Entertainment
How to Follow Area College Football Bowl Games: SMU, Texas, etc.
2024-12-10
College football is in full swing during bowl season, and there are some exciting matchups to look forward to. Let's take a closer look at each of the area colleges and their bowl games in 2024.

Uncover the Thrills of College Football Bowls!

SMU vs. Penn State — College Football Playoff First Round Game

On Saturday, Dec. 21 at 11 a.m., SMU will face off against Penn State at Penn State's Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. This 11-seed matchup is sure to be a thrilling one, with the winner moving on to play Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl quarterfinal game. Fans can expect a high-stakes battle as both teams fight for a chance to advance in the playoffs.

Related to this game, it's interesting to consider how much it will cost SMU fans to follow the Mustangs in the CFP. It's a significant expense for many, but the excitement of the playoffs makes it worth it for many.

Texas vs. Clemson — College Football Playoff First Round Game

On Saturday, Dec. 21 at 3 p.m., Texas will take on Clemson at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. Steve Sarkisian, Quinn Ewers, and the Texas Longhorns are ready to take on Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs. As the higher seed, the game will be played in Austin, giving the Longhorns a home-field advantage.

Related to this game, it's clear that the Texas Longhorns' path to a national title is set, even without a first-round bye. They have the talent and the coaching to make a deep run in the playoffs.

Oklahoma vs. Navy — Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl

On Friday, Dec. 27 at 11 a.m., Oklahoma will face Navy at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth. The Sooners snuck into bowl eligibility with their upset win over Alabama, and Brent Venables avoided being the first OU head coach to miss out on bowl season since 1998. This game is sure to be a battle between two strong teams.

It will be interesting to see how Oklahoma performs in this bowl game and if they can continue their winning streak.

Texas Tech vs. Arkansas — AutoZone Liberty Bowl

On Friday, Dec. 27 at 6 p.m., Texas Tech will square off against Arkansas at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tenn. These former Southwest Conference foes are each finishing mid-table in their respective conferences this season, making this a must-see game for fans of both teams.

Joey McGuire is looking to make history as the first Texas Tech head coach with bowl wins in three straight seasons since Mike Leach in 2002-04. This is a significant achievement and one that he is working hard to achieve.

Texas A&M vs. USC — SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl

On Friday, Dec. 27 at 9:30 p.m., Texas A&M will take on USC at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. After missing out on the CFP, the Aggies are looking to make a statement in this bowl game. Lincoln Riley's USC is also in a down season, making this a matchup that could go either way.

A&M hasn't won a bowl game since the 2020-21 season, so this is a big opportunity for them to get back on track.

TCU vs. Louisiana — Isleta New Mexico Bowl

On Saturday, Dec. 28 at 1:15 p.m., TCU will face Louisiana at University Stadium in Albuquerque, N.M. Sonny Dykes and the Horned Frogs finished the season strong with three straight wins over Oklahoma State, Arizona, and Cincinnati, clinching a bowl berth. This game is sure to be a close one, with both teams fighting for a victory.

It will be interesting to see how TCU performs in this bowl game and if they can continue their winning streak.

Baylor vs. LSU — Kinder's Texas Bowl

On Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 2:30 p.m., Baylor will take on LSU at NRG Stadium in Houston. After a 3-9 season in 2023, Dave Aranda and the Bears bounced back with an 8-4 season, winning their final six games to ensure bowl eligibility. LSU could be without QB Garrett Nussmeier, adding an extra layer of uncertainty to the game.

This is a crucial game for both teams, as they look to end the season on a high note.

North Texas vs. Texas State — SERVPRO First Responder Bowl

On Friday, Jan. 3 at 3:00 p.m., North Texas will face Texas State at Gerald J Ford Stadium in Dallas. SMU isn't using the stadium, so these teams will get to play there. Head coach Eric Morris is looking to break the Mean Green's streak of six consecutive bowl losses, while G.J. Kinne's Texas State is bowl-eligible for the first time ever in the FBS. This game is sure to be a close one, with both teams fighting for a victory.

It will be interesting to see how these two teams perform in this bowl game and if they can make history.

Entertainment Reporter Robin Ayers Passes Away at 44 on KBLA 1580
2024-12-10
Robin Ayers, a renowned entertainment reporter, author, and beloved KBLA radio host, sadly passed away on Thursday, Dec. 5 at the age of 44. Her colleagues confirmed her death in a statement posted on social media. The radio station, KBLA Talk 1580, expressed profound sadness in their announcement. "On behalf of her precious family, it is with profound sadness that KBLA Talk 1580 announces the passing of our beloved colleague Robin Ayers on Thursday, December 05," they wrote on Meta. Robin was a bright light, and her radiant smile could be felt through the radio. Her immense talent was respected, her jovial spirit loved, her love for family celebrated, and her faith in God honored. The thoughts and prayers of the entire KBLA community are with Robin's family, especially her husband, Rob, and her twin daughters, Brooklyn and Madison. At an appropriate time, KBLA Talk 1580 will offer a special tribute to Robin.

Her Journey in Radio and Reporting

Robin worked in radio and as a reporter for nearly a decade. She began at Afterbuzz TV as a podcast host in August 2016 and continued there until 2019. After that, she worked as an entertainment reporter at theJasmineBRAND. She also previously served as a reporter and entertainment news correspondent for EURweb, and the news of her passing deeply affected the entertainment journalism community. "With heavy hearts, the entertainment journalism community mourns the passing of Robin Ayers," their statement said. Robin had been a vital part of the EURweb family since around 2015, leaving a lasting impact through her insightful reporting and engaging presence.The publisher of EURweb, Lee Bailey, wrote a personal statement expressing his sadness. "Along with the EURweb staff/family, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Robin Ayers. Her passion for storytelling and unwavering commitment to truth brought depth and authenticity to her work," he wrote. "She was not just a colleague but a friend, and her impact on EURweb and the lives she touched will never be forgotten."

Her Time at KBLA

In 2022, Robin joined KBLA as the host of "The RA Report with Robin Ayers," which aired weekdays from 6 to 7 p.m. on 1508 AM. There, she discussed pop culture and entertainment topics. On Friday, Dec. 6, the show allowed fans to call in, share their memories, and offer condolences. Her cause of death was not officially disclosed, but she had been public about her battle with leiomyosarcoma, an aggressive cancer that grows in smooth muscles. In May, she posted a snippet of a 2021 interview on Instagram where she spoke to record executive and cancer survivor Mathew Knowles. "I had no idea when I had this conversation with @mrmathewknowles in 2021 that I would ever encounter my own battle with leiomyosarcoma cancer," she wrote. "Maybe somewhere subconsciously, he had already laid the foundation of belief that we have to go through things in order to grow, change and modify our behavior and habits. As long as I breathe I will create awareness around health and advocacy. Thank you again to @mrmathewknowles for this incredibly memorable discussion. I learned a lot this day."In July, she spoke to author and essayist Faye McCray about her diagnosis and the high rates of misdiagnosis for Black people and people of color. "As soon as I left the doctor's office after my diagnosis, I started handling my business, which was praying to God and letting the most important people know. I didn't let it shake me because it didn't belong to me," she said in the interview.

Her Impact on Social Media

Robin often posted positive affirmation cards and other motivational content on her social media. In her last Instagram posts, several celebrities, fans, and listeners continued to comment on how she impacted them. Actress and singer-songwriter Christina Millian wrote, "Robin.. thank you. Thank you for your smile, the laughter and the moments we shared. It doesn't even feel right saying this, my heart is broken. May your love pour thru and bring strength to Robbie, the Girls and your whole family. You followed your dreams and really did it from the ground up. We're all proud of you. You left a mark in our hearts, and you will be missed. Rest peacefully." Comedian, actor and former "Saturday Night Live" alum Jay Pharaoh commented and wrote, "Heart broken, I pray to see you again one day in the kingdom, my sister, Rest peacefully."Robin Ayers is survived by her husband, Rob, and twin daughters, Brooklyn and Madison, who celebrated their 18th birthdays over Thanksgiving break. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
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Danielle Monet Truitt Teaches Booker High Students About Entertainment
2024-12-10
Danielle Monet Truitt, a renowned star from Law and Order: Organized Crime, brought a special treat to Booker High School in Sarasota on Monday. Her visit aimed to educate students about the entertainment industry, focusing not only on front-of-the-camera work but also behind-the-scenes aspects. Truitt emphasized the importance of such interactions, stating that when she was their age, she lacked someone from the industry to share their journey. This absence made her realize the value of having such role models come to schools and inspire students.

The Creative Empowerment Program

This is an integral part of the ongoing Creative Empowerment Program, a collaboration between Semkhor and Florida Winefest/Caring for Children Charities. Tylee Giorgio, one of the students involved, found it highly inspiring to have a successful woman like Truitt share her experiences and the obstacles she overcame. Vaughn Garcia, who has been videotaping these events, has gained firsthand insights into the success of the program. He noted how it helps students apply theoretical knowledge from the classroom in practical situations.

Benefits for Students

Truitt believes this program resonates deeply with the students. It allows them to see the mountains she has climbed and where she is now, providing inspiration for their future careers in television, film, and art. Students like Giorgio are able to gain a unique perspective and practical skills that enhance their learning. It shows them that theory and classroom work are just the beginning and that it's time to get out there and make a mark.

Inspiration and Motivation

Having Truitt in the school serves as a powerful source of inspiration. She shows students that with determination and hard work, they can achieve their dreams. Her presence breaks down barriers and gives students the confidence to pursue their passions. It's not just about learning about the entertainment industry; it's about instilling a sense of belief in themselves and their abilities.

Behind-the-Scenes Insights

Truitt's focus on both front and behind-the-scenes work provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the industry. They learn about the various aspects that go into making a successful production. This knowledge broadens their horizons and helps them make more informed decisions about their future careers. It shows them that there are multiple paths to success and that they can explore different areas within the entertainment field.
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