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Shakira in World Cup closing ceremony

2010-07-07T16:31:00.000-07:00

Shakira will performWaka Waka (This Time for Africa) at the closing ceremonies of the World Cup. She will be joined by Freshlyground who created the official World Cup video prior to the start of the games.

"While the opening ceremony was more traditional in its approach, in order to do justice to Africa's heritage, the closing ceremony will have more contemporary and youthful themes," said Derek Carstens, chief marketing officer for the organizing committee.

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Viva Espana! Spain semi-final win

2010-07-07T16:20:00.000-07:00

MADRID — The whole of Spain erupted with joy as the national side reached the World Cup final for the first time ever with a 1-0 win over Germany -- and the fiesta looked set to last all through the night.

"It's over! We are in the final of the World Cup! It's historic, what joy!" shouted a commentator from the television channel La Cuatro as the final whistle went.

"It's not a dream, Spain is in the final!" the Madrid daily ABC said on its website.

A cacophony of firecrackers, vuvuzelas, car horns and cheers rang out across Madrid, where Spanish red and gold flags adorn balconies, roofs and bars.

Thousands of ecstatic fans sang and waved flags outside Real Madrid's Bernabeu stadium where the match was broadcast on giant screens.

The crowd shouted "Yes, yes, yes, this year, yes!" and "I am Spanish, Spanish, Spanish!" to celebrate the win, which takes Spain into the final against Holland on Sunday.

"We're euphoric, we deserved to win," said Julia, 17.

Spain "opened up the match" and "had far more chances than Germany," said Juan Sierra, 17.

Spain "dominated the match and in the second half the German team was already tired, and with the changes we made we were fresher," said Tomas Vasquez, a 41-year-old father who was watching the game with his son.

Carles Puyol's 73rd-minute goal was greeted with red smoke from firecrackers.

The city was earlier gripped with excitement and anticipation ahead of what sports newspaper AS said was "the match of our lives".

The streets were empty ahead of the game as residents rushed home or into bars to watch the game.

Police also set up barriers around the fountain in the Spanish capital's Plaza Cibeles, where Real fans traditionally celebrate their victories.

Almost all towns and cities throughout the country installed giant screens for people to watch the match.

One notable exception was in Barcelona, the capital of the nationalist-minded region of Catalonia, even though seven players in Spain's starting line-up for Wednesday's game are from the Barcelona team.

"The best team, Spain, qualified for the final," radio Cadena Ser said on its website.

The Catalan daily La Vanguardia said "Spain achieved world glory" by beating Germany so easily.

But while most people in Spain were ecstatic, one corner of the country was in despair, as tens of thousands of German tourists in a Majorcan beach resort were left with broken hearts.

Cries of "Nein!" (No!) erupted throughout Playa de Palma, a traditionally German resort in the Balearic island, as Puyol scored.

But after the final whistle, glum faces and a few moments of stunned silence were quickly followed by music, including a German version of "Viva Espana!", fireworks and more glasses of beer.

"We lost to Spain in Euro 2008, now we've lost to them in the World Cup. Twice in important matches is too much," complained Judith, an 18-year-old German tourist in the Deutsche Eck (German Corner) bar and restaurant.

"Now we have to at least beat Uruguay for third place," she said, a garland in Germany's red, yellow and black colours round her neck.

"If we'd had (suspended player Thomas) Mueller, we wouldn't have lost," said her boyfriend Pierre, also 18, wrapped in a German flag.

In sweltering heat, Germans crammed into overflowing bars and restaurants along the Playa de Palma beach to watch the match.

Majorca is nicknamed 'Germany's 17th Land' because of the millions of tourists from that country who visit every year.

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Shakira Waka Waka FIFA World Cup 2010

2010-06-14T19:03:00.000-07:00

Shakira Waka Waka FIFA World Cup 2010 Theme Song YouTube Video. Latina singing sensation Shakira sang the song Waka Waka for the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Cup. The song was a tribute to the African people in addition to those from her native Colombia. Why Colombia?

The chorus of Waka Waka is in Fang, a Cameroonian language. The words come from a song that was made popular during the 1980’s, and those in Colombia and throughout Latin America and the world partied to the song, as it was more or less a dance song.

Not sure what Waka Waka means? The words mean “do it” as in a task. We have more in depth meaning of what the song means available here.

Shakira’s performance was a great way to kick off the multicultural World Cup tournament. There are so many people from so many countries, it’s a great cumulation of thoughts, ideas, and ways of life.

So who will win the World Cup? During the star studded opening ceremony of the World Cup soccer tournament that wasn’t really on anyone’s mind…the music and performances were much, much better.

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Don Omar to hit Medellin

2010-05-17T05:47:00.000-07:00

Puerto-Rican reggaeton artist Don Omar is set to give an exclusive performance in Medellin, where he will perform at the official opening night of new nightclub Dollhouse International on Friday. The singer - officially known as William Omar Landron - is considered one of the world's leading reggaeton performers. His 2006 release "King of Kings" was the highest-ranking reggaeton album ever in the U.S. music charts, while his debut album earned him a Latin Grammy nomination.

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Aventura: ‘We don’t want to be sell-outs’

2010-05-04T06:34:00.000-07:00

A day before the 2010 Billboard Latin Music Awards be held in Puerto Rico for the first time ever tonight, Aventura is clear on one thing: Recording new material in English is not an option.

The New York urban group of Dominican origin — dubbed “The Kings of Bachata” and last year’s biggest-selling tropical act (according to Nielsen Soundscan) — said on Wednesday that it is not interested in making a crossover into the Anglo mainstream market with English material because it wants to keep its winning musical formula intact and genuine.

“If we ever decide or have the chance to collaborate with, say, Justin Timberlake or Usher, I would like them to sing bachata in Spanish and step into our Latin culture first so they can appreciate our Hispanic traditions and way of life and not the other way around,” said the group’s lead singer Anthony “Romeo” Santos on Wednesday during a one-on-one interview with Leila Cobo, Executive Editor of Latin Content and Programming for Billboard, on the second day of the Billboard Latin Music Conference being held at a Condado hotel.

“We don’t want to be sell-outs,” he added.

The group of two brothers and two cousins — all with the last name Santos — broke into New York’s underground music scene 14 years ago, but it wasn’t until some five years ago that it burst successfully onto the international music scene, becoming the best-selling tropical act today for its infectious fusion of romantic bachata, R&B, hip hop and pop.

In 2005, the band signed a distribution deal with Sony Music, and since then its music has reached the far corners of the world, including Holland and Dubai, among other European and Middle Eastern countries.
Among its most popular hits are “Hermanita,” “La Guerra” and “Obsesión.”
But the road to success was all but a walk in the park for Aventura.

“When we started, we took our music to several multinational record labels (which I’m not going to mention), but no one was interested in it,” recalled “Romeo,” who has become a sex symbol for legions of female fans throughout the US and Latin American markets.

“With ‘Obsesión,’ we became an underground hit, but we really never entered the mainstream market. It was tough . . . we began with nothing, and we never imagined we would be where we are today. It was hard work, but we eventually pulled it off,” he added.

With its 2009 concert tour titled “The Kings: Live,” the band played a record-breaking, five-concert series at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in Hato Rey, and a four-night gig at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

“Even Marc Anthony had a hard time bursting onto the mainstream music scene when he started . . . music execs would say that he was not singing salsa,” said “Romeo,” adding that it would be interesting to collaborate with Daddy Yankee.

“And look who’s Marc Anthony today,” he added.

Although Aventura members — Mikey, Lenny, Henry and Anthony — will continue working as a team, they also said that this year they plan to embark on solo careers as well.

“The most important thing for us is Aventura, but we also want to record solo albums as well and do our own thing,” said “Romeo,” who’ll begin recording songs for his upcoming record as a soloist in four months.

“None of us ever thought that we would pack Madison Square Garden, much less four nights,” he said.

“But I think that having chemistry as artists and musicians has helped us a great deal.”

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Oscar De La Hoya To Receive Award:

2010-05-04T06:21:00.000-07:00

For Achievement in Hispanic Television At The 8th Annual Hispanic Television Summit

Acknowledgement for De La Hoya's Contribution To Television Targeted To Hispanic Viewers

Award To Be Presented by Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at the Hilton New York

NEW YORK, May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading television industry publications Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News have announced that the 2010 recipient of their coveted Lifetime of Achievement in Hispanic Television Award will be Oscar De La Hoya, the Olympic gold medalist (1992), 10-time boxing world champion, author, Latin Grammy-nominated recording artist, entrepreneurial businessman, and philanthropist.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100503/NY96843 )

The award will be given in acknowledgement of De La Hoya's outstanding contribution to television targeted to Hispanic viewers. Among his many achievements are record-setting pay-per-view bouts, which have traditionally attracted a large base of Hispanic fans. One of the most notable events was the fight against Felix Trinidad in 1999, which broke the previous record for pay-per-view revenues. Another was the bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr, in 2007, which generated hundreds of millions of dollars from 2.4 million pay-per-view buys. The 2007 fight set the current record for the greatest number of orders ever for a boxing event. De La Hoya continues to make his contribution to Hispanic television through his boxing business, Golden Boy Promotions, and ventures like the Major League Soccer team, Houston Dynamo.

"Oscar De La Hoya has had a remarkable impact on the television business, especially with Hispanic viewers. We feel strongly that he deserves to be recognized for the role he has played, and continues to play, in helping to generate significant revenues for the industry," said Larry Dunn, Group Publisher for Broadcasting &
Cable and Multichannel News.

The two TV trade publications annually present the Hispanic Television Summit during which they collectively bestow the award for a Lifetime of Achievement in Hispanic Television. There is only one recipient per year. This year, the award will be presented at a luncheon ceremony during the Summit, on Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at the Hilton New York Hotel.

Previous recipients of this award include Sabado Gigante host, Don Francisco; sportscaster Andres Cantor; host of Al Rojo Vivo, Maria Celeste Arraras; talk-show personality and host of El Show de Cristina, Cristina Saralegui; network news journalist and anchorman, Jorge Ramos and General Manager of North America Marketing at Procter & Gamble, Edgar Sandoval.

"We at Golden Boy are proud that Oscar will join the esteemed ranks of the previous Award honorees", said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. Schaefer went on to say, "The Hispanic viewer is to be credited for much of Oscar's success. Now, through his philanthropic ventures, Oscar has been "giving back" to the audience that has given so much to him. We are pleased to see that Oscar is being acknowledged for what he has achieved so far, both in the ring, and out."

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Enrique Iglesias - New Music Featuring Pitbull

2010-05-03T06:31:00.000-07:00

We have all new music from Enrique Iglesias. The all-new dance track that features Pitbull is set to hit radio stations on Monday, but the song was leaked on the Internet early Saturday morning. The song titled I Like It also includes a cameo performance by Lionel Richie. He performed a bit of his classic 80s song, All Night Long, to be included in the song.

The song is a first single off his next to be released album. He has been writing new material for the effort for the last four years apparently. Enrique had the following to say about the process: "I can’t wait to finish making this album. It’s like nothing I’ve ever done before. It taps into so many different styles of music - it’s been really exciting for me to experiment and explore new territory."

Check out the new single by Enrique Iglesias below. What do you think? Do you like it?

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Flex Releases Third 'Romantic Style' Album

2010-04-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

Panamanian urban sensation Flex is hoping to wrap up his 'Romantic Style' trilogy with the release of his third studio album titled 'Romantic Style Parte 3: Desde La Escencia." Back in 2008, the reggaeton star dominated every corner of Latin Pop radio with his hit 'Te Quiero,' which spent 20 weeks at the #1 spot on Billboard's Hot Latin Tracks chart. The song also earned him a Latin Grammy award, and worldwide recognition. In fact, Panama had not imported an international star since Ruben Blades.

Unlike most reggaeton artists, his songs avoid social dilemma and egocentric tones to instead, concentrate on heart-warming pieces. This variation in the genre is noticeable when comparing the urban sounds coming out of Panama, to those coming out of Puerto Rico. His first album was so successful it's hard to imagine Flex surpassing it. While the reactions to his sophomore album 'La Evolucion' were lukewarm to say the least, it's hard to deny the advancement in production, lyrics and visual offerings.

Flex recruited Kumbia All Starz member Ricky Rick for the album's first single titled 'Besos de Amor.' Both artists had collaborated before when A.B. Quintanilla III invited Flex to take part of Kumbia All Starz's enormous hit 'Por Ti Baby.' Judging from the single, Flex will continue to drop hits on the radio, reinforcing his accessible and adolescent appeal.

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Watch the video 'Besos de Amor' after the jump.

Selena's death still stings 15 years later

2010-04-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

No other pop star of the 20th century has been more inextricably linked to Houston than Selena. Born in nearby Lake Jackson, her career reached its apotheosis at a 1995 concert at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which attracted over 65,000 fans to the Houston Astrodome.

During her rapid rise to fame, Selena maintained an admirable social conscious: While on tour in Houston, the singer donated time to civic organizations such as D.A.R.E. and planned a fund-raising concert to help AIDS patients.

It was 15 years ago today that Selena passed away. On March 31, 1995 in a Corpus Christi Days Inn, the Queen of Tejano fell victim to a violent murder by Yolanda Saldivar, former president of the Texas fan club and the Selena-brand boutique manager (Saldívar had embezzled from Selena's successful franchise). Selena died two days before her 24th birthday.

Since then, the fallen star has received a stream of tributes that attest to her talent and infectious personality. Two weeks after her death, on April 12, Texas Governor George W. Bush declared Selena's birthday, April 16, as Selena Day in Texas. In 1997, a biopic film starring a little-known actress, Jennifer Lopez, met critical acclaim and catapulted JLo's own career.

Houston's Reliant Stadium hosted a memorial concert, Selena ¡VIVE! on April 7, 2005, a week after the 10th anniversary of her death. Once again, over 65,000 fans poured into a stadium to enjoy Selena's celebrated repertoire, performed by such high-profile artists as Gloria Estefan, Thalía and Paulina Rubio. The event was broadcast across the nation and became the most-viewed Spanish-language program in American television history.

Despite her untimely death, Selena's iconic melodies still incite joy for listeners. Her loyal Houston fan base speaks to the city's rich Latino heritage and passion for culture.

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Baby Rasta Shot Outside Studio

2010-03-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

SAN JUAN – Puerto Rican singer Baby Rasta, one of the pioneers of reggaeton, was wounded by gunfire early Tuesday outside a recording studio in Carolina, a city in the San Juan metropolitan area, police said.

The singer, whose real name is Wilmer Alicea Curras, was hit in the abdomen, right arm and leg, and in the back.

He was taken to a hospital in Carolina.

The 33-year-old musician began his singing career performing with Gringo on “MC Non Stop Reggae” and “The Noise,” which were the creation of veteran Puerto Rican producers Playero and DJ Negro.

The singer is in stable condition after undergoing surgery, Baby Rasta’s representative, Waldo Diaz, told Efe.

Two other men were also shot outside the recording studio.

Raymond Fuentes Echevarria, whose age is not known, was shot in the mouth and right thigh, and Ivan Nuñez Cotto, 34, was shot in the right hand.

Police found more than 100 bullet casings at the crime scene.

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Ricky Martin: 'I Am a Fortunate Homosexual Man'

2010-03-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- After years of keeping quiet about his personal life, pop star Ricky Martin has announced that he is gay.

"I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man," Ricky said in a message posted on his offical Web site. "I am very blessed to be who I am."

Ricky said writing his memoir and thinking about his two twin sons led him to go public.

"To keep living as I did up until today would be to indirectly diminish the glow that my kids where [sic] born with. Enough is enough. This has to change. This was not supposed to happen 5 or 10 years ago, it is supposed to happen now. Today is my day, this is my time, and this is my moment," he wrote.

Though the 38-year-old kept his sexuality private throughout most of his career, Ricky said he drew strength from that time.

"These years in silence and reflection made me stronger and reminded me that acceptance has to come from within and that this kind of truth gives me the power to conquer emotions I didn't even know existed," he continued. "What will happen from now on? It doesn't matter. I can only focus on what's happening to me in this moment. The word "happiness" takes on a new meaning for me as of today. It has been a very intense process. Every word that I write in this letter is born out of love, acceptance, detachment and real contentment. Writing this is a solid step towards my inner peace and vital part of my evolution."

Earlier this month, Barbara Walters told The Toronto Star that her 2000 interview with the "Livin' La Vida Loca" singer, where she grilled him about coming out, was a misstep on her part.

"In 2000, I pushed Ricky Martin very hard to admit if he was gay or not, and the way he refused to do it made everyone decide that he was," she told The Toronto Star. "A lot of people say that destroyed his career, and when I think back on it now, I feel it was an inappropriate question."

Ricky also Tweeted a link to his coming out announcement on his Web site, simply writing, "my life."

In an earlier Tweet on Monday, the singer posted a quote attributed to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. M.L.K.Jr.," he wrote.

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Hispanics confused w/ census question

2010-03-27T05:49:00.000-07:00

The latest government census form is fairly straightforward, but question No. 9 has proved troubling for some Hispanics.

Valenzuela, like a lot of people, isn't quite sure where she fits in.

"Obviously, I'm not white," said Valenzuela, 37. "I would consider myself Hispanic or Mexican-American, but definitely not white. The form doesn't really leave you with another option, though."

In Monterey County, the distinction could prove important to many residents because there is a large population of people who are both Hispanic and American Indian, including Triqui and Mixtec residents.

"I think the question gets to the subgroups," said Monterey County Supervisor Simón Salinas.

Currently, there aren't clear numbers on the population of Hispanics in the area who are also members of indigenous communities.

But the question of race — which comes after people answer "yes" to being of Hispanic origin — will face an estimated one out of every two Monterey County residents. According the American Community Survey, 53 percent of the county's population, or about 217,007 people, is Hispanic or Latino.

It can be confusing because Hispanic, under the Census definition, can include people of any race and from anywhere in the world.

The issue is not a new one, said David Swanson, a professor of sociology at the University of California-Riverside, and chairman of the Census Advisory Committee of Professional Associations.

"They've been trying to play catch-up for several years," Swanson said. "This issue has never been an easy one."

One reason it's so thorny? People's thoughts on the subject change throughout the years. In the 1930 census, for example, "Mexican" was considered a race all to itself.

It also indicates how society's view of Americans of Mexican descent has evolved through the years. Many were taught in schools they belonged to the white race. Others, looking at the indigenous roots of many Mexicans and other Latin Americans, disagreed with the label.

"It's been confusing for everybody ever since," Swanson said. "The census is always trying to keep up with changes in American culture, yet it needs to retain some consistency."

The first attempt to comprehensively tabulate people who are Hispanic didn't happen until 1970. Since then, an increasing number of Hispanics have marked "some other race." In the 2000 census, 48 percent of
Hispanics described themselves as white while 42 percent chose "some other race."

"In this century, some people feel comfortable calling themselves Latinos, because it's all-encompassing," said Leo Cardenas, a manager for the Census Bureau. "Other people want to be Chicano, others want to be Hispanic. ... If you're looking at the form and you're thinking, 'That's not who I am,' that's your chance to identify yourself and state how you view yourself. It's self-identification, and you will be counted."

And, Salinas said, the most important thing is that every Monterey County resident is counted.

The decennial count is used to divvy up federal money and create political districts. An estimated $526 million that came to Monterey County in 2008 was distributed based on census data. For every one person that sits out, the county could lose about $1,288 each year that could have been spent on education, health care and road improvements, according to a study by the Brookings Institute.

Those that struggle with Question 9 — race — after answering "yes" on Question 8 — Hispanic origin — should try to quickly find an answer, even though there may be no easy one.

In fact, Swanson said, there is no wrong response to the question.

"There is no set definition as to what race and ethnicity is," he said. "There's social categories, social constructs, self-identification, maybe some voting-rights acts, but there's no hard-and-set definition as to race and ethnicity."

Some people think of leaving the question blank, which doesn't solve the problem, either. An accurate count helps determine which communities receive funding and helps determine congressional districting.

"I think the key is to get counted," Salinas said. "This is significant."

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Juanes and Shakira support Cuban dissidents

2010-03-27T05:39:00.000-07:00

Colombian pop icons Juanes and Shakira are both demonstrating their serious sides, issuing statements in support of Cuban dissidents "The Ladies in White."

The Ladies in White, or Damas de Blanco, are a Cuban protest group made up of wives and relatives of jailed dissidents.

Shakira on Thursday posted a statement on her website saying "Today I join the call to action ... to support the Ladies In White, who are true heroines of our time." The singer went on to criticise Cuba's "repression and violation of human rights."

"I hope that this rising up for the freedom ... plants seeds of liberty in all the young people of the world, because it is us who justice depends on," proclaimed the "Hips Don't Lie" singer.

Meanwhile rock star Juanes said on Thursday in an emotional post on his Twitter page ""Amnesty, forgiving and forgetting ... I am with you Damas de Blanco, I'm with you families of abductees, I'm with you ... Freedom!"

Juanes went on to call for “Freedom for all the political prisoners, USA, CUBA, VENEZUELA, COLOMBIA ... wherever they may be ... freedom, please.”

Shakira is no stranger to serious political commentary, pronouncing in January that the problems of Latin America could be blamed on its colonial history.

Juanes has also been known to involve himself in world affairs, holding a peace ceremony on the Colombia-Ecuador border in December, in which he exchanged national flags with an Ecuadorian musician and urged the two countries to "never give up on the cause of non-violence and brotherhood."

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Julio Iglesias smitten by beauty queen?

2010-03-24T06:51:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines - Latin crooner Julio Iglesias is reportedly smitten once again by a Filipina beauty.
Iglesias chose Binibining Pilipinas International 2010 winner Krista Kleiner, who is known by her screen name "Krissa Mae," to join his 15-city world tour.

The music legend gave an on-the-spot audition to Krissa Mae during his concert at the Araneta Coliseum over the weekend and he immediately gave her a 3-month contract to perform with him worldwide.
"I couldn't be happier and more excited and more thankful," Kleiner told ABS-CBN News.

But Krissa Mae was quick to deny rumors that she and Iglesias are romantically involved.

"I really don't think so... He's the same age as my father and he was showing me pictures of his beautiful wife and beautiful, beautiful kids. He's very proud of his family and he's not trying to be malandi nang ganun," she said.
Kleiner is the girlfriend of prince of RnB, Jay R.
Iglesias was once married to Filipina socialite Isabel Preysler and they had 3 children, including pop star Enrique Iglesias.

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George Lopez to voice Speedy Gonzales

2010-03-09T09:02:00.000-08:00

The comedian is attached to provide the voice of the fastest mouse in all Mexico for a politically correct live-action/CG hybrid feature set up at New Line Cinema.
The Looney Tunes character debuted in the 1950s as a regular nemesis of Sylvester the Cat. A 1955 short about the tiny hero, "Speedy Gonzales," won the Academy Award for best short subject, (cartoon). Pat Boone even released a hit song about the famous mouse in 1962.

Over the years, Speedy appeared in the live-action/animation features "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," "Space Jam" and "Looney Tunes: Back in Action." But the character has often courted criticism that the ethnic characterizations of him and his compatriots (especially lazy cousin Slowpoke Rodriguez) are stereotypically racist and severely outdated.

Aware of this, New Line and the producers plan to update the brand with a modernized sensibility.

"We wanted to make sure that it was not the Speedy of the 1950s -- the racist Speedy," said the comedian's wife Ann Lopez, who will serve alongside him as a producer. "Speedy's going to be a misunderstood boy who comes from a family that works in a very meticulous setting, and he's a little too fast for what they do. He makes a mess of that. So he has to go out in the world to find what he's good at."

That path becomes clearer once Speedy befriends a gun-shy race-car driver.
"Garfield" scribes Alec Sokolow and Joel Cohen will write the script.

Lopez hosts "Lopez Tonight" on TBS and appears in New Line's ensemble hit "Valentine's Day," which has grossed $158 million worldwide after two weekends. He also recently starred in "The Spy Next Door" and provided a voice for "Beverly Hills Chihuahua."

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Chayanne rolls out new album

2010-03-03T08:20:00.000-08:00

Following a two-year break from the recording studio, Puerto Rican pop singer Chayanne is back with a new album titled “No hay imposibles” that's faithful to the artist's romantic side.

The first cut is “Me enamoré de ti,” already a popular radio track in several US markets and the theme of Corazón Salvaje, a Mexican soap opera that will be distributed to more than 60 countries worldwide.

The follow-up to the Puerto Rican heartthrob's 2007 “Mi tiempo,” the set features 12 unreleased songs, including “Si no estás,” “El hombre que fui” and “Por si mañana,” among others.

The artist's new album follows the release of his first live DVD/CD ever last year, “Chayanne-Vivo.”

Recorded between Miami , Puerto Rico, Los Angeles , Bogotá, and Buenos Aires , No hay imposibles features renowned producers Julio Reyes, Sebastián Krys, Pablo Durán, René Toledo and Javier Díaz, who headed the production.

Currently, Chayanne is in Puerto Rico on a promotional tour of the album.

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Pitbull Named King of "Calle Ocho"

2010-03-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

The biggest Hispanic festival in the nation is paying tribute to a leader in Spanish Hip-Hop.
Cuban American rapper Pitbull has been named the king of the annual Carnaval festival's biggest bash.
Carnaval festival takes place in Miami from February 27-March 14 and includes contests, tournaments, arts and jazz concerts.

Pitbull will take his crown during the festival's finale bash Calle Ocho on March 14.
The popular block party will have food, performances, music and of course dancing.

Speaking on the esteemed honor of being King for a day in a press conference, Pitbull says that he feels a “tremendous source of pride."

“For me, a Miami kid raised in Little Havana, it's a tremendous source of pride to be here because [Carnaval Miami] shows the unity of the cultures that come here.”

For more information on Carnaval visit CarnavalMiami.com

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Aventura Continues Streak At #1 On Billboard

2010-03-02T06:31:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles, CA, United States (CNS) - After 14 weeks on the chart, Aventura spends its 7th week at #1 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart with their hit, "Dile Al Amor." "Dile Al Amor," the group's fourth single from their album "The Last," is their fourth #1 on Billboard's Hot Latin Songs. The group recently picked up five major awards at "Premio Lo Nuestro," including Artist of the Year and Best Tropical Album for "The Last."

At #2 for another week are Banda Los Recoditos with "Ando Bien Pedo," while Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizarraga is at #3 for another week with the former #1 single, "Me Gusta Todo De Ti." Up a spot from #5 last week are Carlos Baute Con Marta Sanchez with "Colgando En Tus Manos" at #4 this week, the single's peak position.

Camila is down a spot from #4 last week to #5 with "Mientes" from the album "Dejarte de Amar." Shakira climbs back into her peak position of #6 for her latest Spanish single, "Lo Hecho Esta Hecho (Did It Again)."

She just released the single and video for the follow-up, "Gitana (Gypsy)," also from her album "She Wolf."
At #7 this week is La Arolladora Banda El Limon with "La Calabaza," down a spot from #6 last week. Alejandro Fernandez continues at #8 this week with "Se Me Va La Voz," from his latest album "Dos Mundos: Evolucion."

Two new entries climb into the Top 10 this week. Don Omar moves up from #11 last week to #9 with "Hasta Abajo." The single, from his album "Prototype 2.0," has already spent 5 weeks at #1 on the Latin Rhythmic Airplay chart. At #10 is the first single from Chayanne's latest album, "No Hay Imposibles," "Me Enamore de Ti." The single, which served as the theme for the soap opera "Corazon Salvaje," moves up from #13 last week.

Billboard Hot Latin Songs For the Week Ending March 6th, 2010

1. "Dile Al Amor," Aventura
2. "Ando Bien Pedo," Banda Los Recoditos
3. "Me Gusta Todo De Ti," Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizarraga
4. "Colgande En Tus Manos," Carlos Baute Con Marta Sanchez
5. "Mientes," Camila
6. "Lo Hecho Esta Hecho (Did It Again)," Shakira
7. "La Calabaza," La Arrolladora Banda El Limon
8. "Se Me Va La Voz," Alejandro Fernandez
9. "Hasta Abajo," Don Omar
10. "Me Enamore De Ti," Chayanne

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Ricky calls for focus on human trafficking

2010-03-02T06:24:00.000-08:00

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Puerto Rico needs more effective legislation to halt human trafficking in the U.S. Caribbean territory, Latin superstar Ricky Martin said Monday.

Martin was visiting his native island to present a study conducted by the nonprofit Ricky Martin Foundation, a group advocating children's rights globally.

The 91-page report concludes that sex tourism and human trafficking are serious problems in Puerto Rico, and that the island is used as a transit point for smuggled women and children.

"This is happening on our island," said Martin, a winner of multiple Grammy awards, as he presented the study at the University of Puerto Rico. "We cannot turn our back on the victims."

Luis Cdebaca, director of the U.S. State Department's division of human-trafficking monitoring, praised the singer — perhaps best-known for his "Livin' the Vida Loca" single — for bringing attention to human trafficking and other forms of modern-day slavery. He said traffickers are thriving in Puerto Rico and across the U.S. mainland.

"What we are dealing with is a situation where people are suffering because no one is hearing their voice," he said.

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We Are The World Spanish Version

2010-03-02T06:21:00.000-08:00

Everyone’s anticipation for the remake of Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie’s “We Are The World” was boiling over the top by the time it premiered on television during the 2010 Olympics opening ceremony. With a new generation of “all-stars” lending their voices, we all wondered how it would turn out. The results: It raised a generous amount of money to go towards Haiti and is still #1 on iTunes, but the general reception hasn’t been as great. If you still haven’t checked out the new video, you can watch and listen to it here.

However, it looks like we have yet another version of new peace anthem coming out. A Spanish version of “We Are The World” is slated to premiere on The Cristina Show which pulls in as many viewers as Oprah does. A few artists such as Shakira has been confirmed to be a part of it.

According to the Associated Press, the song will also raise funds for Haitian relief and in addition to Shakria, Ricky Martin, Carlos Santana, David Archuletta, Gloria Estefan, Chayanne, Juan Luis Guerra are also on the roster to participate. The track is also produced by Quincy Jones and Univision with the help of Latino music mogul, Emilio Estefan. The Spanish version of the track will also be under the patronage and guidance of the We Are The World Foundation.

Even if you don’t speak or understand Spanish, there is a possibility that this version to premiere on Monday might even be better than the first 2010 remake. It’s also a great way to pull in people around the world for a good cause through a great melody.

What do you think of these artists making a Spanish remake of “We Are The World?”

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Univision award show celebrates fan favorites

2010-02-15T07:29:00.000-08:00

Are you a big fan of salsa and merengue? Or is there more reggaeton in your iPod?

Whatever the case, here's your chance to celebrate all genres of música latina.

On Thursday, musicians will take the stage for Premio Lo Nuestro -- Univision's Latin music awards show.

This year's nominees include Daddy Yankee, Shakira, Paulina Rubio, Nelly Furtado, Juanes, Luis Enrique, Aventura, Grupo Mania, Elvis Crespo, Juan Luis Guerra, Alicia Villareal, Diana Reyes, Jenni Rivera, Wisin y Yandel, Luz Rios, Paquita la Del Barrio, Fanny Lu, Gloria Trevi, Laura Pausini, Sonohra, Tati, Victor & Leo, Beto Cuevas, La Secta Allstar, Maná and Motel.

The bilingual show, which will be broadcasted live in English and Spanish, will be hosted by salsa star Victor Manuelle and Ana Barbara.

The show starts at 8 p.m. but if you want to check out what the celebs are wearing head over around 7 p.m. for the red carpet arrivals.

Premio Lo Nuestro, 8 p.m. Thurday, AmericanAirlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; ticketmaster.com. Watch it at home from 8-11 p.m. on WLTV-Univision 23.

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Selena Gomez Covers Her Namesake

2010-02-10T05:58:00.000-08:00

Selena Gomez paid tribute to late Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez — her namesake — by covering one of her songs during her weekend concert.

On Saturday, Selena was in San Antonio where she performed the slain songstress' 1995 hit "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" in front of a wide-eyed crowd, including her on-again beau Nick Jonas.

The 17-year-old Wizards of Waverly Place has said that to her family — her father is Mexican and her mother is of Italian descent — it's "really a big deal" that she is "named after such a wonderful person." And it's been reported that she met the late Selena's brother, later recounting: "It was very emotional when he came up to me and said my sister was named Selena and I said I was named after her. It was a really powerful moment."

In addition to the Selena cover, the Texas native — dressed in a white-and-silver dress and sparkly black vest — did versions of Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way” and Katy Perry’s “Hot N Cold.“

As for Nick, he was trying to go incognito wearing a black cowboy hat, but concertgoers immediately had his number -- and you can see him on the end of the video below.

In an interview last week, Selena was completely at a loss for words when she was asked about Nick.

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Eva sends Her Twitter Followers to a Porn Site

2010-02-10T05:50:00.000-08:00

Eva Longoria Parker finally joined the rest of the world and signed up for Twitter.com last week. She attempted to link to her husband Tony Parker's Twitter account, but made quite a mistake in copying and pasting the link. Instead of linking to his Twitter account, she sent her followers to a porn site!
After realizing her mistake, Eva urged her followers to stay away from the site, tweeting:

"Oh noooo! I put the wrong Twitter site for my husband!! The one I put earlier goes to some porn site!!!! Don't use it!"

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Wilmer Seeks to Bring Census Awareness

2010-02-03T17:31:00.000-08:00

Beginning in March, Americans will receive a form in the mail to fill out and return to the U.S. Census Bureau. Every decade, many wonder why it's so necessary to participate in the census. From alloting seats in the House of Representatives to dispersal of billions in federal spending, there are numerous reasons. But the word isn't getting out to everyone.

This is especially true for Hispanics -- who are the fastest growing minority in the United States. Being counted in the census can potentially provide additional representation and funding for developing communities.

On Tuesday's "Washington Unplugged," actor Wilmer Valderrama joined Nancy Cordes to discuss his work with the non-profit organization Voto Latino, co-founded by actress Rosario Dawson. The organization aims to increases voter turnout and political involvement among Hispanic youth.

Valderrama and other Hispanic celebrities are meeting with House lawmakers Wednesday, unveiling a new campaign urging Hispanics to take part in the census.

"Rosario Dawson and I started this amazing campaign last year to register people to vote and inspire the youth to understand that voting is important. We knew that the census was coming in 2010 and that it's very important thing for the community to embrace," Valderrama said.

Valderrama also notes that Hispanics have much to gain from participating in the census. "It dictates the funding of public services, schools and hospitals. Depending on how many people are in the area, funding is distributed."

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Alba Making Sure Honor Grows Up Bilingual

2010-02-03T05:03:00.000-08:00

Jessica Alba is reconnecting with her Mexican heritage – and, with a new Spanish teacher, is making sure 19-month-old daughter Honor grows up appreciating her roots, too.

In the latest issue of Siempre Mujer magazine, Alba says she recently hired a Hispanic studies professor to teach her and Honor Spanish. The actress says she wants to help her daughter avoid the criticism she endured when she was 18 and her non-fluency in Spanish made headlines. "God knows that I wish I was raised bilingual," Alba says. "But it wasn't to be."

She also opened up about her pain from the media criticism, saying she "cried all night" over her portrayal in the press. "I tried to explain to [journalists] that in this country I'm considered Latina and, thus, I consider myself Latina as well," Alba, 28, says. "I identify with Mexicans. It's in my blood whether or not I speak Spanish."

When asked what she'd like to change about herself, Alba switched to a lighter note, wishing for fewer stretch marks – and the ability to "turn my brain off every once in a while. I'm too analytical."

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Romeo 'Honored' By Lady Gaga Comparisons

2010-02-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK — There's been an array of homegrown talent, from Rev. Run of Run-DMC to Marc Anthony to Jay-Z, who could make the claim that Madison Square Garden is their house. Rev. Run even made a song about it back in the day.

But Dominican Bachata group Aventura — all raised in the Bronx — are making a case of their own right now. The quartet is currently in the midst of a four-show run at the Garden, selling out each date and leading local tabloids to laud their feat, particularly over another Gotham act, Lady Gaga, who recently had a successful four-show run at the smaller Radio City Music Hall.

So what do the guys of Aventura think of the lofty praise?
"It's definitely an honor to be compared to artists like Marc Anthony and mainstream artists like Lady Gaga that are out and have done big stuff in New York City," Aventura frontman Anthony "Romeo" Santos told MTV News. "I hate it when they make it a competition though, because it's really totally different worlds. She's doing big things and if I wouldn't have had four concerts I would have probably been at one of her [dates] just enjoying her show."

The collective is touring in support of their fifth album, The Last, which has already spawned four hit singles, from the Akon-assisted "All Up 2 You" to current chart-topper "Dile al Amor." "Dile al Amor" is their fourth song to top the Latin charts.

"It's really overwhelming what's happening right now in Aventura's career," Romeo said. "We don't take anything for granted. I think that it's been a long journey, but we got motivated to keep going and never be satisfied with the status that we're in at the moment."

On Monday and Tuesday (February 1 and 2) the group will complete the New York City leg of their tour. According to Romeo, he and the other three Aventura members (Lenny Santos, Henry Santos Jeter and Max Santos) are looking forward to closing out the run with more surprises. They've been joined by Anthony, Akon and fellow Latin artists Wisin Y Yandel on stage so far.

"We try to make sure that everyone that's present leaves feeling like it was worth it," he said. "And with four nights at the Garden, I feel like we're halfway through and everyone has actually — from what I hear, the comments — left with their money's worth, 'cause we've given [the audience] what they expect but then we also brought some surprises, like Marc Anthony, Akon and Wisin Y Yandel."

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Christina Aguilera writes songs with Le Tigre

2010-02-02T08:29:00.000-08:00

How’s this for odd couples: Pop glamour goddess Christina Aguilera has written songs with feminist electro pop act Le Tigre. Not even Oscar and Felix can beat that eccentric but oh-so-wonderful couple.

According to Pitchfork and Johanna Fateman’s blog, a “couple of songs” that the feminine collaboration wrote over the winter may make the cut for Xtina’s new album, dubbed Bionic. Despite the at-surface level of implausibility regarding this most unique of pairings, Fateman said they all had a lot in common, especially since “Deceptacon” is apparently Aguilera’s “jam”.

“[We] found a ton of common ground in our aim to make upbeat danceable tracks celebrating female friendship, strength, and of course, PARTYING,” and, “The songs have a lot of elements we’re known for like a garage guitar sound, schoolyard chants, new wave-y synths, electro beats, and somehow it all sounds crazily right with Christina’s unbelievable voice. For a feminist band obsessed with pop music, it was pretty much a dream come true.”

Add Le Tigre to an album that will also see collabos with Goldfrapp, M.I.A, and Santigold, and we’re pretty sure this could be the most dynamic pop record of 2010. While Bionic doesn’t have an official release date, some blogs are saying it could be out as early as April. The first single, supposedly called “Glam”, could hit radios early this month.

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Eva Mendes Goes ‘Above’ and Beyond

2010-01-31T06:41:00.000-08:00

Eva Mendes poses for renowned photographer Peter Beard in the newest issue of Above magazine, on newsstands next week!

Photos of the stunning 35-year-old actress are juxtaposed with Peter’s images of African wildlife in the photo spread.

Eva is a huge animal supporter - she posed for Peta in 2007 to speak out against wearing fur!

Be sure to catch Eva next week on newsstands - click here to find out where to find Above near you!

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JLo questioned about sexuality in court

2010-01-31T06:32:00.000-08:00

The announcement came as the ongoing dispute between Lopez, 40, and Noa faced another round in court with a judge rejecting the actress’ attempt to send the matter to arbitration. Noa has been attempting to win the right to use a home video of Lopez for commercial gain, but her attorneys have so far managed to obtain an injunction blocking him using it.

Now Ed Meyer, who is Noa’s business manager and executive producer for his in-development movie, is turning up the pressure, and has revealed that the home video shows Lopez kissing girls. “The first question I plan on asking Jennifer Lopez on the stand is if she is bi-sexual,” Radar Online quoted Meyer as saying on January 29 after the court ruling.

But while Meyer refers to the video as “sex tapes”, as source, who has seen the tapes, has revealed that they do not depict sex and, at best, some portions could be considered “racy”.

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Hispanic celebrities bring 'Hope for Haiti'

2010-01-27T17:21:00.000-08:00

Latino stars are coming together through various projects and fundraisers to help earthquake victims in Haiti.

The Jan. 22 “Hope for Haiti” telethon organized by actor George Clooney raised more than $57 million with the help of dozens of performers, including Christina Aquilera and Shakira. The “Unidos Por Haiti,” a special edition of “Sábado Gigante” that aired Jan. 23, was expanded from its originally planned four-hour telecast to five hours so producers could accommodate all the stars who wanted to participate, including Thalía, Gloria Estefan and Daddy Yankee.

Other Hispanic celebrities have done their part to help the Haitians still struggling to recover from the devastating earthquake that struck the island country Jan. 12. Here's a look at some of the contributions made and how you can help, too:

Shakira has announced that she will help build a new school through her children's educational non-profit foundation Pies Descalzos. Shakira founded Pies Descalzos in 2003 to help disadvantaged children and their families in her native Colombia through education and income-generating projects. For more on Pies Descalzos, visit fundacionpiesdescalzos.com.

Musical group Aventura made a personal donation of $25,000 to the American Red Cross for earthquake relief efforts in Haiti, latina.com reports. To find out how you can help the American Red Cross help those in Haiti, go to redcross.org, or call (800) 842-2200.

Several Mexican musicians are lending their voices to a special album to raise money for earthquake relief. Among the musicians participating on the double-disc “Voces Por Haití” are Alejandro Fernández, Vicente Fernández, Julieta Venegas and Alejandra Guzmán. The album should be in stores by early next month, Univision reports.

Singer Ricky Martin has traveled with Habitat for Humanity to Haiti to help with clean-up and rebuilding efforts there. For more on Habitat for Humanity, visit habitat.org.

Comedian and talk show host George Lopez is organizing a Feb. 4 benefit concert in Los Angeles to raise money for Haitian relief efforts.

Lopez has asked some past guests of his “Lopez Tonight” show, including Andy Garcia, Slash, Samuel Jackson and Kobe Bryant, to participate in the concert. Even if you can't travel to Southern California to attend “Help Haiti with George Lopez and Friends,” you can still help the comedian with his cause. Visit lopeztonight.com to make a donation.

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Don Omar and Jackie Guerrido Reunited

2010-01-27T17:13:00.000-08:00

Your favorite couple is back together!

It looks like the reconciliation took place during the Christmas Holidays.

Sources tell us that there had been a lot of disaccord in their marriage thanks to Don Omar’s tempestuous temper and jealous rages.

Didn’t he know that men wouldn’t stop admiring Jackie Guerrido and giving her attention even, regardless of wether she was married or not.

Give us a break!

Anyway, something tells us that this patching things up is not going to last! We wish this couple well though.

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Daddy Yankee Signs with Sony Music Latin

2010-01-27T17:08:00.000-08:00

Daddy Yankee has singed a contract with Sony Music Latin. The urban artist who has sold more albums in this decade announced with Ruben Leyva, president of Sony Music U.S. Latin, that he signed a recording contract with the multinational recording label. The agreement took place at Club 50, the famous Viceroy Hotel in Miami, Florida.

“My music is global. The position of Sony Music Latin and its success as market leaders are in line with what I want to achieve with this new record with an international focus. I know it is a successful union and that together we will revolutionize urban music, “said Daddy Yankee.

Meanwhile, Ruben Leyva said that “at Sony Music Latin, we are happy that an artist as highly respected like Daddy Yankee will join our family and we know that this alliance will be a great success for all.”

The new album “DADDY YANKEE MUNDIAL” has various influences of international rhythms. This album will be in stores in the spring of 2010 and also be a worldwide success that is currently taking of the radio worldwide.

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Juanes to Receive (BMI) President’s Award

2010-01-26T14:03:00.000-08:00

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Juanes will receive the BMI President’s Award at the 17^th annual BMI Latin Awards slated for March 4, 2010 at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. Hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and BMI Assistant Vice President, Latin Music Delia Orjuela, the invitation-only ceremony will recognize the songwriters and publishers of the past year’s top BMI Latin songs played on American radio and television.

The BMI President’s Award recognizes Juanes’ profound influence on Latin music on the worldwide stage and anticipates his future contributions to global culture. In receiving the BMI President’s Award, Juanes joins a small but elite list of past honorees that includes Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Willie Nelson, and 2009 recipients Taylor Swift and Brooks & Dunn.

Juanes is redefining international superstardom. While many contemporaries have recorded bilingual or English-language projects in the hunt for crossover success, Juanes has continued to write and record exclusively in Spanish. Soon after the release of his album Fijate Bien, Juanes has garnered 13 BMI Latin Awards, 18 Latin Grammy and Grammy awards, and Billboard’s title “Latin Star of the Decade.” Also named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine, Juanes is a leading humanitarian.
Through his Fundación Mi Sangre (Mi Sangre Foundation) and participation in Paz Sin Fronteras (Peace Without Borders) concerts, Juanes lends his voice to an array of socially conscious calls-to-action.

In addition to the presentation of the President’s Award, the ceremony will also recognize the Latin Song, Songwriter and Publisher of the Year.

Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI) is an American performing right organization that represents more than 400,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in all genres of music and more than 6.5 million works.

BMI reported $905 million for its 2009 fiscal year in performing right collections. BMI has represented the most popular and beloved music from around the world for 70 years. The U.S. corporation collects license fees from businesses that use music, which it then distributes as royalties to the musical creators and copyright owners it represents.

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Julio Iglesias to tour Asia, Australia

2010-01-08T07:13:00.000-08:00

MADRID — Julio Iglesias will perform in Australia and four Asian nations later this year as part of his "Starry Night" world tour, the Spanish singer's official website said Thursday.

The 66-year-old Grammy winner will kick off his tour of the region with a concert in Manila on March 20 followed by three performances in Australia -- in Sydney, Hunter Valley and Melbourne -- between March 26 and 29.

He will then perform in Kuala Lumpur on April 1 and in three Japanese cities -- Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya -- between April 5 and 12.

Iglesias, the biggest-selling Latino recording artist in history, will wrap up his tour of Asia with a concert in Seoul on April 17.

"The tour is focused on the emblematic songs of the artist, songs dedicated to his fans around the world, in gratitude for their unconditional love," his website said.

In 1985, Iglesias was honoured with a star from the Hollywood Walk of Fame and three years later he received a Grammy Award for best Latin singer with his album "Un Hombre Solo".

He has released nearly 80 albums which have sold around 300 million copies over his four-decade-long singing career.

In addition to Spanish, Iglesias has recorded albums in German, English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Tagalog and Japanese.

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Sofia Vergara Sizzles at People's Choice Awards

2010-01-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

There are plenty of celebrities who count Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's The Row among their favorite labels, but when Sofia Vergara (of ABC's Modern Family) stepped on to the red carpet wearing a bodycon dress from a recent collection, it was one of the first major red carpet moments for the burgeoning brand.

Sofia paired the minimal, sexy dress with a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes, vintage jewelry, and a vintage clutch. She also joked that she was vintage, too - but even if that were true, she doesn't look it. Not in that dress, no.

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Shakira: Living it Up in Uruguay

2010-01-08T06:28:00.000-08:00

Getting in some all-important quality time with her man, Shakira was spotted out and about at Punta del Este in Uruguay yesterday (January 5).

The “Hips Don’t Lie” songstress strolled along the beach with Antonio de la Rua, attracting the attention of the paparazzi almost instantly.

After they’d had their fill of sunshine, Shakira and Antonio stopped into a bar to grab some grub and drinks before heading off into town.

She looked cute and casual in a black Led Zeppelin t-shirt with sweatpants, sunglasses, and black boots.

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Jennifer Lopez New Year's outfit

2010-01-01T07:55:00.001-08:00

Jennifer Lopez New Year’s outfit: JLO New Year’s outfit pictures. There’s a buzz going on in the internet about Jennifer Lopez New Year’s Eve outfit. Of course the world wants’ to see JLO’s beautiful body curve revealed in a skiing tight outfit.

Jennifer Lopez New Years outfit stunned millions because they found out that she is still beautiful and that her curve is just perfect enough to be captivated to. Lopez always has the ability to transfixed her audience through her looks and outfits.

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Latinos no longer rare in college basketball

2009-12-09T08:09:00.000-08:00

Traveling across South America, John Chaney heard plenty of claims. Most turned out to be untrue, the player not quite as tall, fast or talented as advertised.
"They'd say almost anything to get a chance to come to the United States,'' the former Temple coach recalls.
One did live up to the billing: Pepe Sanchez, a dynamic point guard from Bahia Blanca, Argentina, who followed Chaney to Philadelphia, became an All-American and took the Owls within a game of the 1999 Final Four.

Little did this unlikely pairing know that they would help open college basketball's door to Latin America - a door that soon could be kicked wide open.

"You just didn't see many kids from Latin America then,'' Chaney said. "There were a few around - I think (N.C. State's Jim) Valvano had one - but there just weren't many Latino kids around. Now, you see them popping up all over.''

The globalization of basketball was sparked in large part by the 1992 U.S. Dream Team. It has led kids to take up the sport in countries where soccer has ruled and baseball or even boxing were higher on the sports chain.

In the nearly two decades since Michael Jordan led the Americans to gold, many of those kids have grown up, honed their skills and headed to America to play college basketball.

Maryland star point guard Greivis Vasquez is from Venezuela, as is Gregory Echenique, Rutgers' second-leading scorer. Cal sophomore guard Jorge Gutierrez was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and Dominican Republic native Edgar Sosa will be counted on heavily with all the injuries at Louisville.

Argentine Juan Fernandez, who Chaney helped recruit, is Temple's third-leading scorer and Brazilian Jonathan Tavernari is third in scoring at BYU.

Kansas State seems to have a direct pipeline for Latino players.

Point guard Denis Clemente and center Luis Colon moved to the U.S. from Puerto Rico in high school and their coach, Frank Martin, was born in Cuba. The Wildcats have another Latino on the way, too: recently signed forward/center Freddy Asprilla is Colombian.

Once an afterthought in the recruiting wars, Latin America has become a hotbed of talent that can no longer be ignored.

"We're all looking for players who can help us win games,'' Martin said. "If there's somebody from Puerto Rico, Venezuela, maybe one day Cuba, who can help us win games and represent our universities the right way, we'd be fools not to take advantage and bring those guys to our universities.''

It's been 20 years since Seton Hall, whose international players included Puerto Rican forward Ramon Ramos, lost in overtime in the NCAA final to Michigan. But the seeds of this Latin American infusion started a few years later with the Dream Team.

The 1992 U.S. Olympic team, the first with NBA players, captivated the world by dunking and dominating its way to gold in Barcelona. The players on that team were known, of course, but the Olympics turned them into larger-than-life figures, sparking the dreams of kids around the world who hoped they too could be like Bird, Magic and Michael.

"Everybody loved the Dream Team,'' said Colon, who was into kickboxing and wrestling before taking up basketball. "When Michael Jordan and Larry Bird and all those players did that, we followed the NBA 100 percent in Puerto Rico.''

Latin American professional leagues are now filled with talented players and teams. The national teams are no longer patsies for American and European teams; Argentina shocked the world by winning Olympic gold in 2004, the same year Puerto Rico knocked off a U.S. team filled with NBA players in the opening round. The Americans finished third.

Now the NBA is filled with Latino players, too, including San Antonio Spurs All-Star Manu Ginobili (Argentina), Miami Heat point guard Carlos Arroyo (Puerto Rico) and Phoenix guard Leandro Barbosa (Brazil) - just to name a few.

"You see that they can do it, you believe anyone can do it,'' Cal's Gutierrez said.
The fraternity of Latino players in college basketball is still small, but it's tight-knit. The players have a camaraderie from knowing they're on the ground floor of something that could become huge.

"It's a pride thing. I'm very proud of Latin American players making it to this level, even to the NBA,'' Colon said. "There's so many more Latin Americans here than there used to be. I feel really good that we have this opportunity and maybe the new generation will do good things.''

The next wave should be coming soon.

Thousands of Latino players already fill high school rosters across the country and youth programs in Latin American countries are sure to get better as interest grows and better coaching is available.

One of the greatest untapped basketball resources is about to be blown open.

"There's a lot of young dudes in South America that you don't even know (about),'' Kansas State's Clemente said. "They have a chance to go practice and come to NBA rookie camps, so you can tell they've got talent. I think they're going to keep coming.''

The door's already open.

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Miguel Cotto Plans Retirement

2009-12-04T07:16:00.000-08:00

The three-time world champion Miguel Cotto, has declared in Puerto Rico that he plans to retire when he turns 30 on October 29, 2010 after he fights 1 or 2 more fights. Miguel is shooting for a return in the summer of 2010 around the same dates of the Puerto Rican Parade in NY, against an opponent to be named.

Paulina Rubio Launches Foundation

2009-12-04T06:53:00.000-08:00

Having just wrapped the U.S. and Mexico tour in support of her #1 Latin Pop album "Gran City Pop," latin superstar Paulina Rubio found the time to start her own foundation. Called Fundación Paulina Rubio, the foundation benefits kids with neurological disorders.

Rubio announced her new foundation along with a benefit concert, titled "Paulina & Friends," which is set to take place at the James L. Knight Center in April. She revealed that her friends could include American Idol judge Randy Jackson and Jennifer Aniston, among others. "I'm sending out e-mails now and trying to get as much support as possible," Rubio said at a South Florida press conference.

The 38-year-old star said she's ready to give back, especially when she's thinking of starting a family with her husband Nicolas Vallejo-Nagera. "When you think of having your own children, you start to think of all the many who are suffering,'' she says. "I want to give back."

Rubio just scored a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Pop Album for "Gran City Pop." She continues her tour throughout Panama and the Dominican Republic.

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Christina Aguilera presents new fragrance

2009-12-02T05:26:00.000-08:00

After having much success with three of her fragrances, Christina has decided to add a fourth !

According to Marie Claire, the "Burlesque" actress is celebrating the release of her latest scent titled "Christina Aguilera By Night" with a brand new commercial.

Sharing the commercial with the magazine, Aguilera says naming the scent was difficult but ended up fitting because she's a "night owl".

"The title of this fragrance has been long-awaited for me, because I am a complete night owl,' Aguilera tells Marie Claire. "It's when I feel most creative, it's when I feel sexiest, it's when I feel like I can steal away a private moment for myself."

'Christina Aguilera: By Night' joins Xpose, Simply Christina and Inspire.

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Ex-Miss Argentina Dies after plastic surgery

2009-12-02T05:20:00.000-08:00

Shakira's fiance told her to tone it down

2009-11-30T07:48:00.000-08:00

Colombian singer Shakira has revealed that her fiance told her to tone down her sexy image.

The 32-year-old Latin singer is engaged to Antonio de la Rua, 36, who is the son of the former Argentine president Fernando, 72.

In the video for her single She Wolf, she dances in a cage and appears to dance in just high heels and a black belt.

She said: "He did not expect that at all. When he saw me in my flesh-toned leotard bodysuit, he was like: 'Could you not have worn a scarf at least?'"

She added: "I kept my cage from my She Wolf video. I may use it some other time.

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Aventura premieres new video 'Dile al amor'

2009-11-25T06:06:00.000-08:00

Their album, The Last, was certified double-platinum and held the no. 1 spot on the charts for a record 15 weeks; they performed for the president and first lady during last month’s Fiesta Latina at the White House; and their upcoming shows have already sold out on both coasts. Is there anything these Dominican bachateros can’t do? Well, their supremacy will be tested this weekend during the American Music Awards when they face off against Wisin y Yandel and Luis Fonsi for the title of “Favorite Latin Music Artist.”

In the meantime, the Bronx-based boys have just released another single from their top-selling album. The song, titled “Dile al Amor,” has lead vocalist Romeo singing, “I don’t need no love in my life” as he gives up on finding the perfect woman because of all his failed relationships. The video for the track was shot mostly in Brooklyn, with the bridges in the background. It opens with Romeo sleeping soundly while a beautiful raven-haired cupid (or is it cupida?) aims her arrow at him. Flashback scenes reveal the many disillusions our hero has suffered and why he’s determined to stay single.

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Ricky Martin raises money for kids

2009-11-25T06:01:00.000-08:00

Latin superstar Ricky Martin said Thursday he is teaming up with a German broadcaster to support his foundation and build a youth center for children in his native Puerto Rico.

Multi-Grammy winning artist Martin told The AP he is joining RTL on a telethon to raise money to build the center in Loiza, near the capital, San Juan.

"The idea is to build a center, a safe haven for children that are at risk of exploitation, which is the main mission of my foundation."

The RTL telethon Thursday and Friday is also raising money for other international and German children's charities.

The center in Loiza will be able to accommodate 150 children and will offer them art classes, meditation,
martial arts and yoga, Martin said. It has been designed by University of Puerto Rico architecture students, and construction is to get under way next year.

"It's just to show them another aspect of life they don't know because of the way that they live," he said, adding that the town has a 50 percent dropout rate in its schools.

"We need to show them the beauty of having a dignified life."

The "Livin' La Vida Loca" singer said his own twin boys, born in 2008 to a surrogate mother, would be regulars at the center themselves.

Martin said it would be valuable for the boys, Valentino and Matteo, to be able to mix with other people who had different lives.

"They're 16-month-old beautiful boys. They're healthy and surrounded by love. I learn something from them every day."

Martin said his Ricky Martin Foundation, founded in 2004, is also working on other projects like helping victims of human trafficking.

"Thousands of children are trafficked around the world," he said. "This isn't necessarily a problem of poverty but an issue of values. It's the slavery of a new era and I hope to abolish it."

Martin said he'd be back in Germany on a tour next September. He's currently in the studio working on a new album and expects a single as well as a book he's working on to be released next spring.

Ricky Martin Foundation: http://www.rickymartinfoundation.org

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Alejandro Sanz boards Paraiso Express

2009-11-25T05:55:00.000-08:00

Alejandro Sanz is, in some ways, the thinking fan's Latin-pop star. His odes to love and confesiones del corazón have always boasted thoughtful lyrics and interesting, intricate arrangements. He never goes for the obvious, but he's still managed to keep the swoon factor high over the span of seven studio albums.
Even current single Looking For Paradise -- a joyous,bilingual duet with Alicia Keys -- has become a social statement of sorts. Sanz encouraged fans and friends (incuding Shakira, Juanes, Ricky Martin and Eva Longoria Parker) to upload videos of themselves describing their ideal paradise.

Paraiso Express, online and in stores Tuesday, continues the trend. And it finds Sanz a bit more relaxed in his overall approach and delivery. The breezy tone is largely thanks to lush, lovely production from Tommy Torres (an accomplished singer in his own right). Sanz says he ruled out the flamenco he often favors, going instead for a more international, rock-based sound.
One of Sanz's biggest assets is his unmistakable vocal rasp -- it adds a world weariness to every tune he tackles. He's filled Paraiso Express with mature ballads and soulful midtempos that find him looking, yearning, hoping for love.
Mala lurches along, all guitars and horns, like the titular femme fatale; and Tu No Tienes La Culpa details, with real ache, a complex relationship where no one is to blame.

Desde Cuando, Pero Esta Tarde No Te Vas and Nuestro Amor Sera Leyenda are vocal master classes -- gorgeous exercises in holding back and going full-throttle heartbreak at just the right moments.
He gets playful during kickoff track Mi Peter Punk, but for the most part, Paraiso Express finds Sanz on a slow, steady journey through the many aspects of love.

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Billboard Latin Music Awards Move to PR

2009-11-22T06:24:00.000-08:00

The Billboard Latin Music Awards will take place in Puerto Rico in 2010.

It'll be the first time the prize giving has been held outside Florida in its 20-year history and Latino stars are thrilled by the news, which was announced at a press conference on Tuesday morning (17Nov09).
Colombian star Juanes tells Billboard.com, "I celebrate with great joy the fact that Puerto Rico will be the location for the Billboard Latin Music Awards. All the music in the region, in the island of music."

Enrique Iglesias adds, "What great news, the Billboard Latin music awards in the island. I'm sure that they will be historic." And Puerto Rico native Ricky Martin states, "My island has always been witness to important musical events and for it to be the location for the 2010 Billboard Latin Music Awards brings great pride to our culture."

The awards will take place on 04/ 29/ 2010 at the Conrad in San Juan.

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J-LO NERVOUS ABOUT AMA PERFORMANCE

2009-11-22T06:16:00.000-08:00

SHE might be one of music’s biggest stars — but Jennifer Lopez still gets nervous!

The Do It Well hitmaker admits she’s terrified about performing her new single, Louboutins, at Sunday night’s American Music Awards.

Lopez’s performance will include fireworks and an on-stage costume change.

“Dancing again, singing, the lights and the costumes — it all feels like second nature,” said Lopez of her first live TV performance in quite some time.

“You know what you’re doing and you feel very good about it, but at the same time, you wouldn’t be human if you’re not afraid,” she added.

Other artists set to perform at the 37th annual American Music Awards include Rihanna, Adam Lambert, Whitney Houston, Green Day, Lil’ Wayne, Lady Gaga, Eminem, Keith Urban, Jay-Z and Carrie Underwood.

40-year-old Lopez — who welcomed twins Max and Emme in February last year — recently revealed that becoming a mom has made her “glow from within”.

“Right now, I am at a place in my life where I feel immense happiness and fulfillment,” she said in October.

“It’s the kind of happiness that makes you glow from within, just like the special glow women get when they’re pregnant and when they’re falling in love with their babies.

“Being a mother has changed the way I look at my work in a very positive way. I want to be able to create and be part of things that I know my children will be proud of one day.

“It has really helped me stay focused on what is important and what is right for me.”

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(ABC) What would you do? Latino Hate Crime

2009-11-19T06:30:00.000-08:00

Check out this episode of what would you do? "latino hate crime"

Lopez Tonight averages 1.6 Million viewers

2009-11-17T08:16:00.000-08:00

TBS’s “The George Lopez Show” averaged 1.6 million viewers its first week, a very solid week based on modest expectations.

TBS sent out a release gleaning the best data from the first week. His viewers’ median age was 33, the youngest among late-night talk shows.

Among 18-49 and 18-34 demographics, he beat season-to-date averages of shows such as “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.” (Kimmel is on at 12:05 a.m. and Ferguson starts at 12:35 a.m. but Stewart is head to head with Lopez.)

About one-third of his audience came from Hispanics and 24% came from African Americans.

The four-day total on TBS was 1.8 million Monday, 1.4 million Tuesday, 2 million on Wednesday (after Tyler Perry’s shows) and 1.3 million Thursday.

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YouTube + Univision = TuTube

2009-11-17T08:09:00.000-08:00

YouTube said Monday that it reached an agreement with Univision, the most-watched Spanish language television network in the United States, to make a wide range of its programs available on the video sharing site.

YouTube described the deal, the latest in a series of agreements with owners of professionally-produced programming, as one of its most comprehensive agreements for TV content. The agreement is nonexclusive and includes short clips as well as full-length TV shows from Univision’s three networks, Univision, TeleFutura and Galavision.

YouTube has been on a quest to acquire rights to more professionally-produced content, which is more attractive to advertisers than clips uploaded by users.

The agreement, however, does not include content from Televisa, a Mexican media company that owns rights to some of the most popular telenovelas and serialized dramas that are broadcast on Univision. (Univision and Televisa recently settled a lawsuit in which the Mexican company accused Univision of breaching the companies’ revenue-sharing contract.)

Chris Maxcy, the head of content partnerships at YouTube, said the deal would appeal to one of YouTube’s fastest growing audiences, Latinos in the United States. YouTube already has content from some TV networks and producers in Latin America and Spain.

Kevin Conroy, president of Univision Interactive Media, said the network would upload to YouTube a combination of catalog content and new programming, including popular shows like Nuestra Belleza Latina, El Show de Cristina, Don Francsico Presenta and Escandalo TV.

YouTube and Univision refused to disclose financial details of the agreement. But YouTube said the two companies would share revenue generated through advertising.

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Shakira Feat. Lil Wayne "Give it up to me"

2009-11-16T07:33:00.000-08:00

Check out Shakira's new single Feat. Lil Wayne. Let us know what you think.

Latino leaders sparking youth interests

2009-11-16T06:59:00.000-08:00

Today's youth are tomorrow's doctors, lawyers and teachers. And Latino leaders want to motivate those students to be the next responsible and educated leaders for future generations.

"They just need to be pointed in the right direction," said Fran Aguilar, director of San Joaquin County WorkNet and president of the San Joaquin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

San Joaquin County mirrors the diversity of California, the largest minority group being Latino (more than 30 percent).

With diversity comes challenges, as some minority groups generally have more socioeconomic barriers, ranging from low academic achievement to gang-risk factors.

Motivational events are one way community leaders are trying to reach and inspire youth to refrain from destructive behavior, stay in school, be productive, make good decisions and keep striving.

"We really wanted these students to know what the opportunities are," said Aguilar, who was part of organizing the local League of United Latin American Citizens' Youth Leadership Conference, held earlier this month at San Joaquin Delta College.

Considering that these challenges are fixable, Aguilar said, the county is rather fortunate to have a large youth population to replace baby boomers who are beginning to leave the work force. "All we need to do is focus on educating those individuals," Aguilar said.

The conference followed another youth empowerment summit in October, held by an organization known as ESPINO. That event focused on keeping youth out of prison.

Other such motivational conferences include:

» Tracy Hispanic Business Group holds an annual youth gathering in partnership with Tracy Unified School District.

» San Joaquin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce collaborates with University of the Pacific on an annual financial aid and college workshop event.

» Jose Hernandez Reaching for the Stars Foundation also puts on a youth conference that promotes science, technology, engineering and math careers.

The most recent youth leadership conference drew about 1,200 students from throughout San Joaquin County. Many were chosen for participation by their counselors and teachers.

The conference featured an array of workshops that not only explored everyday personal issues but also weaved those topics into career and educational workshops.

Community professionals led presentations about their careers. There were discussions about preventing teen pregnancies, healthy interpersonal relationships, domestic violence, saying no to drugs, money management and the consequences of crime.

"Who wants to be a dropout and only make $27,000 a year?" Aguilar asked the students. "Who wants to have a master's degree and earn maybe over $71,000 a year?"

That answer was clear when the crowd cheered for the last question.

"I think it was great," said 16-year-old Isela Valentin. "It just make me want to go further than I wanted to before."

Valentin, whose parents are farm workers, said she plans to be the first in her family to graduate from high school and go to college. "I want to go as far as possible so I can help my family," said Valentin, an Edison High School junior.

Conference keynote speaker Maria Teresa Hernandez, a public health researcher at University of California, Berkeley, talked about the shortage of Latinos in the health and medicine industries.

Even though 30 percent of the state's population is Latino, less than 5 percent work in the health field, she said. "The people who fill those shortages are you."

Latinos are filling lower-end jobs, and that's wasted potential, she said.

Leopoldo Nuno, 15, was also encouraged by the messages from Hernandez and Aguilar.

Nuno, who aspires to be an automobile engineer, said his family recently migrated from Mexico so that he and his siblings can have a good education.

"Aprendi a no rendirme para alcanzar mis metas," said Nuno, a sophomore at Escalon High School.

"I learned to not give up in order to reach my goals."

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Wisin y Yandel Recruit T-Pain

2009-11-13T06:28:00.000-08:00

Found this on MTV Website. Check it out!

Paulina & Don to present Miss Colombia 09

2009-11-13T06:15:00.000-08:00

Singers Paulina Rubio and Don Omar are confirmed to present the coronation finale of Miss Colombia 2009 in Cartagena de Indias November 16.

Rubio will share the stage with Colombian musician Jorge Celedon the night that te new national beauty queen in elected and Don Omar will be joined by tropical pop group Mauricio y Palo de Agua for the bikini parade, reported news station La FM on Monday.

In addition to these two Latin celebs there will a vibrant array of artists who will be accompanying the various competition categories such as 'most beautiful face', 'best body', the couture costume parade and the galas.
Controversy has surrounded this years competition with regard to the unlawful dismissal and subsequent reinstatement of one of the contestants, Diana Salgado.

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Don Omar 'Hasta Abajo' - New Song

2009-11-13T06:10:00.000-08:00

Don Omar's 'Hasta Abajo' is the debut single included on his forthcoming re-release album, 'Prototype 2.0,' set to hit stores in early 2010. This energetic and powerful hit -- produced by Eliel -- brings us back to reggaeton's Latino hip-hop roots, luring us on the dancefloor with it's prominent raga beats. Be sure to listen to the new single on AOL Radio's Reggaeton/Urbano station.

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Daddy Yankee taking music classes

2009-11-12T07:41:00.000-08:00

Reggaeton singer Daddy Yankee has told a Mexican newspaper that he's taking music classes — 17 years after he started his career.
The Puerto Rican star says he has been taking classes on keyboards and expects to graduate in another year and a half.

Daddy Yankee tells the newspaper El Universal in a story published Tuesday that he once started music study but dropped it. He says he started up again a few years ago.

He says the formal studies have influenced his performances. "Before, I had to hum the melody to my producers; now I can play it on the keyboard and I feel comfortable, accomplished," he says.

The artist's real name is Ramon Ayala and he is best known for his song "Gasolina."

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Dobbs will turn up in politics

2009-11-12T07:33:00.000-08:00

It is only fitting, and hardly surprising, that Lou Dobbs has once again decided to part ways with CNN.
The long-time anchor, who helped launch the cable news network in 1980, announced his resignation yesterday, effective immediately. It's not the first time he's resigned abruptly. He once stormed out because producers broke away from his show to cover a breaking news story. Dobbs returned two years later, after a change in station management.

There had long been rumors of mutual dissatisfaction between Dobbs and CNN, a rift that has grown more heated sinced 2001 when he began espousing his anti-immigration views almost nightly.

While Dobbs' views usually stopped short of spilling over into Limbaugh-esque hatemongering, he had a hard time refraining from crossing that journalistic border. Too often, he didn't even try. His anger didn't seem to be limited to illegal immigrants, but to Latinos in general. Many complained that, while FOX is expected to have a far-right bent, and MSNBC to be left-leaning, viewers tuned in to CNN for balance. And, with the exception of Dobbs, they were usually able to find unbiased reporting there.

Robert Lovato, co-founder of Presente.org, said of the resignation, “Our contention all along was that Lou Dobbs — who has a long record of spreading lies and conspiracy theories about immigrants and Latinos — does not belong on the ‘most trusted name in news,’ We are thrilled that Dobbs no longer has this legitimate platform from which to incite fear and hate.”

It's a good thing for both Dobbs and his former employers that he is leaving. He has long since left the ranks of pure journalism and chosen the way of pure editorialism. In announcing his resignation, he said, "some leaders in media, politics and business have been urging me to go beyond the role here at CNN and to engage in constructive problem solving as well as to contribute positively to the great understanding of the issues of our day."

Oh, brother. We all know what that means. See ya on the campaign trail, Lou. Or, on FOX.

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Sammy Sosa Pictures of Latin Grammy

2009-11-10T07:22:00.000-08:00

The pictures of Sammy Sosa snapped on the Latin Grammy night has received huge circulation in the internet as it shows the former baseball player having white skin. Sosa, who was a popular baseball player and had black skin throughout his gaming career. His bleached skin photographs has surprised people and some have compared him to Michael Jackson, who had changed his skin color several times.

Like many other Sosa’s friends, Rebecca Polihronis, who was an employee of Cubs was surprised to see his new look. However, she has justified the reason for Sosa’s white skin and said, “he is going through a rejuvenation process for his skin.” She also stated that Sosa himself was astonished to see the new color of his skin. Polihronis added that Sosa does not want to follow Michael Jackson, who had changed the color of his skin, he was just undergoing dermatological treatment to keep his skin healthy after playing several years in sunlight.

Though Polihronis has stated the cause of Sosa’s bleached skin, people have not stopped making speculations. Some considered that the baseball player takes steroids, which caused vitiligo and resulted to this new skin color. The news of Sammy Sosa’s changed complexion has spread like a wildfire and received more importance than many other important happenings of the Latin Grammy Night. The pictures of Sammy Sosa accompanied with Sonia Sosa [his wife] has gained mixed comments from people, who were perplexed to see his bleached skin. Though some considered that he was not looking bad in his white complexion, some considered that Sammy Sosa looked better in his black complexion.

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Lopez Tonight a Party atmosphere

2009-11-09T06:34:00.000-08:00

After being a guest on almost every late-night talk show, George Lopez enters the fray as host of “Lopez Tonight,” premiering tonight at 11 on TBS.

Anyone who has watched TBS recently no doubt has seen the commercial with President Obama telling Lopez that his show is “change I can believe in.”

“He was really funny because he played it really dry,” Lopez said in a recent telephone interview from Los Angeles. The bit was filmed while Obama was still a candidate.

Lopez spent time on the campaign trail stumping for the future president and realized there that the time was right to host a talk show.

“I would see the people that were coming out and the hopefulness of those people and seeing how they related to me,” he said. “And knowing that late-night TV was in a bit of decline, I thought that there was an opportunity for something to happen like it happened 20 years before with Arsenio Hall.

“I did ‘The Arsenio Hall Show’ 16 times in five years, so I saw what that inclusive party format looked liked.”

The comedian hopes to bring a similar format back to late-night.

“I don’t just want to do good. I really want to wreck it every night,” he said. “I want to destroy it. I think there is a place to be inclusive, a place to be relaxed, a place to be funny and a place to be spontaneous.”

That means no desk and no pre-show interview. Sometimes members of the audience will ask the guests questions. Ellen DeGeneres, Eva Longoria-Parker and Kobe Bryant will join Lopez for the premiere.

“I’ve been on all the sides of (talk shows),” he said. “But what I didn’t like is the pre-interview that (felt) like you were being interrogated for something that was going to last seven minutes. Jimmy Kimmel was really great at being loose. When you did Leno, you had to stay on point from the first question to the second question to the third question.”

Lopez also brings diversity to a field dominated by white men.

“I think you lead by example. I’ll show (viewers) what America really looks like. They might not see it every day, but they’ll see it here. And maybe in things that we say, in things that we do, it will open people’s eyes to what is already out there, which is just a different color of a world.”

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UGLY BETTY IS HARDLY “UGLY”

2009-11-09T06:28:00.000-08:00

Ugly Betty is on a new day and time this season, but that’s not the only change in store on the series. America Ferrera tells www.hollywoodoutbreak.com that her character, Betty Suarez will shed a bit of that cocoon.

But, don’t expect the producers and writers to go crazy-overboard glamming Betty up. Ferrera says fans are concerned that having Betty change too quickly could possibly cause her to lose her identity. She points out that everyone connected with the show is sensitive to avoiding that at all costs as well.

The actress also isn’t worried that the Friday night move will diminish the core viewers. Ferrera is confident the audience will find them - no matter how the show is delivered.

Click onto video for all the subtle changes in store for Ugly Betty from America Ferrera.

Ugly Betty airs 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

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Gabriel Recognised At Latin Grammys

2009-11-06T08:59:00.000-08:00

Noted Mexican singer and songwriter Juan Gabriel was honored on Wednesday night as the Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year, at an event that witnessed the presence of a number of renowned singers from all across the world. The much acclaimed singer was recognized for his immense contribution in the various facets of Mexican music. The event was held just a day prior to the Latin Grammy Award show which is scheduled to be held in Las Vegas.

When the singer walked the red carpet wearing a sophisticated black jacket and sunglasses as well a impressive jeweled tie pin, all the photographers rushed their way up to the red carpet to catch a glimpse of the celebrated artist. Over the years, Gabriel has been successful in creating a name for himself in the music industry and boasts of a fan following all across the world. The artist is also recognized for penning down around 1500 songs and at the same time selling around 100 million records in all these years. The singer-songwriter who is also fondly referred to as the “divo of Juarez” has an recording experience spanning 30 years. No wonder the artist deserved all the accolades and appreciation that he received on Wednesday’s event.

Gabriel, whose actual name is Alberto Aguilera Valadez was born in extremely poor conditions and had to face a lot of hardships in his early life as he had to spend his growing up years in an orphanage at Juarez, which is a border city. However, he first tasted success in the year 1971 as his song “No Tengo Dinero,” and “I Have No Money,” became chart toppers.

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Alejandro Sanz searches for paradise

2009-11-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

Whenever Latin pop sensation Alejandro Sanz writes music, he sets off on a "long mental journey" to find inspiration. But when Alicia Keys surprised the singer at a party in New York by joining him in an impromptu jam session, Sanz knew then that he'd found his muse.

"I simply grabbed a guitar and we started to improvise, singing and playing. After that, we decided then that we needed to do something together," he said in an interview. "Working with her was such a marvelous thing. She's a great artist, a great woman, and it turned out to be something marvelous between us."

The end result is reflected in their new duet, "Looking For Paradise."

The 15-time Latin Grammy winner, who has performed on stage with Destiny's Child at the second annual Latin Grammy Awards and who collaborated with Colombian singer Shakira on her 2005 smash hit song "La Tortura," said he's found the same work ethic in Keys as he did with his other female counterparts.

Of Shakira and Keys, he said, "The two have things very much in common. For example, when it's time to work, they are perfectionists and they like to be at work until the very last detail is done. They are very much perfectionists and have a sensibility for music."

Despite rumors circulating for months that the 40-year-old raspy-voiced singer was working on a crossover English language studio album, "Looking for Paradise" is the only English track from his upcoming album, "Paraiso Express," due out on Nov. 10.

The music video for the lead song finds the Madrid-born singer and the R&B songstress searching for each other and later meeting up at a rooftop party in New York City — in a symbolic gesture of unity among two singers from different musical worlds.

"The song is so beautiful. It's touching. It's uplifting. It's worldwide. It really talks about the way we're all looking for something and how we can all find it," Keys says in a video posted on Sanz' Web site. "I just love this idea of bringing worlds together. I think that's what it's all about."

"Paraiso Express" is Sanz's eighth studio album in three years, and he linked up with producers Swizz Beatz and Tommy Torres, who has worked with Latin singers Ricardo Arjona and Ricky Martin. He said he hopes listeners will enjoy the journey and "find for themselves the 'Paraiso' within."

"I hope this album motivates listeners to look for their own paradise, that paradise that very often is inside us, although we insist in looking for it in the outside," he said.

On the Net:

http://www.alejandrosanz.com

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Calle 13 Rule Latin Grammys

2009-11-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

The big winner at the Latin Grammys in Las Vegas on Thursday night was the Puerto Rican hip-hop group Calle 13, who nabbed all five awards they were nominated for, including Album of the Year (Los de Atrás Vienen Conmigo) and Record of the Year ("No Hay Nadie Como Tú").

"This award, I have to dedicate to many people," Calle 13's René Pérez — a.k.a. Residente — said while accepting Record the Year, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The hip-hop duo — which also features Pérez's stepbrother Eduardo José Cabra Martínez, who raps under the name Visitante — secured additional wins for Best Urban Music Album, Best Short-Form Music Video and Best Alternative Song.

"To all the people who make music in this moment of independent music, to hell with record labels!" Residente said while accepting the alternative-song trophy, according to E! online. "This is the moment for those of us who make real music."

The duo also performed at the show, busting out a rendition of "La Perla," for which they'd won best short-form video, with salsa singer Ruben Blades.

Alicia Keys — whose presence at the Latin Grammys was the reason she wasn't able to perform "Empire State of Mind" with Jay-Z at MTV's European Music Awards in Berlin — took the stage with Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz for a rendition of his "Looking for Paradise."

Other highlights from the awards show included Eva Longoria Parker appearing as a presenter. Enrique Iglesias presented the 2009 Person of the Year award to Mexican singer Juan Gabriel. Alexander Acha, a Mexican singer/songwriter, took home Best New Artist.

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Latin Grammys has another spotlight

2009-11-04T21:38:00.000-08:00

Calle 13, the Puerto Rican half-sibling, alt-hip-hop duo, is a group that hardly needs more accolades to make its presence known. If not at the pinnacle of their careers, the stepbrothers René Pérez Joglar, the lead singer known as Residente, and Eduardo José Cabra Martínez, a.k.a. Visitante, surely are entering into Andean altitudes.

Building on their huge Puerto Rican following, they've been playing to sell-out crowds in South America and the United States. Already a multiple Latin Grammy and one-time Grammy award winner, Calle 13 leads the pack of this year's Latin Grammy nominees with five.

Among the trophies the duo might haul home from tonight's ceremony at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas are those for album of the year ("Los De Atrás Vienen Conmigo"), record of the year ("No Hay Nadie Como Tú") and best short form music video, for "La Perla," with Ruben Blades, one of tonight's presenters. Calle 13 also is gaining traction with non-Latino listeners; among its recent U.S. gigs was a 2008 performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Yet, speaking by phone recently from Venezuela, where he was on tour, Residente said he was grateful that he and other Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking artists have their own separate event from the Grammy Awards. The Latin Grammys, with 49 categories, targets artists across a spectrum of styles, including reggaeton, cumbia, ranchera and religious music.

The Grammys, with only a handful of Latin categories, necessarily lumps many disparate artists into one thick cultural pozole.

"Music is music, but it's good we have a separate award," Residente said. "They [the Grammy Awards] try to incorporate everything, from Mana to Calle 13, and it's crazy."

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the Latin Grammy Awards has found a comfortable niche between registering shifting Latino musical tastes and sensibilities while catering to an awareness that more non-Latinos, both in the United States and elsewhere, are listening to Spanish- and Portuguese-language music.

The show's presenter, the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, no longer feels compelled to argue for its right to a spot in America's saturated entertainment-awards cosmos. And the awards themselves, now broadcast on the Spanish-language Univision Network, have become a lavish, commercially lucrative affair that reflects the growing importance of U.S. Latinos, who as of 2007 made up 15.5% of the nation's population, both as a political and consumer force.

But if the awards have grown to fill out their ambitious expectations, the academy remains a relatively lean operation, said its president, Gabriel Abaroa. Each year, he said, its core staff of 10 people relies heavily on a group of about 350 volunteers to listen to and classify all the recordings. The more money the organization saves on overhead costs, said Abaroa, the more it can focus on identifying and promoting new talent.

"Every single day that an office closes, the last person goes and turns out all the lights and shuts all the computers," Abaroa said. "All the staff that works for the Latin Recording Academy came from Third World countries, where crisis is an everyday word. You learn to be very conservative."

In some ways, the Latin music industry has had to rethink its future in the decade since the Latin Grammys and the academy were launched. Back then, the conventional wisdom was that "the crossover moment had arrived," as Ricky Martin and other artists scored a handful of monster English-language pop hits, Abaroa said. "Ricky delivered the perfect punch at the perfect time in the perfect world."

But that crossover phenomenon never fully arrived, and since then the academy has "become more rootsy, we have gone more to the roots," Abaroa maintained. This was possible in part, he believes, because "the American public is accepting much more that someone can sing in Spanish."

Despite the accelerating mainstreaming of Latino culture -- or, if you like, the Latinization of U.S. popular culture -- the Latin Academy seeks to maintain the legitimacy of Latin, non-English music as a distinct cultural entity. That goal is reflected in its stiff rules governing the proportion of Spanish- or Portuguese-language content that recordings must have in order to be nominated.

For any song category, at least 75% of the lyrics must be in Spanish or Portuguese. Album recordings in all categories must have at least 51% Spanish or Portuguese lyrical content. "You want to make sure the album is as pure as possible in the use of Spanish or Portuguese. It has to respect the poetry," Abaroa said.

Tomas Cookman, president and owner of North Hollywood-based Cookman International and Nacional Records, said that although Latino artists and listeners do care about the Latin Grammys, winning an award seldom does much for a record's sales.

Kid Cudi to Appear on Shakira Album

2009-11-02T10:39:00.000-08:00

Shakira is adding to her list of rap collaborators. After recruiting Lil Wayne for her Timbaland-produced single “Give It Up to Me,” she has tapped Kid Cudi for a track on the U.S. edition of her album.

The “Day ‘N’ Nite” rapper appears on the remix to The Neptunes production “Did It Again,” while Pitbull guests on the Spanish remix “Lo Hecho Está Hecho.” A video for the original song was recently released and can be viewed below.

Shakira’s third English album She Wolf lands stateside November 23. Kid Cudi can be seen opening for Lady Gaga’s “Monster Ball” tour beginning November 27 in Montreal, Canada.

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2009 Latin Grammy lineup

2009-10-30T05:58:00.000-07:00

Pepe Aguilar, Oscar D'Leon, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Wisin y Yandel, and 2009 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Juan Gabriel, are the latest performers added to the stellar lineup for the 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY® Awards telecast, it was announced today by The Latin Recording Academy®. Confirmed to present awards are current Latin GRAMMY nominees Enrique Bunbury, Luis Enrique, German Montero, Omara Portuondo and Reik, as well as Kany Garcia, Enrique Iglesias, Victor Manuelle, Milly Quezada, and Johnny Ventura. The milestone telecast is set for Nov. 5 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, and will be broadcast live on the Univision Network from 8 – 11 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central). For updates and breaking news, please visit The Latin Recording Academy's social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/latingrammys, www.facebook.com/latingrammys.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080819/LATU001LOGO)

Additionally, for the first time the 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards Pre-Telecast ceremony will be streamed live internationally on www.latingrammy.com beginning at 2 p.m. PT. Fashion entrepreneur and former Miss Universe Barbara Palacios will host the Pre-Telecast, during which winners in more than 35 of the 49 Latin GRAMMY categories will be announced prior to the evening's telecast — kicking off a full evening of celebrating excellence in recorded Latin music from around the world. The Pre-Telecast will take place from 2 – 3 p.m. PT at Mandalay Bay Events Center and the live stream will remain on LatinGRAMMY.com for 30 days following the event.

Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY® winners Wisin y Yandel garnered a nomination for Best Urban Album (La Revolucion) and two in Best Urban Song ("Abusadora" with Marcos Masis "Tainy," and "Mujeres In The Club" with 50 Cent). Oscar D'Leon is nominated for Best Salsa Album (Tranquilamente…Tranquilo), Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles is up for Best Ranchero Album (Companeras), and Gilberto Santa Rosa has a nod for Record Of The Year ("Si No Vas A Cocinar" with Jose Lugo Orchestra). Los Tucanes de Tijuana vocalist Mario Quintero Lara is nominated for Best Regional Mexican Song ("Se Fue Mi Amor").

Previously announced performers include David Bisbal, Ruben Blades, Calle 13, Shaila Durcal, Luis Fonsi, Grupo Montez De Durango, Laura Pausini, Espinoza Paz, La Quinta Estacion and Luz Rios as well as 14-time Latin GRAMMY and two-time GRAMMY winner Alejandro Sanz. Previously announced presenters feature Alexander Acha, Beto Cuevas, Cucu Diamantes, Juan Luis Guerra, and Gian Marco. Actor/Comedian Eugenio Derbez and actress/singer Lucero will co-host the 10th anniversary celebration.

Once again, Univision.com is the official Spanish-language Web site for the 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards. Find exclusive coverage of this year's performers at www.latingrammy.univision.com, including video interviews and photos, an extensive archive of past shows, and dedicated forums for fans to share their excitement leading up to the live broadcast. For access to the latest Latin GRAMMY scoop and photos on-the-go, visit Univision.com on any Web-enabled mobile device.

Preceding the Awards show telecast, Univision will present exclusive "Noche de Estrellas" (Night Of The Stars) coverage of the celebrity arrivals direct from the Latin GRAMMY Awards green carpet starting at 7 p.m. ET/PT (6 p.m. Central). Presented by "Primer Impacto" co-anchor Barbara Bermudo and "Nuestra Belleza Latina" host Giselle Blondet, "Noche de Estrellas" will feature live interviews and commentary on the stars and their fashions, and provide viewers an intimate and up close look at Latin music's most glamorous gala event.

A limited number of tickets to the 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards are available to the public and may be purchased at the Mandalay Bay Events Center box office (877.632.7400; www.mandalaybay.com) or through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

The Latin Recording Academy is an international, membership-based organization comprised of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking recording artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other creative and technical recording professionals. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for Latin music and its makers. In addition to producing the Latin GRAMMY Awards to honor excellence in the recorded arts and sciences, The Latin Recording Academy provides educational and outreach programs for the Latin music community. For more information about The Latin Recording Academy, please visit www.latingrammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, join the organization's social networks as a Twitter follower at www.twitter.com/latingrammys, and a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/latingrammys.

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Take talk of food racism

2009-10-30T05:51:00.000-07:00

San Diego, California (CNN) -- This week, I was on a talk radio show when the host -- a white male conservative (what are the odds?) -- asked me if Americans are so sensitive that we now have to worry about "food racism."

When I first heard the phrase, I thought he was talking about the time that Hillary Clinton, during the Democratic primary, went looking for Latino votes in a Mexican restaurant in Las Vegas, Nevada. Trying to explain to her mostly Mexican-American audience that Americans' concerns are intertwined, Clinton wound up showing everyone that her knowledge of Latino issues is a side order short of a combination plate when she said condescendingly:

"We treat these problems as if one is guacamole and one is chips, when ... they both go together."

Gulp! I remember thinking at the time: "Ay gracias, Señora Clinton. I have difficulty with challenging political issues, but now you're speaking my language. Come on, donkey!"

Instead, the radio host was talking about the latest tempest -- a taco in a teapot. One of the most recent skirmishes in the culture wars is about a Latino race car driver and a TV broadcaster who spun out and hit the wall after telling a lame joke that some are calling racist.

ESPN broadcaster Bob Griese has been suspended for one week for a stereotypical crack he made about NASCAR driver Juan Pablo Montoya. During a recent ESPN broadcast, a graphic appeared listing the top drivers in a NASCAR competition. When fellow analyst Chris Spielman asked where was Montoya, Griese replied he was "out having a taco."

Griese has twice apologized on air for the remark, which -- according to ESPN -- he now realizes was "inappropriate." Montoya, who is Colombian, has taken the high road. Asked about the comment, the driver said: "Somebody mentioned it to me. I don't really care to tell you the truth. Yeah, I don't. I could say that I spent the last three hours eating tacos, but I was actually driving a car."

OK, this isn't the worst slight. Yes, it's true that one thing that bothers many Latinos is the ignorance. News flash: Not all 47 million Latinos in the United States can trace their origins to Mexico, and many people from Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, El Salvador and other Latin American countries flat-out resent being lumped together with Mexicans just because some non-Latinos don't care enough to do their homework and make the distinction.

But if you ranked a bunch of racist acts from 1 to 10, with 1 being the most harmless and 10 being the worst, Sheriff Joe Arpaio rounding up Mexicans in Arizona might be a nine. What you hear from cable demagogues could be an eight. The New Mexico innkeeper who fired workers for not anglicizing their names would be a seven. Griese's comments would be closer to a four.

So why suspend him? Two reasons: money and memory.

First, about money, ESPN is owned by The Walt Disney Co. and Latinos spend $800 billion a year. Eager for a piece, Mickey Mouse wants Latino consumers to know: "Se habla Español." So Griese had to be put in time out.

Next, about memory, the "taco" controversy brings to mind one of the most notorious racial flubs in the recent history of professional sports and one that was much uglier.

In April 1997, at the Masters Golf Tournament, after shooting a pitiful 78 that tied him for 34th in the final standings, professional golfer Fuzzy Zoeller assessed the game of the young man who came in first: 21-year-old Tiger Woods, who became the first African-American to win a major tournament.

Referring to the Masters' Champions Dinner where the menu is set by the previous year's winner, Zoeller said about Woods: "That little boy is driving well and he's putting well. He's doing everything it takes to win. So, you know what you guys do when he gets in here? You pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy it and tell him not [to] serve fried chicken next year. Got it?" Zoeller smiled, snapped his fingers, and walked away. Then he turned his head and yelled over his shoulder, "or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve."

Woods, whose mother is Asian-American and whose father was African-American, calls himself: "Calibasian."

Zoeller obviously saw Woods in simpler terms. Insisting his comments were "not intended to be racially derogatory," the golfer later apologized "for the fact that they were misconstrued in that fashion."

Fried chicken and collard greens, huh? Now that's what I call food racism.

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Don Omar - New Movement in Reggaeton

2009-10-29T08:17:00.000-07:00

Don Omar was one of the more prominent Latin artists to usher reggaeton into the mainstream U.S. market earlier this decade.

Generating heavy mainstream airplay and record sales with such crossover singles as “Dale Don Dale” and “Dile” (Otra Noche), Don Omar soon would draw audiences of all ethnicities and ages.

In 2005, thus far the height of reggaeton’s U.S. popularity, Dom Omar joined such reggaeton stars as Daddy Yankee, Tego Calderón, Voltio and Ivy Queen for a sold out show at New York’s famed Madison Square Garden on Thanksgiving Day.

But in recent years, as the music industry’s overall sales declined, the flame of reggaeton has cooled somewhat in the U.S., with radio station programmers and club deejays citing the lack of new Latin artists with crossover appeal as a cause.

Still, to Don Omar and other artists, who are as popular as ever in Latin America and Europe, reggaeton is just hitting its stride in the U.S. and abroad.

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Ellen, Kobe, And Eva Longoria 1st Guests

2009-10-27T14:08:00.000-07:00

George Lopez is preparing to debut his new late-night "party," but really talk show, with some major guests. the first to hit "Lopez Tonight" are fellow talk show host and soon-to-be "American Idol" judge Ellen Degeneres, "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria Parker, and NBA superstar Kobe Bryant.

The trio of A-Listers head the first night of Lopez's new show, which premieres Monday, November 9th at 11pm ET/PT on TBS. The comedian's first late-night stint will air Monday through Thursday on TBS.

Also lined up for the show's first few weeks are Sandra Bullock, who executive produced "The George Lopez Show" and cameo'd in various episodes, Kathy Griffin, Ray Romano, Taylor Lautner, Charlie Sheen, Jamie Foxx, Queen Latifah, Kelly Osburne, Floyd Mayweather, Ted Danson, Larry David, and Arsenio Hall.

Lopez, who premiered his HBO stand-up special "Tall, Dark and Chicano" this year, of course always has a seat for his latino friends. Also scheduled to appear are in the show's first weeks are Jessica Alba, Andy Garcia, Oscar de la Hoya, Marc Anthony, and Eva Mendes.

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New Mexico Hotel Owner Accused of Racism

2009-10-27T11:53:00.000-07:00

Larry Whitten, who purchased a floundering New Mexico hotel in July, is being cast as a racist by ex-employees and civil rights groups for forcing his Latino workers to make their names sound less Hispanic and preventing them from speaking Spanish in his presence.

Now, those who feel disrespected by his actions are marching and picketing against the Southwestern adobe-style hotel in the northern New Mexico town of Taos. Joining the host of angry former employees and townsfolk are such activist groups as Los Brown Berets de Nuevo Mexico and the New Mexico chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens, a national civil rights organization.

"I do feel he's a racist, but he's a racist out of ignorance. He doesn't know that what he's doing is wrong," protester Juanito Burns Jr., who identifies himself as prime minister of Los Brown Berets de Nuevo Mexico, told The Associated Press.

But Whitten, a 63-year-old native Virginian, who helped turn around flailing hotels in Texas, Florida, Oklahoma and South Carolina, said, "It has nothing to do with racism. I'm not doing it for any reason other than for the satisfaction of my guests, because people calling from all over America don't know the Spanish accents or the Spanish culture or Spanish anything.

"Because of that, I asked the people in my presence to speak only English because I do not understand Spanish," Whitten says. "I've been working 24 years in Texas and we have a lot of Spanish people there. I've never had to ask anyone to speak only English in front of me because I've never had a reason to.”

But that doesn’t mean it isn’t racist, says fired hotel worker Martin Gutierrez, who says he felt disrespected when he was told to use the unaccented Martin as his name. He says he told Whitten that Spanish was spoken in New Mexico before English, AP reports. "He told me he didn't care what I thought because this was his business," Gutierrez says.

"I don't have to change my name and language or heritage. I'm professional the way I am."

Darren Cordova, the mayor or Taos, a liberal community of about 5,000 residents, says Whitten has done nothing illegal, but he believes he should have better familiarized himself with the town before moving there.

"Taos is so unique that you would not do anything in Taos that you would do elsewhere," he says.

Whitten agrees. "What kind of fool or idiot or poor businessman would I be to orchestrate this whole crazy thing that's costed me a lot of time, money and aggravation?" Whitten said.

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Penelope Cruz filming for Sex and the City 2

2009-10-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

Penelope with a si plus Liza with a Z are spicing up "Sex and the City 2."
Oscar winners Penelope Cruz and Liza Minnelli joined the film's stars, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon, for the hotly awaited film, according to People.com.

The sequel about the further exploits of sex columnist Carrie Bradshaw, played by Parker, and her friends is set to come out next summer.

Hunky Jason Lewis returns in his role as Cattrall's younger ex.

Cruz plays a banker in her big-screen cameo, not herself, as previously reported, a source told EW.com.

The sexy Spanish 35-year-old was spotted wearing a backless black dress cozying up to Chris Noth, who plays Carrie Bradshaw's hubby, at the Empire Hotel, where the film shot this week.

When Minnelli wrapped her three days on the set, she said farewell in her own special way.

She wrapped her famous voice around "Every Time I Say Goodbye" and a "total hush fell over the set," said the EW.com source.

"Everyone had goose bumps, tears. It was a really lovely parting gift she felt like giving everyone."

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Shakira Wants a Baby!

2009-10-26T06:06:00.000-07:00

Shakira reveals in her latest interview that she’s ready to take the next step in her life – have a baby.

Shakira's hips don't lie . . . they want a baby, and are proud to declare it.

"My body feels like it is asking to reproduce, to have a huge belly and carry babies," said the 32-year-old singer. "And when the baby comes, I don't want to be in the middle of 100,000 projects."

She is currently touring the country performing songs from her latest album but plans to start a family when her tour ends later this year. This next step in her life will be with her boyfriend of nine years, Antonio de la Rúa, the son of the Argentine former President Fernando de la Rúa, by her side.

The singer also revealed that she is in treatment with a 70-year-old Freudian psychotherapist in New York for her oral fixation.

"I've always lived through my mouth," she told Rolling Stone magazine. "It's my biggest source of pleasure: what I say, what I sing, the kisses I give, the chocolate I eat."

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some Latina teens consider suicide

2009-10-24T16:33:00.000-07:00

Twelve-year-old Francisca Abreu was anxious.

It was February 20, 2007, and she laid her head down on her desk in her seventh-grade science class.

"I was crying; I was very depressed. I had written a note to myself," Francisca remembers. "I just said I can't do this anymore. I want to kill myself."

Francisca's school called home, and her mother, Isabel Valdez, learned for the first time that her daughter was in serious trouble.

"I never told her," says Francisca. "I never bothered her; she probably never bothered to notice."

Such a disconnect between mothers and daughters is what Dr. Luis Zayas, a psychologist at Washington University, suspects is leading an alarming number of Latina teenagers to want to end their lives.

One out of every seven Latina teens, or 14 percent, attempts suicide according to a 2007 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey of high school students. And Latina high school students have higher attempted suicide rates than white non-Hispanic (7.7 percent) or black non-Hispanic (9.9 percent) girls their age, the CDC reports.

Zayas has spent the last 25 years trying to find out why. He says the typical Latina teen who attempts suicide is 14 or 15, the daughter of immigrant parents, lives in a low-income setting and is caught in an intense battle with her mother over Latino and American cultures.

Research conducted by Zayas has found the girls' parents hold strictly to traditional Latino values, while teens who grow up in America learn "very different models about what girls should do, can do and are permitted to do."

Zayas is nearing completion of a five-year study of more than 200 Latina teenagers who live in New York City. More than half of those studied have attempted suicide, including Francisca Abreu, who is now 15.

In 1997, Francisca's mother, Isabel, left the Dominican Republic for the promise of work in the United States.

Desperate to find a better life for her three children -- she left them behind. Francisca, who was 3 at the time, says she was devastated.

"I used to tell her, you always say you're going to come but you never do. You always say you're going to call but you never do," Francisca says. "I used to be very depressed because I thought she wasn't going to come."

Four years later, Isabel went back to get Francisca and her brothers to bring them back with her to the United States.

But Francisca says life with her mother in the Bronx wasn't what she thought it would be. Her mother worked three jobs, and Francisca barely saw her.

As she spent time with her new American friends, the distance grew between Francisca and her mother.

When her mother wasn't at work, Francisca says they were fighting.

"There are many girls who are well-behaved," Isabel says. "But there are others who are on the wrong path. They like to flirt. They like hanging out. They like to stay out late. These are not the friends I like for my kids."

Francisca says her mother wanted her to stay home, learn how to cook and clean the house. She says she wasn't allowed to hang out with her friends.

"I did want to do what I want, be outside, not too late, but be outside period. Be able to go to the pool, regular stuff like other kids," Francisca recalls.

The conflict between mothers and daughters is what Zayas says is driving many of the Latinas he has studied to the brink.

"Teenagers have certain freedoms; they don't need to consult with their parents to make certain decisions," Zayas says. "That's the culture that's here, and inserted in that is the Latino family that says the family is much more important than the individual."

Trapped between two worlds, Francisca says she fell into a deep depression.

"I would cry about my dad, not being with him. How I missed my country. How I wish I wasn't like this with my mom, or my mom wasn't like this with me," Francisca recalls. "Like she wouldn't be mean to me, [she'd] tell me mean stuff like 'I wish I could put you back in my belly. ... I wish you weren't born.' "
Isabel says she remembers a difficult child who wouldn't open up.

"She would throw things, stomp her feet. When she got home, all she wanted to do was sleep. She didn't talk and was rude to her brothers and me," Isabel says. "Maybe I wasn't very understanding with her. I don't know."

Trying to escape the pain, Francisca made a desperate choice and decided to take some of her mother's pills.
"I was tired of being another burden in my mom's life," Francisca says.

But the pain didn't go away. A year later, Francisca was admitted to a psychiatric hospital after a teacher found the note she wrote at school. Three days later she was released and started counseling.

Several weeks later, Francisca met 15-year-old Xavier Cardona at school. She says their connection was instant.

"The first time we were ever together, he hugged me, and I felt like, 'Oh my God, that felt so good.' I felt so safe, I felt secure," Francisca says. "It felt good to have someone hug you that way with such meaning."

Breaking all her mother's rules, she skipped school to spend time with Xavier. Then, two days after her 14th birthday, Francisca came home with devastating news -- she was pregnant.

"I felt like I was going to die," Isabel remembers. "I was embarrassed when it came to the rest of the family. What were they going to say? That I was the one who didn't take care of her?"

In November, Francisca gave birth to a baby girl. She named her daughter Destiny, and slowly she says she began to understand her mother better.

"All she did was be a good mother, sacrifice her life for us," Francisca says. "That's all she did."

Today with the help of therapy, Francisca says she's learning to cope with her depression.

In June, she shared her experiences about growing up Latina at a fundraising gala for her counseling center.

Before hundreds of people, she thanked her mother.

"I came to this country not knowing the language, the people or how it is here," Francisca told them. "But at the end of the day, my mom was my biggest support."

Francisca says she now understands her mother, and Isabel says she understands the struggles of growing up Latina in America.

"At least now she knows I tried to do the best I could," Isabel says. "Times change. My times are different from hers, and I have to understand that."

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NBA launches effort to attract US Hispanics

2009-10-23T06:03:00.000-07:00

In an effort to broaden its appeal to Hispanic audiences, The National Basketball Association launched Éne-bé-a, a multichannel marketing campaign.

The league is using national TV, radio and online advertising, in addition to a Web site, events, merchandise promotion and grassroots programs. This is also the first time the NBA has launched a database-building initiative specifically for its Latino audience.

Saskia Sorrosa, director of US Hispanic marketing for the NBA, said the league has reached out to Latinos since 2000. “But this is the first time we're gathering all of our assets under one umbrella marketing platform to reach this demographic,” she added. “We wanted to have a unified message while remaining culturally relevant.”

The NBA has 19 Latino players from six Latin American countries. Hispanics make up 15% of its US fan base, according to the league.

To promote the campaign's digital elements, the league launched Spanish- and English-language broadcast ads on October 19. Those ads promote the microsite www.nba.com/enebea, which was launched October 16, as a call to action. On the site, users can watch news, view photo galleries and click to interact with
Éne-bé-a on social networks like Facebook and Twitter.

Sorrosa added site visitors will be prompted to sign up for an e-mail newsletter that will emphasize Latino players' stats, game highlights and other general NBA news that might be relevant to the segment.
She added that Éne-bé-a will also launch webisodes featuring Latino players and stressing the importance of passionate fans and game attendance in the first quarter of 2010.

The campaign was developed by Hispanic-focused ad agency Bromley Communications. It is expected to run throughout the regular season and next June's NBA Finals.

Linda Aguayo, group account director for Bromley, said the league named the effort what it did because Hispanic NBA fans don't want to be categorized by the language they speak.

“This is why we didn't go with ‘NBA en Español' or ‘NBA Latino,'” she said. “They want to be a part of the brand.” The effort is a way for Hispanic fans to connect with the league using the name they already call it, she explained.

Aguayo said the league has numerous goals for the campaign, including maintaining and growing the NBA's avid Hispanic fan base, to increase TV viewership and game attendance and sell more merchandise.

“At the end of the day, every marketer wants to surround the consumer,” Aguayo said. “The NBA has so many assets — grassroots, broadcast, digital and community outreach — that allow us to target consumers with their strong brand message.”

Spanish language telecasts will be available on ESPN Deportes during the regular season, which begins next month, and the conference finals. The NBA also airs hundreds of Spanish- language live-game radio broadcasts each season through station partnerships in 10 cities with league franchises.

In terms of media buying, this campaign also marks the first time the NBA is targeting Hispanics outside the NBA's own media assets. Ads are playing on Telemundo, Telefuturo, Fox Sports en Español, CNN en Español, Mun2 and MTV3.

Sorrosa said while the main target demographic is consumers 18 to 49 years of age, the NBA is also reaching out to even younger viewers.

“Running ads on channels like MTV3 and Mun2 will help us engage viewers at an early age,” she said. “The younger they are when we reach them, the more likely they are to become lifelong fans.”

Éne-bé-a-branded shirts and other merchandise will be available at New York City's NBA Store, select team arena stores and online at NBAstore.com.

The campaign's grassroots programs include Es Tu Cancha, a program to improve and renovate basketball courts in Hispanic neighborhoods across the US.

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CNN documentary features Miami immigrant

2009-10-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

Marta was 13 years old when she left her Central American homeland and crossed the Rio Grande in Texas without knowing how to swim -- all in a desperate bid to reunite with her mother who had left her behind with her grandmother while she sought work in the United States.

Once here, Marta -- not her real name -- was detained by immigration authorities who locked her up at Boystown, a facility in Miami-Dade for undocumented immigrant children in deportation proceedings.

Eventually freed and given a visa, Marta and her dramatic story is scheduled to be featured Thursday night on CNN's series Latino in America hosted by Soledad O'Brien. The segment on Marta is scheduled for 9 p.m., according to the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center, the Miami-based immigrant legal services outfit that represents Marta.

``Like Marta, each child who arrives here brings a unique and often heart-wrenching story,'' said Cheryl Little, executive director of Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center. ``Yet rather than being welcomed they encounter a complex, bewildering and frightening system.

``Many children are quickly removed without regard for what danger abusive parents, persecution by gangs, life on the streets, might await back home. Our hope is that in the near future they will have the right to a free attorney so they at least have a fighting chance to win their case.''

Marta is one of thousands of undocumented children in the United States.

The Pew Hispanic Center, in a 2006 report, estimated the number of undocumented children in the United States at 1.8 million. Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center estimates that more than 7,000 unaccompanied children a year end up in immigration custody, with more than half having no legal representation in deportation proceedings.

The organization represents about 400 of these children each year and Marta is one of its clients. The group did not identify the teenager by her real name or her country of origin partly because of a judge's determination that she had been abused, abandoned or neglected by her family.

Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center outlined Marta's story in a statement sent to El Nuevo Herald.

Her father abandoned the family when she was a child and when she turned seven her mother left for the United States, leaving Marta with her grandmother.

Missing her mother, Marta set off on her own for the United States when she was 13. But once here, the relationship with her mother didn't work out and Marta was picked up by immigration authorities who placed her in Boystown and sought to return her to her country.

With the help of Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center attorney Michelle Abarca and attorneys from the Immigrant Children's Justice Clinic at Florida International University, Marta was released from Boystown in July and granted a special immigrant juvenile visa that put her on the path to permanent residency.

Marta became friends with Lissette Alvarez, a Cuban-American singer who was a Pedro Pan child in the 1960s. Alvarez is married to exile singer and fellow Pedro Pan child Willy Chirino, Both are also featured in the documentary, as is former Sen. Mel Martinez, also Pedro Pan.

Marta turned 16 in July and wants to become a journalist, Little said.

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Shakira loves fans who download her music

2009-10-22T09:04:00.001-07:00

Shakira has said that she feels closer to fans who download her music illegally.

The “Hips Don't Lie” singer’s comments have come in response to the British Government's plans to crack down on file sharing. And the curvy star has claimed that she supports those who access her tracks without paying for them.

"I like what's going on because I feel closer to the fans and the people who appreciate the music,” Contactmusic quoted the Columbian singer as saying. "It's the democratization of music in a way. And music is a gift. That'' what it should be, a gift,” she added.

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Selena Gomez Gets Her Own Fashion Line

2009-10-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

Does Selena Gomez ever sleep?

According to Women's Wear Daily, the Disney star and pop singer is collaborating with a creative team to design Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez. The line consists of "pretty, feminine and bohemian" clothes and accessories (made of eco-friendly and organic materials, natch) that are similar to the starlet's own aesthetic.
These days when a celebrity announces a fashion venture, we're usually like, "Whatever—join the club, everybody's got one."

But the 17-year-old actress is one of the best-dressed junior fashionistas in Hollywood, and she seems like a genuinely nice young lady, so we're kind of excited to see what she has to offer.

What about you? Would you buy what Selena's selling?

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CNN must get rid of Lou Dobbs

2009-10-20T05:46:00.000-07:00

Every night, Lou Dobbs appears on CNN prime time in the living rooms of Americans, promoting a hate-filled agenda that primarily targets Latinos.

It is OK for Dobbs to promote lies and hate, as long as he brings in the numbers and controversy that make CNN the forum of conversation.

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In recent days, we have all heard the major advertising campaign promoting CNN’s latest documentary titled “Latinos in America,” as presented by journalist Soledad O’Brien. It will air Oct. 21 and 22 in the U.S. According to O’Brien, “it was clear that the community felt starved for good solid coverage.”

True, Latinos across the U.S. have been and still are waiting for accurate, objective journalistic coverage that does not depict Latinos as criminals, anti-American or lazy.

It is to be applauded that CNN has taken on this endeavor in search of accurately depicting a major component of the American population.

However, the hypocrisy of having an allegedly non-biased production followed or pre-empted by Dobbs is simply absurd.

On a daily basis, Dobbs claims to speak for the “real” American who has been victimized by a stampede of illegal aliens. He continuously dehumanizes the Latino community and hides behind the pathetic excuse of patriotism and middle-class pride.

Now, CNN does a 180-degree spin with the production of a documentary that seeks to explore the reality of a community composed of many other communities rich in culture and tradition.

The bottom line is this: CNN cannot have it both ways.

Hermandad Mexicana, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit advocacy organization, will host a conference the same day the documentary is scheduled to broadcast to protest CNN’s continuing broadcasting of Dobbs’ talk show.

But let’s make one thing clear: This is not a matter of liberal or conservative views on the air. Rather, it is a matter of accurate versus false journalism. As a self-proclaimed leader of news media, CNN should have a higher standard than what Dobbs has provided.

Religious, political and civic leaders are coming together with concerned Americans to boycott CNN until it makes a decision on Dobbs. This is not about becoming a pro-immigrant or pro-Latino network, as some conservative pundits have claimed. It is possible to be critical of immigration, documented or undocumented, without promoting hatred against a group within our community.

The “us against them” mentality that Dobbs’ show highlights on a daily basis is tantamount to hate speech because it infuses a violent minority that, when armed, is capable of causing havoc.

Right-wing commentators like Michelle Malkin have become permanent faces on the show, most recently to rant about the potential boycott of the 2010 census.

This would have been a great opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of targeting what could be America’s largest minority in accurately counting the census.

Instead, Malkin and Dobbs, along with other right-wing conservatives, question the rationale behind counting undocumented immigrants.

It is this kind of unfounded commentary that makes it to the American homes daily.

Rumors suggest that Fox News may be courting Dobbs to come aboard their roster of journalists. This could be the perfect opportunity for CNN to show with actions their perspective on what journalism ought to be.

Whatever the decision may be, it is clear that CNN will have to face the reality eventually. Either they will have an objective discussion on the merits of facts or they risk alienating a major component of American society.

Some will argue that it is best to receive any kind of attention, as opposed to being ignored.
This is ridiculous. No, it is not OK to be ignored, nor should it be permissible to launch a hateful, unjustified campaign and expect the targets to simply comply.

Silence never won any recognition. It is necessary to loudly proclaim our right to dignity and get the message to media outlets that continue to feed ignorance to the homes of Americans.

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Rapper Pitbull true to his Cuban heritage

2009-10-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- As the man in the Dodgers jersey walked quickly around the perimeter of the infield, fans poured down from the bleachers begging for autographs.

Pitbull says he learns from setbacks: "Usually the negatives turned out to be the most positive for me."

No, it wasn't home run king Manny Ramirez. It was Armando Christian Perez, the Cuban-American rapper better known as Pitbull.

In five years, he's gone from a mouthy Miami street hustler to a chart-topping hip-hop star whose infectious Caribbean beats have enticed crossover audiences to swing their hips and sing along -- even taking on some of the words in Spanish. His fourth studio album, "Rebelution," debuted in the Top 10 on the mainstream Billboard chart.

But Pitbull's growing profile means nada as he takes the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the game. "I'm the only Cuban who never picked up a baseball in his life," he said, preparing. He awkwardly winds up and releases the pitch. It falls short, bouncing on the ground before reaching the plate.

"One more try!" he signals. The second attempt is closer to the mark.

It's symbolic of Pit's career. "It's not how you start. It's how you finish it," he likes to say.

Puerto Rico Cancels Calle 13 Concert

2009-10-19T06:23:00.000-07:00

After a member of the group Calle 13 criticized the planned layoffs of Puerto Rican government workers, island officials canceled a show featuring that reggaetón duo in San Juan, P.R., its members’ hometown, according to The Associated Press. On Saturday the mayor of San Juan, Jorge A. Santini Padilla, above, announced that the pair’s Halloween concert would not go on as scheduled because no contract had been signed with the Roberto Clemente Coliseum, where the performance was to take place. On Thursday at MTV’s Latin Music Awards, Calle 13’s lead vocalist, René Pérez Joglar, known as Residente (performing top), insulted the Puerto Rican governor, Luis G. Fortuño, and criticized the government for its plan to lay off 17,000 state employees. “Mr. Pérez will not be bothered by the decision,” Mr. Santini said in a statement, “because I don’t think he is interested in benefiting economically from an event that was going to be held in a facility administered by government personnel for whom he has no respect.”

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Pride in their heritage

2009-10-19T06:15:00.000-07:00

When Evelia Gonzalez Porto came to the Petersburg area 30 years ago, she found few Hispanics living here -- and those who did had no voice.

"At the beginning, we were very few and it was very difficult to be accepted. You always had to try to sort of make people believe in you, that you were really a part of the community, not a foreigner," she said. "I was educated, knew English well and it was still difficult."

A native of Colombia, she was an arts lover who had studied in Buffalo, N.Y. before moving to Virginia.

"I was taught early in life to give back to the community where you live," said Gonzalez Porto, who now lives in Richmond.

She did just that when she came to central Virginia. She became a promoter for Latino artists and a leader for Hispanic women entrepreneurs.

She became involved with the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, which was just getting started. That involvement led her to other groups, including the Latin Ballet, and to numerous boards in the local and state arts community, including a seat on the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

Since 2003, she has organized the Hispanic Women in Arts event that is held annually in Richmond and features amateur and local professional artists.

"I promote all of my artists . . . I want them to succeed and to become part of the system," she said. "They have to learn how to do it, how to go to the galleries, how to do the exhibits and then sell and market their art."

She is proud, she said, to see more opportunities for Latinos in the local arts community and in other areas.

"So how much we have advanced in 30 years? We have the Hispanic Chamber, we have the Latin Ballet, we have the Hispanic Liaison Office in the city of Richmond and the Hispanic Liaison in the governor's office," she said. "We have gone a long way. There is a certain awareness of our community."

The fight is still needed, but at a different level, she said.

"I always remember what my grandfather used to tell me, 'the wind hits only the trees that are taller, those are the ones that are hit by the heavy winds, so when you stand out, the wind is going to be against you, that means the criticism, but it doesn't matter, keep on going, don't look back, just keep on going.'

"I am not afraid of being left out anymore. This is my Virginia as much as anybody else's . . . I came with a lot of cultural wealth and that is something that people should take advantage of. We have brought a culture and that has to be respected and that has to be promoted."

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Obama’s dance with Thalia ‘irks’ wife

2009-10-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

US First Lady Michelle Obama apparently gave a cold shoulder to husband Barack after he did an impromptu salsa dance with spicy Latin pop star Thalia.

The surprise dance occurred during Fiesta Latina- a concert featuring Hispanic stars Gloria Estefan and Jose Feliciano, that took place inside a tent placed on the White House’s South Lawn.
After the short dance with Thalia, cameras captured Obama returning to his seat and tried to say something to Michelle.

But the First Lady playfully blew him off.
Among the guests at the event were Obama’s first appointee to the Supreme Court and its first Hispanic member, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and actors Jimmy Smits, Eva Longoria Parker and George Lopez.
“Like our own Latino community, Latin music is not easy to define,” The New York Post quoted Obama as saying.

“Styles like Cuban salsa, Mexican norteqo, Puerto Rican reggaeton and Dominican bachata are as vibrant and unique as the places they come from,” he added.

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Premios MTV honors best Latin pop, rock

2009-10-16T03:40:00.000-07:00

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — Mexican pop diva Paulina Rubio and Puerto Rican reggaeton duo Wisin and Yandel got the first awards at the eighth annual Los Premios MTV awards in Los Angeles.

"So early, I wasn't expecting this," she said, clutching her best soloist award, a "lengua," as the lurid pink tongue statuettes are called. "I want to thank my fans who have been voting day and night for 'Causa y efecto.' I'm the cause — you are the effect."

Wisin and Yandel won best video for "Abusadora," at the celebration of the best of the year's pop, rock and reggaeton from Latin America at Universal City's Gibson Amphitheater.
Host Nelly Furtado opened the show Thursday with "Manos al Aire," a song from her Spanish-language album "Mi Plan."

Then things got a little crazy. First the Canadian-Portuguese singer challenged her co-host, Calle 13's Rene Perez, also known as "Residente," to throw down a few lines. She rapped while two male body builders in tiny Speedos gyrated next to her.

Perez called the governor of Puerto Rico a nasty name that's not printable in Spanish or English in a comment about unemployment, public employee layoffs and Boriquen independence.
He used his T-shirts to make more subtle political points. One said, "Chavez for best pop artist" in Spanish, possibly a reference to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. He also wore a Mercedes Sosa T-shirt, in honor of the Argentine singer-songwriter who died Oct. 4.

The show featured a live duet from Rubio and Cobra Starship lead singer Gabe Saporta. Music was also rebroadcast from the three regional awards shows in Mexico City, Bogota and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Spanish balladeer Alejandro Sanz and hip-shaking crossover star Shakira performed in Bogota. Australian synthpop group The Veronicas and Mexican rock band Panda, which won a "lengua" for best group, played from Mexico City.

"We weren't expecting this," Panda singer Jose Madero said. "With the explosion of reggaeton, we thought the winner would be, I don't know, Calle 13."

Best pop artist went to Mexican trio Reik, while alt-psychedelic band Zoe won the award for best rock artist.

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Afro-Latino Heritage Must be Highlighted

2009-10-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

This month is Hispanic Heritage Month, a celebration to recognize the lives and contributions of people from Latin America and Spanish-speaking Caribbean countries in the U.S. This is an important month but how it is celebrated in the US leaves many African-Americans not fully understanding the important stake we have in this month. That is because so often celebrations of this month very rarely highlight the important, vibrant Afro-Latino population living and working in every Latin American country. Every country - Yes, even Mexico and Argentina.

Without a doubt, the experiences of some communities, including Afrodescendants and Indigenous, have historically gone unrecognized. The inclusion of Afro-descendants in mainstream conversation rarely happens but it is necessary in order to understand the truth of history and present. African- Americans have a stake in ensuring that these conversations recognize the commonalities within our experiences and in highlighting race as a factor in Latin America. Working in Latin America with women’s groups, youth and political organizations, I am heartened by numerous cultural similarities between African-Americans and Afro-Latinos. In culture, style and experiences we are in many ways the same people. I have said many times before our ancestors didn’t get to chose whether the slave ships stopped in Charleston, South Carolina or in Rio de Janiero; it is only geography and language that separate us.

U.S. policy makers focused on Latin America, rarely focus or even acknowledge race as a major factor in Latin America. Unsurprisingly, both predominately White institutions and many Latin American governments reinforce each other’s apathy and ideological perspectives. Afro Latinos, however, have not waited for policy wonks or their government to change on their own. They are changing there societies from within. The numbers of people of African descent in Latin America are astounding. There are 150 million Afro-descendants in the Western Hemisphere. Brazil has more people of African descent then any country in Africa except Nigeria, making Afro Brazilians the second largest population of Afro-descendants on the planet. The US has the second largest population in the Hemisphere but it is quickly followed by Colombia, a country embroiled in a civil war with severe racial dimensions. Rarely do we hear about the racial aspects of the war in Colombia on the evening news. Countries like Cuba and the Dominican Republic have formidable Afro-descendant populations but so does El Salvador, Honduras, Bolivia and Venezuela. Shockingly, anytime these countries are in the news, the coverage seems to “whitewash” the population implying this notion that racism is just an American construct.

These images rarely reflect the reality of racial diversity within these countries and give little space for heterogeneity of these communities. The few times we do see Afro-Latinos represented they are exoticized or regulated to the same stereotypical roles that African Americans have been struggling against. Our own immigration debate in the US is a very important area where Afro-Latinos have been rendered invisible. Immigration from Latin America is not a black brown conflict. It is a result of unfair economic and political practices on both sides of the border. These practices disfranchise both African Americans and our brothers and sisters in the whole hemisphere. While immigration discussions explicate issues of alienation, race is rarely directly addressed as a factor in the movement of poor people into the U.S.

One thing that remains apparent is the similarity within our experiences. Regardless of country, we know that Afro-descendants throughout the Americas have less access to quality education, healthcare, housing and job security. Unfortunately, racism remains a reality throughout the world and Afrodescendant issues and priorities remain marginalized among U.S. foreign interests in Latin America.

I applaud U.S. policy-makers who are prioritizing these conversations. During this year’s Congressional Black Caucus, Congressman Donald Payne led a panel to discuss and address these issues that face Afro-Latinos. We need to take those unique dialogues challenge not only our own knowledge but the media and our policymakers to give voice to a population that is 150 million strong but so often go uncounted.

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Latino groups target CNN’s ‘hypocrisy’

2009-10-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

A Latino activist group has launched a withering attack against CNN's Lou Dobbs for his portrayal of the illegal immigrant issue. The group accuses the news network of "hypocrisy" for its growing efforts to cover Latino issues while continuing to give Dobbs a platform for a long-running crusade against illegal immigrants.
In a three-minute ad it posted to YouTube on Tuesday, BastaDobbs.com, put together by the Latino advocacy group Presente.org and numerous local activist groups across the US, accuses the host of Lou Dobbs Tonight of "promot[ing] hate by telling lies," and points out that the CNN anchor has spread misinformation about America's undocumented immigrants.

"Our campaign targets the dangerous nexus between anti-immigrant extremism and the media," the group states on its Web site. "At the same time that CNN profits from Dobbs’ brand of 'news,' the network is courting Latino viewers by adding Latino talent and producing legitimate programming aimed at the Latino audience. BastaDobbs.com was created to shine the spotlight on this hypocrisy, and demand that CNN deal with its Dobbs problem once and for all."

Referring to CNN host Soledad O'Brien's upcoming special, Latino in America, the group's ad states: "We thank CNN & Soledad for honoring the Latino community. But CNN has a problem." The ad then cuts to footage of Dobbs repeatedly using the term "criminal illegal aliens."

The ad links Dobbs' coverage with growing violence against the Latino minority in the US, pointing to an FBI statistic that shows ethnically motivated violence against Latinos in the US jumped by 40 percent between 2003 and 2007. Lou Dobbs Tonight began airing in 2003.

The BastaDobbs ad refers to the shooting death of 10-year-old Brisenia Flores, of Arivaca, Arizona, for which three people involved in the Minuteman movement were arrested. It then cuts to a shot of Dobbs declaring: "I support the Minuteman project and the fine Americans that make it up, and all they've accomplished, fully relentlessly and proudly."

The ad also shows Dobbs claiming more than once that one-third of the US prison population is composed of illegal immigrants, only to be corrected -- six percent of the prison population is made up of foreign nationals, meaning that fewer than six percent are illegal. Another segment shows Dobbs linking illegal immigration to tuberculosis, leprosy and malaria.

The ad concludes: "It's time to take a stand. CNN, you can't have it both ways. It's time for Dobbs to go."

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Latinos showcase talents

2009-10-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

There may be some superstitions about this being their 13th year, but the folks behind the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival still think they're pretty lucky.

While the recession has forced organizers to lop four days off the usual 10-day showcase of movies by and about Latinos, it hasn't curtailed the imagination of filmmakers or the quality of their work.

"Creatively, we always try to be better, and I believe that this year we will be better," said Marlene Dermer, the festival's executive director.

"It's always been a challenge, and somehow that's getting tougher," she added, referring to the impact of the recession on sponsorship-dependent film festivals. "But I think this festival is just a small indication of what artists can do to inspire us to go on."

Indeed, the 13th LALIFF, which runs Sunday through Friday at the Mann Chinese theater complex at Hollywood & Highland, offers an impressive program.

Sunday's opening-night gala is the West Coast premiere of Pedro Almodovar's newest feature, "Broken Embraces," starring 2008 Oscar winner Penelope Cruz. Such internationally acclaimed films as Chile's "The Maid," Uruguay's "Gigante" and Argentina's "Anita" are also on the schedule.

And there are many other carefully selected features, shorts and documentaries from throughout Latin America, Spain and the United States. Even countries such as Japan and Denmark are represented.

"Latinos are everywhere, man!" joked actor-director Edward James Olmos, a co-founder of the festival.

And if he has his way, that "everywhere" will include outer space: Olmos hopes to show the upcoming TV movie he directed, "Battlestar Galactica: The Plan," on one of the festival's big screens before its DVD release at the end of the month.

"The criteria for our festival is anything directed or written by a Latino, or a Latino story that could be made by anybody," explained Dermer, a Peruvian who moved to New Orleans as a teenager.

As wide a picture as LALIFF presents, however, its main focus inevitably remains on Latin American cinema. And the news seems to be good from some of those countries, where production costs are generally so low that an international monetary meltdown has little impact.

"The amount of film production in Chile has increased remarkably in the last four years," noted "The Maid's" director Sebastian Silva, whose movie won the world cinema jury prize at this year's Sundance Film Festival and starts its commercial run in L.A. on Oct. 23.

"That's thanks to technological progress and how easy that makes it to make films. But productions in Chile never go higher than $1 million. In America, that would be considered less than independent filmmaking.

"And I think the quality of Chilean films is getting better," Silva added. "There are different stories and a lot of new voices, and Chilean filmmakers have been making noise for the past few years at well-known film festivals."

Silva also pointed out that companies such as Mexico's Mantarraya Producciones and Uruguay's Ctrl Z Films are encouraging serious artistic expression at a time when the rest of the world's film industries seems interested only in making bucks.

Which brings us back to the USA where, despite the Hollywood imperative to make movies as generically crowd-pleasing as possible, Dermer explained that the most vital, Latino-themed independent movement is going on right now.

This year's LALIFF boasts a half-dozen such titles, including the teen gang drama "Down for Life" (filmed at L.A.'s Locke High School), "La Mission" starring Benjamin Bratt and directed by his brother Peter, and the latest works from noted directors Leon Ichaso ("Paraiso") and Victor Nu ez ("Spoken Word").

Born in East L.A., Olmos sees such films as evidence that the long-awaited U.S. Latino commercial breakthrough, promised but never really established by such isolated hits as "La Bamba" and his own "Stand and Deliver," is closer than ever.

"It's just a matter of time before Latino film really pops and it becomes just as common as African-American cinema," Olmos said. "It's just inevitable."

Until then, there's the abbreviated but nonetheless riches-packed Latino Film Festival.

"This year, it was particularly competitive" for films seeking a slot in the festival, Dermer said.

"Due to the economic challenges facing the world, we're almost here by popular demand, to be quite honest. But we felt it was extremely important to have the festival and continue serving the community. This year, we had to reduce it by a few days - it's six instead of the usual 10 days."

Organizers hope the quality of offerings will attract big crowds.

"It's for everyone, not just Latinos," Olmos said. "The festival's watchword is to express culture at the highest level. I think people will have a wonderful time, everything's bilingual, so come out and enjoy."

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American Latino Commission

2009-10-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

University of Nevada, Reno Professor Emma Sepulveda Pulvirenti was one of 23 people in the country recently appointed to the National Museum of the American Latino Commission, as announced by The White House.

The Commission is tasked with studying the feasibility of, and creating a plan for, a new national museum in the nation’s capital that would be dedicated to portraying the art, history and culture of the Latino population of the United States.

The Commission members were appointed by President Obama and House and Senate leadership. Sepulveda was appointed by Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid.

“I can’t think of a more qualified individual for this commission than Dr. Sepulveda,” said Reid. “Dr. Sepulveda is an accomplished poet, writer and photographer and she has dedicated her life to work on behalf of Latinos in our state. Her professional expertise and her love for Hispanic culture and the community’s well-being, tell me she will represent Nevada well and do a wonderful job on the commission.”

In addition to the Commission appointment, Sepulveda will be one of two Hispanic women honored next month at the National Hispana Leadership Institute’s Mujer Awards Gala in Albuquerque.

As the premier executive leadership organization preparing Latinas for positions of national and international influence, the Institute pays tribute through its Mujer Awards to the achievements and contributions of exceptional Hispanic women who have served their communities. Sepulveda will receive the Regional Mujer Award.

“I am honored to represent Nevada and the University in such an important endeavor as the National Commission, and I am thankful to Senator Reid for giving me this unique opportunity,” Sepulveda said. “In regards to the Mujer Leadership Award, I am appreciative to be one of only two Latinas in the country to receive such recognition for the work that I have done on behalf of the Latino community.”

Sepulveda was born in Argentina, migrated to Chile, and then moved to the United States in 1974.

She was the first Latina to become full professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, of which she is also an alumna. She has authored or co-authored 22 books and is director of the University’s Latino Center.

Sepulveda has dedicated much of her work to educating non-Latino communities about the strengths and values of Latinos and immigrants who live in the United States. In 1995, she founded Latinos for Political Education, a nonprofit organization devoted to empowering Latinos through voter registration, voter education and get-out-the-vote programs.

“Professor Sepulveda has touched diverse communities throughout the world through her human rights activism and academic scholarship,” said Heather Hardy, Nevada’s College of Liberal Arts dean. “Her appointment to the national Commission and Mujer award are well-deserved honors and reflect the value of her work on a national and global level.”

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J-LO rebrands herself as LOLA

2009-10-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

Check out J-LO new track feat. Pitbull. A new website and twitter account was realeased (whoislola.com)

Counting on Latinos

2009-10-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

If Census Bureau estimates are accurate, there are about 47 million Latinos in the United States, accounting for about 15 percent of the total U.S. population.

And, as comedian George Lopez explains, "those are just the ones who answer the knock at the door."

Here's something that is no joke. The 2010 census is still six months away, but already the national count is stirring a lot of controversy in the Latino community. It's also exposing a contradiction on the part of America's largest minority.

Some Latino activists are foolishly urging that Latinos boycott the census as a way of protesting White House foot-dragging on immigration reform and what they consider the Obama administration's heavy-handed enforcement measures. All the news out of the administration these days is about how it is improving enforcement -- nothing about a specific plan to achieve comprehensive reform.

But being disappointed is no excuse for being self-destructive. Boycotting the census is a horrible idea that would only further disenfranchise the Latino community by, among other things, shortchanging it in the redistricting process that will take place in state legislatures after the survey.

Other activists have also been trying to use the census as a ploy to stop or at least temporarily stall immigration raids. For the last several months, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educational Fund and others have been quietly suggesting that the Commerce Department -- the government agency responsible for administering the national survey -- ask the Homeland Security Department to halt the workplace raids so as to defuse fear in the immigrant community and increase participation.

The Commerce Department said recently that it would not follow its own precedent but would instead maintain a hands-off approach to the immigration issue. This is another wake-up call for Latino immigrant activists who naively assumed that the Obama administration was going to be a natural ally.

Here's the contradiction: By condemning the raids as something that could dampen census participation, the activists implicitly claim that getting an accurate count matters a great deal to them and to the Latino community as a whole. Obviously, some of these Latino advocates don't value the process nearly as much as they pretend to.

Or maybe they just put a higher value on getting their way at all costs. This is a bad strategy that makes those who employ it look selfish and petty. People like that are often just ignored. And that doesn't get the activists any closer to the respect they crave.

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Paulina Rubio signs new deal

2009-10-11T07:13:00.000-07:00

Sony/ATV Latin America has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Mexican pop star Paulina Rubio.
The deal covers all songs written by Rubio, including those from her mos recent album, "Gran City Pop." This is Rubio's first publishing deal. The singer's first co-writes appeared in her 1996 release "Planeta Paulina." In "Gran City Pop," she collaborated in eight of the album's tracks, writing alongside established songwriters like Estéfano.

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Ugly Betty gets a seal of approval

2009-10-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

Dressed in her customary wacky attire and with her trademark braces in place, Ugly Betty star America Ferrera proved she had plenty of animal magnetism.

She larked around with Cassie, a 16-year-old sea lion, while shooting scenes for the fourth season of the hit show in the Bahamas.

And it appeared the actress was having a flipping good time as held on to playful Kelly the dolphin, aged 34, after managing to get her to sit upright in the water.

Ferrera was pictured in the stunning 14-acre Dolphin Cay sanctuary in the Atlantis Paradise Island yesterday.

On Tuesday the actress was filming at the Atlantis Hotel alongside co-star Becki Newton.

The pair were seen racing down the challenger slides at the exclusive holiday destination.

Meanwhile it has emerged that Betty Suarez is set to lose her signature metal-laden smile in the next series of the comedy drama.

The revelation was made by co-host Ana Ortiz, who guest co-hosted on U.S. show The View yesterday.

'They are coming off [in season four],' said Ortiz. 'Even in the first episode - it's a two-hour episode, it's brilliant - she starts to make the transition. It's really exciting.'

Ortiz, who plays Betty's older sister Hilda on the show, noted that the makeover won't be popular with everybody since the topic has already caused 'controversy' on the Ugly Betty blogs.

But she reassured fans: 'We are not going to turn her into a supermodel. She is Betty and she will always be Betty, but she's going to evolve.'

Ortiz, who recently gave birth to her first child, Paloma in June, was in the Bahamas, shooting with the rest of the Ugly Betty cast. She flew back for her appearance on The View.

Season four will premiere in the U.S. later this month.

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LOS LOBOS HEAD TO THE WHITE HOUSE

2009-10-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

"In Performance at the White House: Fiesta Latina" is a concert hosted by the President and Mrs. Obama on the South Lawn of the White House that will be broadcast by PBS. Thesixty-minute program, to be taped live by WETA Washington, D.C., on October 13, will celebrate Hispanic musical heritage and airs on the final day of National Hispanic Heritage Month, October 15, 2009 at 8 p.m. ET, on PBS stations nationwide. (Check local listings.) It will also be broadcast on Telemundo, the American Spanish-language television network, on Sunday, October 18 at 6 p.m. ET, and on V-me, the national Spanish language network partnered with public television, on Friday, December 25. The program, part of the WETA "In Performance at the White House" series, will include Chicano rock band Los Lobos, Marc Anthony, Jimmy Smits, Pete Escovedo, Gloria Estefan, José Feliciano, George Lopez, Thalía, Tito "El Bambino", and the Bachata music group Aventura, with Sheila E. leading the house band. Further talent information may be announced in the coming days.

"In Performance at the White House" has been produced by WETA since 1978 and spans every administration since President Carter's. The series began with an East Room recital by the legendary pianist Vladimir Horowitz. Since then, "In Performance at the White House" has embraced virtually every genre of American performance: pop, country, gospel, jazz, blues, theatre and dance among them. The series was created to showcase the rich fabric of American culture in the setting of the nation's most famous home.

The evening concert will be streamed live by the White House on www.WhiteHouse.gov and available to stream on the series website on PBS after the broadcast.

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Boy Scouts launch campaign for Hispanics

2009-10-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

The Boy Scouts are making their debut "en espanol," with an advertising campaign launched Thursday and a soon-to-come Spanish-language Scout Handbook intended to draw Latinos to the ranks of the nearly century-old organization.

The Spanish-language campaign, called "Valores para toda la vida," translated as "Values for life," includes television, radio and online spots that speak to the nation's largest minority in their language.

The outreach is intended to keep the Scouting movement relevant and growing as the country's cultural landscape shifts, taking a toll on Scout ranks. Boy Scouts of America is still the country's largest youth organization, with 2.8 million members, but that is half its membership in its peak year, 1972.

There is more competition for the attention of boys now. The country also looks different than it did 30 years ago, and the Scouts haven't kept up with the change. Latinos make up one in five children in the United States, according to the U.S. Census, but they are only 3 percent of Scouts.

The organization hopes to double its Hispanic membership by their centennial in 2010, and the campaign is a key part of that push, said Bob Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive.

In the ads, boys and girls in uniforms explain what they like about Scouting — perspectives that Scout leaders hope will introduce the venerable organization to a new audience while resonating with Latino values and culture. The children in the ads say Scouting taught them to help others, but they also talk about the soccer games they love, and how their family can take part in activities as well.

The Scouts are making changes designed to accommodate Latinos, based on information gathered with the help of a Washington-based media and marketing company and a committee of Hispanic leaders.

One example: including family members in traditional scouting activities such as camping trips.

"We recognized in the Hispanic community the absolute importance of family — of doing things as a family," Mazzuca said. "So we've modified our program delivery to include family in many ways that our programs historically didn't."

The approach worked for Concha Roque, whose son, Nicholas, joined the Boy Scouts after meeting them after mass in Montebello, east of downtown Los Angeles. Roque was raising her sons without her husband, who had returned to Mexico, and liked the idea of an organization that gave them role models.

It also pleased her that she was invited along on Nicholas' first camping trip.

Translating the Scout handbook will help other Latinos feel welcome, Roque said.

The book, expected to come out in December, will feature a cover that touches on core Scouting themes — boys rafting in the background, an eagle in the foreground. But it will be a clear sign the Scouts are interested in attracting Latinos, said Nicholas Roque, 17, a high school senior.

"It's like a welcome mat," he said. "It says we're open to them."

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Daddy Yankee Grito Mundial

2009-10-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

On the morning of October 8, Grito Mundial, the first single off Yankee’s latest album Daddy Yankee Mundial, will simultaneously premiere in ten different countries.

Daddy Yankee Mundial, is set for a spring 2010 release and like all things Yankee, this latest project is an ambitious one. Not only is he looking to surpass the success and excitement of Talento de Barrio, but will also be introducing new elements to the world of urban music.

The new record will feature El Cartel Records new logo: a triangle, the three points of which represent past, present, and future and all connect to form one body, one figure. Grito Mundial literally translates to “worldwide scream,” a message he wants to send to everyone to look past the social and musical divide, and come together as one. Tired of the clichés and repetitive messages riddled throughout the urban scene, Daddy wants to encourage his audiences to embrace one another and bond through the love of music.

“This album is a call to union through song and dance. Even in our toughest times, joy can bring us together,” Yankee says.

On October 9, Yankee will embark on a second round of shows through Chile, Argentina, and Venezuela to finalize the Talento de Barrio tour.

Talento de Barrio has been nominated for a Best Urban Album award at this year’s Latin Grammys, and the track Llamado de Emergencia has been nominated for Best Urban Song.

Check out the new Daddy Yankee Single below.

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Barack Obama and George Lopez Star in TBS

2009-10-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks, TBS has been putting the hard sell on its upcoming foray into Late Night TV, called Lopez Tonight, and starring George Lopez, famous comedian whose main focus is his Mexican-American heritage. (Not to be confused with Carlos Mencia, who is an unfunny, joke stealing pr*ck.) Even though the show is more than a month away, TBS has been airing nonstop promotions during its hour-long Seinfeld/Office/The Mummy 2 marathons.
But what makes these promotions Powerpoint Tire Screeching Sound Effects is that they star our very own American President, Barack Obama. That’s right: President Obama has now publicly endorsed George Lopez. Witness after the jump …

To be fair, Obama taped these spots before he actually won the election last year — you’ll note the barely visible “from the ‘08 campaign” in the bottom left-hand corner. But to the viewing public, this could not be worse publicity. Shouldn’t he be, you know… fixing that whole health care thing… or ending the war… instead of ENDORSING LOPEZ TONIGHT??? The above video might be the strongest piece of evidence Obama haters have to get people on their side.

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College costs block Latinos

2009-10-08T07:10:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON — Financial pressures, not a lack of aspiration, are pushing young Latinos to abandon higher education, according to a national survey released Wednesday.

Almost 90 percent of Latinos surveyed by the Pew Hispanic Center said attending college is important to get ahead, a belief held by only 74 percent of the general population.

But three out of four Latinos surveyed in the 16-to-25-year-old age group said financial obstacles are getting in the way of their education.

"Far and away, it's the reason" for Latinos to stop attending college, said Mark Lopez, associate director of the Pew Hispanic Center and author of the survey. "Latinos need to support their families."

Lopez is attending a national conference in Washington on Educating Latino Children, where the results of the survey were first unveiled.

The national survey of Latinos was conducted between Aug. 9 and Sept. 16 and garnered 2,012 responses — 1,240 of them from individuals ages 6 to 26, and 772 older than 26.

"This is really important information for everyone to have, not only in colleges but also in the general public," Hartnell College spokeswoman Terri Pyer said. "It paints a very different picture of the obstacles we face in trying to improve the college-going rate of folks in our community from the one that is generally espoused."

The survey found Latinos valued education more than the general population, and valued getting a college education more than getting a full-time job.

"It isn't very surprising to those of us working with Latinos for some time," said Andrew Fuligni, co-director of the Family Research Consortium at the University of California-Los Angeles. "It shows quite a bit in our studies: Latinos are just as, if not more, motivated than their European peers."

The results echo findings by Carola Suarez-Orozco, professor of applied psychology and co-director of immigration studies at New York University. Suarez-Orozco found that about 50 percent of Latinos who go to college attend a community college, but only about 10 percent graduate.

"A few Latinos don't feel they belong," Suarez-Orozco said at the conference. "They still don't have the social networks. If you are a third-generation college student, you know how to play the game."

But while a higher percentage of Latinos feel a college education is necessary, only 48 percent of Latinos between 18 and 25 said they are planning to get a four-year degree. Among the general population, 60 percent said they plan to get a bachelor's degree.

That's what Lopez calls the "aspiration gap." It's reflected in the fact that only 24 percent of young Latinos are enrolled in college, compared with 34 percent of the general population, according to the Census Bureau.

The study confirms what Philip Tabera, professor of Chicano and Latino studies at San Jose State University, has observed in the past few months: Higher education is slipping from students' hands.

"It's getting worse, especially for Latinas," Tabera said. "There are more women than men who begin college, but they drop out. The problem for a large number is in our own CSU system — for increasing fees, putting caps on classes. They can't get financial aid. You're seeing a lot of students working full time and part time and going to school at the same time. Then the cost of books is huge, the cost of housing. It's so difficult for kids to go to school nowadays."

The implications of the survey's results pose a challenge not just for Monterey County, where 50 percent of the population is of Latino origin, but for California and the country, where Latinos are the fastest growing segment of the population.

"We're facing a societal dilemma," said Suarez-Orozco. "These students are highly motivated, and yet there's the achievement gap."

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Latin food offers a variety of flavors

2009-10-07T06:12:00.000-07:00

When it comes to food, Latino culture offers more than tacos and tamales.

Like the culture, the food is intense, colorful, spicy and full of variety. Each country and region within those countries has its own cooking techniques and key ingredients that add certain characteristics and authenticity to their dishes.

"It all starts with the ingredients," said Jesus Medina, chef at the recently opened Aztek Grill in downtown Richmond, which serves dishes from all over Latin America. "The number one ingredient in Mexican food, for example, is the hot pepper."

Preparation techniques, too, are different all across the region, said Medina, a native of Mexico.

Corn tortillas, for example, a staple in Mexico and Central America --and now increasingly popular in the U.S. market -- are made and used differently and vary in size and thickness depending on the region. Flour tortillas -- even more popular in the U.S. -- also have their own purposes and often accompany meals as flatbread.

Mexican cuisine, the most popular Latin food in the U.S., has very strong flavors. Key ingredients include cumin and cilantro. The commonly used hot peppers include jalapeño, poblano, serrano, guajillo, chipotle and habanero. One of Mexico's most popular dishes, chiles rellenos, uses poblano peppers.

Peruvian cuisine, not as well-known as Mexican food, also offers mouth-watering and distinctive dishes including various recipes of the country's staple dish, ceviche (raw fish marinated in lemon juice). Aside from fresh fish, a key ingredient in Peru's gastronomy is the aji (pronounced ah-hee) pepper, which is found all across the country.

The cuisine of El Salvador, similar to that of its neighbors and Mexico, relies too on indigenous foods like corn, beans and tomatoes. The influence of Mayan culture is strong, and it is mixed with the contributions of Spanish food. The most popular dish, pupusas are similar to corn tortillas, only thicker and stuffed with cheese, beans and/or meat.

Using fresh produce and ingredients native to each region is important to making authentic food, said Mercedes Giron, a native of El Salvador and owner and cook of Pupuseria Mercedes on Meadowdale Boulevard in Chesterfield County.

For instance, she said, Salvadoreans use loroco, a perennial plant native of El Salvador, in the cuisine, including as stuffing in pupusas.

U.S. consumers these days find products such as loroco at ethnic grocery stores or sometimes even in mainstream supermarkets. Avocados, mangos and cilantro are easily found in produce departments, and many supermarkets have aisles assigned to Hispanic food, a sign of the increasing demand for the cuisine.

"The Hispanic culture is becoming more and more influential here, and the food is such a big component," said Medina. Proof of this, he said, is that Richmond residents have several options in town where they can try authentic Latin American food and at the same time learn about Latin culture.

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Shakira & Foo Fighters For EMAs

2009-10-07T06:05:00.000-07:00

Colombian pop princess Shakira and Dave Grohl’s Foo Fighters will both perform at the MTV EMAs this November.

Both acts will hit Berlin for our big night with performances that are bound to blow the continent, and indeed the whole world, away.

Shakira recently released her big comeback single She Wolf and of course stars in a very sexy video for it.

Foo Fighters are set to return this Autumn with a Greatest Hits album released the same week as the award show.

Already announced to play the EMAs on November 5 are Green Day and Leona Lewis.

Lady GaGa and Kings Of Leon are both up for two awards while Katy Perry will host for the second year in a row.

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Ugly Betty To Highlight Malaria Issues

2009-10-07T05:58:00.000-07:00

Stars from Ugly Betty – including America Ferrera and Vanessa Williams – have teamed up with the United Nations to raise awareness of malaria.

The first episode of the new season of the ABC show – which starts on October 16 – will feature the U.N.’s Nothing But Nets initiative and a plotline that will “reveal the role mosquito nets play in preventing the disease”.

The show is the first comedy to be shot inside the U.N.’s New York City headquarters.

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