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By Michael Lopez

You’ve got to hand it to Danny Trejo, he’s led an incredible life. In his 66 years (hard to believe, right?), he went from drug addiction, to incarceration, to being one of the most recognizable movie stars in the country!

Having served time in California’s notorious San Quentin State Prison, you’d imagine Danny knows a thing or two about being behind bars. And now he’s offering his own input about current jailbird and “Machete” costar, Lindsay Lohan.

“I honestly believe that she might need the break,” he told People Magazine. “She might just need a break to get grounded and just chill out for about 30 days and see where her life is.”

The good news for Lindsay is that it looks like she’ll be released in time for “Machete”'s Labor Day premiere. And who knows? If it turns out to be a smash (as we hope it will) and she gets kudos for her pistol-lickin’ nun performance, it could be a kick start for her movie career!

Source: [People]

Do you think jail will help get Lindsay focused? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Chisme, Danny Trejo, Gossip, latin, Lindsay Lohan, Machete, Movies & CineMás, Tr3s

By Simone Hilliard

Grammy Award winner Carlos Vives and other musical greats journeyed to Colombia's Magdalena Valley to explore the infectious sounds of accordion players in "The Accordion Kings,"  an inside the music 90-minute docu-film.

The legendary "King of Kings" contest takes place once every ten years in the remote Magdalena Valley where local music is celebrated and the accordion is king. Colombia's top players descend on the Vallenato Festival, a six-day musical melting pot featuring Latin America's finest, where one lucky musician will win the ten-year squeezebox title.

"The Accordion Kings" captures the mesmerizing fusion of African, European and indigenous rhythms of Vallenato music, the blues of Colombia, and also features two songs from Carlos Vives' new album Classicos de la Provincia II.

During this documentary, you'll meet the players and hear their stories — including one special highlight on Yeime, a young girl who overcame cultural stereotypes to become the first woman to win the competition in over forty years.

"The Accordion Kings" airs this Sunday (August 1) at 8pm EST on the Smithsonian channel.

Will you watch? Let us know below or @MTV3.

Tags CineMas Cool, documentary, Film, latin, The Accordion Kings, Tr3s

By Michael Lopez

Guess who’s getting the Spanish treatment? Those four sassy seniors from Miami, “The Golden Girls,” are now heading to Madrid with a Spanish reboot of the popular senior sitcom! We think this idea has tons of potential and believe it or not, it’s not the first time it’s been done.

In the same way that "Ugly Betty" was a Colombian telenovela done American style, we’ve actually returned the favor many times over. In the past few years, Disney (which owns the rights to “The Golden Girls”) successfully produced Español versions of both “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Desperate Housewives.” "Golden Girls" translations have already proved to be big hits in countries like Greece, Turkey, and Russia.

It's obvious that "Las Chicas de Oro" (as the show will called in Spain) got the greenlight quick! They've already cast Carmen Maura, Concha Velasco, Lola Herrera, and Alicia Hermida as the leads (now which one's going to be Betty White?).

And don’t worry, you won’t need a monster satellite to tune in when it premieres this September. Disney also mentioned plans to distribute the show across U.S. markets. Que bueno!

Source: [TV Squad]

Are you excited about the Spanish “Golden Girls”? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Betty White, Disney, Golden Girls, Novelas

By Simone Hilliard

After a three-year hiatus, A.B. Quintanilla and the All Starz are finally back with brand new music today (July 27), with the release of La Vida de un Genio.

The album features a slew of star appearances, including: Marciano Cantero (from los Enanitos Verdes), Julio Voltio & DJ Kane in “Hipnótika” (which was selected as the first single); Los Dinos & José Feliciano in “Nací para Sufrir” (Born to Suffer); Reyli in “Nunca te Voy a Olvidar” (I Will Never Forget You); Luis Enrique in “Invisible,” and many more.

On the album's star power, A.B. had this to say:

“When we decided to make the record, we wrote a list of all the singers that we wanted to invite, imagining that it would be a dream impossible to accomplish. But we were very surprised when all of them started to accept.”

Besides planning the new LP, A.B. spent the last 3 years reconnecting with his family and even dedicated this album to his father who has always believed in him.  

“He is the main reason behind my decision to become a musician. When I was really young, a producer that had offered me some songs ended up giving them to someone else. When my father saw me crying over it he told me: ‘Instead of crying you should be writing your own songs. Don’t leave your room until you have one.’”

Sound advice!

Are you excited for A.B.'s LP and the Los Dinos reunion? Weigh in below or @MTV3.

Tags A.B. Quintanilla, album, La Vida de un Genio, Música, release

By Simone Hilliard

Bad Boy Records CEO Sean "Diddy" Combs reportedly owes nearly $1 million to New York City for illegally plastering promotional posters throughout the city.

According to the New York Daily News, Diddy and old school hip-hop head Doug E. Fresh are among thousands of individuals and companies who collectively owe NYC $1.9 billion.

A spokesman for Bad Boy Entertainment, which faces a $996,000 offense, called the bill a "bureaucratic error" which was paid three years ago by a partner company. A city spokesman said lawyers are reviewing the issue.

While some of the offenders deny the City's claims, the shocking tally is a sizable chunk of the $4.9 billion shortfall that recently forced NYC to cut funding to schools, day care centers and other treasured services. And that's just delinquent taxes, fines and parking tickets - it doesn't even include the $313 million bill owed for unpaid water debts.

Finance Commissioner David Frankel released this statement:

"We are going to find these people. We're going to turn them upside down by their ankles and we're going to shake them until the money comes out of their pockets."

Frankel is leading a new effort to improve the city's collection system.

He continued:

"If you owe [the city] money, you shouldn't be able to get a tennis permit."

Frankel's latest effort aims to expedite hearings and streamline collections hopefully rounding up as much as $183 million by 2013.

Do you think Diddy's the victim of a "bureaucratic error?" Weigh in below @MTV3.

Tags Chisme, debt, Diddy, Gossip, latin, NYC, Tr3s

By Michael Lopez

You don’t hear the words groundbreaking and novela often associated with each other. Not that it’s a bad thing. People love their soaps to have outwardly evil villains, dramatic love triangles, and plenty of tears and passion. Hey, if the formula works, why change it right?

Well back in 2005, Colombia took a big risk incorporating modern elements into the tried and true formula and guess what…it worked! “Juegos Prohibidos” took Spanish soap operas into the 21st century with themes like online love, video games, and technology.

Talk about a game changer. “Juegos Prohibidos” won over millions of fans and swept the 2006 TV y Novelas Awards with prizes for Best Actress, Best Actor, and Best Telenova!

We're happy to announce that we’ve got the first 5 episodes on Tr3s.com, giving those who haven’t seen it the chance to discover a true classic. And for those who have, well now you can fall in love with it all over again…and watch it as many times as you want — we'll be adding ALL episodes over the next few weeks, so stay tuned!

Here’s a quick breakdown of Episode 1:

Jimena (played by the beautiful Kathy Saenz) is stuck in a five-year loveless marriage with video game tycoon Gustavo (a baddie we can all love to hate). His company is the maker of "El Avaro," a DOOM type online game that’s winning over millions of fans.

One fan in particular, Nacho (played by Sebastian Martinez) has got troubles of his own. A little sister sick with asthma, family money troubles, and an education that’s costing a fortune. Could his knack for gaming and computers wind up being the key that links everyone together?

Well, we’re not going to spoil TOO much here. Take a peek at the 4 segment clips to get a better idea of how the drama is about to unfold. Trust us, you will be hooked! Even if you’ve got so-so Spanish skills, the imagery, music, and dynamic characters are sure to suck you in.

Keep your eyes on Blogamole for recaps of all the episodes coming up, cool Easter Eggs, and some "Where Are They Now" trivia!

"Juegos Prohibidos" airs weeknights at 10pm EST on Tr3s: MTV, Música y Más.

Are you excited about "Juegos Prohibidos? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Colombia, episode, Juegos Prohibidos, recaps, telenovelas, Television, Tr3s, video games

By Michael Lopez

What a nutty past few days in San Diego, eh? Thousands of peeps, wild costumes, and celebrities unveiling tasty tidbits about next year’s summer blockbusters. Fans are still debating what the “defining” moments of this year's Comic-Con were.

Was it the footage from the new “Green Lantern” movie? The extended “Tron: Legacy” trailer? Or that dude that dressed up like War Machine from “Iron Man 2”?!

Rather than stir up endless debate, we at Blogamole think it’d be more fun to zero in on the Top 5 Latino Moments! Here it is for your enjoyment…The good, the bad, and the geeky.

Guillermo Del Toro’s "Haunted Mansion" Movie
We already hyped this, but you have to admit that it was a true Comic-Con highlight! That Eddie Murphy “Haunted Mansion” movie was atrocious and in the gifted hands of Guillermo, this one has A LOT of potential. Besides, why should Johnny Depp’s ride have all the fun?

Robert Rodriguez’s Tease About "Predators 2"
Were we the only ones who predicted “Predators” would be a hit? It seems like the critical and commercial success of this summer underdog has taken some by surprise. Not us! And obviously not producer Robert Rodriguez, as he was dropping sequel hints all through Comic-Con. Could he even direct “Predators 2”? As he told IGN, “I don’t know…I think I have too many people wanting me to do ‘Sin City 2’ first!”

Alfred Molina Joins "Law & Order"
Ok, so we had to throw at least one TV teaser in here. Fresh off his bad guy appearance in “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” versatile Latino actor Alfred Molina will now be stepping into some “Law & Order” detective shoes. Not a bad move, seeing what a successful television franchise this is. And better yet, this new spinoff is set in LA!

"V"’s Morena Baccarin Goes Blonde?!
This is probably the most disappointing news we circled in on this year. Gorgeous Brazilian-born actress Morena Baccarin surprised everyone at the convention by showing up with platinum blonde tresses! We sure hope this has to do with her “V” character, because we LOVED her as a short-haired brunette!

Blanka From Street Fighter Was There!
Yes, we had to get at least one funny fan costume in here. So who better to represent Latinos than “Street Fighter II’s” Brazilian bad guy, Blanka?! We’ve got to admit, this little dude’s got the costume down perfect! Right up to the red dreads and torn shorts! Eat your heart out Hulk!

What was your favorite thing about Comic-Con 2010? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Alfred Molina, Celebrities, CineMas, comic-con, Guillermo del Toro, Morena Baccarin, Robert Rodriguez

By Simone Hilliard

With Arizona's SB 1070 set to take effect this Thursday (July 29), protests surrounding this tough new immigration law are happening on both sides of the Mexico – United States border.

Mexican Photojournalist Irineo Mujica Arzate recently went on a hunger strike, after he was beaten and robbed while working on a documentary about the train crossings of Central American migrants heading to the United States.

Irineo Mujica
photo credit: Víctor Hugo Rojas / EL UNIVERSAL

The train Mujica was riding in was intercepted by Mexican immigration agents who, according to the journalist, mistreated him and the migrants. Mujica said agents took his cameras, cell phone, and money.

To protest, Mujica is on day 9 of a hunger strike, according to El Universal. The journalist also chained himself outside of the National Institute of Migration offices in Puebla, but police forced him to leave.

Both the Special Prosecutor for Attention to Crimes Against Freedom of Expression and the National Human Rights Commission (NCHR) are investigating this complaint.  

On the other side of the border, the United State's immigration enforcement agency has not confirmed whether it will cooperate with police who are trying to enforce SB 1070.

Without cooperation from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), SB 1070 would become largely unenforceable since police would have no way of determing the legal status of suspected illegal immigrants as Arizona's state law requires.

As a result, local police officers might have to release suspected illegal immigrants if they can't determine their status.

University of Arizona's Gabriel Jack Chin weighed in:

"If the Department of Homeland Security says, 'SB 1070 is unconstitutional, don't cooperate,' . . . then much of what is going on here shuts down. Not necessarily all of it, but a lot of it."

Homeland Security, which oversees ICE and the Border Patrol, has refused to disclose the agencies' plans for dealing with SB 1070, only stating they are monitoring a federal lawsuit that is seeking to block the law.

According to AZCentral.com, a coalition of groups has initiated a weeklong protest of Senate Bill 1070, culminating in a National Day of Non Compliance on July 29.

The group -- which includes the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, Somos America and Puente -- is urging people not to carry ID, not to work and not to buy anything on July 29.

It is demanding that the federal government refuse to cooperate with SB 1070 and end 287(g), and requesting that all cities, towns, police departments, schools and businesses "publically (sic) state that they will not comply and will not cooperate with SB 1070."

Are you protesting SB 1070? Share your stories in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags hunger strike, Immigration, Irineo Mujica Arzate, latin, MTV NEws, National Day of Non Compliance, Politics, SB 1070, Tr3s

By Michael Lopez

Don’t you just love it when music artists strip down all the studio fluff and show how awesome they can be in an "Unplugged," intimate setting? We already knew Camila had tons of talent, but seeing it on full display in this acoustic performance of “Alejate De Mi” shows how creative they truly are.

No auto tune. No computer synthesizers. Just raw, honest music played on real instruments by a band that speaks from the heart:

Composed entirely by Mario Domm (which is quite a feat by today’s standards – check how many writers are listed on your favorite pop song), this track hit #1 on the Mexican Singles Charts and it’s easy to see why.

The vocal harmonies between Mario and Samo are amazing. The gentle piano touches, the acoustic rhythms… this is what a romantic ballad is truly all about.

And for all us guys, Camila is a perfect answer for any August date night ideas. If you’re looking to romance a special someone, their “Dejarte de Amar” album works even better than flowers. Better yet, for all you West Coasters out there, Camila will be hitting San Francisco August 6th, Vegas August 7th, and LA August 8th.

Want more Camila right now? Check out their entire "Unplugged," on demand!

What did you think of Camila’s “Alejate De Mi” performance? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Alejate De Mi, Camila, Musica Latina, Unplugged

By Michael Lopez

There’s something about famous Juniors! Carrying the name of a superstar Dad isn’t always easy, but in the Latino world, it’s led to some pretty big success stories: Actor Freddie Prinze Jr., skateboarding stud Paul Rodriguez Jr., and now Julio César Chávez Jr.

You’ve got to admit it would be tough to live up to a boxer who won six titles in three weight divisions and was once named best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Especially if you chose to follow in the same field! But Julio Jr.’s pulling it off and getting some major media attention.

In the eight years that he’s been boxing professionally, 24-year-old Julio’s never lost a fight and last month delivered some major havoc to Irish Middleweight John Duddy. Going the distance to 12 Rounds, Chávez earned tons of notoriety for the high-profile win.

“John is the toughest fighter I’ve faced so far,” Chávez said. “He kept the pressure on and really pushed me farther than I’ve been to this point in my career. But I knew coming in that he was going to be challenging, and I was happy to walk away with the victory.”

What made the Duddy victory so noteworthy? Well, for one thing, Julio Sr. was at his side when he entered the ring. Secondly, it was at the historic Alamodome, where papa Chávez battled Pernell Whitaker back in 1993. And third, it was his first fight with trainer Freddie Roach.

Who’s Freddie Roach? Well, besides being voted Trainer of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America since 2008, he also trains golden gloves golden boy Manny Pacquiao. Not a bad resume, and a great addition to the Chávez team.

With De La Hoya and Julio Sr. retired and gone, it’s great to have a new Latino ring king to root for.

On September 11, 2010 Julio will fight on a card with Mexican legend Erik Morales.
Best of luck Julio César Chávez Jr., we can’t wait to see you kick butt!

Source: [Yahoo! Sports]

What do you think of Julio César Chávez Jr.? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags boxing, Julio César Chávez Jr., Manny Pacquiao