be connected to your car’s cigarette lighter or power outlet.

An air compressor, as its name says, provides compressed air that is used to inflate your car tires, inflatable devices, balls, compressed air storage tanks and other applications. It’s a very useful thing you must have in your car, home and office.

Generally speaking, it has multiple applications and is a not expensive tool that you can buy starting at $12.00. Where? You can buy it online. Some tool stores may have it too. If you have this device on your car you can solve the problem of a flat or low inflated tire. It happens all the times that if you have to use your spare tire, it is out of air, so you cannot use it and you can be sitting for hours waiting for help, remembering that you saw this article and did nothing, but if you have your portable compressor you can inflate your spare tire and use it in minutes. Even if you do not have a spare, you can also re-inflate your loosing air tire several times until you reach the next service station.

Personally, I used this device 2 times when I was on the road and had a loosing air tire, I took out the jack when I was cleaning my truck and forgot to put it back in, so I was not able to change the tire. I re-inflated it 3 times before I had it repaired.

Suddenly, a person makes their way next to you. This is your chance to start up a conversation. But what should you talk about? You don’t really know this person after all… By the time you think of something, the person has already left.

Does this situation sound familiar? Well, perhaps it’s time you read up on interesting conversation starters!

Social situations like the one mentioned above are very common. People aren’t always ready with a topic. Should you talk politics? Should you talk about your favorite show? Or what about the newest book you bought last week?

Read on to learn how to get the communication ball rolling.

Interesting Conversation Starter # 1: Food

A party is not a party without food. And you can always count on food to be an interesting topic of discussion.

For example, you can comment on the food the host is serving. “The lamb they have here is great, isn’t it? I’ve never tasted anything quite like it.” The other person would either agree or disagree.

If they say, “Yeah, definitely the best,” you can say, “I wonder what else they’re serving tonight…” The other person will then have a chance to answer.

On the other hand, if they say, “Nah. I’ve had better,” you can proceed to ask where that better lamb is; and before you know it, you’re talking about odd cuisines around the world.

Interesting Conversation Starter # 2: Common Friends

Another great topic to start a conversation with is a friend you have in common. This technique is a little like comparing notes. Once you have established some sort of common ground, it will be easier to jump from one topic to another.

Interesting Conversation Starter # 3: Have You Ever…?

Starting a conversation with a have-you-ever question is always a hit. Not only does it provide you with something to talk about, it also helps you get to know the other person more.

However, just make sure to steer away from the more sensitive have-you-ever topics because that might just make the whole situation awkward. Stick to the “Have you ever been to Asia?” or “Have you ever seen a Harry Potter movie?”

Interesting conversation starters vary from person to person. Just remember not to push things too far and to not push a person when he or she is clearly not interested in talking.

Cigarette lighter outlet

An alternative to a cable booster is another cable that can be used for interconnecting the 12 Volt cigarette lighter outlets of two vehicles. The available current available that passes through this kind of connection is very small, even though this can eliminate previously made concerns with bad connections and arcs near the terminals of the battery,

This method slowly recharges the battery, it’s not providing the needed current used for cranking. You should not try to crank the engine, as the current of the starter motor will be much bigger than the fuse rating in an outlet for a cigarette lighter. When the key is turned off, many vehicles turn off the cigarette, making the technique unusable unless the ignition key is turned to the on position in order to make a connection from the battery to the cigarette lighter outlet.

Battery booster and jump starter

You can use to the battery of another vehicle a portable battery that is equipped with cables and a charger. Find someone with a car that’s running well and is willing to give your car a jump. Attach the red end of the booster to the positive terminal on the dead battery. The other end of the red cable you must attach to the jumper car’s positive terminal of the battery. And now, you should attach the black end of the booster to the battery’s negative terminal, and after doing this, put the other end of the black jumper cable to a metal part of the dead car. It’s possible to see a spark, but it’s nothing to worry about. Now, revive the engine by turning on the booster car and the dead car as well. Now it should start normally.

A portable booster will sense automatically sense the battery’s polarity before sending power to the vehicle, that way eliminating the damage that is possible to result from reversing the connection. Even though these alternatives seem really good solutions, a recent study on cable booster usage discovered that people prefer to use these boosters instead of other alternatives.

The cables boosters can be used as a method to start a car when the vehicle’s battery is discharged, or any other vehicle that is powered by an internal combustion engine. Cable boosters are available in various lengths and colors, as the companies that provide them are too. All you need to do now, is find your perfect cable boosters. After all, you never know when you’ll need one. And then it’s better to have the best one on the market. This decision is up to you, get the best cable booster money can buy!

Offense:

The Falcons have one of the premier quarterbacks in the league in Matt Ryan, who is entering just his third season in the NFL. Ryan played like a veteran in 2009, throwing for 2,916 yards with 22 touchdowns to just 14 interceptions. Watch out for a monster season from Ryan in 2010.

The Falcons will need running backs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood to stay healthy in 2010. Turner was out for five games in 2009, while Norwood missed six games. When healthy these two backs form a great 1-2 punch and a running duo that can have the Falcons near the top of the NFL in rushing.

No big changes on the outside for the Falcons. Roddy White has emerged into one of the top receivers in the game, and is coming off a 85 catch season for 1,153 yards and 11 scores. The Falcons would like to see more out of No.2 receiver Michael Jenkins this season, especially with all the attention White and tight end Tony Gonzalez get from opposing teams defensive backs.

The offensive line remains intact heading into the 2010 season, and the only player to miss more than two games on the line was right guard Harvey Dahl. The Falcons are very solid at the two tackle positions with Sam Baker and Tyson Clabo. With veteran center Todd McClure the only starter with more than four years of experience, this unit should just keep getting better and better over the next few seasons.

Defense:

The Falcons are hoping that they will get a full season out of defensive tackle Peria Jerry this season, as Jerry played in just two games in 2009 before tearing his ACL. Jerry has the ability to really make a big impact on the defense if he is able to come in healthy and ready to go. and Jonathan Babineaux is penciled in as the other starter, while Thomas Johnson will either be used as a backup or starter if Jerry isn’t ready. The Falcons have to be hoping that with improved play in the middle, veteran defensive end John Abraham will be able to jump that sack total back up in 2010. Abraham went from 16.5 sacks in 2008 to just 5.5 in 2009. Kroy Biermann, Jamaal Anderson, and Chauncey Davis will compete for the other starting end spot in training camp.

The Falcons used their first round pick on outside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, and they believe this kid is going to be a star in this league for years to come. Curtis Lofton is stapled in as the starter at middle linebacker, and Mike Peterson and Stephen Nicholas are both back at the two outside spots, but don’t be surprised if Weatherspoon ends up starting for Nicholas.

The Falcons were not good against the pass last season, as they finished the year 28th in pass defense. They added corner Dunta Robinson this offseason, and he should instantly make this group better. Brian Williams entered the 2009 season as one of the starters at corner, but is coming off an ACL tear, so it could end up being Brent Grimes, who started nine games in 2009. No changes were made at safety, as free safety Thomas DeCloud and free safety Erik Coleman are both back.

Prediction – 2nd NFC South: I still have this team finishing behind the Saints, but I would not be surprised at all if this team surpassed my expectations and won the division in 2010. Without question they need a big season out of Turner if they are going to win the division. Easily could see this team winning 10-11 games in 2010.

Research shows that developing good communication skills is far more important than getting good grades in school. According to a study at the Stanford University School of Business, the most successful graduates were not the ones with the highest grade point averages. They were the ones most comfortable having friendly conversations with others, particularly strangers.

When you start a conversation with someone you don’t know, it helps to realize that they’re probably feeling just as awkward and tongue-tied as you are. And, if they’re not, then they’ll more than likely have the good manners to be gracious. So, have some fun, jump right in and be the first to speak. You have much to gain and little to lose.

To break the ice, you could make a positive remark about the room, the food, the guest of honor or notice something positive about what the other person is doing, wearing or saying. Then you might offer a sincere compliment. Be friendly, upbeat and enthusiastic. Be willing to chat about the weather, sports, movies, pets or children. The point is to make the other person feel like you’ve been waiting all week to meet them.

Once you’ve broken the ice, follow up with closed-end questions. Are you…? Do you…? Who? Where? Which? Then continue with more open-ended questions. What do you think…? How…? What…? or Why…?

You’ll know what to say next by listening carefully for information the other person is sharing with you – facts, feelings and opinions. Your job is to respond with sincere interest. But be sure to always avoid topics of politics or religion. (You can change the subject, if necessary.) And, naturally, you would never want to argue about anything, even if you disagree.

When it feels right, be willing to share positive, upbeat personal information, but don’t talk too much about yourself. Stay focused on finding out about and getting to know the other person. The bottom line is, if you want people to find you interesting, all you have to do is genuinely express an interest in them. If you do, they might even leave the conversation thinking you’re one of the most fascinating people they ever met. Wouldn’t that be nice?

Pay special attention to noticing when the other person is ready to move on and always end every exchange gracefully on a positive note. Use their name, pay a sincere compliment when possible and always offer a smile or your hand in friendship – “It was so nice talking with you, John. I look forward to seeing you again sometime.” Then say a peasant goodbye.

To be a good conversationalist, just follow these simple guidelines and practice. After all, developing good communication skills could possibly get you further than an M.B.A. from Stanford. With practice, you can turn each conversation into a pleasant experience and maybe even an opportunity – the possibilities are unlimited!

The Hot wheels dragon fire track set is an exhilarating set as you need to time your jump perfect to behead the flaming fiend. Pick your car and launch, watch it go through three circular loops with sections missing, gaining speed along the way by the four speed boosters. Watch out for the fire-breathing dragon at the end though, if you miss the jump, consider yourself fried! But if you time it perfect, you can slay the mighty dragon, and save the kingdom.

Add an awesome light show to any room with the Hot wheels Turbo glo turbo tunnel track set. Use this in the dark in conjunction with Turbo glo cars and watch the amazing light trail following your car as it’s launched through the mega loop and blasting it’s way through targets. Add more than one vehicle to make things more interesting.

A Hot Wheels track starter set can have you heading in the right direction for a very low cost so you and your child can stay entertained while maintaining the tighter budgets!

A lot more detail about hot wheels tracks can be found online but if you ask me, once a child, always a child! You can find some great videos highlighting the use of more than one track at a time… and the kids faces say it all!

Changing the oil in your used car on a regular basis is very important for maintaining your used car’s engine. Oil helps the engine to run by keeping all of the moving parts properly lubricated. After running for several thousand miles, the oil tends to become contaminated by carbon, debris and other substances that can hinder the effectiveness of the oil. If the oil isn’t able to properly provide lubrication for the engine, serious damage to the engine can occur.

Since replacing the engine in any car, even a used car, can be extremely expensive, it’s easy to see that the relatively low cost of an oil change is a small price to pay for preventing expensive engine repairs. Most oil change services at a professional garage are under $50, even for the premium services. Most of the cost depends on the type and grade of oil that your used car requires, so make sure to choose the best option depending on your used car’s performance.

Your used car’s engine components are the most important part to keep your car running, and can also be the most expensive to fix. The preventive maintenance of an oil change can help avoid high engine repair costs, and will also allow your car to achieve maximum horsepower. Be sure to keep track of when your used car needs an oil change, since this is essential for your used car to properly function.