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5 Careers To Consider After Military Service

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Life after the military can be difficult, especially when it comes to finding the right job. For many years, veterans had been in a very disciplined and controlled environment that only the military can provide. Having to adjust to civilian-type jobs where things are much laxer can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. After all, the military gives you the tools for a wide range of jobs outside of the service.

If you’re coming up on the end of your time in the military or have been out for a while and need to find a job that fits you, there are some careers that are almost tailor made to suit you. Here are five careers to consider after military service.

IT

After your time in the military, life can seem dull and you might struggle with your sense of purpose. IT careers are intriguing, helpful, and pay relatively well. If you happen to specialize in IT in your particular branch of the military, it should be a pretty seamless transition in your life as a civilian. IT careers aren’t tied down and give you a great deal of freedom when it comes to your preferred area of focus. The right path can leave you living comfortably, with a sense of purpose, and maintaining a fun and challenging career. 

Education

Education is extremely important, as you have likely learned during your time in the military. Boot camp and the various school programs attended afterward are all key factors to a successful military career. With that experience, patience, discipline, and dedication, you can make your life as a civilian more rewarding with a career in education. Whether you’re an educator within the military, or out in another part of the world, wherever life takes you there is always something to be learned and you can be the one to teach it. 

Law Enforcement

If the allure of the military is the cops and robbers scenario where you use your cunning, athleticism, discipline, and authority to catch the bad guy, then law enforcement seems like a lovely fit. Law enforcement careers can include training to become a police officer, a detective, an FBI agent, part of the secret service, or even a corrections officer. The list goes on with the different law enforcement careers you can try after your time in the military. Each one of them is rewarding, interesting, and perfect for applying your skills to. Employers will more than likely hire you rather quickly if you possess a military background. 

Healthcare

Just like law enforcement careers, careers in the medical field are extremely popular and keep up with the hustle and bustle of the lifestyle military men and women typically seek. It also requires a great degree of intelligence, quick thinking, and heart. All of which are common in those with military experience. Whether you were a medic, or otherwise, the skills learned in the military will come in very handy in the medical field. It’s the type of career to keep things interesting, help those in need, and put yourself in a fast-paced environment to give you that thrill you’re seeking. 

Cyber Security

Cyber Security is arguably one of the most important forms of security that need to be protected day and night. Nefarious hackers are becoming more sneaky and sly every day, trying to access private information that could really ruin someone’s day and maybe their entire life. If your background in the military is IT-related, a cyber security career might be the best fit for you. It’s incredibly rewarding, keeps evil at bay, and provides a comfortable income for you and your family. Usually allowing you to work from home, giving you opportunities to travel and not be tied down by your career. 

Most Beloved Anime Characters of All Time

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There are a lot of things that go into making a good anime, and nothing is more important than having some great characters that fans can relate to or simply think are fun to watch. There are certain characters that are legendary and can be identified even by those that have never seen a full episode of an anime in their life or read a manga. Some are funny, some are cool, but all of them are fan favorites.

Out of the thousands of animes over the years, though, which characters are the most beloved by fans around the world? Here are our picks for the five most beloved anime characters of all time, though we excluded all of the characters from Pokemon as that seems like it might be cheating.

Goku

Goku is a timeless classic when it comes to the world of beloved anime characters. Generations of anime fangirls and fanboys have a soft spot for the Super Saiyan God who made his debut back in the 1980s. Dragon Ball Z, of course featuring Goku, has been up and running for years and the franchise continues to release series, movies, and video games showcasing the anime sensation and endless enemies who wish to eliminate the hero. Even those who don’t watch anime will more than likely know who Goku is, which says a lot about his massive popularity worldwide. 

Naruto Uzumaki

Naruto Uzumaki first made his debut in 1999 as the main character in the Naruto manga written by Masashi Kishimoto. It’s a widely popular series still to this day. Also known for being pretty popular amongst the meme community, due to the interesting style of running the beloved anime character possesses. In 2019 there was even an instance where a group of people half-jokingly decided it would be a good idea to Naruto run into Area 51 for answers at the height of the “are aliens real?” debate within the nation. Though Naruto has much more to offer anime fanatics with films, long-running series, and video games for Naruto lovers to enjoy

Saitama

Saitama is the beloved superhero main character of the astounding One Punch Man series. The manga made its debut as a webcomic in 2009 and from there has turned into an insanely popular fan-favorite anime series, with Saitama being the center of adoration. Saitama trained for years to perfect his fighting style, using only one punch to defeat enemies. The ease of destroying his enemies leads Saitama to boredom and performs heroic duties to pass time. 

Eren Yeager

The main character featured in the Attack on Titans series, Eren Yeager seeks revenge on the man-eating humanoid beasts called Titans that ravaged his home and killed his family. Earning the ability throughout his formative years to obtain the power of several Titans, Yeager is a perfect counterpart to the frightening Titans that attack the city. The series is widely successful and loved by fans. Its massive popularity is likely why the series is still ongoing and among the most expensive series to make per episode. 

Monkey D. Luffy

Monkey D. Luffy is a loveable boy who is featured in the One Piece anime series. After consuming a Gum-Gum fruit, Luffy’s body changes and takes on the properties of rubber. The newfound elasticity of his body gives him an advantage as he travels around, getting into scuffles as captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. His happy demeanor, big heart, and passion for his role among his pirate crew make him a fan favorite for sure. Monkey made his debut in 1997 with the first chapter of One Piece and the character was seven-years-old, growing up with the readers.

The 5 Happiest Countries in the World

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We can all be as patriotic as we want about our home countries, but that doesn’t always translate into true happiness. There are many factors that contribute to the overall happiness of the citizens of any given country, including work-life balance, affordability, weather, and much, much more. Though a country can be lacking in one of those departments, it may excel in the rest, making its citizens happier overall.

When looking at the happiest citizens around the world, which ones are truly living their best lives? You’ll find that there’s a certain part of the world in which its citizens are happy and have all of their big-picture worries taken care of while their day-to-day lives lack a lot of stress. Here are the five happiest countries in the world based on the general consensus of their citizens.

Finland

Located in Northern Europe, where many of the world’s happiest countries reside, Finland was crowned the happiest country on Earth for five whole years in a row. The country’s gorgeous landscape full of clear freshwater lakes, mountainous forests, and great air quality make it a comfortable and beautiful home to proud Finnish folks. 

Their extraordinary education programs, relaxed style of living, helpful nature, and pride in taking care of their homeland make it easy to see why they’ve earned the title of the happiest country in the world. 

Denmark

Denmark is a close second to Finland in the rating of the happiest country on Earth. It’s not hard to see why. Denmark is another Northern European country tucked away within the serene, fresh air, nature-focused land. Denmark is known for their healthy balance of work and play, universal healthcare, and free education system. 

The people of Denmark believe in taking care of and giving back to their country, knowing they will receive proper treatment in return. Their helpful, peaceful, comforting nature makes for a healthy environment enjoyed by all who get to experience the beautiful country. 

Iceland

Not surprisingly, Iceland is the next Nordic country on the list of happiest countries on Earth. The Northern European country is known for the land’s intense and magnificent beauty. The towering glaciers, fjords, and pristine snowy landscape is a wondrous sight for those who are lucky enough to view them. 

As if the beauty of the land isn’t enough, Icelanders believe in a strong sense of fairness and justice, paired with low crime rates. Residents believe in equality, celebrating gay pride, practicing equal treatment and pay for men and women, and ensuring the community is taken care of financially. 

Switzerland 

Switzerland is comedically known for its neutral standing, which isn’t really that far off from how the people of Switzerland truly are. They’re a peaceful community of Nordic people in the gorgeous landscape within Northern Europe. The vibrant green mountains are unbelievably stunning. 

Along with that, they’re also known for their perfectly crafted chocolate confections. Chocolate is known to release feel-good chemicals and is just downright delicious. Though the Swiss don’t let the sweets drag them down. Outdoor activities and healthy exercise regimes are a big part of the lives of the residents of Switzerland, keeping them mentally and physically fit and happier overall. 

Netherlands 

The final Nordic haven named one of the happiest on earth is The Netherlands. Nearly all of the residents of the lovely country feel their life is comfortable and happy, and that their mental health is stable.

 Like many of the previously mentioned countries, The Netherlands offers financial support for its residents, a generous and healthy sense of community, and a great work-and-play balance. Physical and mental health is a priority for the people who call The Netherlands home. Their life expectancy is among the highest because of this. The rest of the world could stand to learn from these five beautifully happy and content countries. 

5 Wild Real-Life Home Appraiser Stories

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There are a lot of people that seem to think that home appraisers have it easy. Their belief is that an appraiser simply walks into a home, looks at the foundation, wiring, and plumbing, then writes up a number for the home’s value and calls it a day. Also, at worst, people might believe that the house may be a little bit dirty, but nothing too crazy.

However, there have been a lot of wild stories to come from home appraisers that didn’t know what they were walking into. Some have been scared straight out of the profession while others have seen some of the most wholesome or hilarious stuff around. Here are five of the most wild real-life home appraiser stories out there.

The Tragedy Appraiser

There’s one appraiser in particular that’s had to figure out the value on a lot of properties that are famous for being crime scenes. Randall Bell is his name, and he’s appraised properties that include the Heaven’s Gate mansion, the real estate where the Manson family murders happened, and even the homes of the late JonBenet Ramsey and Nicole Brown Simpson.

Bell has had his hand in some of the most tragic properties known to mankind, and he says that it’s his attention deficit disorder that got him into the profession, saying that he would only take on properties that had significant damage or trauma that other appraisers couldn’t handle. In fact, the first notable house that he took on was the crime scene for the O.J. Simpson case.

Dahmer’s Den

Out of all of the cases that Bell has handled, though, the strangest one might be serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer’s home in Milwaukee. Bell was doing an appraisal on the home where he lived and murdered several people, but nearby Marquette University was upset with him. In most cases, a murder home would be cheaper, but Dahmer’s became more valuable as the school was trying to buy up nearby property.

Bell said that homes drop up to 25 percent in value if a serious crime had taken place, but Dahmer’s home leaped in price due to national interest in his story. The owner of the apartment complex made the school pay the increased evaluation.

A Record Robbery

When an appraiser is going in to a home to assess the value, there’s a good chance that nobody is living in that house at the moment. Or at the very least, they aren’t expecting much company to be there. That wasn’t the case for one appraiser in Florida, though, as they were evaluating the property for a wealthy music producer.

The appraiser said everything was going fine in the gorgeous neighborhood until they got to the basement where the platinum and gold records were kept. It turns out, some teenagers caught wind of who lived there and were trying to steal the records. Thankfully, the producer shooed the kids away without anyone being hurt, but it was still a wild experience for the appraiser.

Long Island Medium

Many of the world’s richest people tend to live in the same neighborhoods and run in the same circles, but that doesn’t mean that they have the same beliefs when it comes to extra-terrestrials. On New York’s Long Island, an appraiser named Leigh was looking at a multi-million dollar home, but noticed something very odd. All of the walls were lined with aluminum foil.

She asked the homeowner about the aluminum foil, and got a very calm, but odd, response. The owner said that it was simply to keep out alien rays that could be used to control thoughts. The appraiser simply left it at that and continued working.

Florida Gators

There are certain things that you expect to run into as an appraiser, with animals being one of the most common. For the most part, though, it’s simply dogs or cats that you’ll deal with. In Florida, you never know what you’re going to get, however.

That was the case for one appraiser that was evaluating a home and paying too much attention to the property itself without checking the surroundings. It turns out that appraiser was just one yard away from stepping on a 12 foot long alligator. It wasn’t until the gator started growling that the appraiser noticed and ran away, with the sales office neglecting to tell them that the gator had been there protecting her nest.

5 Largest World Capitals You Have to See

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Every country needs capital, and it’s almost always where all of the national governmental decisions are made. With that said, there are a lot of capitals where there are some significant governmental buildings, but not a whole lot else to do. Then, there are world capitals where they become the hub for the entire country, offering up plenty to do as the large city in their respective nation’s capital.

If you’re traveling the world and want to make things easy on yourself by visiting cities that are easy to get to and offer a lot of cheaper lodging, going to a capital city is always a safe bet. Out of all of the capital around the world, though, these five rank as the top to visit because of the long list of things for visitors to do during their trips.

Beijing 

China’s extraordinarily populated capital city of Beijing holds a whopping 21.3 million people. Not only is it the most populated area within China, but it’s one of the most highly populated capital cities in the entire world. Beijing has so much to offer and it’s no wonder why residents remain in the powerful city. 

Beijing is home to the largest collection of Fortune 500 Companies, is exceptionally popular with tourists, and is one of the leading centers for media, economics, and science. Beijing combines a balance of old and new structures, both equally magnificent and breathtaking. Giving you a taste of the rich culture of then and now. 

Cairo

Cairo is another one of the most populated capital cities in the entire world, with an astounding 21.9 million people residing there. It is the most populated land in Africa and the Middle East. Cairo is a sight to behold, featuring the pyramids of Giza, one of the world’s wonders.

Cairo is also located near the Nile Delta, where the beautiful river meets the Mediterranean Sea. There’s such rich history and culture that date back over half a million years ago. It’s a must-see if you’re a history buff, or want to take in the majesty of the ancient city. 

Tokyo

Tokyo is guaranteed to be on almost everyone’s bucket list of destinations to explore in their life. It serves as Japan’s capital city, largest city, and one of the most populated capital cities in the world with 14 million residents as of 2022. 

There’s an endless amount of entertainment, new technology, quirky lifestyle gadgets, delicious cultural fare, and an intriguing atmosphere. Tokyo residents get a fabulous view of Mount Fuji on the nearby island of Honshū. The abundance of cherry blossoms makes the old-school culture-rich areas a comforting and gorgeous place to visit when you want a break from the busy metro area. 

Jakarta 

Jakarta is Indonesia’s capital city and the most populous city in the country. As one of the most populous capital cities in the world, it holds over 11 million people. 

Jakarta is a fresh change of pace for the people of Indonesia, offering a higher standard of living compared to the poorer and underdeveloped parts of the country. The people of Jakarta have a rich culture that is displayed through the use of art and festivals. 

Moscow 

Moscow’s population as of 2022 has reached over 12 million residents. It serves as the largest city in Russia and is one of the largest capital cities in the world. It is the second most populous city in all of Europe. 

Russia’s turbulent history doesn’t seem to keep people from wanting to live in and visit the culturally rich city. Making Moscow a hot spot for tourism and one of the most visited cities in all of Europe. It’s also one of the coldest capital cities out there. So don’t forget to bundle up when you take a trip to Moscow. 

5 Most Expensive Bollywood Movies of All Time

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As cinema becomes more global, we’re seeing a rise in Bollywood budgets over the years as they’re made to appeal to audiences across the world. There have been some movies that have had such high budgets that they would fit right in with Hollywood blockbusters like those in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Out of all of the Bollywood films, here are the five most expensive to make and how they performed at the box office.

RRR

RRR is not only one of the most action-packed movies in Bollywood, but it’s one of the most well-known action films around the world. Released by DVV Productions in 2022, RRR was directed by S.S. Rajamouli and stars N.T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan as friends that fight against the British Raj of the 1920s.

The film was delayed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which inflated the budget a bit higher than it was originally intended to be. The budget ended up being just over $70 million, but that was nothing compared to what it made at the box office. RRR made over $175 million, making it the highest-grossing film with only Telugu as the primary language.

2.0

2.0 earned was released in 2018 as the sequel to the sci-fi Bollywood film Enthiran. The films follow the creation of the man-made android humanoid robot, Chitti, and the drama that ensues. 2.0 was produced by Lyca Productions and directed by B. Jeyamohan, Madhan Karky, and S. Shankar who also is credited with co-writing the film. 

The film cost an incredible ₹600 crore, $87.73 million US, making it the second-most expensive Bollywood film ever made. When it was first released, 2.0 became the fifth highest-grossing movie in Indian history with an estimated $91 million to $117 million.

Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva

Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva is an action-packed fantasy film released in 2022 and is the first installment of the future three-film franchise known as the Astraverse. It cost a whopping ₹410 crore, $59.95 million US. Brahmāstra would end up losing money, though. The film grossed $54 million at the box office, making it a minor flop despite being one of the 20 highest-grossing films in India.

The film follows lovebirds, Isha and Shiva, who fight to keep powerful celestial weapons from falling into the wrong hands, including the most powerful of all, the Brahmāstra. The film was produced in part by Dharma Productions, Starlight Productions, Prime Focus, and Star Studios. It was directed by the film’s creator and writer, Ayan Mukerji.

Saaho

Saaho is full of action, crime, and dramatic intensity. The Bollywood film was released in 2019, produced by UV Creations, and directed by the film’s creator and writer Sujeeth. The film follows a pair of covert operatives as they delve deeper into a tangled web of theft, murder, and secrets. Leaving the audience on the edge of their seats the entire time. 

Saaho cost an estimated ₹350 crore, $49.7 million US. The film’s action-packed scenes, cinematography, bilingual script, and cast earned praise from critics and viewers alike. As for box office returns, though, things weren’t quite as great. It’s estimated that Saaho earned around $60 million at the box office, meaning that it was a net positive, but not by as much as the studios were hoping.

Radhe Shyam

Radhe Shyam is a drama and romance film set in 1970s Italy. It was released in 2022, produced by UV Creations and T-Series, and written and directed by Radha Krishna Kumar. The film follows the lives of two strangers Vikramaditya, a palm reader, and Prerana, a medical doctor. The two fight for love, attempting to make their own destiny after Vikramaditya learns their troubled fate. 

Radhe Shyam earned ₹350 crores, $44 million US, making it one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films. Although, the initial budget for the film was more than that earned after release. At a minimum, experts say that it cost $38 million to create Radhe Shyam, but some reports have said that it cost $4 million. Either way, the film would operate at a loss domestically.

The Greatest South East Asian Footballers Of All Time

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When it comes to the world of football, most of the attention is paid to Europe and South America. Southeast Asia can be overlooked by the global media, but they’re really missing out on some great football when doing so. Through the years, the region has produced some of the greatest players on a global scale, though some don’t get their time to shine until the World Cup every four years.

It may be hard to narrow down the best of the best when it comes to Southeast Asia’s greatest players since there are so many countries, but there are a few that truly stand out. Here are our picks for the top five, with some honorable mentions to make sure that everybody gets the recognition they deserve.

5. Bambang Pamungkas

Known to many as Bepe, Bambang Pamungkas hails from Semarang, Indonesia and played his youth football in the country for over a decade prior to making his senior career debut as a member of Persija Jakarta. In 126 appearances with the club, Bepe netted 80 goals and was sent on loan for a brief period to EHC Norad.

Bepe continued to be a dominant force when he played for two years with Selangor FA before returning to Persija Jakarta for another six years, this time scoring 73 goals in 149 appearances. After one year with Pelita Bandung Raya, Bepe finished his career with a third stint in Jakarta, finishing his senior career with 222 goals and 37 international goals.

4. Neil Etheridge

We now turn our attention to the Philippines, the home of goalkeeper Neil Etheridge. He made history by becoming the first-ever player from the Philippines to make it to the English Premier League as he played his youth career with both Chelsea and Fulham. He’d make his senior debut in 2008 with the latter club, though he didn’t see on-field action in the EPL.

Instead, Etheridge was sent on loan to several clubs between 2008 and 2014, and then finally settled down with Walsall in 2015. He then joined Cardiff City and eventually Birmingham City, making dozens of appearances with both clubs.

3. Dang Van Lam

Etheridge isn’t the only goalkeeper on the list as Dang Van Lam of Vietnam has also enjoyed a long professional career and started minding the net for his home country starting in 2015. Dang was actually born in Moscow, Russia, but his father hails from Vietnam while his mother is Russian.

Instead of following in his parents’ footsteps and getting into performance arts, Dang went the football route and it ended up paying off big time. He started his senior career with Hoang Anh Gia Lai before moving to several other clubs, most notably with Hai Phone from 2015 to 2019 and Muangthong United from 2019 to 2021.

2. Thanawat Suengchitthawon

Thanawat Suengchitthawon was born in Suphan Buri and spent his first several years in Thailand before joining the Nancy in France as part of the club’s youth program. Thanawat then began his senior career with Nancy II, making 16 appearances with the club and netting one goal as a midfielder.

In 2020, Thanawat made headlines when he became the first Thai player to join the English Premier League as he was transferred to Leicester City. Thanawat proved to be a major player with the Premier League 2 team and was moved to the senior squad beginning in 2021. Thanawat also represents Thailand on the international circuit instead of France.

1. Paulino Alcantara

You have to go way back in time to find the greatest Southeast Asian football player of all time. His name was Paulino Alcantara, who was born in Concepcion, Philippines in 1896 and lived to be 67 before his death in 1964. Alcantara moved to Barcelona as a child and came into the professional ranks with Barca back in 1912.

Alcantara made 40 appearances for the club, scoring 40 goals during that time. In 1916, he would shift clubs to Bohemian for two years, but returned for nearly another decade with Barcelona. This time around, he had 130 appearances and 102 goals, causing many to consider him the greatest Southeast Asian player ever.

5 Best Single-Game Fantasy Football Performances Ever By a Running Back

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In the case of most running backs in fantasy football, we’re more than satisfied with our RBs scoring one touchdown and rushing for 100 yards. There are days, though, when we see a running back explode and find the end zone several times while also padding on the yardage.

There have been some weeks in fantasy football in which a running back put up enough points to beat an entire team along the way. Throughout NFL history, though, these five running backs had the best single-day fantasy points total, leaving owners crying with joy and their opponents wondering how unlucky they could be.

Note: For this list, we used standard scoring instead of PPR (points-per-reception).

5. Doug Martin (51.2)

There are some big-time names on this list, but the “Muscle Hamster” had one of the shorter careers for a fantasy stud. Martin had some fine performances in his brief window, but none finer than his one against the Raiders in 2012. Martin received 25 carries, rushing for 251 yards and four touchdowns.

Meanwhile, he added four catches for 21 yards, bringing his total scoring to 51.2 points. Surprisingly enough, Martin’s rushing yardage total was the highest in the top five of scoring, and he would have been number one on the list had he scored just one more time.

4. Jamaal Charles (51.5)

At one time, Jamaal Charles was a fantasy running back stud who was routinely putting up huge numbers. In 2013, the Chiefs were well on their way to the playoffs thanks in large part to Charles, and they were taking on a Raiders team looking forward to the season coming to an end.

Charles lit up the Raiders in what would end up being a 56-31 shootout. The rushing stats don’t sound great, as he had just 20 yards on only eight carries. However, Charles had eight catches for 195 yards and four touchdowns, including a 71-yard scamper. Charles ended the day with 51.5 points and was the season’s top fantasy running back.

3. Shaun Alexander (53.1)

In a very unexciting game on paper, the 0-3 Minnesota Vikings visited the 0-3 Seattle Seahawks early on in the 2002 season. The game would be a must-watch for fantasy owners, though, especially those with Shaun Alexander. Alexander finished with 139 yards on the ground, which doesn’t sound that great, but there was much more.

Alexander had four rushing touchdowns and would have had a solid day for a WR1. He finished with 92 receiving yards and scored one more touchdown through the air. In total, Alexander ended the day with 231 yards and five touchdowns, good enough for 53.1 fantasy points.

2. Alvin Kamara (53.2)

Alvin Kamara had an absolute field day on Christmas against the Minnesota Vikings, and it could have been even better. Kamara started off the first quarter with touchdown runs of 40 yards and 1 yard, and he didn’t slow down from there. All in all, Kamara found the end zone six times.

Kamara didn’t have that many yards, totaling 155 on the ground and 17 through the air, but the touchdowns more than made up for that. Many fantasy owners were upset when there was another one-yard touchdown, but it went to Taysom Hill instead of Kamara.

1. Clinton Portis (55.4 Points)

In what was one of the biggest games of 2003, the 11-1 Kansas City Chiefs headed to Denver to take on the 7-5 Broncos who were fighting for a playoff spot. Running back Clinton Portis fought harder than anybody, and he had one of the best fantasy days ever for an NFL running back. On 22 carries, Portis was able to rush for 218 yards and a whopping five touchdowns.

He added another 36 yards through the air to pad on to his points total. All in all, Portis scored 55.4 points on the fantasy scoreboard. Strangely enough, he still finished nearly 80 yards behind the all-time single-game record, but the touchdowns gave him a legendary fantasy total.

5 Best Single-Game Fantasy Football Performances Ever By a Wide Receiver

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It’s always interesting to see a wide receiver go off in fantasy football as they can be a huge variable. Very few times do you see a player consistently get the ball and break off long touchdowns, but it does happen from time to time. 

Then, there are cases where it happens three or more times per game and a receiver adds enough yardage to score well over 40 fantasy points. Here are the five best single-game fantasy football performances ever from a wide receiver where that exact situation happened.

Note: For this list, we used standard scoring instead of PPR (points-per-reception).

5. Jimmy Smith (47.1)

In just about every record-setting fantasy performance, the player that’s breaking new milestones is on the winning team. That wasn’t the case for wide receiver Jimmy Smith in 2000, however, as his Jacksonville Jaguars lost 39-36 to the Baltimore Ravens. It was not Smith’s fault the Jags lost, though, especially in the first half.

Smith had touchdowns of 45 yards and 43 years in the first quarter alone. With less than two minutes left, Smith added a third to put the Jaguars ahead before Shannon Sharpe won the game for Baltimore. Still, Smith finished with 291 yards on 15 catches and three touchdowns, giving him 47.1 fantasy points.

4. Jerry Rice (47.9)

Of course, the greatest wide receiver of all time is on the single-game fantasy football list, and this isn’t the only time he’s on the list. The first time comes from his performance against the visiting Minnesota Vikings. The 49ers were rolling in with a 10-4 record and headed to the playoffs, and Rice made sure they got in.

During the 37-30 shootout, Rice exploded for 289 yards on 14 catches, missing on just two targets. Rice also found the end zone three times, putting up a long of 52 yards. Rice even had 10 rushing yards during the game, bringing his fantasy total to 47.9 points. Quarterback Steve Young also had himself a fine day with 425 yards, three touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown.

3. Harold Jackson (47.8)

The Los Angeles Rams were on a roll to start the 1973 NFL season, and they extended their record to 5-0 thanks to a massive first half against the visiting Dallas Cowboys. Wide receiver Harold Jackson dominated early on, scoring touchdowns of 63 and 16 yards in the first quarter. He then added a 67-yarder and a 36-yarder in the second quarter.

All four of Jackson’s touchdowns came in the first half, as did most of his yardage. Jackson finished the day with 238 yards total, giving him a final fantasy tally of 47.8 points. His quarterback John Hadl had just 41 yards throwing to receivers that weren’t Jackson that day.

2. Jerry Butler (50.7)

Early on in the 1979 season, the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets were going head-to-head in an AFC East matchup. The Jets struggled through the air, but that wasn’t the case for the home team. The Bills threw early and often, mostly to Jerry Butler. Out of quarterback Joe Ferguson’s 19 completions, more than half (10) went to Butler.

Butler would rack up 255 yards on those 10 catches, including a 75-yard touchdown. That was one of the four touchdowns that Butler scored during the game. The Bills would ultimately win 46-31, getting back to .500 at 2-2 while Butler added another 12 yards rushing to bring his total to 50.7 fantasy points.

1. Jerry Rice (52.5)

Earlier we mentioned that Jerry Rice would make another appearance on the list, and naturally, it’s at the very top. The 49ers were looking to improve their perfect record against the Atlanta Falcons in 1990 and would wind up winning the game in a shootout, 45-35. Rich would be the biggest piece of that puzzle for the 49ers’ offense, too.

Rice hauled in 13 catches that day against the Atlanta defense, which was good for 225 yards and a whopping five touchdowns. Overall that would give him 52.5 points, all without having a single carry or a reception of at least 30 yards. As for his quarterback, Joe Montana had one of the greatest fantasy days for a QB with 476 yards and six touchdowns.

5 Best Trades in Chicago Cubs History

Posted on by scatty

The Chicago Cubs were once known for making some puzzling moves with their roster, but there have also been some times when the front office has looked like a collective of geniuses. Trades happen for every team, but it’s easy to get burned, especially when you’re relying on prospects to turn your franchise around. Throughout Cubs history, there are a few trades that benefitted the franchises for years after they happened. Here are the five best trades in Chicago Cubs history.

Third Base Staple

Dominican Republic native Aramis Ramirez, believe it or not, signed all the way back in 1994 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Four years later, he made his debut as the youngest player in the MLB and was solid with the Pirates for his first couple of seasons as the Cubs were gearing up for a postseason run, the team aimed at the present and future, making a big deal with the Pirates.

The Cubs traded away Matt Bruback and Bobby Hill to Pittsburgh in exchange for Ramirez to be the cornerstone of their franchise at third base for years to come. To help immediately, the Cubs also acquired Jose Hernandez and Kenny Lofton. Ramirez played nine seasons for the Cubs and batted .294 with 239 home runs.

Captain Rizzo

First baseman Anthony Rizzo was drafted in the sixth round by the Boston Red Sox and was quickly traded to the San Diego Padres. While he was still trying to crack the Major Leagues, the Cubs traded for Rizzo by sending Andrew Cashner and Kyung-Min Na. Fans were perplexed at the time since there was still hope for Cashner to live up to his first-round draft position.

While Cashner enjoyed nearly a decade in the Major Leagues, Rizzo became a Cubs icon. He helped the team win the 2016 World Series as the captain, becoming a perennial All-Star and Gold Glover winner. In 10 seasons with the Cubs, Rizzo batted .272 with 242 home runs and 784 runs batted in. Of course, it’s the World Series that means the most.

Ryno the Afterthought

Larry Bowa had been a Philadelphia Phillie for a very long time, but in the early 1980s wanted nothing to do with the franchise anymore. He demanded a trade, and the Cubs perked up immediately. The Cubs were willing to take on the veteran but told the Phillies that they wanted a young Ryne Sandberg as part of the deal.

Bowa had a mediocre career with the Cubs, but Ryne Sandberg became a Hall of Famer over his 15 seasons in Chicago. He would end up with a .285 batting average and 282 career home runs to go along with an MVP Award and 10 trips to the All-Star Game.

Fergie Flipped

Larry Bowa isn’t the only former Phillie to end up having a Hall of Fame career with the Cubs. Fergie Jenkins started his career in Philadelphia as a relief pitcher but was quickly traded to Chicago in exchange for Larry Jackson and Bob Buhl. The trade paid off big time for the Cubbies as Jenkins made three All-Star Games and won a Cy Young in Chicago.

During the second half of the 1970s and into the 1980s, Fergie played with the Rangers and Red Sox before returning to Chicago in 1982. He ended his career with the Cubs, finishing with a 167-132 record and a 3.56 earned run average with the franchise en route to a Hall of Fame induction wearing a Cubs hat in 1991.

Slammin’ Sammy

Whether you love him or hate him, and no matter how you felt about his possible use of performance-enhancing drugs, there’s no doubt that Sammy Sosa revitalized baseball in the Northside of Chicago. After coming up with the Rangers, Sosa was actually part of the Southsiders squad, though.

The Cubs acquired a slumping Sosa along with Ken Patterson in exchange for a disgruntled George Bell in a rare crosstown trade. Sosa, of course, became one of the best sluggers in Major League history, hitting 545 home runs in a Cubs uniform while putting up a .284 batting average. He also won the MVP Award in 1998 and hit over 60 home runs in three different seasons.