Blogamole ›

By Michael Lopez

There is no denying the power and respect that the Smithsonian Institution brings. Founded over 150 years ago in Washington D.C., it has museums devoted to Air and Space, Natural History, and American Art (just to name a few). Now several political groups are pushing for Smithsonian to build an American Latino Museum, which by all accounts, will not be an easy task to accomplish.

The idea for a Latino Smithsonian museum has been kicked around for decades, particularly because many advocates expressed that the Latino experience was being ignored by the organization’s 19 other institutions. Their plight got even more attention when Smithsonian announced its creation of an African-American and an American Indian Museum in the early 2000’s.

Ironically, the creation of culturally-inspired Smithsonians is what has turned some lawmakers off from the Latino Museum idea.

“I don’t want a situation,” said Virginia Representative Jim Moran, “where whites go to the original museum, African-Americans go to the African-American museum, Indians go to the Indian museum, Hispanics go to the Latino American museum. That’s not America.”

In recent years, Smithsonian has responded to the lack of Hispanic exhibits on its premises. Within the past decade, the institution has created an internal office to promote Latino events and designated San Antonio’s Museo Alameda as an official Smithsonian affiliate.

But according to National Council of La Raza spokeswoman Lisa Navarrete, that is simply not enough,

“It’s…important to show other Americans that our roots go back centuries on this continent,” she recently said.

Perhaps one of the biggest arguments against creating the museum is (not surprisingly) the budget. The African-American Museum, which is still under construction, has a price tag of roughly $500 million, half of which is being paid by the federal government.

And seeing how the country is still in the middle of a major budget crisis, it is unlikely that the feds will spend another $250 million to help build a similar project. But that isn’t to say that a Latino Museum will never happen.

A commission for the project currently exists (with the support of celebs like Emilio Estevez and Eva Longoria) and has already drafted blueprints for the design. They are hopeful to include it in D.C.’s National Mall and have even created a website to get other American Latinos inspired by the project.

Would you like to see Smithsonian build an American Latino Museum? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Cultura, Education, Latino Museum, museums, Politics, Smithsonian

By Michael Lopez

Every now and then you come across artwork that is either really interesting or really controversial. And though we’re not quite sure what to make of skateboard designer Chris Parks’ luchador inspired “Last Fiesta,” it’s definitely scoring a lot of traction on the world wide web.

Spread across a dozen skateboards, “The Last Fiesta” depicts twelve Mexican wrestler apostles and a character Parks calls Jesus Christos gathered at a dinner table. It’s obviously a nod to Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” portrait of Jesus Christ, but there are a few elements that may qualify it as offensive.

For one thing, the masked Christos character is eating what appears to be a soft-shelled taco and drinking a Corona beer, complete with limón. The “apostles” all have shot glasses filled with Don Julio tequila and rice and bean plates. Does that border on a racial stereotype? Parks certainly doesn’t think so.

“‘The Last Fiesta’ is my 12-skateboard deck shout out to Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper,’” Parks said on his site. “[It’s] Jesus Christos and his 12 Luchador apostles getting down one last time.”

Regardless about how you feel about the religious and racial undertones, there is no denying that Chris Parks is a superb artist. But seeing this piece’s controversial nature makes us doubt that P. Rod will be grinding rails on Jesus Christos anytime soon.

What do you think about Chris Parks’ “Last Fiesta?” Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Art, Chisme, Chris Parks, Last Fiesta, Lucha Libre, Religion, skateboarding

By Michael Lopez

All of us remember Disney’s animated 1994 epic, The Lion King. With its gorgeous artwork, colorful animals, and heartwarming storyline, it is a true essential for any family-friendly DVD library. Well now Disneynature has taken that premise even further, with its sweeping live-action film African Cats. Part documentary, part adventure story, this 90-minute journey through central Kenya is truly an amazing feat of filmmaking.

For the past four years, the Mouse House’s Disneynature division has produced some breathtaking films. Their first outing, 2007’s Earth, showcased magnificent scenery in the Arctic. Oceans arrived in 2010 and focused on (you guessed it) the most amazing sea life on the planet. Now with Cats, the studio has branched out even further, offering a semi-storyline to go along with the documentary footage.

Even though every “character” in this movie is a real animal in the wild, you can truly see their personalities shine. There are temperamental crocodiles, overprotective cheetah moms, and even a fang-faced lion who provides quite a bit of comic relief. To be honest, after watching the film you almost find yourself wondering whether the African Cats cast was following a script!

The characters audiences will fall in love with most are Mara the lioness, Sita the cheetah, and all of the cute baby kitties roaming around the landscape. And just like every good movie, Cats has its share of villains too. Kali the lion can be quite intimidating and has some scenes that may be a little intense for the younger crowd.

The plot of the movie is broken down into two separate stories. One involves Mara and her struggle to adapt to a new pride of lions. Throughout the film, you see her evolve from a timid 6-month-old cub into a proud and confident queen of the Cats. The other storyline follows Sita, a four-legged single mom trying desperately to provide for her adorable spotted babies.

Throughout it all, audiences are treated to the engaging voice of narrator Samuel L. Jackson and an incredibly fun musical score. And in case you were thinking of bringing little ones to African Cats, be warned. Though there is no outward violence shown in the movie, there are scenes involving death and battles between the prides (not to mention a pretty high gazelle body count).

Bottom line: African Cats literally puts those television nature specials to shame. With its stunning visuals and lush score, we highly recommend catching this movie in an IMAX theater (or at the very least, on a Blu-Ray DVD).

Are you planning on seeing African Cats this weekend? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags African Cats, Disney, Disneynature, Documentaries, Movie Reviews, Movies, Movies & CineMás, Samuel L. Jackson

By Sugey Palomares

We were thrilled when we first heard rumors that telenovela stars JenCarlos Canela and Gaby Espino took their on-screen romance on "Más sabe el Diablo" to new heights. There was just one problem - Gaby was still married to Cristóbal Lander!

The rumored couple broke things off after she decided to work things out with her husband, but now that the Venezuelan beauty is single once again, she has been spotted with the Cuban-American hottie and rumor has it that they have rekindled their flame!

Let's view the evidence first hand! Espino took to her Twitter page to wish Canela a happy 23rd birthday:

"Today is a very special day...it's JenCarlos Canela birthday so I'm sending him best wishes!!!! Happy Birthday!!! I wish you the most beautiful things this world has to offer...and I hope all your dreams come true!"

JenCarlos emotionally responded:

"Thanks mi vida for making this such a special day with your message."

Sounds like these two are very fond of each other! If they don't rekindle their flame in real life, then we at least hope they make another novela together.

Who is your favorite telenovela couple?

Source: [People en Espanol]

Tags Chismes, Gaby Espino, Jencarlos Canela, Rumores, telenovelas

By Michael Lopez

It’s got to be cool to be an international jet-setter at the age of one-and-a-half. And right now, that seems to be exactly how the media’s pegging little Benjamin Brady. This week, the tyke joined his supermodel mom Gisele Bundchen on a whirlwind Brazil trip to help promote her new clothing line.

Gisele has made quite a few treks to her home country in recent months. Back in March, she headlined one of Carnival’s most popular floats and she’s been working very closely with Brazil’s Ipanema shoe line to develop unique sandals and footwear (some of which go as high as $130 per pair).

For this latest journey, Bundchen will be making a big announcement about a partnership with clothing line C&A Brazil. Blogs are reporting that Gisele may even do a surprise fashion show in one of the company’s San Paulo stores.

When speaking about her newest venture, Bundchen said,

“C&A invited me to create a collection that has my signature personal style. It was really cool being involved in the design side of the fashion business. It is more fun to be part of the process and not just a model. My goal with the collection is for it to look fashionable and be super comfy.”

Obviously a lucrative deal like that will keep her high on the list of Most Powerful Latinas.

Would you buy clothes from Gisele’s fashion line? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Benjamin Brady, Brazil, C&A Brazil, Fashion, Gisele Bündchen, Style

By Michael Lopez

Though it’s far from being a national holiday, this Friday marks Earth Day 41st anniversary and we’re certain the original founders would be proud of the eco-friendly accomplishments that have been made within the past five decades.

From electric cars, to solar panels and beyond, plenty of people from around the world have adapted to “green” technology, including several high-profile Latino celebs. So, in honor of Mother Earth, we thought it would be fun to profile a few of our personal favorites.

Christina Aguilera – Xtina actually gets bonus points for her recent “green” gesture. Not only did he she team with Chrysler to design an eco-friendly car, she helped auction it off to raise money for Haiti. Featuring cactus-colored seats, bamboo appliqué door trims, and a recycled interior, her “Eco-Style” ride fetched a pretty penny on the bidding circuit.

Jessica Alba – Jess has taken her environmental beliefs to the home front. Latina magazine once dubbed her pad an “eco-friendly paradise” and it’s easy to see why. In Alba’s living room you can find rugs made out of recycled tennis balls, trash cans built from potato chip wrappers, and a doggie bed that used to be plastic bottles. And if that wasn’t enough, she also makes a point to dress her daughter Honor in organic cotton clothing.

Salma Hayek – Those who follow Salma’s career know that she’s always supported numerous causes. And helping Mother Earth is one of the issues she feels most passionate about. Not only has she launched her own organic beauty line, she also sits on the board of Global Green USA, a charity dedicated to combating climate change. Plus she has solar panels in her home and drives a sporty hybrid car.

Penelope Cruz – You may not want to pull up in a diesel-powered truck next to Penelope Cruz. This A-list Latina is all about eco-friendly four wheelers. A staunch supporter of GreenerCars.org, Pe encouraged her famous friends to switch their cars to hybrids and has even arranged for alternative fuel vehicles to shuttle stars to their high-profile events.

Cameron Diaz – For years Cameron has been an advocate for green energy, but her true passion lies in protecting the world’s eco-systems. Back in 2005, she teamed with MTV for the environmental series Trippin, which had her traveling to Yellowstone, Patagonia, and Bhutan. On each of the journeys, Diaz would profile endangered species and gorgeous wildlife preserves that were being impacted by pollution.

How do you plan on celebrating Earth Day this year? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Cameron Diaz, Celebrities, Christina Aguilera, Deep Thoughts, Earth Day, go green, Jessica Alba, Penelope Cruz, Salma Hayek

By Michael Lopez

Proving his ex-wife isn’t the only one who has moved on from their relationship, Puerto Rican rocker Luis Fonsi has now “officially” debuted his new girlfriend, Spanish model Agueda López. Stepping out on the beach in Miami, the two lovebirds were definitely not afraid to show off some PDA for the paparazzi.

The timing of the relationship does seem interesting. Just last week, Fonsi’s former wife Adamari López confirmed her status with Colombian writer Andrés López López (which if you count Agueda, makes for quite a bit of Lópezes!). Could this be a retaliation tactic to make his ex jealous?

We think not. Despite the cozy photographs, Luis has still not “officially” called Agueda his girlfriend. But we doubt it will take long for Fonsi to fall hard. 28-year-old Agueda is stunning and a former contender for the title of Miss Spain.

Hopefully Adamari won’t take the news of her ex’s new lady friend too hard. But, then again if she does, she can always vent out her emotions on stage at the next Vagina Monologues.

Do you think Luis and Agueda make a cute couple? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Adamari Lopez, Agueda López, Celebrities, Celebrity Couples, Chisme, Hot Stuff, Luis Fonsi

By Michael Lopez

Something tells us there may be a “Snooki Diet” hitting the weight loss world in the near future. This past week, the pint-sized Jersey Shore star showed off her amazing new body via a very revealing twitpic. According to the post that went along with it, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi may have found herself a personal trainer.

“As everyone's planning their night at the club, I'm wondering when Gold's Gym closes." she posted.

"I just go to my trainer. He trains some Victoria's Secret models," she recently told Us Weekly. "I just want to get back into shape like I used to be."

Well, whatever her fitness coach is doing, it’s working! Posing in tight jean shorts and a sparkly revealing top, the 23-year-old reality star seems to be full of confidence these days. And, to be honest, she has quite a lot of reasons to feel that way.

Polizzi and her Jersey Shore castmates just scored a major payday for season four of their series and her recent book, A Shore Thing, became a nationwide bestseller. Plus, with her new and improved figure, we could easily see a Snooki-branded bikini line hitting stores before the summer is up.

What do you think about the “new and improved” Snooki? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Celebrities, Chisme, Hot Stuff, Jersey Shore, Nicole Polizzi, Snooki, weight loss

By Sugey Palomares

Call him the ultimate multitasker! Mario Lopez has been a busy papi since welcoming his baby girl, Gia Francesca, with longtime Courtney Mazza back in September, but that hasn't stopped him from shining in the spotlight by hosting "America's Best Dance Crew," starring in a new reality show showcasing life as a new dad in "Saved By The Baby," and hosting "Extra."

Now MTV Tr3s is offering a double dose of the hunky star by airing "Saved by the Baby” Mondays at 6:60pm and “America’s Best Dance Crew” on Wednesdays at 8pm.

When asked about fatherhood, Lopez confessed:

"My mornings are better because I get to see her. I enjoy coming home. No matter how hard of a day I had, I get to see her little face and everything works out."

Admit it, your Mondays and Wednesdays just got better too! Who doesn't need a little more Mario Lopez in their life? You are very welcomed!

Tags Courtney Mazza, Gia Francesca, Mario Lopez, MTV Tr3s

By Michael Lopez

It looks like Paul McDonald fans didn’t have to wait long for his triumphant American Idol return. Wednesday night, season ten’s eighth favorite contestant stepped right back up on stage, along with eliminated Tr3s faves Pia Toscano and Karen Rodriguez for a “mini-reunion” show!

Performing an amped up version of Pink’s “So What,” the 6 most recent castoffs proved they can still get the crowd roaring. Paul tweeted his thoughts on the sentiment, thanking all of the lovely female singers who accompanied him onstage.

“Oh goodness. That was a whole lot of ridiculousness. Good times dancing around with the ladies.”

But getting the old gang back together was just part of the fun. It was clear that the fans were really setting their sights on the night's remaining competitors. Now down to the Top 7, the pressure was on for each singer to deliver a knockout performance.

Scotty McCreery kept close to his country roots, belting out an inspired version of Lee Ann Rimes’ “Swingin’.” One of the last ladies standing, Haley Reinhart, proved she’s still got the chops to go all the way with her rendition of Adele’s “Rolling In The Deep.” And James Durbin got high marks for originality by bringing out a marching band to help with the Muse track “Uprising.”

We foresee plenty of tension on Thursday’s elimination show as one more contestant is forced to say goodbye. And, as always, Blogamole will be right there Friday morning to deliver all of the insider info from our exclusive castoff conference call.

Who do you think will become this season’s American Idol? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags American Idol, Haley Reinhart, Hot Stuff, James Durbin, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Scotty McCreery, Television