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Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Rhodes is Jets’ Play-wrecking Leader on Defense

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(RE-Post of AP article...Thanks Dennis/Jared!) Dennis Waszak Jr., Associated Press, July 30, 2008

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP)—Kerry Rhodes knew exactly what was coming.

The New York Jets safety watched the offense line up, then he yelled at his defensive teammates and called the play by slamming his fists together.

Rhodes was right, as he has often been in his young NFL career: no gain for the offense.

“He’s the best safety I’ve played with,” fellow safety Eric Smith said Wednesday at training camp. “His ability is unbelievable. The way he reads the quarterback and somehow knows where the ball’s going to be before it’s even thrown, it’s amazing watching him.”

It’s that type of intuition and playmaking ability that has made Rhodes a fan favorite and one of the league’s most disruptive forces at his position.

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“I pride myself in being a complete player,” Rhodes said. “There are some safeties in this league that can only cover and some other safeties who can only tackle or play in the box. I want to be known as one of those all-around guys that can do it all.”

And he certainly is. He had 68 tackles, two sacks and five interceptions last season, and has the most sacks among NFL defensive backs in the past two seasons with seven. Most of all, he’s a huge game-planning headache for opposing offenses.

“He’s got a lot of ability, excellent ball skills, is a good blitzer and he’s got a lot of things on the physical side,” coach Eric Mangini said. “He’s becoming more and more of a pro each day. That’s really the highest compliment you can pay a player. Those are the guys who work to get the other guys on the team better while improving themselves.”

The Jets thought so highly of Rhodes they made him one of the richest safeties in the NFL in April, signing him to a five-year extension worth a reported $33.5 million, including $20 million guaranteed.

“As a player in this league, you always want to know where you’re going to be,” he said. “You want to have security and I got that this past offseason. You don’t want that looming over your head.”

Rhodes, a former college quarterback, walks with a swagger and carries himself with a supreme sense of confidence on the field.

August 2007 Cover of Essence Mag

“I’ve never lacked in that area,” he said with the smile that’s landed him on a few magazine covers. “If you lack in that area, you’re not going to be a good player. Having been a quarterback all my life, being vocal and talking has never been a problem with me. When guys look up to you and look back at you and you have to make the right call, it’s a good feeling. You shouldn’t want anything other than that.”

Despite three outstanding years to start his career, Rhodes has yet to make a Pro Bowl—although he was an alternate last season.

“I think the biggest thing with us is we didn’t have a winning year,” he said. “I had a good year and I was an alternate, so just imagine if we were winning. We have to win first, and then the awards and acclaim will come after.”

Rhodes’ rise to NFL prominence has been nothing short of impressive. After all, he didn’t become a full-time safety until after his second season at Louisville.

“I was learning on the job,” he said. “I got better as I got on and once I got here, the process got more advanced and I took it to another level, just actually being a safety: making tackles and getting dirty. I’m pretty much acclimated to it now. “

That’s for sure. Not bad for a 2005 fourth-round pick who thought he should have been selected a whole lot higher.

“It definitely makes it all pretty sweet,” Rhodes said.

Rhodes has dabbled in acting in past offseasons, but stayed away from that this year to concentrate more on football. His biggest focus has been improving on keeping his 6-foot-3, 210-pound frame lower to the ground when he’s out on the field.

“I’m a big guy, so coming in and out of breaks, sometimes in the past few seasons, I was a little high and maybe I could’ve made another play or two here and there,” he said. “It could’ve been nine picks. Just small things like that.”

Rhodes’ film-watching habits have also become the stuff of legend among his teammates. He routinely invites players over to his place to study game and practice film, trying to pick up any tips they can.

“I wasn’t in on it last year and I’m going to have to get in there this year,” Smith said with a laugh. “It’s real serious, from what I’ve heard. They get a lot done there. It’s not a joke-around session.”

The sign-up sheet might be a lot longer this season, especially with Rhodes’ improved seating situation.

“You know, since I’ve ‘graduated’ and got a nice, little raise and moved on up in the world, I’ve got a bigger place now,” he said with a chuckle. “So, I can have a few more people over and we can get a big DB group going on. It should be pretty good, man.”

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Sunday, July 20, 2008

Paige Hurd - Sweet 16 Party For Children's Cancer Foundations

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On July 19, 2008 in Los Angeles, CA Paige Hurd combined her Sweet 16 party with a fundraiser for children’s cancer foundations. Paige’s youngest brother Pierce has Leukemia and Down syndrome.



In 2007 Paige’s friend Brittiana passed from Leukemia at the age of 13. Paige asked that no one bring her gifts to her party, but instead to buy a $5 raffle ticket and support her effort to raise money for children’s cancer foundations. At any age, this is an awesome gesture and amazing thing to do, but at the age of 16, when a party is supposed to have all eyes on you, to shift the attention to a global cause is one of the most self-less things a person can do. And for that, I commend Paige for stepping up to the plate and being an example to other teens that I am sure will begin to do the same thing.Photobucket
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Photobucket Paige arrived to her party in a limo wearing a Riva Gown provided by actress Claudia Wells from her Studio City, CA boutique. Styled by Keyonna Cox of House of Style, Paige was beautiful with hair and make-up done by Rachel McGoldrick.

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Notable VIP’s who attended this unforgettable Sweet 16 party and charity raffle included Lil Romeo, KeKe Palmer, Lil JJ, Raz B, Steph Jones, Snoop Doog’s kids Corde (“Spank”) and Cordell (Rook), Tequan Richmond, Malcolm David Kelley, Parker McKenna Posey, Raven Goodwin, Chelsea Tavarez, Lara Johnston, Angell Conwell, Lil B. Sure, Quincy Brown, Imani Hakim, Laivan Greene, rappers Small Change (PJ Cameron, Payton), Kwemi Kwasi and Kofi Boatang, Cris’tol Ca’Shawn and Car’ynn Simms, Affion Crockett, The Major, Margie Balter and Porscha Coleman.

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It was an all ages family affair. Singer Al B. Sure!, rapper Young Maylay (voice of CJ of Grand Theft Auto),producer Monica Moore and publicist Toi all attended with their sons and actress Luenell attended with her daughter. After the carpet Paige changed into her "Hood" attire in her purple multi-colored top and shirt shorts with colorful costume jewelry. Photobucket

Most of the teen actors attended with their parents and an adult lounge area for guests 21 and over was a pleasant and enjoyable surprise. Chicken wings and waffles provided by Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles with passed trays of sushi, marinated chicken poppers, pizza bites, potato salad, veggies and trays of blow pops, now or laters and Coca-Cola products circulated the party the entire night thanks to Tamm, Korie Mackie and Laura.
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Guest enjoyed complimentary facials, chair massages, hair and make-up services, nail services, video game room, portrait photos the adult lounge (21 and over) and swag bags.
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One Hundred Percent (100%) of the profits from the raffle were donated to children’s cancer foundations. Some supporters purchased online knowing they would not be there (Ife of ifilicious blog bought 20 tickets!).
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After the charity Raffle with 16 sweet items raffled off including Zune players, a T-Mobile Sidekick, a cruise to the Mexican Riviera, a spa massage package and many other hot items Lil B. Sure! began to sing to Paige as her 3 tiered marble cake topped with an Elmo figure (her favorite character these days) surrounded by 150 cupcakes each hand sculptured with Elmo faces created by Caroline of CarolineCakeCreations.com was presented to Paige all lit up.

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Al B Sure! then sang happy birthday to Paige and then different friends began to pass the microphone around and sing their versions of Happy Birthday to Paige. To her surprise a huge gift basket presented on behalf of Ideal PR (Thanks Toi and Ra-Fael) was brought out to Paige overflowing with gifts including everything from a custom red Zune Player to various wardrobe ensembles from Luxire, Akademiks, Baby Phat, etc.




Paige thanked everyone for coming and directed the attention back to the elevated stage area where rappers Small Change took the stage and did a fantastic set including their song currently running on BET “Don’t Be Shy” from the soon to be released Disney film “Another Cinderella Story.”

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Now that the 3 adorable brother group Small Change featuring Lil JJ got the crowd going, Yung Jonzon performed “Cars” and kept the crowd going. The performance continued with Steph Jones who performed a hyped set. The night’s series of performances was capped off with Brotherhood Entertainment artist and son of Al B. Sure! Lil Al B performing a special set for Paige including “Throw Your Set Up.”


At the end of the night celebrity guest were handed red and white crystal encrusted Bling H2O water bottles with their Roscoe’s chicken and waffles gift bags filled with goodies ranging from Ambi and Omare beauty products, CD’s from Jive Records, Tee Shirts from G Unit and Luxirie, Baby Phat pens, sports cards from Justin Sports West and more. Ideal PR handled total event planning and execution from the decorations and layout of event to celebrity invitations, media and over all publicity. Neeta Wooten received donated help from Gem celebrity gifting (with the gift bags) Eternal Concepts PR (VIP check in and handling), Prince Baggett of CBS and Rock Productions (the raffle), Brotherhood Entertainment (front door handling) Red Fields Agency (adult lounge) and about 26 over all people who volunteered their time and services to support the Children's Cancer focus.Photobucket

It was very special that so many companies donated to the event, raffle, gift bags or Paige’ special surprise Gift Basket including: Dr. Miracles, ABSTravelClub.com, Croton Watches, Manhattan Watches, Nilo / Nouveau Nails, Applebottoms, EduFire, Sephora, Keyze, Cool Girl Decks, Ambi, Single Girls, Luck Brand Jeans, Sean Kelly Photo Works, Arnold Turner, Stephen Gledhill of Forever Photography, The Right Touch Mobile Massage, A Beautiful You, G Unit, MKC Make Up School, Ben Lee Foster of BenFosterFilms.com, Ambi,Coca-Cola, Omare, Carnivo XO and Jive Records.
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Actress Angell Conwell came by to volunteer her time for this event

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Super Diva Monica Moore and son came thru

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Brotherhood Entertainment Donated their time for the event.

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The Simms sisters had a lot of insightful words to add on the red carpet

And of course it wouldn't be a party without Paige's family!
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Kerry Rhodes 2nd Annual Celebrity Charity Weekend

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Friday July 18th kicked off the Kerry RHODES 2nd Annual Celebrity Weekend with the RHODES Foundation Charity Dinner at CHURRASCARIA RIODIZIO TRIBECA.

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In attendance for the weekend was Carl Payne (host of the basketball game), Kym Hampton (NY Liberty), Antoine Harris (ATL Falcons), Aleesha Renee (BET), Bruce Smith (UBS), CC Carnie (Conversion Sports), CJ (CJ's Custom Clothier's), and a host of family, friends and business associates.

The night didn't end there.

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The party was just getting started when we arrived at Nikki Beach. After holding down the VIP for a while it was time to keep it moving to Spotlight where we shut down the club at 4am.


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Saturday was highlighted by the main event. The RHODES Foundation 2nd Annual Celebrity Basketball Game, which took place at City College in NY.


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Red Team:

Kerry Rhodes (NY Jets)

Jerricho Cothery (NY Jets)

Abe Elam (NY Jets)

Antoine Harris (ATL Falcons)

Braylon Edwards – B Easy (Clev Browns)

Chad Jackson - Sexual Chocolate (NE Patriots)

Larry O'Bannon

Calvin (Smooth)

Dea Morris - Dee Mo (MTV & Fusion /Singer/Actor/Musician)

Teyana Taylor (Miss "Google Me Baby" aka Miss Sweet Sixteen)

Mike (Day 26)

Will (Day 26)

Mika Means (Universal Motown Artist)

Michael K. Williams (Actor) Omar from The Wire


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Yellow Team:

Miguel Perdomo (Model) Sean John Clothing

Nicoye Banks (Actor)

B. Money (Host) Birmingham, AL Radio Show

Anthony Mackie (Actor)

Hayes Grooms - Braylon Edwards - Management

Tobias Truvilion (Artist) appeared on various BET Shows

Korey Rhodes (Kerry's brother)

Justin Rhodes (Kerry's youngest brother)

Jerome Rhodes (Kerry's Father)


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The HOST of the BBall game was Ideal PR client Carl Payne. Half Time entertainment was serenaded by Bad Boy's "Day 26." The fabulous Egypt (TV/Radio Personality), Aleesha Renee (BET), Nik (ANTM) & RaFael Blanco (Two R's Entertainment), Reuben Droughns (NY Giants), Taja Blain (Czar Entertainment), Jamilla Cummings (Birds Eye Entertainment) & Lil Nana among others all came through to support the charitable cause.


After the BBall game, everyone got showered and headed to one of Kerry's favorite restaurants Houston's in Manhattan where they would prepare for a GREAT meal and the FINALE. The RHODES Foundation FINALE & Kerry Rhodes Birthday Soiree which took place at Hawaiian Tropic Zone | HTZ. The crowd was crazy! Kerry had a lot of supporters come out to party for a good cause. Brazilian dancers graced the BDay boy with body shaking BDay dance and got the party started! That was the way to end the Kerry RHODES 2nd Annual Celebrity Weekend.




Thanks to all that came out to support a great cause. Very special thanks to ANadyah, Kerry's photographer for the weekend.

If you weren't able to make it and would like to make a donation please contact Ideal PR.
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Friday, July 18, 2008

Ben Lee Foster of BenFosterFilms.com Is Making His Mark In Hollywood

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Ben Lee Foster, commonly referred to as Ben "Spike Lee" Foster has a lot to be thankful for at the young age of 16. With 12 short films already under his belt, this young film maker has accolades adults wish they could boast. Not only does he write and produce his own projects, but he also directs and often participates in the casting selection process under his own film company Ben Foster Films. Recently Ben completed the Los Angeles based summer program for the New York Film Academy and is looking forward to producing his first full length feature film.

On August 8, 2008 at 12 noon in Beverly Hills at the Mann 13 Movie Theater at the Beverly Center, Ben Lee Foster will premiere his film "Casting Call" at the ABFF. Casting Call is a comedic short film about auditions or "casting calls" in the entertainment industry and what goes on behind the scene. Trailer Link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=WC28oifkVHA

Why is Ben Lee Foster the HOTTEST Teen film maker out?
On August 1, 2008 in Los Angeles, CA at the Los Angeles Convention Center Ben Lee Foster will be one of the featured film makers at the first ever Lee Bailey EUR Web Media Expo and Awards Show. At the expo Ben will be hosting a booth at 515 A (Booth #1) (11am - 5pm)where his films and books will be on display and for sale. At 1pm on August 1st he will be signing copies of his films and books for everyone who comes by during that hour. Get a chance to meet and greet with the young film maker as he is preparing to film another short film and his first full length feature which already has some young Hollywood notables attached.

To date his films have won awards in various film festivals across the country and he doesn't plan on stopping. The sky is the limit for this young film maker, and at the age of 16, we are sure to see him around making big splashes in the industry for quite a while to come.

For interview request for Ben Lee Foster you may contact Ideal PR.
To learn more about Ben Lee Foster and Ben Foster Films visit BenFosterFilms.com

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Monday, July 14, 2008

Mya is stunning at the MBL All Star Event

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Who would ever know this fly diva has been recovering from a broken foot since April. (ouch!!!)
Dressed in Blue the R&B songstress stepped on the red carpet at the Major League Baseball All Star Weekend in New York last night and stopped the press. A part of the Brand Jordan team, Mya came by to lend her support and brighten up the room with that smile...
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