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By Ikam Acosta

Rock and roll legend and staunch Republican Ted Nugent is under the watchful eye of the Secret Service after saying he'd be "dead or in jail by this time next year" if our current president Barack Obama is re-elected.

Ted might have well been yelling "bomb" while running through an airport. The gun-happy rocker made these comments while being interviewed at a National Rifle Association convention in St. Louis during the weekend. He compared the president and his administration to "coyotes" that needed to be taken out and encouraged eligible voters to "chop [Democrats'] heads off in November."

Whoa! Tune that amp down a notch, Ted. Not every member of the NRA might agree with what you have to say. Call me crazy, but some might think you're being a rabble-rouser.

Needless to say, these statements not only caught the attention of the Secret Service, but have also caused a backlash from Democrats groups and the like. Mitt Romney has been advised to distance himself from Nugent so he won't be associated with the anti-Democratic sentiment.

The chair of DNC, Debbie Wasserman, tweeted her thoughts on Ted's controversial words,

"Romney surrogate Ted Nugent's comments about Pres. Obama are vile & beyond the pale-- and the Romney campaign should denounce them immediately."

Andrea Saul, a spokeswoman from the Romney camp, said,

"Divisive language is offensive no matter what side of the political aisle it comes from. Mitt Romney believes everyone needs to be civil."

Nugent went on a conservative radio station to stand by his comments and saying they were "100 percent positive."

Needless to say, the Secret Service has Ted Nugent under strict scrutiny in case he decides to do anything crazy, as Nugent assured he would. Not the brightest thing you've said, Ted. I know you like to be controversial, but this is politics, not rock and roll.

Do you think Ted Nugent was too harsh with his comments about the Obama administration?

Tags Blogger: Ikam Acosta, Celebrities, Mitt Romney, Politics, President Barack Obama, Ted Nugent

By Michael Lopez

Who knew Hillary Clinton had a thing for cervezas? Mrs. Secretary-Of-State was spotted in South America this past weekend partying hard at a Colombian bar with several members of her staff.

Of course Clinton didn’t fly down to Cartagena just for fun and games. The former First Lady was in town for the Summit of the Americas, which addresses issues like civil rights and poverty in the Latin world.

By all accounts, Hillary delivered a moving speech about how the U.S. plans to help countries like Colombia and Brazil. But when it was all over, it was time for Mrs. Secretary to get her "party" on!

During her trip, Clinton hit the famous La Havana bar. She and several political luminaries dropped in at 12:45am, ordering beers and whiskey cocktails. TMZ happened to catch Hillary swigging down a bottle and dancing the night away. Not a bad way to show Latino unity, if you ask us.

Have you ever partied in South America? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Chisme, Colombia, Hillary Clinton, Politics, popnews, Summit of the Americas

By Michael Lopez

Sure we're over 200 days from the 2012 election. But that hasn't stopped the team behind Voto Latino from organizing pow wows to educate and encourage Hispanic voters. One such event will be taking place in Los Angeles this weekend and promises a host of notable estrellas.

Known as the "Power Summit," the two-day conference will feature Latino political leaders and educational seminars. Voto chairman Rosario Dawson has confirmed her attendance, as has United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta.

Dozens of other L.A. notables will be making their way to the event too and leading townhall discussions. There will also be opportunities to network with other young activists and to "get your boogie on" at the Saturday night cocktail party.

The entire event will be held at So Cal's USC campus, with shuttles taking guests to and from their local hotels. Tickets are still available at $99 a pop. But if you can't go, don't worry too much. Blogamole will be on the scene with plenty of updates for Monday morning.

Are you excited about this year's election? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 2012 Election, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, Dolores Huerta, Politics, Power Summit, Rosario Dawson, Voto Latino

By Ikam Acosta

President Barack Obama has had some not-so-favorable things to say about rapper Kanye West in the past, and he is not changing his opinion.

Obama first called Kanye "a jackass" after the rapper got onstage and interrupted the humble country singer Taylor Swift's award acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards back in 2009.

Kanye made an ass out of himself when Swift was about to make her proud speech, but the rapper took the microphone away from her to announce that,

"Yo Taylor, I'm really happy for you, I'm a let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time."

When Obama was recently asked whether he preferred Kanye West or Jay-Z, he quickly responded, "Jay-Z... Although I do like Kanye. He's a Chicago guy, smart. He's very talented."

Then the reporter asked Obama about his previous VMA-related comment, the President stood his ground.

The reporter asked,

"Even though you called him a jackass?"

Obama responded,

"He is a jackass. But he's talented."

Well you can't argue with that. Sorry Kanye, but Jay-Z is the best. I wonder what Taylor Swift thinks.

Do you think Kanye West is a talented jackass or just a jackass?

Tags Award Shows, Beyonce, Celebrities, Jay Z, Kanye West, Música, President Barack Obama, Taylor Swift, Television, Video Music Awards

By Michael Lopez

Miami Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen created a whirlwind of controversy this week after some comments he made to Time magazine. According to the reporter who interviewed him, Ozzie spoke highly of Fidel Castro’s regime and had respect for his political longevity. That sent many Cuban-Americans into an uproar and ultimately led to Guillen getting suspended for five games.

Ozzie (who was born in Venezuela) was quick to defend himself though. At a recent press conference, he claimed the reporter misinterpreted his words and emphasized that he was not a Castro supporter.

"I was saying I cannot believe somebody who hurt so many people over the years is still alive," Guillen told reporters.

Either way, protests erupted in the Cuban-heavy Miami community leading MLB commissioner Bud Selig to take swift action.

"As I have often said, baseball is a social institution with important social responsibilities," Selig told the press. "All of our 30 clubs play significant roles within their local communities, and I expect those who represent Major League Baseball to act with the kind of respect and sensitivity that the game's many cultures deserve."

Do you think Ozzie deserved to be suspended? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Baseball, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Bud Selig, Chisme, Fidel Castro, Miami Marlins, MLB, Ozzie Guillen, Politics, Sports

By Michael Lopez

Let's be honest. How could there NOT be Latinos on Time Magazine’s 2012 "100 Most Influential People" list? Yes, there are your Barack Obamas, your Adeles and your Warren Buffets, but there are also your Fred Armisens and Marco Rubios!

For the record, Armisen did not make the cut because of the trash talking his ex-wife did. The Saturday Night Live vet (who's part Venezuelan) created a massively popular underground show called Portlandia. Not only that, he voiced Brainy in The Smurfs movie, so you know he's had some influence in the last 365 days.

Marco Rubio can't seem to get his name out of the news at the moment. The Cuban-American Senator is still heavily rumored to be a VP contender on the 2012 Republican ticket. Not only that, he's about to publish some highly-anticipated memoirs documenting his political career.

Tr3s fave Shakira made the cut too, which actually comes as no surprise. She's had an incredible year, both with her music and her charitable work. Shaki also picked up headlines for her romantic life, though we doubt the Time guys took that into consideration. Either way, she's VERY "Influential" in our book!

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos is also on the Time ballot. And it comes as no surprise, as his political career is on an upward tick. In addition to his duties leading South America's fourth largest country, he's also the President of the United Nations Security Council.

Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has "Influence" too and he was actually the only soccer player to get on the list. The Barcelona forward recently broke several records and has a massive international fanbase.

Even Hispanic chefs were deemed worthy by Time this year. Spanish culinary artist José Andrés was added on the list, particularly because of his amazing tapas plates. Andrés recently won international acclaim for his unique dishes, appearing on Anthony Bourdain's show and 60 Minutes.

And yes, there were plenty of Latinos who were unjustly snubbed (how could the world's richest man not be on there?). But we are very proud that Time highlighted these newsmakers' "Influence" and look forward to reading a lot more about them when the issue hits stands next month.

Who do you think are the most "Influential" Latinos? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 100 Most Influential List, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrities, Cultura, Fred Armisen, Hot Stuff, José Andrés, Juan Manuel Santos, Lionel Messi, Marco Rubio, Politics, Shakira, Time Magazine

By Michael Lopez

If you thought Kim Kardashian was bad for her stance on animal cruelty, wait until you hear what's happening to the Texas burros. It seems the furry donkey cousins are getting viciously murdered in the Lone Star State with little or no repercussions.

Hundreds of burros have been shot within the past five years, often times by local park rangers. Why you ask? Because Texas considers them to be destructive intruders from Mexico. According to state officials, they forage natural resources and disrupt the survival of native species.

Funny how that argument mirrors what we've heard about other "intruders" from below the border. But the truth of the matter is, there are much easier solutions than shooting the burros in cold blood. Thankfully, the Texas Humane Society has stepped in to put a stop to the destructive behavior.

Very recently, the Texas wildlife agency has suspended the policy of killing burros. They are also contributing $10,000 toward an aerial humane survey of the animals, which will be used to establish nonlethal solutions to the donkey population.

"We are happy to work with the department and are pleased that they have halted lethal control of the burros while discussions are under way," Humane Society director Nicole Paquette said.

And several local citizens have the burros' backs too. Protesters recently rode atop their own donkeys to the Texas Capitol, delivering over 100,000 signatures to Governor Rick Perry. The documents asked him to permanently halt the killings and change the state's policy.

To many, burros represent the "pioneer spirit." They played a pivotal role in the early prospecting of the southwest and have roots in North America dating back to 1598 (when they helped Juan de Oñate cross the Rio Grande). Even Shakira is a fan!

Thankfully there are rescue ranches in California where hundreds of threatened burros have already been shipped. Right now there are about 300 more in the Texas danger zone (namely Big Bend Ranch State Park). Let's hope the rangers can put down their guns, obey the law, and find a peaceful way to remove their "Mexican intruders."

Do you think Texas should lay off the burro killings? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Burros, Donkeys, Humane Society, Pets, Politics, Rick Perry, Texas

By Ikam Acosta

President Obama's thirteen year old daughter, Malia Obama, was in Mexico when the 7.6 magnitude earthquake shook the ground earlier this week. She was on a school field trip at the time, as part of a service project.

Michelle Obama's communications director, Kristina Schake, stated,

"In light of today's earthquake, we can confirm that Malia Obama is safe and was never in danger."

The earthquake originated in Oaxaca, along the southwestern part of Mexico, and later sent shockwaves throughout Mexico City. Malia was unharmed while vacationing in the area, participating in her school service project. Her good deed just ended in a minor scare, and luckily nothing more.

The White House has a policy to not comment on Obama's children, but made this exception to address the safety of the president's daughter. Malia is safely out of harm's way, and was never really in danger, they were happy to say.

Have you ever experienced a natural disaster while on vacation?

Tags Barack Obama, Blogger: Ikam Acosta, Malia Obama, Michelle Obama, President Obama

By Michael Lopez

Frankly, we're a little surprised that Republican contender Mitt Romney won Puerto Rico's Republican presidential primary on Sunday, especially after the harsh words he said about Sonia Sotomayor. Upon arriving on the island, Romney criticized the Latin Supreme Court Justice for being "too liberal."

Anyone familiar with Sotomayor's history, knows she's a huge draw on the island. Both her parents were born near San Juan and she has proudly proclaimed her Puerto Rican heritage.

But Mitt seems to think she is a "liberal jurist" who doesn't always follow the Constitution. And if that weren't enough, he has also advocated to wipe out Spanish as Puerto Rico's official language.

Despite it all, Romney was able to secure a victory this past weekend. Puerto Rican governor Luis Fortuño (who's also Republican) chose his words very carefully regarding the candidates. Though he's definitely shown support for his party, Fortuño did speak out against Mitt's stance on Sonia.

"Justice Sotomayor’s nomination was a momentous occasion for Puerto Rican Americans," he said. "We're all proud of her accomplishments."

What do you think about Romney’s Sotomayor comments? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Luis Fortuño, Mitt Romney, Politics, Puerto Rico, republicans, Sonia Sotomayor

By Michael Lopez

No, Victor Cruz is not planning to play "Scrabble" or "Pictionary" with the Commander-In-Chief. But the New York Giants star is helping President Obama with a “Family Game Night” fundraiser in New York.

Later this month, our favorite NFL salsa dancer will be lending his support to the Obama campaign. Along with Giants’ defensive end Wale Ogunleye, Victor will host a lavish black-tie event full of cocktails, appetizers, and bowling balls.

That’s right, the “Family Game Night” is coming to New York’s Chelsea Piers. 40 bowling lanes will be made available for the guests and both Barack and Michelle will be in attendance.

But keep in mind, this isn’t the same price as a night at the local Lucky Strike. If you want to join Obama and Cruz, you’ll have to shell out $250 a head (and up to $5,000 for the VIP treatment). Let’s hope that price includes at least a pair of bowling shoes.

Would you pay $250 to bowl with Obama? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Barack Obama, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Bowling, Family Game Night, Football, Giants, Michelle Obama, Politics, President Barack Obama, Sports, Victor Cruz, Wale Ogunleye