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By Michael Lopez

In the Latino civil rights world, the late Cesar Chavez is regarded as a saint. A co-founder of the United Farm Workers, he made incredible strides in the labor and immigration movements with his activism. But, according to a new book, he was not without his flaws.

Trampling Out The Vintage is creating quite a bit of waves among the Chavez fan base for its critical look at the legendary Latino leader. According to author Frank Bardacke (who was a member of the UFW), Cesar made big blunders within the union.

"Cesar Chavez was no saint," Bardacke said in a recent interview. "I knew him and he made mistakes within the union that wound up weakening that great movement of the 1970's."

Frank went on to say that Chavez put incompetent people in UFW leadership roles and caused friction between members who were from Mexico and those who were born in the U.S. But Bardacke made sure to emphasize that the book isn't just full of Cesar-flavored haterade.

"My book is not a biography to discredit Cesar Chavez," he went on to say. "My work tells a lot about Cesar Chavez, but it's more a history of the UFW."

You can judge for yourself by picking up a copy of Trampling Out The Vintage, which is in bookstores now.

Do you think Cesar Chavez is glorified too much? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Books, Cesar Chavez, Cultura, Frank Bardacke, Immigration, Trampling Out The Vintage, UFW, United Farm Workers

By Michael Lopez

Get ready America, you're going to see a lot more Spanish accents on your primetime shows. Proving they've got an eye for diversity, networks like Fox and ABC are now locking in Mexican stars for upcoming pilots and guest spots.

On the Fox side of things, Martha Higareda and Adan Canto have landed holding deals for future TV projects. Both actors were scouted at the behest of the network's new Latin-inspired casting department. Fox's Vice President of Casting, Tess Sanchez, happens to be Hispanic, as is department director Yolanda Guillen. Reportedly, they felt the need to add more Español flavor to the primetime schedule.

And seeing how ABC and CBS is working it, it's easy to see why. Way back when Modern Family started, Colombian-born Sofia Vergara was an unknown to American audiences (but not any more!). On the CBS front, ¡Rob! is scoring dynamite ratings and creating a ton of buzz for Latin American transplant, Eugenio Derbez.

So what's so special about Martha and Adan? For one thing, Higareda is considered to be "the Mexican Sandra Bullock" and has been charming novela fans for years. She's already made a mark in the U.S. too, with roles in Smokin’ Aces 2 and Street Kings.

Canto is a little newer to the scene, though he's already made plenty of Latinas swoon with his hunky characters in Spanish soaps. Adan is also an accomplished musician, which means he could be a solid candidate for a Fox Glee appearance.

So far there is no confirmation about exactly which shows Martha and Adan would be attached to. But Deadline is reporting that they are being "strongly considered" for that new drama series created by Ugly Betty’s Silvio Horta.

And though she's technically a "local girl," Gina Rodriguez has caught the eye of TV execs too. The Chicago native has been getting rave reviews for her performance in Sundance indie smash Filly Brown. So much so, that she nabbed herself a holding deal at rival network ABC.

Hopefully these trailblazers will open the door for many more crossovers to come!

Which Latin stars would you like to see cross over? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Adan Canto, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, Fox, Gina Rodriguez, Hot Stuff, Martha Higareda, Television, Tess Sanchez, Yolanda Guillen

By Michael Lopez

Keep your eye on Javier Fernandez-Han. This 17-year-old science whiz may very well change the world within the next decade. And we're not the only ones who think so. Forbes recently put him on their prestigious "30 Under 30" list.

Tapped into the magazine's Energy category, Javier is among some very elite company. 24-year-old Danielle Fong already runs her own renewables company called LightSail Energy. Her inventions have made great strides in the electrical world, giving scientists new ways to store and harness solar power from the sun.

Though Fernandez-Han hasn’t quite reached the level of CEO yet, he's well on his way. The Texas high school student (who is half-Mexican and half-Chinese) has invented a groundbreaking system that can break down sewage and convert it into methane for fuel.

Not only that, he's already founded his own humanitarian organization called Inventors Without Borders. Javier hopes his ".org" will allow for new inventions to be used in poverty-stricken areas around the world.

"Once I realized I enjoyed inventing, I began to see how I could provide solutions to common problems," he told NBC Latino. "Inventing things became a way to help people."

And interestingly, the science world is starting to take notice. Fernandez-Han has already spoken at conventions for the popular website TED and been flown to Spain to deliver a speech to eco-engineers (which has become a YouTube sensation).

But if you were to ask his proud parents, Javier is still very much a "normal" teenager. He enjoys ping-pong, afterschool social events, and, well, saving the world.

"All teenagers have potential to solve problems. My vision is that one day that what Javier does will be considered typical," Fernandez-Han’s dad Peter explained. "As parents, we can expect kids to be creative in everything they do. When you refrain from providing a quick answer or buying solutions to a kid’s boredom, you cultivate the expectation that your kids can, and will be creative."

Have you ever tried to invent anything? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 30 Under 30, Agentes De Cambio, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, Danielle Fong, Ecology, Education, Forbes, Inventors Without Borders, Javier Fernandez-Han, LightSail Energy, Science, Technology, TED

By Michael Lopez

The next time you pull one of those delicious popcorn bags out of the microwave, you may want to give a little shout out to Peru. According to some recent discoveries, the South American country may be the originator of what we now know as popcorn.

National Geographic is now claiming that Peruvian civilizations created the crunchy kernels over 6,700 years ago. Archeologists exploring the Andean region of the country recently discovered ancient corn remnants wrapped in foil-esque material and resting near coals.

They believe the Peruvians used the coals to "pop" kernels, simulating the same fluffy edibles we now enjoy today. Was there liquid butter, salt packets, and Diet Coke cups? Probably not, but the discovery is groundbreaking nonetheless.

It's all pretty amazing stuff, though it's a shame the ancient Peruvians weren't able to copyright their invention. Because as we all know, there are going to be A TON of kernels popping come Super Bowl time.

What's your favorite flavor of popcorn? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, Food, National Geographic, peru, Popcorn

By Astrid Rivera

2012 is a HUGE year for the Mayans, I mean besides the whole world coming to an end thing! It has just been confirmed that ex-Beatle and musician extraordinaire Sir Paul McCartney will be performing at the historic site of Chichén Itzá.

Although a specific date has not yet been set, the mega artist is working together with the local governor and plans to appear sometime late March or early April. McCartney will join the prestigious list of incredible artists who have performed in this historic site including fellow Brits Elton John and Sara Brightman.

The local government of Yucatán as well as the board of tourism has been working tirelessly to bring Sir McCartney since 2008, after Chichen Itzá was named an official World Wonder in 2007.

The governor, Ivonne Ortega Pacheco, spoke to journalists about the upcoming concert:

"To be able to get the attention of an artist of his caliber is very complicated, but McCartney is convinced of the project and he wants to sing in Chichén Itzá, and naturally it is a fact that the concert will take place", she said.

Not only is the area celebrating their newfound World Wonder status but they are celebrating the coming end of the Mayan calendar. Although Hollywood has made us believe that the world is indeed coming to an end, experts point out that this is just the end of a cycle that occurs ever 5,125 years.

The first artist to ever perform in Chichén Itzá was the late Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti in 1997. After this historic performance many other luminaries were soon following in the tenor's footsteps. These performances, however, were not always welcome and caused controversy among the National Anthropological and Historical Association, who pointed out that concerts could negatively affect the archeological site itself.

But this is not stopping the local Yucatán government, which is taking ever precautionary method to protect the Mayan World Wonder. This is sure to be a spectacular concert that will entertain millions worldwide and, more importantly, showcase an important piece of Mayan history.

What do you think of Sir Paul McCartney performing in Chichén Itzá?

Tags Astrid Rivera, Chichén Itzá, Elton John, Luciano Pavarotti, Modern World Wonders, Sara Brightman, Sir Paul McCartney, The Beatles

By Michael Lopez

If you think about it, Latino filmmakers have always seemed to have a good amount of indie street cred. Guillermo del Toro started out creating low budget masterpieces, as did Biutiful’s Alejandro González Iñárritu. And now, several new Hispanic directors are hoping to make a mark too, with their selections at this year's Sundance Film Festival.

One of the most anticipated features screening at Sundance was directed by Edward James Olmos' son, Michael. Filly Brown has already been garnering a ton of buzz and not just for its gritty plot. This movie's got an unrecognizable Jenni Rivera in the lead role, playing a tough incarcerated mother.

Mosquita y Mari is another selection that has been wowing the critics. Directed by newcomer Aurora Guerrero, this heart-wrenching drama follows the lives of two young Latinas who may be more than "just friends." Guerrero told the Huffington Post that she's extremely proud of this movie and its message to Latinos who are struggling with their sexuality.

"I think immigrant Latinos and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people have been portrayed in [film in] ways that aren't accessible to people largely because they have been written from a place of fear and hate," she explained. "I hope to provide...an opportunity for Latino families to engage in dialogue about issues of desire and sex, not just the same sex, but desire in general."

Clearly the dialogue is already happening, as Mosquita y Mari has been dominating independent movie blogs for weeks.

Spanish director Rodrigo Cortes has assembled an all-star cast for his Sundance feature, Red Lights. Robert De Niro, Sigourney Weaver, and Cillian Murphy all star in this supernatural drama which is certain to acquire big studio distribution before the year is out.

Other interesting Latino selections include Argentina's The Last Elvis. Set in the world of Presley impersonators, it's actually supposed to be a very touching story. Too bad they couldn't nab Bruno Mars for the lead.

Violeta In Heaven should be a very strong contender in the biopic category. Based on the life of Chilean folk singer Violeta Parra, it's supposedly filled with great music and has a breakout performance by Francisca Gavilán.

And as far as the short films go, Una Hora Por Favor should provide plenty of laughs throughout its 13-minute runtime. Wilmer Valderrama stars with SNL vet Michaela Watkins in what's described as a race-relations, paternalized immigration comedy.

You can check out all of the Sundance movies by visiting the festival's official site.

What's your favorite independent movie? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Aurora Guerrero, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, Filly Brown, Francisca Gavilán, Jenni Rivera, Michael Olmos, Michaela Watkins, Mosquita y Mari, Movies & CineMás, Red Lights, Rodrigo Cortes, Sundance, Sundance Film Festival, The Last Elvis, Una Hora Por Favor, Violeta In Heaven, Wilmer Valderrama

By Michael Lopez

We may still be a long ways away form the next Hispanic Heritage Month, but that doesn't mean that more cultural strides aren't being accomplished.  Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has announced an initiative to preserve important Latino sites as national landmarks.

Focusing particularly on Colorado and New Mexico, Salazar pointed out several key locations that are worthy of national attention. He explained how American minorities are in dire need of more landmarks, not just for preservation, but for cultural pride.

"Less than three percent of all the national landmarks we have are designated for women, Latinos, African Americans, or other members of minority groups," Ken recently stated. "That tells you that the score is not even."

Salazar actually oversees the country's National Park Service and is considered to be the Obama administration's most senior Hispanic official. He hails from Colorado's San Luis Valley and (not coincidentally) has put that area on his list for preservation.

The San Luis Valley is Colorado's oldest town and contains the state's oldest church. According to Ken, it also includes several "nationally significant American Latino heritage sites." Salazar's other mission is to preserve New Mexico's Sangre de Cristo mountains, which he believes would make a great national park.

"I think when you look at the way Americans most understand the history of Latinos in this country, a lot of it is being told now through the lens of what’s happening with the immigration debate," he went on to say. "While that's an important debate that has security and moral implications, in my view, there's also a huge history of Latinos in the United States that's never been told."

Ken may definitely have a point and there's a good chance that the President is listening. With the 2012 elections right around the corner, this type of recognition could be just the thing Obama needs to get in the good graces of Latino voters.

What's your favorite national landmark? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, Education, Ken Salazar, National Landmarks, Politics, President Barack Obama

By Michael Lopez

You're welcome, President Obama. Despite ongoing forecasts of economic doom and gloom, statistics are now showing that holiday spending was up this past December. Thanks, in part, to the hard earned cash from the Latino community.

According to the latest Gallup survey, 2011 saw a 4.1 percent rise in holiday spending. And though most of those dollars probably weren't given to Sears or Kmart (who are on the brink of bankruptcy), Hispanic-owned businesses did see a major spike in revenue.

New statistics show that businesses owned by Latinos have earned nearly $350 billion in the past five years. That's quite an impressive figure, especially when you consider that most Hispanic companies are not very large and family-owned. And boy are they growing! Forbes reports that more than 20 percent of all businesses in New Mexico, Florida, and Texas are now owned by Latinos.

And let's not forget that the Hispanic population is contributing quite a lot into the general economy too, particularly in the tech department. This holiday season, Zpryme Research and Consulting concluded that Latinos spent over $5 billion on mobile devices.

They claim that one out of every four Hispanics dropped at least $250 on gadgets, with tablets and smartphones ranking highest on the list. Spanish tech websites, like TuTecnologia have been popping up left and right, advising shoppers on the gizmos that deliver the best bang for the buck.

"Many Hispanics see tablets and smartphones as a gateway to the technology world that not so long ago was held captive by expensive entry-level desktops and laptops," TuTecnologia founder Ariel Coro explained. "This is a similar phenomenon to the one seen a couple of years ago with netbooks. Nowadays, tablets are more convenient, portable, affordable and even easier to use."

With that in mind, you can plan on seeing a lot more Apple commercials in español in the near future. More and more advertising agencies are picking up on the Hispanic spending trends and courting corporate name clients like Microsoft and Sony for Spanish campaigns.

Perhaps it's time to start patenting the ¡Ay Pad!

What did you spend on this holiday season? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, Gallup, Holidays, iPad, iPhone, Technology, TuTecnologia

By Michael Lopez

Believe it or not, the Super Bowl is just one month away. And that means there's going to be a lot of football talk within the next 30 days. With the Playoffs kicking into gear this Saturday, we thought now would be a great time to reflect on the Latinos who may be walking away with the NFL's biggest prize on February 5.

Lots of eyes will be on the New York Giants this weekend as they take on the Atlanta Falcons. Both teams have some prominent Latinos in their ranks, including one of our faves, Victor Cruz. Known for his touchdown "salsa dances," Victor's a charismatic, dedicated receiver and clearly proud of his Puerto Rican roots.

It's important to note that the Falcons have a pretty prominent Hispanic on their front line too. Tony "Gonzo" Gonzalez is a role model for Dominican Americans and has actually broken the record for most receptions from a tight end. Though many gamblers are putting their money on New York, Saturday's battle could be anybody's game.

On Sunday, you can see a few more Latinos going head-to-head for Playoff glory. Manny Ramirez (no, not the disgraced Dodger, thank you very much) has been crushing heads as a Broncos lineman since January. A proud Mexican-American, he's not a guy you'd want to mess with on the field. Measuring 6'4" and weighing 330 lbs, he's prone to do so major damage during Denver's game against the Steelers.

On the flipside, Pittsburgh's Daniel Sepulveda has got a lot less weight, but a killer right foot. An ace Steelers punter for the past four years, Daniel's already earned one Super Bowl ring. And though he's currently on the injured list, we're sure he'll have plenty of Mexican-Americans from his hometown of Austin waving around those terrible towels.

Perhaps the most high-profile Latino to make the Playoffs this year is Houston Texan Jeff Garcia. One of the only Hispanic quarterbacks in the league, Jeff's fought long and hard to make his way to the show. Interestingly, he first joined the team last month after starting QB Matt Schaub got put on the injured list. And if there was ever a time for Garcia to prove himself, this is it!

Jeff's now in his early 40's and spent the last decade throwing passes for the Detroit Lions, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Half Mexican and half Irish, Garcia's always had pride in his Latino roots and contributed quite a bit of cash to Hispanic Scholarship Funds.

Millions will be watching the four big Playoff games this weekend. And we're keeping our fingers crossed that at least one Latino will walk away with a shiny Super Bowl trophy when it's all said and done.

Who are you rooting for in the NFL Playoffs? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Atlanta Falcons, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cincinnati Bengals, Cultura, Daniel Sepulveda, Denver Broncos, Football, Houston Texans, Jeff Garcia, Manny Ramirez, New York Giants, NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers, Sports, Super Bowl, Super Bowl XLVI, Victor Cruz

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