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By Michael Lopez

What a wild year it's been in the chisme world. There were enough baby bumps, nasty divorces, and estrella scandals to fill five seasons of Popland! And before that ball drops on 2011, we thought it would be fun to look back on some of our favorite Blogamole stories throughout the past 12 months.

2011 certainly kicked off with its share of chisme. There was that January announcement about Shakira splitting up with her longtime boyfriend Antonio de la Rua. Now we all know that she was spotted with her current flame, Gerard Piqué, just a short time later. Could there have been an overlapping relationship? We'll probably never know for sure, but thankfully Antonio has landed on his feet in the love department.

And speaking of love, quite a few new celebrity couples emerged in the past year. Perhaps the biggest of them all was Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber. These two started getting spotted together in late 2010, but didn't announce their official "relationship" until the Oscars after-party in March.

Casper Smart and Jennifer Lopez made surprising couple news when they became an item this past November. Of course, that attaches itself to a much bigger chisme story; the JLo/Marc Anthony divorce! Nobody in the media saw that breakup coming and, from what we've heard so far, the split was not acrimonious.

Several other famous faces parted ways with their steadies this year. Zoe Saldana, who had been with her boyfriend for 11 years, broke off her engagement in November. And Ana de la Reguera endured a pretty public split too. Her man, Univision anchor Jorge Ramos, publicly cheated back in January.

But the year wasn’t just filled with scandals. Plenty of happy new arrivals kept gossip blogs buzzing too. Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem welcomed their first child in January, Jessica Alba gave Honor Marie a younger sister back in August, and Benicio del Toro became a first-time daddy after a tryst with Kimberly Stewart.

2011 also proved to be stellar year for some Latino up-and-comers. Romeo Santos proved he could handle solo stardom just fine after the release of his album, Formula Vol. 1. Victoria Justice also created quite a bit of buzz this year, and not just for her singing abilities. She was able to hold down a hit TV show, movie roles, and major merchandising deals! One of our personal faves, Sie7e, made a big mark too, winning Best New Artist at the Latin Grammys.

But if we had to award one Chisme King of the Year, it would have to be Charlie Sheen. The self-described "Warlock" made more Blogamole headlines than just about any other star. Whether it was his "Tiger's Blood" rants, his Two and a Half Men drama, or his wacky intern program, Mr. Sheen definitely made for an eventful 2011.

That being said, there are still a few more days until the December 31st clock strikes midnight, so you never know who else may make the annual chisme list!

What was your top chisme moment of the year? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 2011, Ana de la Reguera, antonio de la rua, Benicio Del Toro, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Casper Smart, Celebrities, Charlie Sheen, Chisme, Gerard Piqué, Javier Bardem, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Alba, Jorge Ramos, Justin Bieber, Kimberly Stewart, Marc Anthony, Penelope Cruz, Romeo Santos, Selena Gomez, Shakira, Sie7e, victoria justice, Zoe Saldana

By Horacio Garcia

Based on a New York Times Bestseller, written by a 5 times Oscar nominated writer (Erick Roth, who won it for Forrest Gump) and directed by Stephen Daldry, the acclaimed director of Billy Elliot and The Reader; Incredibly Loud & Extremely Close seems like the most calculated bet to the Academy Awards this year.

Not only boasted Oscar winners Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock in its casting, but also recruited a great cast of secondary performers including Max Von Sydow, John Goodman and specially Viola Davis, fresh from her huge success in The Help.

Incredibly Loud is the story of Oskar Schell, a very neurotic city kid whose father Thomas (Tom Hanks) has devised a series of mini quests in order to get him out of the house. Unfortunately, Thomas is one of the hundreds of people trapped in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. In an attempt to keep his father somehow close, Oscar hides his dad final call from his mother Linda (Sandra Bullock) and it seems very likely that he will bury himself inside his room, when he discovers a small key hidden inside a vase in his father’s closet.

Oscar considers the key his father's one last clue to investigate and this secluded subway-fearing youngster embarks on a crazy journey through the City of New York searching for a lock-box belonging to someone named Black.

Incredibly Loud, both the novel and the film, have been called "9/11 exploitation" for using the tragedy as the background for a personal melodrama in an attempt to squeeze some extra tears. The truth is that the movie is not very teary. Director Daldry maintains a very European distance from the story and in several of its most dramatic moments the actors barely speak at all.

The only reason this kind of script works is thanks to such impressive actors like Max Von Sydow, who  elevates the solemnity of any scene even without uttering a single word. The minimalist music score nicely underlines the intention.

Thomas Horn, the young actor who plays Oscar, was a contestant in the Jeopardy for Teens Week (he made over 30 K…), so this brainy character obsessed with finding clues to his father's secret is perfect for him. Thomas is brilliantly directed but more than acting coaching is needed to be like the type of person who happily tells us that Asperger Syndrome Tests on him "were inconclusive".

Maybe a little out of place for a Christmas opening in which is going to compete with such unabashed melodramas as War Horse, and despite the star-studded cast, Incredibly Loud is at the end a little quiet movie, very well performed and sufficiently entertaining. It is also a little sadder than the rest of movies we are used to on Christmas so you might need your hankie. As I said before, it was also calculated for an Oscar run so I think we'll be hearing about this one till February.

Tags blogger: Horacio Garcia, Max Von Sydow, Sandra Bullock, Thomas Horn Incredibly Loud & Extremely Close, Tom Hanks, Viola Davis

By Michael Lopez

Despite winning multiple Latin Grammys and having millions of adoring fans, René “Residente” Perez is still plagued with nightmares. And apparently one recurring dream that the Calle 13 frontman is dealing with involves his own death!

Residente recently told Primera Hora that he doesn't expect to live past 40. The reason, he claims, is because of the visions he constantly has that show him perishing at a young age.

"It's not that I'm a negative person," he explained in the interview. "But I don’t think I’m going to get to 40. I dream a lot about that, and they say dreams come true."

Now 33, that means we'd only have Residente around for another seven years! Clearly we hope that isn't the case and neither does Perez. He went on to say how much he values his life and how he wants to be around to someday meet his own grandkids.

What's the worst nightmare you've ever had? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Calle 13, Chisme, Nightmares, popnews, Residente, RIP

By Michael Lopez

Sure people are all hyped up about the prospects of 2012. But it's important every New Year's Eve to reflect on those who are no longer with us. This year Blogamole said goodbye to quite a few íconos, all of whom will never be forgotten.

Though he wasn’t a household name to many of today's Tweeters and bloggers, Argentine writer Ernesto Sábato influenced generations with his mighty use of the pen. He passed away in April at the ripe old age of 99 and continued publishing works for the past 60 years. Sábato's masterpiece, Sobre Héroes y Tumbas, revolutionized surrealist literature and won him respect from top authors around the world.

Genaro Hernandez came from a very different world, but broke Latino boundaries in much the same way. A Mexican-American from South Central, he gained international recognition in the boxing community for his fast reflexes and powerhouse punches. Throughout his professional career, Genaro nabbed the WBC and WBA super featherweight belts and became a KO superstar in the late 1980's. Sadly, he succumbed to cancer back in June at the age of 45.

In July, the Latino world lost another incredible talent, but in a much more violent way. Argentine musician Facundo Cabral was viciously gunned down after a Guatemalan concert. Known for his positive songs and upbeat attitude, Cabral's murder left the music world stunned. Since the attack three suspects were arrested, which can at least provide some closure to this tragic story.

Mexican movie fans found themselves in deep mourning this past September. That's when the news broke that legendary comic Gaspar “Capulina” Henaine had passed away. Thankfully, Capulina was able to live a very full (and very funny) life in his 85 years. Throughout his career, Henaine made over 80 movies and appeared on dozens of TV shows. Stars like Carlos Ponce and Chespirito sent heartfelt condolences via the Twitterverse.

Just this past week, the drama world lost another Latino powerhouse. Pedro Armendariz Jr. passed away on Monday after a long bout with cancer. Embraced by both Mexican and American audiences, Pedro acted in dozens of box office hits throughout the years (including a few with Brad Pitt and Antonio Banderas). His larger-than-life talent will certainly be missed.

And though she wasn't necessarily famous herself, Thalía's manager mother Yolanda Miranda passed away very unexpectedly in 2011. Far from just a gloating parent, Yolanda helped guide Thalía's career and deserves a lot of the credit for her daughter's success. Clearly devastated by her death, Thalía wrote several touching memories on her Twitter feed and will more than likely be dedicating her next album to madre's memory.

Did you lose anyone you loved in 2011? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Capulina, Celebrities, Cultura, Ernesto Sabato, Facundo Cabral, Genaro Hernandez, Pedro Armendariz, RIP, Thalía, Yolanda Miranda

By Michael Lopez

It must be nice to make hundreds of millions of dollars, especially when it comes to medical care. Instead of getting basic treatment on his bum knee, Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez flew all the way to Germany to test out an experimental therapy called "Orthokine."

Interestingly, it was Kobe Bryant who told A-Rod to head overseas. The Lakers star had used the therapy himself and clearly it's helped him excel in the NBA. But what is "Orthokine" exactly? A revolutionary plasma-rich platelet treatment.

According to New York Magazine, "Orthokine" involves taking blood from a patient's arm, then spinning it in a centrifuge. The shaken-up serum is then injected into the affected area, aka Rodriguez' injured knee.

It definitely sounds "different," but the real question is, will it work? It seems A-Rod did the procedure a few weeks back, so perhaps when the new season kicks off we can see if he's got bionic speed when he rounds those bases.

Do you believe in alternative medicines? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags alex Rodriguez, Baseball, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Health, Kobe Bryant, Medicine, MLB, Orthokine, Sports

By Michael Lopez

It looks like the tabloids got this rumor right! Both Bradley Cooper and Zoe Saldana have now officially confirmed their "couple status."

Rumors about a Cooper/Saldana romance have been floating around for months. In June, they were seen getting "extra cozy" on the set of their upcoming film The Words. But back then, Zoe was an engaged woman and Bradley had been in an on-again/off-again relationship with Renee Zellweger.

Flash forward six months later and it seems these two are now "totally dating." At least, that's how E! is putting it. The entertainment site even said that Cooper and Saldana were heading on a romantic vacation to Colorado this weekend.

We have to admit, they definitely make a very cute (and very powerful) couple. Let's just hope that Zoe doesn’t rush into things too quickly. She's still getting over an 11-year relationship.

Do you think Zoe is rushing into her romance with Bradley Cooper? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Bradley Cooper, Celebrities, Celebrity Couples, Chisme, Hot Stuff, popnews, Zoe Saldana

By Michael Lopez

Sure their music has an urban edge, but that doesn't mean that Dyland y Lenny support violence. In fact, the reggaeton duo led a march on Tuesday against domestic abuse.

"We feel responsible because when you're an artist, you become a role model for many youngsters who don't have a role model at home and are kids who look up to artists and do what the artists say," Dyland explained in a recent interview.

D y L also took a stand against gunplay on New Year's Eve, which has proven to be a major problem in their Puerto Rican homeland. Often times when the clock strikes midnight, people shoot weapons into the air, which is dangerous and can lead to major injuries.

Lenny went on to say that he felt "alarmed" by Puerto Rico's murder rate. This year alone, 1,116 people were killed on the island. Hopefully the march helped convince their fellow citizens to keep things peaceful and positive in 2012.

Are you inspired by Dyland y Lenny? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Domestic Violence, Dyland y Lenny, New Year's Eve, Puerto Rico

By Michael Lopez

Here we are, still in December, and ESPN has already moved on to the year ahead. The sports site's top forecasters have now set their sights on the hottest Latino fighters of 2012. And judging by their stats-laden list, these boxeadores are some forces to be reckoned with!

One fighter we know very well is Miguel Cotto. He recently gave Antonio Margarito a serious beatdown and seems primed for more ringside success in the coming year. ESPN calls him, "Always fit, always ready, and always giving 110 percent."

Another familiar name on the list is Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. With 31 knockouts to his credit, this boxing prodigy is more than living up to his father's legacy. And it’s important to note that Julio has one of the best trainers in the biz, namely Freddie Roach. We can see them causing major damage in 2012.

ESPN says Sergio Martinez is another great fighter to put on your radar. Sergio hails from Argentina and at 36, he's quite a bit older than many names on the list. But his aggressive style and tireless work ethic have given him boxing kudos from the likes of Sports Illustrated, The Ring, and Yahoo Sports.

Thomas Dulorme is being called Puerto Rico's next big superstar. This junior welterweight is famous for his second round KO's. ESPN gave Dulorme some extra special praise for his devastating battle against former champ DeMarcus Corley back in June.

And though Saul Alvarez has gained popularity for his movie star looks, his rage in the ring is anything but pretty. ESPN calls the Mexican-born Alvarez "ferocious" and heavily praised his rapid-fire punching abilities. The site even hinted that Saul could be a good contender for WBC champ, Floyd Mayweather.

Who's your favorite Latino boxer? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, boxing, ESPN, Freddie Roach, Julio César Chávez Jr., Miguel Cotto, Saul Alvarez, Sergio Martinez, Sports, Thomas Dulorme

By Michael Lopez

Forget The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, right now the media is buzzing about the girl with the Drake tattoo! Amazingly, a female fan inked the hip-hop star's name on her forehead and broadcast it to the web.

"I want to meet her and understand what happened," Drake said in a recent interview with MTV's Mando Fresko. "I want to talk to her. This is crazy, it’s surreal!"

Of course if you take those words for flattery, you may be mistaken. Immediately after saying that, Drake verbally attacked the artist responsible for the ink.

"The guy who tatted it is a f**king a**hole!" Drake went on to say. "You should lose your job and never do tattoos again. And if I ever see you, I'm gonna f**k you up!"

The artist (whose name is Kevin Campbell) quickly spoke up after hearing Drake's response. He went on to say that he asked the girl repeatedly if she was sure she wanted that tat and she said "Yes." Is that enough to fully clear his conscience? We'll let you be the judge.

Watch the interview here:

Would you ever get a tattoo on your forehead? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Chisme, drake, Kevin Campbell, popnews, Tatoos, Tr3s Exclusives

By Michael Lopez

It seems like Saturday Night Live star Kristen Wiig may have a thing for Latinos. The comedienne was spotted in the company of Brazilian-born Strokes drummer Fabrizio Moretti over the holiday, leading many to speculate that they're in the middle of a hot-and-heavy fling.

Apparently the two had been seen together several times this month and, according to Perez Hilton, they got extremely cuddly on a recent flight to L.A. So far though, neither of their reps have confirmed the romance.

Fabrizio has actually caught the eye of quite a few famous ladies in the past. Prior to Wiig, he dated Drew Barrymore for five years. Kristen seems to be newly-single too, having just broken up with a longtime boyfriend.

We think they make a very cute couple. And seeing how Moretti is a full seven years younger than Wiig, they can now fill the Hollywood "Cougar" void left by the Demi Moore/Ashton Kutcher split.

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

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrities, Celebrity Couples, Chisme, Fabrizio Moretti, Kristen Wiig, popnews, The Strokes