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By Michael Lopez

Another "Fat Tuesday" has come and gone, which we’re sure led to plenty of Wednesday morning hangovers. And judging by the latest batch of gossip blogs, several celebs may be reaching for the Tylenol too. Oh yes, a ton of famous faces made the rounds at both Mardi Gras and Carnival this past week and we’ve got the stories to prove it.

Way down in Brazil, Jennifer Lopez and Fergie were the belles of the ball. Lopez actually had her trip comped by the South American beer company, Brahma. She had done a few Spanish commercials for them and they returned the favor with two first class tickets to Carnival. Who was JLo’s extra guest? That would be her new boytoy Casper Smart, who was seen partying alongside her on the streets on Rio.

Fergie made a memorable appearance down south as well, hanging out at Brazil’s famed Sambadrome with Sharon Stone. The BEP star’s appearance was sponsored by Head and Shoulders, which was actually quite obvious once paparazzi cams caught a glimpse of her fluffy, flowing hair.

Back in the states, Will Ferrell earned huge cheers as he took the reigns of Mardi Gras grand marshal. Dressed in an over-the-top king outfit, he waved to the crowd and threw out bucket loads of beads. Interestingly, Ferrell’s float garnered almost as much attention as he did, with its giant fruit baskets and plastic gladiator head.

Old school music fans got some fun down in New Orleans as well. Classic rockers Cyndi Lauper and Bret Michaels were part of the Orpheus parade club, which emphasizes music and was founded by Harry Connick Jr.

Hilary Swank made a big splash too, tossing trinkets from her colorful celebrity float. And Law & Order’s Mariska Hargitay really got into the spirit, dressing herself in a gold bedazzled butterfly dress.

And don’t get us started on the rest of the French Quarter. Throughout the day, photographers snapped images of Wizard of Oz characters, dancing fairies, and black skeleton heads grooving to live Dixieland music.

Not a bad way to spend a Tuesday afternoon, if you ask us.

How did you celebrate "Fat Tuesday?" Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Bret Michaels, Carnival, Celebrities, Cyndi Lauper, Fat Tuesday, Fergie, Hilary Swank, Holidays, Hot Stuff, Jennifer Lopez, Mardi Gras, Mariska Hargitay, Sharon Stone, Will Ferrell

By Michael Lopez

Love was in the air at L.A.'s Staples Center last night. Despite rumors of a bitter divorce, Kobe and Vanessa Bryant seemed to be all smiles during the Lakers' Valentine’s Day game and were even caught smooching in front of the team locker room!

Could this mean that the two may be reconciling? It's very possible, with sources claiming that Vanessa is having second thoughts about ending the marriage.

As we all know, Kobe has had some infidelity issues in the past and it's rumored that a new fling is what made Vanessa decide to call it quits. BUT these two have been an item for over 10 years, so were sure it's not easy living their lives apart.

Add to that two adorable young daughters and it seems like both Bryants may want to give their marriage one more try. Now no one is confirming that the two are back together, but judging by the pix TMZ posted, it's a big possibility.

Would you like to see Kobe and Vanessa get back together? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrities, Celebrity Divorce, Chisme, Kobe Bryant, popnews, Valentines Day, Vanessa Bryant

By Michael Lopez

After 14 years of marriage, the passion still burns deep for Erik Estrada and his wife Nanette. TMZ is reporting that the two are treating themselves to a very kinky gift basket for Valentine's Day.

It seems Nanette ordered a few romantic goodies for the CHiPs star to indulge in after the sun goes down. Namely furry handcuffs, edible underwear, and glow-in-the-dark body paint!

Her love note insinuated a very sensual night ahead,

"Papo, You're still the hottest thing in this lifetime for me! I'll love you forever. Happy Valentine's Day!"

Well we all know that Estrada was quite the ladies' man during his "Ponch" heyday. Perhaps if he really wants to light up her fire, he’ll throw on his old cop uniform and put those furry cuffs to use!

What's the wildest love gesture you ever did on Valentine’s Day? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrity Couples, erik estrada, Holidays, Nanette Estrada, Romance, Valentines Day

By Michael Lopez

Start planning fellas, Valentine's Day kicks off tomorrow which means flower stores and romantic restaurants are going to be filled to the brim. And over in La La Land, the same sentiment applies, as dozens of Hollywood stars prep for the year's most amor-heavy night.

Khloe Kardashian opened up about her Valentine's ritual with hubby Lamar Odom. Though she may come off as a party girl in her reality series, she told Hollyscoop that she prefers spending her V-Days relaxing in bed.

"I'm just excited to spend it with Lamar," she went to say. "And I would just love to lay in bed."

Jennifer Garner seemed to have the same idea, stressing that a relaxing morning with the fam can be just as romantic as a fancy dinner. Speaking about life as a mom expecting her third child soon  (and wife of a superstar), she told Popeater,

"You change the definition of romance [with children]. Romance is romance, but in addition romance can just be breakfast over the tops of heads. Just getting through the day. You just have to make that be romantic."

Over in Washington, first couple Michelle and Barack Obama have been known to show their soft side too. Speaking recently with Access Hollywood, the First Lady dished on her upcoming Valentine's plans.

"[Barack] always has to plan Valentine's," she jokingly said. "That's his job. I think there may be a 'date night' but we'll have to wait and see. It's hard for him to pull off the big surprise when you've got a motorcade and escorts."

Interestingly, there may be a few celebrity first dates happening on Valentine’s Day too. Several big stars are now unattached and could be looking for a shot from Cupid's arrow. Katy Perry has been flaunting her "singlehood" with several girl's nights out and a ringless wedding finger. Newly divorced Heidi Klum may be on the prowl too (though we doubt it after her "painful" breakup with Seal).

Even a Tr3s fave hinted that she may be on the market this Tuesday night. Despite reports that she was dating Wilmer Valderrama, Demi Lovato posted a very interesting tweet this past weekend.

"Valentines day is only 4 days away?!! Wow….Well, who wants to be my valentine??!"

We're sure she'll have no shortage of suitors after that post. And, for the record, it seems like all of America is ready to put a little love in their hearts this week too. The rom com movie The Vow swept the box office this weekend, earning a cool $41 million!

What are you planning for Valentine's Day? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Barack Obama, Ben Affleck, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrities, Celebrity Couples, Demi Lovato, Heidi Klum, Holidays, Jennifer Garner, Katy Perry, Khloe Kardashian, Lamar Odom, Michelle Obama, President Obama, The Vow, Valentines Day

By Michael Lopez

It seems like Victoria's Secret beauty Adriana Lima is a very ambitious woman. The Brazilian model recently listed off her 2012 "Bucket List" and clearly she has some impressive resolutions.

For starters, Lima is hoping to master the piano this year. She also wants to work with a speech coach to help lessen her accent. If you ask us, it sounds like Adriana may have a music career on her mind.

Lima also wants to step into the boxing ring and become a better fighter. And despite the fact that she's 30-years-old, Adriana feels like now is the time to finally get her driver's license.

Perhaps her loftiest goal is to visit Tibet and meet the Dalai Lama. Obviously to most of us, that seems like a difficult task. But keep in mind that Lima travels the world on a monthly basis and could easily accomplish that mission.

Way to shoot for the stars Adriana, we hope you make all of those dreams come true!

What are your 2012 new year's resolutions? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Adriana Lima, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Dalai Lama, New Year's, New Year's Resolutions, Victoria's Secret

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

It looks like romance is alive and well in 2012. This past week, tons of celebrity proposal stories leaked to the press, all centered around the joy and excitement of New Year's Eve.

Matthew McConaughey and his now-fiancee Camila Alves seemed to spark the trend with the announcement of their engagement on Christmas Day. Though they already have two kids together, Matt felt like the 2011 holiday season was the time to make things official. Camila excitedly accepted the glowing diamond ring and even tweeted an instagram of the moment she said "Yes."

John Legend was another celeb eager to take his relationship to the next level this December. The R&B crooner turned 33 last week and decided the time was right to propose to his longtime girlfriend Christine Teigen. The stunning Sports Illustrated model seemed thrilled about becoming Mrs. Legend (especially since he popped the question while they were vacationing in Maldives).

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler generated quite a bit of buzz with his surprise engagement last week. The current American Idol judge is getting set to walk down the aisle for the third time (with a fiancée who's 25 years younger). Interestingly, his bride-to-be Erin Brady was once Aerosmith’s accountant.

LeBron James had two big reasons to celebrate New Year’s Eve this year. For starters, he turned 27 the night earlier. But even better than that, the Miami Heat star is now an engaged man! James' high school sweetheart, Savannah Brinson, is about to become his Basketball Wife. The pair already have two kids and happen to make a very cute couple.

Sadly, New Year's didn’t bring love and romance to everyone. After just 14 months of marriage, Russell Brand and Katy Perry filed for divorce on December 30. Using the traditional "irreconcilable differences" excuse, the pair had experienced some public blowouts in the past few weeks and spent the Christmas season on separate coasts.

Did you enjoy a romantic New Year’s Eve? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Camila Alves, Celebrities, Celebrity Couples, Celebrity Divorce, Chisme, Christine Teigen, Engagements, Erin Brady, Holidays, John Legend, Katy Perry, Lebron James, Matthew McConaughey, New Year's, popnews, Russell Brand, Savannah Brinson, Steven Tyler

By Michael Lopez

Ok, so it looks like Cameron Diaz was NOT at Diddy's exclusive New Year's Eve party. But nearly every other famous face in Miami was. Exclusive images made their way down the wire this week revealing Rihanna, Vivica A. Fox, and Gayle King posing alongside colorful bottles of Ciroc!

Interestingly, it seems the Diddy partygoers celebrated New Year's twice that night. Once when the clock struck midnight in New York, and again for the west coast celebration. The hip-host even provided a breakfast for the 3am crowd, which included pancakes, bacon, and egg whites.

But one of the true stars of the night was clearly the Ciroc liquor bar. The vodka company helped sponsor Diddy's event and displayed giant ice sculptures of their brand, along with the tag line, "Ciroc The New Year."

Rihanna seemed to be enjoying the Ciroc theme too, happily posing by the bar in her tight black New Year's dress. And the 23-year-old songstress had an even bigger reason to celebrate that night. The Official Charts just revealed that she was the UK’s biggest selling singles artist in 2011.

What was your favorite cocktail this past New Year's Eve? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrities, Ciroc, Ciroc The New Year, Diddy, Holidays, Hot Stuff, New Year's, Rihanna

By Michael Lopez

Maybe the Mayan end-of-the-world prediction got to people because this past new year's the parties were raging like never before! Several famous faces were spotted all over the country Saturday night, ringing in 2012 with plenty of style.

Over in Florida, Diddy hosted a huge party at his Miami estate. Known for throwing extravagant NYE bashes, the music mogul maintained his rep by launching a massive fireworks show and welcoming famous guests like Rihanna, Fat Joe, and Busta Rhymes. No official word on whether his rumored galpal, Cameron Diaz, was in attendance, but it certainly wouldn't surprise us if she was.

Interestingly, another Miami local made major headlines that night too. Heat superstar LeBron James rung in the new year as an engaged man! He popped the question to longtime girlfriend Savannah Brinson during a romantic dinner at a South Beach restaurant.

Over on the east coast, Tr3s faves Pitbull and Diego Torres made the rounds at New York's historic Times Square.

Pit's energetic performance of "Give Me Everything" was seen by over 13 million viewers on ABC's New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. Mr. 305 was also on hand to watch the famous ball drop for the Dick Clark countdown.

Elsewhere in the city, new couple Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling shared a romantic evening at the Bowery Hotel. Selena Gomez hit the East Coast too, partying with boyfriend Justin Bieber until 3 am! And for the record, "The Biebs" earned quite a bit of musical credibility that night for his impassioned "Let It Be" duet with Carlos Santana.

As expected, Las Vegas proved to be a big NYE hotspot too. Kim Kardashian earned a cool $60,000 for hosting an Eve party at Tao in the Venetian Hotel. Stevie Wonder also nabbed a nice chunk of change on Saturday, performing to a sold-out crowd at Sin City's Cosmopolitan Resort.

On the west coast, Katy Perry seemed to be all smiles at L.A.'s trendy Soho House. The newly single star was seen dancing and partying alongside some of her closest friends. Mario Lopez hosted a sizable bash at Hollywood's Kodak Theater which included guests like Cobra Starship and a DJ performance by Tom Cruise's son, Connor.

And as far as the celebrity tweets go, many stars took time to reflect on 2011 and the exciting things in store for next year.

"I wanna wish you all a happy and safe new year," Bruno Mars wrote. "I thought 2010 was great but thanks to you guys 2011 has been the greatest year of my life!"

"Happy New Year! Health - happiness and love to you all!" Jessica Alba posted.

And Sofia Vergara sent out one of her signature Twitpix along with the quote, "Feliz anoooo!"

How did you spend New Year's Eve? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Bruno Mars, Carlos Santana, Celebrities, Diddy, Eva Mendes, Holidays, Hot Stuff, Jessica Alba, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian, Lebron James, Mario Lopez, New Year's, New Year's Eve, Pitbull, Rihanna, Ryan Gosling, Savannah Brinson, Selena Gomez, sofia vergara, stevie wonder

By Michael Lopez

They say that timing is everything and, in the case of Jencarlos Canela's new duet, that seems to clearly be the case. Capitalizing on the Christmas spirit of  "Feliz Navidad", Jencarlos has recruited music legend José Feliciano for a new single and music video.

Titled "Aleluya," the track features plenty of acoustic flourishes and a heartfelt message about celebrating life. The video is quite moving, showcasing Jencarlos and José strumming their guitars on a quiet stage.

And the single has an extra special meaning for Canela. He's letting the International Rescue Committee (IRC) use it as an anthem for their work being done in Haiti. Jencarlos has even become the official spokesman for the organization, lending his face and voice to the cause.

But we get the feeling "Aleluya" may have an even deeper meaning than that. Canela is about to become a first-time father, which is a miracle to rejoice about all unto itself.

Are you a fan of Jencarlos Canela's music? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Aleluya, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Haiti, Holidays, International Rescue Committee, Jencarlos Canela, Jose Feliciano, Música