The wait is over! Ed Sheeran had not released a new song since 2014, but one week into 2017, and we now have two new singles from the red-headed singer-songwriter! You can enjoy the new tunes and lyrics below!
The Best Games of 2016
What could have been a year that suffered from the many delays, 2016 turned out to be one of the strongest years in video games for quite some time. While there might not be the standout landslide victory, many games deserve the title "Game of the Year." Let's see which games made the cut for us!
BEST GAME OF 2016: Oxenfree
In 2015, Rocket League won our “Game of the Year” award based on its incredibly addictive and polished gameplay. Oxenfree has some pacing issues, and isn’t particularly fun to “play,” but it provides one of the best stories to ever be told in the medium. Much of the excitement comes from plot-heavy twists and turns, but what really makes the game shine are the moments where you get to unwrap the backstories of these characters. While we have experienced game changing dialogue trees in games before, Oxenfree’s dialogue decisions feel varied, yet true to the characters and tone. There are multiple ways for the game to end, and what may even be more mind blowing than the game itself, is when you play the game a second time. Not only do you experience deja vu, your character Alex does as well. Your familiarity with the game and Alex’s familiarity with the game opens some interesting new options.
Oxenfree is an excellent coming of age tale set to the background of the paranormal. It’s beautiful in sound, art, style, concept, writing, and execution, that is easily accessible to gamers of all experience levels.
THE BEST GAMES OF 2016
THE WITNESS
I’ve never thought more about a game in my entire life. Playing The Witness is less like playing a game, but more like learning a new language. The puzzles are simple enough to start with, but as you explore the island and attempt to unlock its mysteries, you will find yourself scratching your head, completely stumped multiple times. That’s not because the puzzles are harder. Mechanically, every puzzle works the same, but over time, the puzzles will throw in new rules with no explanations. You can technically finish the “hardest” puzzle in the game at the very start, but only if you understand the “language.” The Witness took over my thoughts during my time playing it. It got to the point where I was dreaming about these puzzles. It sounds completely insane, and that’s because it sort of is insane. The Witness isn’t a puzzle game; it’s Rosetta Stone on a mission.
HITMAN
No game in 2016 offers a better sandbox than the newest entry into the Hitman series. This series has always been known for giving players a slew of options to assassinate their targets in the way that best suits their play style.The previous installment was much more linear and action friendly than most other Hitman titles. So getting large open environments that are nearly impossible to shoot your way out of, is an excellent treat for fans of the series and newcomers alike.
What makes Hitman (2016) extremely interesting was how it was released. While many episodic games, like Telltale’s The Walking Dead, seemed to release episodes quite sporadically with no clear timeline, Hitman released levels, objectives, and more content at a consistent rate. Developer IO Interactive has also stated that they will continue to use Hitman as a platform to release multiple seasons of content. Sign us up for that!
UNCHARTED 4
Naughty Dog continues to prove that they are one of, if not the best studio in the video game industry. Uncharted 4 takes a slightly more serious turn compared to previous entries in the series, but it still has the fun campiness, characters, and action sequences that made us fall in love with the series in the first place. The environments, narrative, character models, performances, performance capture, and animations, are something to behold. The love and effort put behind Uncharted 4 makes it a worthy end to the Nathan Drake story.
INSIDE
Inside is the newest game from Limbo developer, Playdead. Much like Limbo, Inside places our young protagonist in a dark environment and in a dire situation that continues to unravel as you play. What Playdead was able to achieve in Limbo was incredible and deserving of all the accolades it received, but Inside achieves almost all of those same things, and improves on them. Inside is a masterpiece in terms of mechanics and animation, and that all blends with a story that may leave some players wanting. Inside is a piece of art that we will be talking about for years.
OVERCOOKED
You won’t play a better multiplayer game in 2016. While the mechanics of franchises like Call of Duty and Battlefield get deeper and more complex; Overcooked offers an experience that is accessible to gamers of all experience levels, but also provides a challenge that can frustrate even the most seasoned veterans. That’s because Overcooked is a game that is completely reliant on communication and team work. The frustration that you may have with your fellow chefs is oddly satisfying. While other games have you screaming because you are on the verge of death, Overcooked will have you screaming because somebody forgot to wash the dishes. The game is incredibly charming, and one of the rare games that can be enjoyed by the entire family together.
Honorable Mentions
Batman: A Telltale Series
On a storytelling and narrative front, Batman: A Telltale Series belongs at the very top of this list. This is easily the best Batman narrative in this medium since Batman: Arkham Asylum, and might even be better. Telltale Games takes some interesting risks with this beloved franchise and its characters. While their are some new takes on characters and lore, it never seems to betray the spirit of Batman. The most exciting aspect may be the emphasis on being Bruce Wayne, who is just as compelling as his alter ego.
While the narrative ramps up with each episode, so do the technical bugs. Throughout my time with the game, I had at least one crash for each of the five episodes. There are also frame rate dips which and delayed cuts that will have you questioning what is even happening on screen. Batman: A Telltale Series is a DC Comic fan's dream come true, but it is also a nightmare on the technical side of things. Which is a darn shame.
DOOM
I don't have anything bad to say about DOOM. It should be on the list, and the fact that its not shows you how great of a year it has actually been for video games. DOOM is fast, fun, irreverent, and just absolutely insane. It's rock n'roll. It's where many of us were expecting video games to go, but they never did. It's crushing the skulls of demons. It's punching the only communication you have with a friend in the face. It's rising up from the grave, just to fill it with another body. It doesn't have to be on our list, because it probably wouldn't care to be.
The Best Shows of 2016
The year has come to an end, and it's time to see what shows stood out as The Best Shows of 2016. We have awarded one show "Fox Radio Network's Best Show of 2016," as well as listed some of the best shows that TV (or web) had to offer!
Best Show of 2016: STRANGER THINGS
There wasn’t another show this year that “forced” me to binge watch the entire season in one day. Stranger Things offers the perfect blend of laughs, scares, wonder, nostalgia, and freshness. While we have seen films, music, and television, exploit our love for everything 80’s, Stranger Things might as well have been a show made in the 80’s and for the 80’s. The music, the fashion, and the tropes all fit. What makes the show exceptional, though, are the best child actors we have seen in a long time. These kids have a shot at being on our big and small screens for quite some time. Don’t be surprised if Millie Bobby Brown becomes the biggest name in Hollywood at some point in her life.
THE BEST SHOWS OF 2016
Game of Thrones
The 6th season of GoT gave us something that it and another popular drama, The Walking Dead, have failed to give us up to this point: an end in sight. “If it’s good, why would you want it to end?” Good question! Stories have always been designed to have a beginning, middle, and end. When you don’t have a goal or cut-off, you can perpetually feel like you are stuck in the middle. It’s hard to tell what is important when you’re in that limbo. Now that we are working our way to the end of GoT, every second feels important, and if it doesn’t, it’s wasted time. GoT has set the bar for television during its 6 seasons, but now, it has set the bar for itself, in its best season so far.
Westworld
Westworld satisfies and satiates the craving for those “what just happened” moments, but struggles in its sterility at times. You’ll want to care about the cast of characters, but unfortunately it takes nearly the entire season to pull that off. There are great moments throughout the series, even with a bit of a slow start. There are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, and intrigue you enough to watch the next episode. The final two episodes and the major twists and revelations that completely change the way you view the series are worth the price of admission .
The Night Of
This limited series from HBO could be the best procedural on television since The Wire. Instead of focusing on the details and intricacies of police work, The Night Of is an interesting look at incarceration and due process. The Night Of blends elements of The Wire, Oz, and American Crime Story. In a weird way, it’s also much like watching The Office or The League. The situations surrounding our protagonist, Nasir Khan, are the ultimate illustrations for Murphy’s Law ( whatever can go wrong, will go wrong). It’s a beautiful train wreck, that also manages to let viewers in on a world that audiences rarely get to see: people of Middle Eastern descent living in a post-September 11 world.
It's also worth mentioning the year that Riz Ahmed is having. He's the breakout star from this series, as well as one of the stars of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
The Grand Tour
“The boys are back, and they’re looking for trouble!” It’s strange that The Dropckick Murphy’s anthemic rally isn’t featured in this series. Following some very public drama with the BBC, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, are back behind the wheel for a new Amazon original series, The Grand Tour. You wouldn’t be wrong for mistaking The Grand Tour for an old episode of Top Gear. It is unabashedly the “same” show, and that’s completely fine. The chemistry and dry wit between the hosts is what made the original Top Gear so enjoyable. Oh, and there are cars. Lots of cars. It’s safe to say that Amazon has managed to capture that magic, and could have its first true must-watch original series.
Atlanta
Donald Glover, Childish Gambino, or whatever you want to call him, is having one of the best years we have ever seen an entertainer have. He has a song and television show both featured in our “Best of 2016” wrap-up. Though they are in two different mediums, his song and show have a lot in common. They’re fun, entertaining, cool, and artistic. That isn’t something you often say about comedy television, but Glover has accomplished something very special with Atlanta. It’s funny, experimental, but also an honest depiction of those trying to climb their way up in the Atlanta hip-hop scene. Glover was also casted as a young Lando Calrissian in the upcoming Han Solo film. Glover is a star, no question about it, but we have to wonder if it is even possible for him to shine even brighter. We wouldn’t bet against it.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story MOVIE REVIEW | Worth a Watch
The first standalone Star Wars film is here, but does it live up to the high bar set by The Force Awakens? Is it worth the extra dollars to see it in 3D? Here is our review of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story!
Luke Bryan: Kill the Lights Tour Coming to Jonesboro in 2017
Jonesboro, AR- The Arkansas State University Convocation Center and Live Nation are proud to announce Luke Bryan and special guest Brett Eldredge will perform inside The Convo on Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 7:00 PM. This event will be a part of the 30th Anniversary of the Convocation Center.
Bryan began his musical career when he moved to Nashville in 2001 and earned a contract with one of the many publishing houses in the city. In his free time, he performed at local clubs. After someone from Capital Records saw him perform a set of his original material, he was given a record deal. Capital Records released Bryan’s first widely distributed album, “I’ll stay Me,” in the summer of 2007, following with “Doin’ My Thing” in 2009. Bryan then returned with his third album, Tailgates and Tanlines in the summer of 2011, its release preceded by the single “Country Girl (Shake It For Me).” His latest Album, “Kill The Lights” was released in August of 2015 and he has recently been on tour in support of that album.
Luke Bryan has played in 58 cities on his Kill the Lights Tour earlier this year. He is now extending the tour with 11 additional dates including the February 18th show to be held in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Joining Bryan on the extended tour is special guest, Brett Eldredge.
Brett Eldredge released his first single, “Raymond,” in September of 2010. He then released his next single “It Ain’t Gotta be Love” in 2011. The single in 2012, “Don’t Ya,” sold over a million units and peaked at number 5 on the Country Singles Chart. His first album was a success and released in 2013. After a few more hit singles, he then released his second album in September of 2015. He then had two more singles that reached number two on Billboard’s Hot Country Charts that went into 2016. In October of 2016, he released his holiday album “Glow.”
Ticket prices for this show will be $55 and $75 (plus any applicable service fees) and will go on sale December 16, 2016 at 10:00 AM. Tickets can be purchased at the Convocation Center Central Box Office, by phone at 870-972-2781, or online at www.Tickets.AState.edu or www.Ticketmaster.com. For more information go to AStateConvo.com.
# # # # #
LUKE BRYAN
With special guest
Brett Eldredge
Saturday, February 18 @ 7:00 PM
Ticket Prices: $55 & $75
*Plus Applicable Service Fees*
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 @ 10 AM
Tickets are available at the Convocation Center Central Box Office,
Charge by phone at 870-972-2781 or 800-745-3000, and online at
www.Tickets.AState.edu or www.Ticketmaster.com
Cardinals Sign Free-Agent Reliever Brett Cecil
ST. LOUIS, Mo., November 21, 2016 – The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have signed free-agent left-handed reliever Brett Cecil to a four-year deal that extends through the 2020 season. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Adding a proven late-game performer like Brett Cecil, who has consistently been among the game’s top set-up relievers, gives us another solid option late in games,” stated Cardinals Senior Vice President/General Manager John Mozeliak. “Having multiple bullpen options during the crucial latter portions of games is an area that we have placed significant importance on over the years, and to know that Brett is now going to be part of that mix is very exciting.”
Cecil, 30, has been used exclusively as a reliever since 2013, ranking among American League relief leaders in strikeouts (261, 7th), strikeouts per nine innings pitched (11.46, 10th), games pitched (243, 8th) and Holds (53, T13th).
The 6-3, 235-pound Maryland native was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1st round (38th player overall) in 2007 and debuted with the Jays in 2009. He has pitched his entire Major League career with Toronto, compiling a 41-42 mark with a 4.20 ERA and 11 saves in 330 games (74 games started), striking out 585 in 656.0 innings pitched.
Cecil, who was named an American League All-Star in 2013 ranks among the majors Top-10 active leaders in career strikeouts/9 innings (11.05) and strikeout to walk ratio (5.63) among left-handed relievers. Since moving into the bullpen exclusively in 2013, he’s allowed just one earned run in 28.2 innings pitched (0.31 ERA) in September while striking out 48 and he is unscored upon in his eight career postseason appearances between 2015 and 2016.
Last season, Cecil appeared in 54 games (36.2 IP) and struck out 45 batters while walking eight and he worked six scoreless appearances during the Blue Jays run to the American League Championship Series last month. Forty-five of his 54 appearances this past season came in the 7th and/or 8th innings and 192 of his 243 relief appearances since 2013 have been in either of those two innings.
Since 2013, Cecil has limited left-handed batters to a .218 batting average, while right-handers have hit just .221. He’s limited the opposition to a .177 batting mark with runners in scoring position over the past four seasons. Cecil had a record string of 38 consecutive appearances between 2015 and 2016 during which he allowed no earned runs.
Cecil will wear uniform no. 21 as a Cardinal.
The Cardinals also announced today that they have designated catcher Brayan Pena for assignment to make room for Cecil on the team’s 40-man Major League roster.
-STL-
Christmas Cash Extravaganza 2016
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! From now until December 22, 2016, you have a chance to win at least $100.00 per week in cash! The cash prize will increase to $500.00 in cash on the week of Thanksgiving and Black Friday!
The $100.00 cash prize per week will continue until December 22, 2016, when the finalist will again be eligible to win $500.00 in cash to use for last minute Christmas shopping!
Enter for your chance to win at one of these participating locations:
- J&L Tack in Poplar Bluff
- Baker Implement Company in Malden
- My Mobile Store in Poplar Bluff
- Lisa Reynolds Insurance in Poplar Bluff
- Wilcoxson's Home Place Furniture in Kennett Mo
- JKM & Company in Puxico
- Cypress Creek Motorsports in Poplar Bluff
- Hefner Furniture & Appliance in Poplar Bluff
- Sterling Insurance Agency in Poplar Bluff
- Christian Dowdy in Dexter
- Heartland Furniture in Dexter, Doniphan, and Piedmont
- Villa in Poplar Bluff
- Ozark Federal Credit Union
- Las Margaritas and Mayas in poplar Bluff
Account Executive Carrie Schimweg (middle) presents $100 check to Donna Buhler (Left), the winner of our Christmas Cash Extravaganza for the week of November 18, 2016.
Marie Hicks won $500! She entered with our friends at My Mobile Store for the week of November 23, 2016.
Congratulations to Vickie LeCroy for winning some Christmas cash by entering our Christmas Cash Extravaganza with our friends at Ozark Federal Credit Union for the week of December 14, 2016.
Donna Boyers won $100 from our Christmas Cash Extravaganza by entering with our friends at J & L Tack in Poplar Bluff, for the week of December 19, 2016.
Nicole Robinson won $500 from our Christmas Cash Extravaganza by entering with our friends at Sterling Insurance in Poplar Bluff, for the week of December 22, 2016.
Cardinals Sign Mike Matheny to Three-Year Extension
ST. LOUIS, Mo., November 3, 2016 – The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have signed Manager Mike Matheny to a three-year extension through the 2020 season.
Matheny, 46, has led the Cardinals to a 461-349 record over his five seasons as manager, averaging 92 wins per season, the most wins among all Major League managers since 2012. The Cardinals won three consecutive National League Central Division titles (2013-15), a National League Championship in 2013 and made the postseason in four of Matheny’s first five seasons. Matheny’s .569 winning percentage currently ranks 18th all-time in the history of Major League Baseball managers and he stands 5th on the Cardinals all-time managerial wins list.
“Mike has continued the Cardinals tradition of winning in his first five years as manager and we are happy to extend his contract leading our club on the field through 2020,” said Cardinals Principal Owner and CEO, Bill DeWitt, Jr.
The Cardinals coaching staff has promoted Palm Beach manager Oliver Marmol to the Major League first base coaching position, while Memphis manager Mike Shildt was promoted to the Cardinals Quality Control Coach, a uniform position on the Major League staff. Bill Mueller will return to his duties as Assistant Hitting Coach, a position he held in 2015. All of the remaining coaches will return to their positions in 2017 except for Assistant Hitting Coach Derrick May, who will not return. May was added to the staff for 2016 when third base coach Jose Oquendo had to take a medical leave of absence.
Several transactions were made in the Cardinals Scouting Department. The Cardinals hired Bob Gebhard as a Senior Special Assistant to the General Manager. Gebhard was a past member of the Cardinals front office staff from 2000-04 and will be entering his 53rd season working in professional baseball. Jared Odom was promoted to Manager of Pro Scouting, giving Baseball Operations Analyst Tyler Hadzinsky an increased role in amateur scouting.
Matt Bayer received a new title of Amateur Baseball Analyst, increasing his role in scouting players with an emphasis on the department’s new incorporation of video scouting.
-more-
Long-time Cardinals National and Southeast Regional Cross Checker Roger Smith announced his retirement at the conclusion of 2016, leading to several promotions in the Cardinals Scouting department.
Aaron Looper was promoted into Smith’s role of National Cross Checker, Aaron Krawiec was promoted to West Regional Cross Checker, Ty Boyles was promoted to Midwest Regional Cross Checker and Kevin Saucier (saw-SHAY), a 25-year veteran of the Major League Scouting Bureau, was hired as the Southeast Regional Cross Checker.
Changes in the Amateur Scouting department of the Cardinals include the hiring of Brock Ungricht, a former assistant baseball coach at Stanford University, as a Southern California area scout. Jabari Barnett, who was the Amateur Scouting Video Coordinator with the Los Angeles Dodgers, will take over the role of an area scout for the Cardinals in South Texas and Western Louisiana. T.C. Calhoun, a 4th Coach with the Cardinals Texas League affiliate in Springfield (AA), takes over as area scout in the Virginias and North Carolina. Nathan Sopena, the Cardinals 4th Coach with the Cardinals Midwest League affiliate in Peoria (A), will become an area scout in the Upper Midwest.
“We are pleased to move forward with Mike’s contract and a revamped coaching staff. We are excited about the changes to our scouting department and look forward to finalizing our Player Development staff in the near future,” said Cardinals Sr. Vice President/General Manager John Mozeliak.
Halloween Activities in Poplar Bluff 2016
Wondering where you can bring your family this Halloween weekend? Here are some of the events that you can participate in within the Poplar Bluff area this year (2016).
If you have an event you like added to the list, please fill out the form below!
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Train Depot
4 Annual Fall Festival
Hosted by Black River Heritage Artisans Iron Mountain Market
Goodies, games, Costume contests, pony rides, and bounce houses
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Second Baptist Church
Trunk or Treat
Candy, Bounce Houses, Free Food, and more
4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
First United Methodist Church Poplar Bluff
Trunk or Treat
5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Black River Coliseum
Trunk or Treat
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Fellowship General Baptist Church
Trunk or Treat
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Monday, October 31, 2016
First Church of God
Games, Prizes, Candy, Food, and More
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Qulin Lions Club
Trunk or Treat, Games, and more
5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Enter to Win a Trip to See Tim McGraw in Las Vegas
Courtesy of Big Machine Records: We’re sending you to one of the biggest concerts of the year and now it’s your chance to see… Tim McGraw at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, December 10th!
You and a guest could win airfare, 2 nights hotel at the beautiful MGM Grand, 2 tickets to the show and you’ll go backstage to meet… Tim McGraw!
Enter now and you could be on your way to Las Vegas to see Tim McGraw.
Powered by The Eagle 92.5 and yourcountrystation.net.
Should You Buy Playstation VR?
Playstation VR is now available in stores and online, but it might not be a great purchase for everyone. After spending some time with the device, hopefully I can help provide some answers to some questions that you may have or that you should have when it comes to taking the plunge into virtual reality with Playstation.
Should I Get PSVR for my Kids?
If you're planning on getting Playstation VR for the family, be aware that Sony highly recommends players being at least 12 years of age. This may be due to the size of the device, children's susceptibility to motion sickness, or the optics not setting right with developing eyes. Chances are though, Sony is playing it safe. With very little research done on the effect of Virtual Reality on developing children, it might be best to take the wait and see approach.
How Much Does it Cost?
The price alone will steer some potential customers away. At $399.99, Playstation VR is one of the more “affordable” premiere headsets. While the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift are more expensive and require a high-end PC, the Playstation VR is a new accessory for the Playstation 4. So, if you already have a PS4, jumping into VR will take less of a toll on your bank account.
But wait! There’s more! Along with the Playstation VR headset and the PS4, you will also need the Playstation Camera. Which should cost you around $59.99. This is not an option, you must absolutely have the camera to track the lights on the headset for motion tracking.
Another item that is kinda optional is the Playstation Move. You may remember these controllers from 2003, when everyone was trying to capture the Nintendo Wii motion control market. The Move may not be required for most games, but if you want that full VR experience, you will want to purchase two Playstation Move controllers. Playstation is kind enough to sell two in a bundle for $99.99. Luckily for you, you should be able to find them sold used for around $25.
It is also important to note that you can’t use the micro USB cable that you use to charge your Dualshock 4 to charge your Playstation Move controllers. The Move uses a mini USB cable to charge and sync to your system.
So, if you already have your Playstation 4, no other accessories, the full Playstation VR experience will cost you a pretty $510, not including tax and games. (Playstation VR will come with a demo disc that includes demos for 9 different VR games/experiences.)
What Does it Feel Like?
PSVR is undoubtably the prettiest VR headset on the market today, but the design isn’t purely aesthetic. The headset is surprisingly light, while managing to not feel cheap. The rubber padding breathes quite nicely and doesn’t cause as much sweat as you might expect. The strap is easily adjustable, which makes taking turns with friends pretty easy.
If you wear glasses, it’s important to note that you must wear them when playing VR. Luckily, I didn’t find it too uncomfortable to wear my glasses in the headset, but because I’m a walking humidifier, I did have some issues with my glasses fogging up over time and would have to clean them and the lenses of the headset every couple of minutes.
What is virtual reality like?
This is the hardest question to answer. After playing the system before going to sleep, I realized that it is pretty similar to closing your eyes and trying to picture yourself somewhere else. When the VR is at its best it feels like dreams made tangible, and when it’s at its worst, it’s unsettling, but still interesting.
It is extremely difficult to explain the sensation of being present in a particular space. My first experience was the “Ocean Descent” experience within Playstation Worlds. The experience loads up, and being in this diver’s tank next to a coral reef was mind-blowing. It didn’t take me long to become a believer in the tech.
A lot of this depends on what you are playing or watching. There are multiple apps that play video, and some of these are immersive, and others feel completely archaic.
The Playstation VR hardware is solid, but what developers and video content creators develop on the software side will make the headset sink or swim.
Will PSVR Cause Motion Sickness?
I would consider myself very susceptible to motion sickness. I have a difficult time doing 3D rides at Universal Studios and Disney World. So, I’m sure you can understand my concerns with VR. There are a lot of people who get pretty ill playing VR, and I should be one of them. I haven’t found Playstation VR to be an instant barf machine, but I have at times felt nauseous after extended playing periods. Once again, this really goes from game-to-game. The VR Street Luge experience in Playstation Worlds was almost unbearable, and unplayable, but the other experiences on that disc did not have the same effect on me.
What Games Can You Play in VR?
The launch lineup is actually pretty impressive. Out the gate, there are a significant amount of titles that you can purchase, ranging from FREE to $59.99. Some existing titles are also being patched to include VR specific modes. The Playstation VR demo disc that is included with the headset provides a substantial taste of what is possible with VR. Playstation Worlds is also an excellent showcase of the tech. Playstation Worlds is rated “Mature” for a reason, so if you plan on showing this to family, understand that there is some adult language and violence in some of the experiences.
Be sure to check out the Playstation Store to see what games are compatible with VR: https://store.playstation.com/#!/en-us/PlayStation%C2%AEVR/cid=STORE-MSF77008-GAMESPSVRWEBHP
What Other Uses Are There?
While the resolution of the headset isn’t the greatest, you are able to view everything on your Playstation 4 in a theater mode. The standard “medium” looks like your sitting closely to your television, or sitting in your average movie theatre. The “large” setting almost feels like you’re seeing everything in IMAX. The fidelity of the headset may not cut it for those who want to experience their content at the highest resolution.
As mentioned before, there are multiple video apps that provide different 180-degree and 360-degree videos and experiences. Once again, the resolution can hurt the emersion, as well as the placement of the camera when those videos were created. You may feel like a giant in the room, or like a fly on the wall. As the technology continues to develop, these experiences should get better as well.
Need something scary? These video apps will have some horror specific videos that will show you just how unsettling and scary horror can be in VR.
There you have it! I hope these answers can help you decide whether or not Playstation VR is for you. If you have anymore question about Playstation VR, comment below and we will try to answer your questions as quickly as possible.
Voice of the Cardinals Coming to Poplar Bluff
Poplar Bluff, MO - Title sponsor Butler County EMS and the Boys & Girls Club of Poplar Bluff are proud to announce the Fifth Annual Boys & Girls Club Steak & Burger event featuring Cardinals Hall of Fame and "Voice of the Cardinals," Mike Shannon.
Mr. Shannon will be speaking on November 10, 2016, at the Fifth Annual Boys & Girls Club Steak & Burger fundraising event to be held at the Black River Coliseum in downtown Poplar Bluff. All proceeds from the night will go to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Poplar Bluff.
"The Boys & Girls Club is truly grateful that the Cardinals have helped our mission previously with such important members of their franchise, such as Michael Wacha, Mike Matheney, and Jim Edmonds," said Abbey Heuiser, BGC Director of Development. "This year, we feel like we hit a home run with bringing in a legend such as Mike Shannon."
Mr. Shanon, a two-time World Series champion, finished his 45th season with the Cardinals radio Network this year. He began his career with the Cardinals in 1962 as a right fielder and moved to third base in 1967. He entered the broadcast booth in 1972, where he remains the "Voice of the Cardinals," calling home games for the Cardinals to this day.
The St. Louis native is also well-known for his philanthropic activities, receiving the St. Louis Variety Club 1996 Champion for Kids award for going about and beyond for community children. Mr. Shannon will be sharing his experiences of being a Cardinal both on and off the field with guests who attend the Steak & Burger event.
During the event, children from the Boys & Girls Club will get the opportunity to meet community members and auction off a steak made-to-order to the highest bidder at each dinner table. Remaining guests will enjoy a hand-crafted burger prepared by Tasteful Creations.
The event will also feature a silent auction, where guests can place their bids throughout the evening on items donated by local businesses. Guests will also have to opportunity to participate in a live auction of several high-dollar items and packages.
General admission tickets to the event are $75 and include dinner and program. VIP Tickets are $150 and include admission to the Pre-Party sponsored by Southeast Health, dinner, and program. Doors open at the Black River Coliseum at 5:30 p.m., and dinner starts at 7 p.m. Sponsorships are also available. Contact Abbey Heuiser at (573) 776-1690 to make a reservation.
The Boys & Girls Club of Poplar Bluff serves more than 600 children form the community each year. The annual Steak & Burger Event is the largest fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Poplar Bluff.
####
Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center Hosts Pastor Appreciation Luncheon
As a sign of gratitude to the ministry in our local area, Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center held their first Pastor Appreciation Luncheon. October is recognized as Pastor Appreciation Month around the world.
A meal was shared between local pastors, pastor's wives, youth pastors, chaplains, Chief Executive Officer Larry Rodgers, and other staff members of Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.
The discussion around the room focused on positive effects of ministry within the hospital and the community. Those who are currently serving as chaplains expressed their impactful experiences serving patients and staff alike.
If you are currently serving as in a pastoral role in our area, thank you so much for the work that you do; it does not go unnoticed.
Win Tickets to See Martina McBride in Poplar Bluff
Martina McBride's Love Unleashed Tour is coming to The Black River Coliseum on October 14, and you and a loved-one can go see her for FREE! Fill out the form below and share this post on Facebook for your chance to win a pair of tickets to see Martina McBride!
We've got more than one pair to giveaway, so you've got a great chance to win! All winners must pick up tickets from our Poplar Bluff office.
Ultimate Deer Hunter's Giveaway 2016
UPDATE: (November 14, 2016) - Congratulations to this year's winner, Chris Jeffries of Neelyville, Missouri! Chris entered for his chance to win at Break Time Gas in Silva, Missouri!
Chris Jefferies (2nd from the Left) is your Ultimate Fall Hunter's Giveaway for 2016!
There's always a chance to WIN BIG with Fox Radio Network!
CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN WIN A $100 IN CASH FOR OUR CHRISTMAS CASH EXTRAVAGANZA!!!
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Looking to get some new hunting gear? Well, we have partnered with Busch Beer and Wal-Mart once again for another Ultimate Deer Hunters Giveaway!
Last year's winner, Rowland Thompson of Ellsinore, won a nice set of camo from Wal-Mart, a cooler, deer stand, and smoker from Luecke Distributing & Busch Beer, and a $350 gift card from Fox Radio to use at Trigger's Gun Shop.
Left to right: Justin Rines from Luecke Distributing, Rowland Thompson,
and Michael Richardson of Wal-Mart.
Simply visit Wal-Mart Super Center in Poplar Bluff, or one of the other participating locations listed below to sign up for your chance to win! Our winner will be announced on November 4, 2016, so act now!
Poplar Bluff
Wal-Mart Super Center
Taylor's Food Rite
Minit Food Mart
Kirk’s Quick Stop
303 Package Liquor
Harps Store #272
Rick’s 66
Kroger
The Villa
Munch-N-Pump
Walmart Neighborhood Market
Southside Sinclair
Money Mizer
Huck’s
JD’s Village Express
Village Stop
Doniphan
Handy Dandy
Doniphan Quick Connection
Current River Bait & Tackle
CJ's Package
Bart's Package
ShopKo
24/7 Mini Mart
Annapolis
The Liquor Locker
Kaemfe’s Place
Dudley
Lexxmart
Lesterville
Jack’s Convenience
Lenny’s
Ellington
Halls Package Liqour
Ellsinore
60 West Stop N Go
The Store
Simmons Grocery
Grandin
Steiger’s Grocery
Hilltop Package
Greenville
Greenville Gas Mart
Centerville
Peach Orchard
Wappapello
Rhodes 101
Millie’s
Centerville
Centerville Quick Stop
Piedmont
Break Time #3126
Berer's Piedmont Gas Mart
Casey's General Store
Dollar General #1237
Express Mart Pit Stop
Clearwater Liquor Store
Neelyville
Taylor's The Junction
Taylor's Stateline Package
StateLine Sprits & Beverage
Naylor
Naylor Quick Connection
Silva
Break Time #3127
Van Buren
Current River Express
Dasey, INC.
Smalley’s Convenience
Williamsville
Holmes Store
Corner Quick Stop
The Corner Store
Stream the Presidential Debate LIVE
Can't make it to a television? Did you cut your cable? No worries, you can stream tonight's big Presidential Debate right here! Click the video below to stream The Presidential Debate, powered Youtube!
Why VC is Ruining NBA 2K and How to Fix It
The newest iteration of the NBA 2K franchise is here, and while 2K continues to improve the game in many facets, there is one particular factor that continues to be further emphasized, and that continues to ruin the experience: Virtual Currency.
“VC” isn’t dissimilar from your traditional in-game currency, XP or experience points, that is prominently featured in RPGs, and other sports franchises like FIFA and Madden. In theory, you spend time playing the game to earn XP or even in-game currency in RPGs, in order to purchase aesthetic or tactile upgrades. One of the biggest challenges in game design, is understanding how to best dole out XP, and reward players at a satisfying rate, while also providing enough of a challenge to keep players glued to their controllers.
It would appear to most people that NBA 2K is very much doing the same thing, and it wouldn’t be necessarily wrong for them to think so. You can ultimately play the game and grind out VC to take your MyCareer player from a vanilla 55 overall ranking to a perfect 99. Cool.
So where’s the problem?
Over the past few iterations of NBA 2K we have seen VC become more prominent. You can download their app for a chance to win VC daily. You can answer a trivia question in the NBA 2K TV to win some VC. Everything you do in-game unlocks VC, or at lease it should. So while it seems that 2K is giving you every opportunity to earn VC, it plays off more like they’re giving you a constant reminder that you will never have enough VC. That is where the nasty phrase “micro-transactions” comes into play.
We saw micro-transactions really start to become a thing in online multiplayer titles, and in mobile gaming, and has slowly moved its way into major console gaming. Remember Candy Crush? “Oh, you don't quite have what it takes to beat this level, give us $0.99 and we’ll give you an extra move.” These prompts are spread throughout every element of these games. Sound familiar?
In NBA 2K17, your MyCareer player starts out at a lowly 55 overall, even if you had downloaded and played through The Prelude and played significantly well. In The Prelude you go through your player’s time in college, and ultimately deciding your fate in the upcoming NBA draft. I wasn’t stellar by any means, but I succeeded enough to earn a spot in the lottery. Historically, players drafted in the lottery can range from mid 60s to low 70s in terms of their overall rating. It appears that regardless of where you are drafted, you start at the vanilla 55 overall. Which is a bit disappointing. The reward doesn’t match the work.
So, let’s move past that. Going through my rookie season, and my player is struggling to get minutes on the court, so I don’t have much time to earn a lot of VC during the game, regardless of how well I perform. I am getting more minutes, but at the rate that I’m going, my player who still hasn't broken the 60 overall mark, the grind ahead of me seems quite daunting. The reward doesn’t match the work.
Then I put in work, and hit every practice that I can, try to manage my endorsement deals to the best of my abilities. What do I get? A bonus 50 VC for an appearance, and an unspecified amount for certain accomplishments in practice. The practices do a good job of letting you know how much more work you need to put in in order to unlock more upgrades. I need to specify that though. Even if you have the VC, you still have to put in work to unlock the ability to purchase your upgrades. So you’re not even really doubling down, and working toward the same goal. the reward doesn’t match the work.
Honestly, your best bet to earn VC legitimately is from playing other modes. Luckily, these modes are pretty great. Then again, MyCareer is my mode of choice, and I’m at a disadvantage when I decide to play it. Why am I being penalized for playing the game mode that sold me on the game in the first place? The reward doesn’t match the work.
So, what does this leave us with? The dirty dirty micro-transaction. When it comes to preordering the game you had 3 options. The standard copy of the game, one with some items and VC, and another version with some more items and slightly more VC. These game bundles cost $59.99, $79.99, and $99.99 respectively. Up to this point we have seen many complaints on Twitter regarding the inability to redeem the codes to get the VC that they just payed for.
Via Gamestop
When you go to the upgrade store to purchase upgrades, clothing, or animations, when you checkout, it doesn’t just say “nope, you can’t afford this.” NBA 2K17 allows you to fill your cart to your wildest desires, and then gives you the option to purchase the VC that you would need to be able to afford the purchase.
“Well, at lease you can transfer the VC that you earned in the previous title to the newest iteration of the game!”
HA! Good one! This is easily the most mind-blowing problem that could be remedied fairly easily. I’ve been playing NBA 2K for years, and I buy it every single year (my fault, I know). Outside of games like Fallout 3, Persona 4, and other deep RPGs, there is no other series of games that I put anywhere near as much time in. That applies to each individual game as well. NBA 2K is such an amazing game to help relax at the end of a long work day, and sometimes I’ll find myself playing for hours on end when I get a day off. I play each game to the point where VC isn’t even a concern, I’m playing for the gameplay alone. Which is great, because I’m no longer focused on trying to earn VC to be good, I’m just focusing on my skills moment-to-moment in game. I’m spending time perfecting my post-up moves, learning my dribble moves, figuring out the jump shot and free throws of individual players. I’m earning VC this whole time, and I don’t care because the game itself is good enough. If a newcomer to the franchise picks Team USA, and I pick some random Euro League team, I can beat them, because I am dedicated to the nuances of the game.
Here’s the thing 2K; I love your games. They put most other sports games to shame. I buy your game every year. I put hours upon hours even after I get past the grind of earning VC. I’m afraid to say though, this grind is starting to become tedious to your most dedicated fans. I’m not saying you should get rid of VC, I like dropping 2.5k on a pair of shoes that I can only wear off court. My suggestion, and it’s an easy one: allow us to transfer our VC from previous titles. We have NBA 2K accounts that should be the basis of everything that surrounds our 2K experience, yet you expect me to believe that you can’t access the amount of VC I’ve earned in just the previous iteration of the game. Malarkey!
There are still people who will buy VC. Come out with a sweet shirt with a red panda on it, and I’ll spend $20 to buy it! But please, reward the people who have put in the hours, who have put in the work, and allow them to focus on the nuance of your great basketball simulation.
Who Should (Former) St. Louis Rams Fans Cheer for Now? An Argument for Every Team in the NFL
The NFL season is officially underway, but St. Louis football fans have been left without a team to call their own. Just because Stan Kroenke gave up on St. Louis, doesn’t mean former St. Louis Rams fans have to give up on the National Football League.
Choosing a new team to follow can be difficult. That is why we have provided an argument for every team in the NFL vying for your loyalty in the 2016-2017 season and beyond.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens went 5-11 in the 2015 campaign, but things are looking up for the team. The defense has improved, and seems to be working towards returning to the Baltimore way. There’s no doubt that NFL teams, or any professional sports team, often takes on the culture and identity of the city that they reside in. The St. Louis Rams, for example, have had an interesting mix of small-town vibes (Kurt Warner), and violent defense (Aaron Donald, Chris Long, Robert Quinn). Baltimore has been known for its strong and violent defense over the years, and has also been a city that has struggled with the amount of violent crimes it sees on a regular basis. St. Louis residents know that struggle all too well, so there’s a lot of room to relate and empathize with the home of the Ravens.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals were on a roll last year until Andy Dalton got hurt. Unfortunately, that seems to be Cincinnati’s biggest issue. Every year, for almost the past decade, the Bengals prove to be one of the more talented teams in the league, but at the same time, whenever it counts, they can’t seem to pull it together. They can blame it on injury last season, but for the most part, there just seems to be a hump that they haven’t been able to get over. Fans of the St. Louis Blues will actually get some strange deja vu following the Bengals. We don’t know what the future holds for the Blues and Bengals, but watching either team guarantees some quality entertainment, as well as a legitimate chance to win week-in and week-out.
Cleveland Browns
Marshall Faulk, Stephen Jackson, Todd Gurley. St. Louis Rams fans have had some great running backs over the years, so maybe you want your new team to focus on the run as well. The Browns are built to run the ball. Duke Johnson Jr. and Isaiah Crowell could really become a surprisingly dangerous running back duo. St. Louis Rams fans have learned to not “expect” wins in recent years, so you should feel right at home cheering for the Browns.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Six: that’s the number of Super Bowl win’s that the Steelers have won, and they could be extremely close to legitimately competing for another one. The Rooney family has run the franchise so well, and there are very little question marks surrounding the front office. St. Louis Rams fans are in a desperate need for stability, and there aren’t many more teams more stable than the Pittsburgh Steelers.
We often think stability equates to boring, but that isn’t always true. Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown are two of the most exciting players in the league today. If Bell can stay out of trouble andBrown continues his dominance, don’t be surprised if we see them both enshrined at the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
The Bears were pretty impressive in the 2016-2017 opener against the Houston Texans. They ended up losing, unable to score in the second half, but the game could have easily been a blow out. Expectations are very low for the Bears this season, and there are going to be more heartbreakers to come this year, but becoming a Bears fan now is an investment, not a midlife crisis purchase.
Detroit Lions
Matthew Stafford had an excellent game against the Indianapolis Colts in their season opener. He spread the ball efficiently, threw for three touchdowns, and had no interceptions. Mixing that with what could be the best pass rush in the division, the Lions could definitely compete against the Bridgewater-less Vikings and the Green Bay Packers. The way that they have handled the departure of Calvin Johnson proves that this franchise is heading in the right direction.
Green Bay Packers
The quintessential small-town team, the Green Bay Packers, could very much be the St. Louis Cardinals of the NFL. The same argument could be made about the Steelers, but Green Bay fits the midwest mindset a bit better than the Steelers. Regardless of who you are making the argument for, these three teams are consistently relevant and are some of the best draft and develop professional sports teams.
There is a lot of history in Green Bay, and even if you don’t decide to become a cheesehead in 2016, be sure to place seeing a game at Lambeau Field on your bucket list. It’s a really special experience that is hard to replicate anywhere else.
Minnesota Vikings
The Rams are moving on, and so should you. It’s a new era for your relationship with the NFL, maybe it’s time to join a team that appears to be progressing and changing quite nicely. The Vikings are in their new stadium this year, and coming off of a division title in 2015, Minnesota will be in the playoff discussion for quite some time. Unfortunately, their assumed franchise quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, suffered a nasty injury, and who knows how well he can recover. If Bridgewater is back at full strength in 2017, there could easily be a time where the Vikings are the team to beat in the NFC North, and not the Green Bay Packers.
AFC South
Houston Texans
Brock Osweiler looks like he might be worth the money that Houston paid to sign him. Lamar Miller seems to finally have found a team that will run him effectively and often. DeAndre Hopkins is one of the best wide receivers in the league, and he will be even better with Will Fuller becoming a legitimate threat. This is the best this offense has looked since Andre Johnson was at his prime, and Arian Foster had a healthy season. If you’re still unsure about hopping on the Texans’ bandwagon, just realize that we haven’t mentioned J.J. Watt until now. This team is going to be good, and are a few pieces and some experience away from being favorites to win the AFC.
Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck. Also, the Lucas Oil Stadium is only around 3 hours away from St. Louis. Next!
Jacksonville Jaguars
For a while, the Jaguars were the rumored team to be taking an interest in moving to St. Louis. It’s not going to happen. At least, not for the foreseeable future. Which is a bummer, because this is another one of those teams that people are having to take notice of. This passing game is the real deal. They seem to be making a larger effort to make Julius Thomas a relevant tight end again, and Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns are freaks at the wide receiver position. The Jags have their franchise quarterback in Blake Bortles, and it looks like he will be as good as Andy Dalton, at the least, but who knows how far his potential actually goes. The defense is really good, on paper. If they can reach their full potential like Blake Bortles, they’ll give anyone in this division a run for their money.
Tennessee Titans
St. Louis Rams fans are quite familiar with the Tennessee Titans franchise. While they might not be the biggest fans of them from the past, it could be quite the easy transition for NFL fans looking for a new team. What we saw from DeMarco Murray in the season opener against the Vikings has us really excited. Yes, we have seen him eat up the yards when he was in Dallas, but he appears to be an even more explosive threat this year. Murray and Derrick Henry were monsters receiving out of the backfield, against a really solid run defense in the Vikings. We can’t wait to see what they do against teams that aren’t as good at defending the run.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons signing Mohammed Sanu makes Julio Jones an even greater threat. It’s not like he needed the help, but the Falcons have the ability to spread the field with these two wide receivers, and Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman receiving out of the backfield. Unfortunately, their defense is going to have a hard time in this devision full of other devastating offenses.
Carolina Panthers
This probably won’t be the most popular pick amongst your friends or other NFL fans. The Panthers have lost two straight games against the Broncos’ defense: the Super Bowl and their season opener. That’s okay though, they’ll probably be the favorite to win every other game they play this year. That’s why hopping onto the Panthers’ bandwagon will bring you some heat. You know what, though? St. Louis football fans don’t NEED popularity; they need wins, and the Panthers will deliver. Go ahead, we won’t judge. Enjoy cheering for the winning team for the first time in a long time!
New Orleans Saints
It really doesn’t matter who the wide receivers are; Drew Brees can turn anyone into a star, and he proved that in the season opener against the Raiders. Not only is he still one of the best quarterbacks in the league, he is also one of the easiest guys to cheer for. Brees is in a special tier of good character and likable personalities. With Peyton Manning gone, Brees might be the most likable person in the NFL, and a great role model for future generations of St. Louis football fans.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A lot of people thought/hoped Jameis Winston was going to be a bust, and some still think that it’s going to happen. He had a solid rookie season, and will be even better this season. Become a Buccaneers fan now, and get to say, “I told you so!” The fact that Jameis Winston and Mike Evans have the opportunity to play their whole careers together has to be a terrifying thought for any opposing defense.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
If you are going to become a Bills fan in 2016, it probably has very little to do with football. It probably has everything to do with watching the dumpster fire that is Rex Ryan. There’s a chance that he might not be a head coach in the NFL for much longer, so get your fix of Rex Ryan now before he is forced to take a defensive coordinator job elsewhere.
Miami Dolphins
The Seahawks are a difficult team for anyone to play for the season opener. So even though Tannehill didn’t have a great game, there is still reason to hope. Why? It seems that this might be Tannehill’s last real shot with the Dolphins. We have reached the precipice with Tannehill, and it’s time for him to prove he can do it, or it’s time that the Dolphins start considering moving in another direction. Running back Doug Martin of the Buccaneers faced the same issue during his contract season in 2015. While Tannehill has a contract that lasts until the 2020 season, that doesn’t mean that the Dolphins would find a way to move him if he can’t deliver. Then again, if he can’t deliver, it might be hard to sell anyone else in the league with his massive contract. The Dolphins are in a pressure cooker situation, and that will be entertaining to watch this season.
New England Patriots
Tom Brady has been suspended, but Jimmy Garappolo has already proven to be a nice replacement during the season opener against a tough Arizona Cardinals defense. That’s just as much evidence of great management as it is Jimmy G’s talent. As long as Bill Belichick is the head coach and/or Kraft continues to run the team as well as he has, the Patriots will continue to be the favorite to win the AFC East. If you’re considering becoming a Patriots fan, you better hope that Brady’s plans for retirement can align with Jimmy G’s contract, which ends in 2018.
New York Jets
J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS?!? So you’re thinking about becoming a Jets fan, huh? Cool. While the New York Giants really seem to capture the postcard culture of the Big Apple, the Jets seem to capture the pizza rat culture of “New Yawk.” The Jets fandom is quite interesting. Loud, outspoken, and undeniably passionate. If they start to win more, which they might because of their improved coaching, Jets fans could become the most insufferable fanbase in the NFL, and it’d be so much fun to be part of that!
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
The first thing that Cowboys fans will try to sell you on as someone looking for a new team to cheer for, is the notion that Dallas is “America’s Team.” This is true; but only in the same sense that “America’s Got Talent” accurately captures the talent of citizens of the United States. Sure, there are some good things to like. Dak Prescott doesn’t look awful. Ezekiel Elliott appears to be the future of the franchise and he has a solid line to run behind. Then you have all of the reality TV nonsense. Which is fine, if you like that sort of thing. Let’s just hope, for your sake, as a new Cowboys fan, that the Cowboys can get their act together and start to resemble The Voice instead of a group of Chads from the last season of The Bachelorette.
New York Giants
Odell Beckham and Eli Manning had a great year together in 2015. The Giants also added the rookie Sterling Shepard, and Victor Cruz is healthy for the first time since 2014. There is also a new commitment to the run, and Rashad Jennings looks ready alongside pass catching running back Shane Vereen. If there’s one thing we’ve learned about Eli and his Giants, is that you can never count them out. This could be a tight race for the division title and it doesn’t hurt to place your bets on the Giants.
Philadelphia Eagles
With Sam Bradford gone to the Vikings, Carson Wentz is officially the starting quarterback for the Eagles. He was pretty impressive in his NFL debut, but we might take that with a grain of salt (it was against the Browns). With that being said, he looked really good, and he might prove to be a promising player for the City of Brotherly Love.
Speaking of “love.” Philadelphia fans have been known to be pretty unforgiving when it comes to the Eagles. They’ve never hesitated to boo their own players, and maybe as a former Rams fan, you need to let loose some of that tension and hate. Look at the 2016-2017 season as an Eagles fan as an extended anger management session. No-one will think twice about you screaming at your own team.
Washington Redskins
You like that? We like that! Now that the Redskins seem to fully be behind Kirk Cousins, they can finally build a team around him. They’ve added Josh Norman to the secondary. There’s buzz sounding Matt Jones having a breakout year. Jordan Reed could compete to be the best tight end this season. DeSean Jackson is always a home-run deep threat as a wide receiver. If you were to ever become a Washington fan, now is the time. They’re still flying under the radar, but could easily be a playoff team this year.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
You might find it hard to hop on the previous Super Bowl winner’s bandwagon. You can catch a lot of flack for it. It also doesn’t help that the Broncos have the best defense in the NFL, but nothing is guaranteed in this league. Peyton Manning is gone, but in terms of pure offense, you won’t be missing out on much. Manning had an awful season in 2015, and Trevor Siemian appears to be a more than comparable quarterback in terms of game management. Will Siemian be as good as Peyton Manning some day? Probably not. He doesn’t have to be though. To bring the Broncos to the Super Bowl, he just needs to take care of the ball, and C.J. Anderson seems poised for a bounce back year, after a slightly disappointing 2015 campaign.
Kansas City Chiefs
Why not keep your fandom in Missouri? The Chiefs have one of the best home-field advantages in the country. Arrowhead Stadium and the culture surrounding it is the most collegiate atmosphere in the NFL. They’re also a playoff team without their starting running back. Honestly, the Chiefs are everything that the Rams have been trying to be in the past 5 years. They rely on their defense. Their quarterback is makes few mistakes. They run the ball efficiently. They get the most out of their wide receiver corps, which features Mizzou alum Jeremy Maclin. It’s not easy for St. Louis sports fans to cheer on Kansas City teams, but it might be worth it to make this the exception to the rule.
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are more than likely on the move to Las Vegas. Which means, it will be pretty affordable to catch a Raiders game, as well as watch some other great shows in the desert. This is all just a bonus for you as a new Raiders fan. The Raiders are one of the most exciting young teams in the NFL. Derek Carr is their franchise quarterback. Khalil Mack is one of the best pass rushers in the league. Amari Cooper is proving to be an elite wide receiver. The supporting cast is also rock solid. The offensive line is a hidden gem, and the young running back corps is stacked. The Raiders will be making a deep run in the playoffs before too long. Hop on the hype train now and get a good seat before everyone else does.
San Diego Chargers
If the Chargers move into the new stadium in Los Angeles with the Rams, the irony of claiming the “other” LA team has us rolling with laughter already. There’s no shame in becoming a fan of a team out of spite. Also, Philip Rivers is one of the most under-appreciated players in the NFL who makes wearing a bolo tie cool!
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
If you’re going to cheer for a former St. Louis NFL team, why does it have to be the Rams? It doesn’t. The Arizona Cardinals have been a division rival, so it might be a tad bittersweet to become a Cardinal fan, but chances are, you are already a St. Louis Cardinal fan. The Arizona Cardinals were once a St. Louis team as well. Put all of that red and white you have to good use, and start pulling for the team in Phoenix. If Carson Palmer can stay healthy, they might have a real shot at the Super Bowl for the next 2 or 3 years.
San Francisco 49ers
The starting quarterback in SF is Mizzou alum, Blaine Gabbert. So there is already some familiarity for Missouri football fans. The 49ers have also hit rock bottom, and are working to become a relevant team in the west again. It will be hard, especially in this division, but if you can tough out these rough times, that is something to be proud of as a fan, and you can prove that you're much more dedicated to your team than Kroenke was to St. Louis.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have very sneakily become a team that is seen not heard. You used to not be able to escape the Seahawk hype, but now it seems that they may have become the NFLs forgotten team. Which it shouldn't, because they’re still pretty good. They’ve lost some defensive pieces, their offensive line isn't what it used to be, and Beast Mode is off in retirement land. That being said, Dough Baldwin has made serious improvement, and there is still a possibility of this being a championship team. You would have just been a fair-weather fan had you joined the bandwagon over the past 3 years, but now that the initial hype has died down, there is a perfect spot waiting for you.
Los Angeles Rams
Ouch. It hurts to even type that. How could we even suggest such a thing? The Rams have two very special players in Aaron Donald and Todd Gurley. St. Louis football fans were lucky enough to see them play in Missouri. If you really like that franchise, and what it is building, forget anyone who says you’re in the wrong for sticking with them. There’s a bit of a double standard of hating the franchise for bailing on St. Louis, and then saying you have to bail on the team that you have been following for the past 20 plus years. Who knows if Jared Goff will ever prove to be worth the number one overall pick, but Aaron Donald makes up for a world of mistakes for this franchise. Don't be mad at us for this, it’s just a suggestion.
So there you have it, a (hopefully) compelling argument for each team for the 2016 NFL season and the foreseeable future. Let us know who you will be cheering for in 2016 in the comments below!
Watch: Will Ferrell Gives Best Man Toasts for Three Couples He Has Never Met Before
You might remember us stating that The Chris Gethard Show is the Greatest Show that You have Never Seen a while ago. This episode really drives home what makes the show and community surrounding it so special. In this episode, three different couples get married on The Chris Gethard Show. One couple actually met via the show's online community. Not only do these couples get married, they all get a very special "Best Man" speech from Will Ferrell.
Prepare yourself for one of the strangest, silliest, and sweetest episodes of television of all time.
Every Booth Registered for 2016 Job Fair at the Bess Activity Center
If you happen to be in the Poplar Bluff area, and happen to be looking for a job, there are many places that are actively looking to hire you!
Here is a list of every booth scheduled to be at the Job Fair at the Bess Activity Center on Friday, August 26, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- American Railcar Industries
- Army Corps of Engineers, Wappapello Lake
- Briggs and Stratton
- Cedargate Healthcare
- Children's Division
- Express Employment Professionals
- FCC Behavioral
- First Choice Insurance
- Genesis Home Care
- JC Penney
- Kmart
- Lake View Home Care
- MERS Goodwill Career Center
- Mid Continent Steel & Wire, Inc.
- MO Dept. of Natural Resources
- MO Job Center
- MO State Highway Patrol
- Modern Woodman
- ParentLink-University of MO
- Penmac Staffing
- Pepsi MidAmerica
- Poplar Bluff Police Department
- Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center
- Preferred Employment Services
- Product Staffing
- River Radio
- Sears Youth Center
- SEMO Behavioral Health
- SMTS
- Southeast Correctional Center
- Specialized Driver Training
- The Bank of Missouri
- The Home Depot
- Three Rivers College
- United States Postal Service
- US Army
- Voc. Rehabilitation
- Walmart #19
- Westwood Hills