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By Michael Lopez

Sadly, the music business has been struck with another untimely death. We are still mourning the murder of Facundo Cabral and now news has broken that Amy Winehouse was found lifeless in her London apartment today.

London's Metropolitan Police received a call asking help for a woman. Paramedics were called to the apartment, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death is still unknown but not suspicious, according to police.

Tags Amy Winehouse, Back to Black, Celebrities, Music

By Horacio Garcia

The greatest hero the United States has known is back…and we are one step closer to the coming of The Avengers. We already have Ironman, Thor, The Captain and The Hulk. I know for a fact that Hawkeye is not getting a movie of his own and Ant Man never had a chance.

I must confess that I went to Captain America: The First Avenger with a little foreboding. It's the most "cartoon like" of the bunch -the outfit have always being ridiculous, so…surprise, surprise! It turns out Captain America is by far the best Superhero movie of the year. This is big, loud, outrageous, fast paced action fun. Not only that: Captain America is old fashioned Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Flash Gordon fun with great FX but relaying more on solid performances and  an straight-lined story.

The story: When a SHIELD research team finds a mysterious plain in the Arctic Ice engraved with the sign of Hydra, the call goes straight to Colonel Nick Fury, because something Big has being found. Then, times rolls back and  the action begins more than 70 years before, in 1942 in  Brooklyn, New York, where a weakling, asthmatic, ninety-five pounds boy named Stephen Rogers tries to join the Army for the 4th time and is rejected again.

But he gets lucky because while visiting the Queens Faire grounds he is noticed by a mysterious Dr. Erskine who's got a lot of pull with the military. Stephen is accepted in the US Army, not to be shipped overseas to kill Germans but to be part of the super soldiers Program. You can imagine the rest.

What is it that works so well in Captain America that does not in Green Lantern or Ironman II? Simply put, director Joe Johnston went back to the basics: a great story plot of good vs. evil, lots of action and very good actors. Hugo Weaving playing Red Skull is simply sinister, with Tommy Lee Jones as the Colonel (there is always one) and Hayley Atwell providing the pretty-yet-lethal Agent Carter, the love interest of the hero. But above all, Chris Evans really nailed it this time.

The transformation from the little, skinny Stephen Rogers into the Cap is flawless and not only on account of the great effects and make-up they used, when Evans comes out of that pod, he really is The Captain. He believes in his character in exactly the way Ryan Reynolds did not believed in his in Green Lantern and this  film is so much better for that.

Special mention to the excellent Stanley Tucci as Dr. Erskine and the always professional Toby Jones as Dr. Zola, Hydra's main scientist and Red Skull right hand. Again, one of the best things in the movie is the solid cast of secondary actors, including the regular cameo by Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury at the end of the movie. Remember; The Avengers is Nick's personal project and the movie is coming next year. Of course, you really have to wait to the very end of the credits to see the clip. All in all, a very good adventure movie.

Tags blogger: Horacio Garcia, Captain America: The First Avenger, Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Hugo Weaving, Samuel L. Jackson, Stanley Tucci, Toby Jones, Tommy Lee Jones

By Michael Lopez

Anyone trying to log on to Luis Fonsi's web page may be having a tough time at the moment. Since announcing that he and girlfriend Agueda Lopez are expecting their first child, the site has been crashing because of an overwhelming amount of activity.

Obviously a Fonsi baby is big news in the Latin world. The Puerto Rican crooner is a darling of the Spanish media, not only for his hit albums, but for his high-profile marriage (and divorce) with novelas star Adamari Lopez.

The romance with Spanish beauty queen Agueda is still rather fresh, but judging by Luis' excitement, he seems to be very happy with the relationship. He also appears to be downright giddy about the prospect of first-time fatherhood.

As he explained on his site,

"Hoy comparto con ustedes la hermosa bendición que Dios me ha dado y que llena de alegría nuestras vidas. Agueda y yo esperamos con ilusión la llegada de nuestro primer hijo en enero del próximo año."

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Do you think Luis will make a good daddy? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agueda López, Baby Chisme, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrity Couples, Chisme, Luis Fonsi

By Vanessa Beatriz Soto

William Levy hit the Premios Juventud 2011 blue carpet sharply dressed in a gray jacket and vest over a crisp white shirt and black dress pants, but his outfit wasn't the focus of his awards-show look. Instead, all eyes were on William's gleaming dome, sheared clean of it's trademark surfer-blond locks.

That's right, folks, William has shaved it all off up top! The telenovela star, who has announced that he's taking a break from TV to focus on his big screen aspirations, decided to simplify his morning routine by doing something drastic. So what gives?

Well, at the event, Will joked to curious fans: "No tengo que afeitarme, ni peinarme en las mañanas." Folks, William Levy is having a tough year, between his recent split from Elizabeth Gutierrez, as-yet unconfirmed rumors of a new relationship with actress/model Barbara Mori, legal allegations regarding misconduct with a minor, and rabid media speculation sparked by his starring role in JLo's sexy "I'm into You" music video. (Wow, I'm tired just writing all of that.) So is it the start of a new spartan lifestyle that prompted the change?

If William's eye is on L.A., the new 'do may be a wise move, after all Hollywood has been kind to bald men - and ladies! Between hunky types like (my favorite!) "The Transporter" Jason Statham, Vin Diesel, and Bruce Willis, as well as butt-whupping scalp-baring leading ladies (who could forget a bald Sigourney Weaver in Aliens or Natalie Portman's dramatic shaven head in "V"?) there's definitely a precedent for serious heat owed to the shorn and shiny scalp.

On the other hand, the specter of rumored hair-loss does tend to haunt male stars. John Travolta, Jude Law, Ben Affleck, and the rest of the follicle-challenged celebs out there, who are still just a touch too vain to go for the chrome dome, often have to contend with speculation about the extent to which their baldness has progressed, and theories abound as to just how much the condition is or is not modified by lace-fronts, toupees, helmets, hats, bandannas, and so forth.

But never fear - it's not the simplicity of a bare-bones morning primping routine or a drastic reaction to male pattern balding that's at the heart of the new look. Instead, the "Cuban Brad Pitt" confided that the hair-less hairstyle is actually for his upcoming film project, before assuring fans that he isn't leaving the telenovela world behind forever in favor of Hollywood.

William Levy fans - take heart! It's for a part!

Do you love a baldy? Or do thick luscious locks give you the hots?

Tell us your take on William Levy's new close-cropped look in the comments!

Tags blogger: Vanessa Beatriz Soto, Chisme, Divorce, Elizabeth Gutierrez, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Premios Juventud, telenovelas, William Levy

By Michael Lopez

Like TV mother, like son. We all know that Sofia Vergara has become quite a popular spokesperson for brands like Diet Pepsi and Kmart. Well now it looks like her Modern Family hijo is following suit. Rico Rodriguez has now been signed as a pitchman for Staples.

So far, Rico's agreed to star in four commercials and appear in videos on the Staples website. He'll even have the opportunity to flex his Spanish skills, with some español promos targeting the Latino audience.

The entire promotion will be linked to a Staples back-to-school campaign, which will kick off at the end of the month.

"Rico is the perfect choice to engage moms and students by communicating that Staples brings easy to back-to-school shopping," Staples Vice-President Steve Fund, said. "Smart and wise beyond his years, he provides credibility and authenticity to this clever TV campaign to break through the back-to-school clutter this season."

Now as excited as we are for Rico, hearing about this new campaign is a little bit disheartening. Mainly for the fact that "Back To School" means that summer 2011 will soon be on its way out.

Do you think Rico will make a good pitchman? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Back To School, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrities, Modern Family, Rico Rodriguez, Staples

By Michael Lopez

Believe it or not, the daytime TV business can be pretty cutthroat. We all know what happened to All My Children and with competitors like Maury, Dr. Phil, and Judge Judy, Tr3s fave Padre Alberto Cutié is having a tough time keeping up.

According to the latest reports, Cutié's series, Father Albert, scored a meager 0.6 rating, more that 14% less than what was airing in the time slot a year ago. It also got a 43% lead-in drop, which means viewers who were watching the previous show tuned away when our favorite priest hit the screen.

But that's not to say that Padre Alberto isn't trying. Since launching his talk show, the Puerto Rican holy man has had on Playboy bunnies, teen moms, and plastic surgery addicts.

Cutié even made a bit of news commenting on the whole J.Lo/Marc Anthony divorce.

"I was sad for them," Alberto stated. "I always think about the children. They end up being the victims of divorce. [Marc and Jennifer] have to make a commitment to be good parents. They need to seek their children's stability."

Perhaps if he really wants to beef up those ratings, Cutié can invite Marc, Jennifer, and rumored "other man" William Levy on his stage for a no-holds-barred screaming match.

Have you been watching Padre Alberto’s show? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Chisme, Daytime TV, Father Albert, Padre Alberto, Padre Alberto Cutié, Religion, Television

By Michael Lopez

Anyone who's seen recent pix of Jessica Alba knows that her baby bump has almost reached its peak. With a due date right around the corner, the Spy Kids star is embracing mommyhood full-force, with nursery preparations and a new parenting blog.

"The nursery isn't ready. It's not even close, but I'm accumulating things," Alba told Us Weekly. “In the beginning the baby stays with me in the room, so you don't need the nursery ready so soon. We're remodeling our house, so it's going to take a few months. I'm really taking my time."

Jess also dropped some hints about her new mommy blog, which will supposedly chronicle life with an infant (and the infant's big sister). Though you'd think Alba’s 3-year-old daughter, Honor, would be a little jealous of the new arrival, it appears that isn't the case.

"She's as excited as a kid can be, even though she doesn't really know what it means just yet," Jessica said. "Honor's funny. She has her own personality."

We're sure if things get too hectic with all those kids running around, Mr. Alba (aka Jessica's husband Cash Warren) will be happy to lend a hand.

Would you read Jessica's upcoming mommy blog? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Baby Chisme, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Blogs, Cash Warren, Celebrities, Honor Marie Warren, Jessica Alba

By Adriana Flores
The College Board, aflores@collegeboard.org

A college education opens the doors to success and opportunity.

As an admission officer, these are the words that I often shared with various audiences during outreach events for parents and students. But while inspiring those who were already on track for college was rewarding, I never forgot about those students who were in danger of dropping out or who might be a few credits short of graduating.

The reasons why Latino students drop out of school — cited in many national studies — include poor academic preparation, boredom, language acquisition, length of time in the United States,  income levels, life situations (pregnancy, family emergencies) and gender crises, as males tend to drop out at higher rates than females. Unfortunately, the dropout rate for all Latino students is very alarming, and steps must be taken to remedy the current situation.

The parent dealing with a child who has dropped out, or the student who should have graduated this June but didn’t, experience, rightly so, a feeling of lost opportunity. . But parents do not have to stand by helplessly. In fact, you can help your children immeasurably by taking the following steps:

1)    Learn more about reenrollment options available in your school district.
2)    Once your child has reenrolled, make sure that he or she signs up for after-school programs and summer activities to help build skills and connect with others.
3)    Motivate your child to complete high school or return to high school if he or she has dropped out.
4)    If your child is older or reenrollment is not an option, encourage him or her get a GED.
5)    Help your child map out a path to enter a community college or vocational school after obtaining a GED.

If re-enrolling at the same school is not an option, there are continuation schools that provide a focused environment for students who have faced challenges including, for many young Latina students, pregnancy.

Thankfully, some traditional schools provide childcare and flexible schedules to allow these young mothers to continue studying. But the vast majority do not, creating yet another obstacle for these students to overcome. Yet despite these challenges, the graduation rate for Latinas is higher than that for Latinos.

A recent College Board report, The Educational Experience of Young Men of Color, includes sobering statistics about the dropout rates for Latino males, but it also suggests solutions. One of these is community and family involvement.

Finally, reenrolled and returning adult students can obtain their GED and consider the option of also taking some CLEP® exams to obtain the necessary credits to take the next steps in their educational journey.
Without a high school diploma or GED, the opportunities for economic mobility are limited. Therefore, it is important to identify early on any issues that might lead a student to drop out.

Parental involvement is even more crucial in Latino families, since many of us make educational decisions as a family. I clearly remember my father telling me that he was working hard to give us the opportunity to get an education and succeed in life. This is what encouraged me to continue with my education and what prevented me from giving up when things got difficult.

Parents must remember to use all the resources at hand and to seek professional help from school and community organizations. For additional information about CLEP and other resources, please visit www.collegeboard.org.

Tags College, Education, High School

By Michael Lopez

Welcome to another fun episode of Pelis and Popcorn! For this week's outing, we figured it would be fun to dig into the "cult classic" realm and showcase 2001's classic thriller Donnie Darko. Full of rising stars, sharp dialogue, and a creepy bunny, this is one peli that deserves multiple viewings.

Now we all know Jake Gyllenhaal has gone on to great things, but did you know that this is the movie that put him on the map? His portrayal of the brooding apocalyptic Donnie Darko got him recognized by quite a few critics and earned him a nomination at the Independent Spirit Awards.

Up-and-comers like Ashley Tisdale and Seth Rogan also first got noticed in this movie. But if you ask us, our favorite Donnie standout was Frank, the creepy bunny. Those scenes in the movie theater and that doomsday prediction…Well let's just say it proves you don't need blood and guts to scare the hell out of an audience.

Donnie Darko’s also filled with sci-fi elements, teenage angst, tearful deaths, and revenge scenes that will blow your mind. Basically it's just downright twisted. And coming out in a year that brought us lame blockbusters like The Mummy Returns and Planet of the Apes, Donnie was truly a breath of fresh air.

But more interesting than the movie itself, is the fervent following it received. Not a box office success by any means, Donnie lived on by word-of-mouth, midnight screenings, and websites devoted to characters in the film. And since its release, there have been graphic novels, Frank the bunny toys, and a super cool Director's Cut DVD.

But before you get into all of that, we recommend grabbing some snacks, making a seat on the couch, and turning on Tr3s to see how it all got started. Trust us, you won't regret it!

Catch Donnie Darko this Saturday at 11pm on Tr3s!

What’s your favorite cult movie? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Ashley Tisdale, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cult Movies, Donnie Darko, Jake Gyllenhaal, Movies & CineMás, Pelis and Popcorn, Seth Rogan

By Michael Lopez

Honestly, isn't it refreshing to hear curse words and see nudity in a big budget movie? Too often summer films gets slapped with that notorious "PG-13" stamp, so more teenagers can get into the seats. But not Friends With Benefits. This relationship flick seems to be very proud of its "R" rating and uses its liberties for some great comedic fun.

Defining itself as an "anti-romantic comedy," Friends definitely skewers a lot of the stereotypes you're used to seeing in your average chick flick. In fact, one of the movie's funniest running gags involves a faux rom com movie (titled I Love You, I Love New York) that the characters wind up watching on cable TV.

Justin Timberlake's Dylan definitely carries himself with a cocky swagger in the beginning of the film. After breaking up with a controlling ex (played hilariously by Emma Stone), he decides to relocate his life and accept a new gig in New York City.

Jamie, Mila Kunis' character, is the headhunter who lands Dylan his east coast dream job and becomes his first real "friend" in the city. And writers David A. Newman and Keith Merryman did a fantastic job working out the banter between both of them. Jamie is able to come off tough, yet vulnerable in all the right moments.

Dylan's confident façade begins to crack too, and soon these Friends begin seeing a deeper side to one another. And, as you can expect, they eventually cross over into the Benefits territory, taking their platonic relationship into the bedroom.

The interesting thing about Friends is, its rejection of the chick flick mold actually makes you start to yearn for it after a while. Eventually you begin rooting for Dylan and Jamie and, though they have their ups and downs, you seriously hope they fall in love. Does Friends With Benefits ultimately surrender to its own clichés? Perhaps, but not without a few R-Rated zingers thrown in for fun.

Bottom Line: Though Friends is Justin's first "leading man" type role, he pulls it off with flying colors. Kunis' sarcastic wit is also very charming. But, if you're looking for a real LOL scene-stealer, wait until you see what Woody Harrelson brings to the table! It’s funny, it's fast-paced, and it's got just the right amount of heart. Definitely make Friends with this movie.

Are you planning on watching Friends With Benefits? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Friends With Benefits, Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis, Movie Reviews, Movies & CineMás