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By Michael Lopez

It still seems inconceivable that a 8.9 earthquake rocked the shores of Japan last week. One of the largest rattlers ever recorded, its death toll could now reach as high as 10,000. Interestingly, other parts of the world have also felt the impact (though nowhere near as drastic), particularly Latin America.

Still traumatized by its 8.8 earthquake last February, Chile evacuated all of its low-lying coastal areas after hearing word of potential tsunami warnings. Waves as high as 6 feet crashed into its cities’ streets, forcing schools and businesses to close temporarily.

In Mexico, cargo ships and cruise liners were delayed entrance into ports like Manzanillo due to increased tsunami threats. Sections of Acapulco were also cordoned off, forcing massive Spring Break evacuations.

Ecuador and its coastal neighbor, the Galapagos Islands, forced over 242,000 people to flee from its shores. President Rafael Correa went so far as to declare a state of emergency, but thankfully the damage was minimal. Only the Galapagos San Cristobal and Santz Cruz islands experienced any flooding.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Japan’s Natori City. Located near the epicenter of Friday’s quake, the village of 74,000 was virtually wiped off the map by an enormous tsunami. Homes were ripped out of their foundations, cars were buried under gallons of water, and hundreds of citizens still remain missing.

Continued aftereffects of the damage include radiation emissions from ruptured nuclear plants, economic devastation, and massive sinkholes throughout major cities. Though financial aid for Japan has continued to pour in (over $23 million has been raised so far), it’s only a fraction of the costs necessary to restore the country.

If you haven’t already, we highly recommend visiting the Red Cross website to learn more about how can you contribute.

Have you donated towards Japan’s recovery yet? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Earthquakes, Health, japan, Latin America, Red Cross

By Michael Lopez

Our thoughts are with the people of Haiti right now, in more ways than one. Not only is the country still struggling to rebuild after that devastating earthquake, but they are now facing a deadly cholera epidemic that has led to over 1,000 deaths! And with cases now being spread to the Dominican Republic, both nations are on high alert.

Classified as a bacterium, cholera is an intestinal infection that is usually transmitted from unsanitary foods or contaminated drinking water. Common symptoms include vomiting and severe stomach pains, which (if untreated) can be fatal.

Image: Getty Images

Sadly, medical care is hard to come by in some of Haiti’s most impacted regions. Death tolls are continuing to rise and so is the frustration of many of its citizens. The lack of proper aid has led to riots and protests from survivors of lost family members.

Though groups like Doctors Without Borders and the U.N. have sent teams to help, complete containment of the virus is still a ways off. When speaking of the severity of the situation, a rep from Medecins Sans Frontieres said,

"If the number of cases continues to increase at the same rate, then we are going to have to adopt some drastic measures to be able to treat people,"

The Dominican Republic is also prepared for drastic action, as they got their first recorded cholera case on Tuesday (November 16) from a visiting Haitian tourist. Since then, the country has set up stop points on its borders, thoroughly cleaned its rivers, and chlorinated its water supply.

Another way the Dominican government is hoping to battle the outbreak is by urging tourists and locals to stay away from street-based food vendors. Reps from the Center for Disease Control agree with the decision, stating,

“Food vendors often work in urban environments with unhygienic practices – they have food sitting in warm temperatures for many hours which can permit rapid bacterial multiplication.”

Thankfully, global organizations like UNICEF are continuing to send medical response teams to the areas that need it most.

Do you have relatives in Haiti or the Dominican Republic? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Cholera, Cultura, Dominican Republic, Epidemic, Haiti, Health, UNICEF

By Michael Lopez

Yes there are tons of entertainment award shows happening at the moment. So many in fact, that we’re running out of initials to label them by! For us, the EMA’s stand for MTV’s upcoming Europe Music Awards, but in Hollywood this past weekend, they stood for the Environmental Media Awards. Honoring eco-friendly movies, TV shows, and stars, the gala brought out celebs like Eva Mendes and Rosario Dawson.

Image: EMA

Seeing how this particular awards show is all about helping the environment and keeping things ‘green’, we’ll let them slide on the whole copycat EMA thing. And we’ve got to admit, they definitely took their cause seriously. The meals were completely organic and served on compostable dinnerware. Plus, the whole event was sponsored by Toyota’s Prius.

Not so much of a competition, the EMA’s sought to recognize entertainment properties that spread the message of keeping it green. One obvious honoree was Avatar, which we think did a great job of stressing the importance of nature (sadly no Na’vis were on hand to accept the award). Shows like 30 Rock and Wilmer Valderrama’s Handy Manny were also recognized for their contributions.

Though Rosario and Eva didn’t take home any awards, they did catch a lot of attention for the shimmering dresses they wore on stage (biodegradable perhaps?). Joanna Garcia also presented (with Lance Bass), giving top honors to mogul Ted Turner. When speaking at the podium, Turner delivered some inspiring words for anyone wanting to get involved in ecological causes,

"Even people who are not conserving, they know about it, and knowing about it is really important, because you can change. You can change from somebody who doesn't care much about the environment to somebody who's very concerned about it."

Source: [Huffington Post]

What environmental causes are you most passionate about? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Avatar, Award Shows, Ecology, Environmental Media Awards, Eva Mendes, Health, Joanna Garcia, Rosario Dawson, Ted Turner

By Michael Lopez

What do you do after you’ve been successfully rescued from a dark and dreary mine shaft? Throw on your sunglasses and celebrate! The whole nation of Chile was riding high this week after “Los 33” made it up safe and sound after being trapped for 69 harrowing days.

Image: Telegraph UK

“Los 33” represents the 33 men who endured the two-month underground hardship. Buried 2,300 feet below the Earth’s surface, the miners had to survive with no sunlight, very little food, and the knowledge that a proper rescue attempt would take months to pull off. But they most certainly endured.

The exact cause of the collapse is still under investigation and Chilean President, Sebastian Pinera, has vowed to punish anyone whose negligence may have led to the catastrophe. Thankfully (for now) the miners were much too excited to hold grudges, praising their rescuers and flashing big smiles for the cameras.

There were a few minor hospital visits (mainly for dehydration and dental issues), but otherwise “Los 33” seemed very ready to celebrate with their new fans. And they have got A LOT of new fans. Over 3,000 Chileans cheered in the streets of Santiago as a huge screen broadcast live footage of the rescue.

And the “Los 33” fame goes way beyond their hometown. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid soccer team has invited them for stadium visits, Don Francisco wants them on Sabado Gigante, and there are even talks of a TV movie dramatizing the entire ordeal.

Of course, the people who were happiest to get them back were their families. News cameras captured tears, hugs, and joyous reunions between the miners and their loved ones.

We say, take a couple of weeks to rest, recover, and relax with your relatives…Then start thinking about those million dollar TV deals.

Source: [Yahoo]

Were you captivated by the Chilean miner rescue? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags chile, Chilean Miners, Health, Los 33, Sebastian Pinera

By Michael Lopez

We all have a topic that we really “give a damn” about. Whether it’s health care, homelessness, immigration, or whatever. In Ricky Martin’s case its hate crimes, particularly those committed toward the gay and lesbian community. And now he’s speaking up about it with a host of other high-profile stars.

Partnering with the Give A Damn campaign, Ricky has recorded a special video with Elton John, Glee’s Idina Menzel, and more about spreading the word about this type of violence. Did you know that hate crime related incidents occur every hour of every day in this country?

Amazing, but true. And by visiting the Give A Damn website you can find other informative videos, blogs, and data about issues not receiving the attention they deserve. Celebs like Kim Kardashian and Kelly Osbourne joined the campaign as well and recorded their own testimonials about topics near and dear to their hearts.

The site also includes a section for Personal Stories, where anyone can comment about experiences they’ve had with a particular issue. Obviously with the topics of cyberbullying and suicide more prominent than ever now, it’s great to hear about another online destination where those struggling can share, vent, and have their voices heard.

What topics do you Give A Damn about? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Cyberbullying, Elton John, Give A Damn, glee, Health, Idina Menzel, Kelly Osbourne, Kim Kardashian, Ricky Martin

By Michael Lopez

Welcome to a whole new way to be charitable. Back in the day, groups of stars would get involved with causes via telethons, auctions, or whatever. But now Eva Longoria Parker has taken giving into the modern age, with the first ever celebrity Twitter auction. And get this, so far she’s raised over $540,000!

Image: WireImage

This particular charity is to help aid children and those continuing to struggle in Haiti. By donating a set amount of dollars, you can not only make a difference, but get your favorite celebs to Tweet you a personalized message! And you can even get them follow you in the Twitterverse.

With over 750,000 Followers, it’s clear Eva’s a master of all things Twitter. Obviously, she would have been our first choice for a personalized message, but if you preferred another A-lister, you could’ve hooked up with Mario Lopez, Nicole Richie, or Lala Vasquez, all of whom were involved.

It’s clear Eva was very touched by overwhelming response, Tweeting,

“Thanks again to all of U that bid & won auctions @ http://TwitChange.com -our team is working hard behind the scenes for each of you all! Xo”

And remember, it’s not too late to donate. If you’re interested in helping those less fortunate in Haiti, please visit TwitChange.com.

Which celebs would you to have follow you on Twitter? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Celebrities, Charity, Eva Longoria Parker, Haiti, Health, TwitChange, twitter

By Michael Lopez

There’s nothing like a notable cause to bring top celebs together. Whether it’s to help fight cancer, or encourage Latinos to join the National Marrow Donor Program, it’s great to see big stars lend their talents to do good. This past Tuesday (September 7), brought even more unity with the premiere event for the “La Gota De La Vida” charity single.

Featuring an all-star cast like Enrique Iglesias, Gloria Estefan, and Sofia Vergara (yes she can sing), the track translates to “The Drop Of Life”. What does that mean exactly? Produced in conjunction with City Of Hope, it encourages the Latino community to become donors and help save others stricken with cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses.

Obviously with a cast this big and a message this strong, a YouTube video premiere just wouldn’t cut it. That’s why the producers of the single decided to debut it with a massive event at the Nokia Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.

Featuring a glamorous red carpet, live performances, and speeches from leading City Of Hope physicians, it was an affair that was both entertaining and enlightening. Three-time boxing champ Roberto “The Ghost” Guerrero took the stage with his wife Casey who, as a leukemia survivor, had some very inspiring words for the crowd.

L.A. mayor Antonio Villaraigosa also got up to stress the importance of being a donor and supporting the fight against life-threatening diseases. His speech was followed by a gorgeous live ballad from up-and-coming novela star Sandra Echeverria.

But of course, the showstopping moment was the introduction of the video. Presented by surprise guest (and fellow “Gota” singer) Placido Domingo, it conveyed a powerful message and featured no less than 46 major Latin artists. Plus it’s a VERY catchy tune.

Before it was all over, guests were treated to gift bags complete with information on how to get involved with City Of Hope. To find out more about their National Marrow Donor Program (and get info on the single), make sure to visit their website today.

Are you excited to watch “La Gota De La Vida”? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Antonio Villaraigosa, Charities, City of Hope, La Gota De La Vida, Placido Domingo, Roberto Guerrero, Sandra Echeverria

By Michael Lopez

You know if a program is scheduled to run simultaneously on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and tons of high-profile cable channels it’s got to be pretty important. “Stand Up To Cancer” is more than a television special, it’s an event, designed to inspire, educate, and tackle one of the deadliest diseases in our world today. And now it looks like several Latino celebs are joining the fight.

Sofia Vergara, Aubrey Plaza, Naya Rivera and more are all scheduled to partake in the event which hopes to raise money for research, support, and cutting-edge technologies geared towards fighting the deadly disease. Now in its third year, the show features real celebs manning the phones and accepting donations.

And who exactly could be taking your calls? How about George Clooney or Will Smith? Past high-profile Latinas on phone duty have included both Salma Hayek Pinault and America Ferrera. Will they be on the line this year? We'll have to wait and see...

But outside the glam and glitz of the stars, the heart of the foundation is to give people a forum to stay educated, share their stories, and learn about what’s being done to tackle the "Big C".

According to SUTC stats, 1500 Americans die from cancer every day. And one out of two men and one out of three women will be diagnosed at one point in their lifetime. Pretty heavy numbers, but there’s plenty of good news to go along with that too.

100% of all of the funds received from the special will go towards cancer research. Specifically, to a “Dream Team” (as they put it) of researchers from top institutions who are undertaking groundbreaking disease-combative projects at this very moment. Not only that, SUTC is a full partner with the American Association for Cancer Research.

Even a slight contribution can make a massive difference, if enough people donate (the 2008 special raised over $100M). And who knows, you could wind up making your pledge to Vanessa Hudgens or Zac Efron. So start cracking open those piggy banks because the SUTC special starts at 8pm on September 10!

Has anyone in your family been affected by cancer? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags AACR, Agentes De Cambio, America Ferrera, Aubrey Plaza, Cancer, Celebrities, Charity, George Clooney, Naya Rivera, sofia vergara, Stand Up To Cancer, Vanessa Hudgens

By Michael Lopez

"Now, stepping up to the plate at Baltimore’s Oriole Park, First Lady Michelle Obama!" Not the first name you’d expect to hear a baseball announcer say at a MLB stadium, but that’s exactly what the crowd heard!

Last week, Michelle Obama made a public appearance to spread awareness for the “Let’s Move” campaign, geared towards fighting childhood obesity. In fact, her participation marked the start of major partnership with Major League Baseball that will include top Latino sluggers as spokesmen!

Carlos Gonzalez from the Colorado Rockies, the Anaheim Angels’ Joel Pineiro, Matt Garza from the Tampa Bay Rays and more will be featured in PSAs spreading the word about healthier eating and outdoor exercise.

When speaking to participants in the stands, Michelle said, "We've got to get you guys focused and moving. When these players were kids they found a sport that they loved. They practiced and practiced and practiced until they were better at it than anybody else. We want you guys to do the same thing."

“Let’s Move” is a relatively new program (it was launched back in February in cooperation with the USDA) and inspires kids to engage in physical activities and enjoy a healthier diet of nutritious foods. And seeing how beautiful the summer weather is, we couldn’t think of a better message to spread to right now. So put down that Xbox, go outside, and have some fun!

Find out more about “Let’s Move!’ at http://www.letsmove.gov/.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, childhood obesity, Health, Latino, Let’s Move, Michelle Obama, Sports, Tr3s

After suffering from a transient cerebral ischemic attack (mini-stroke) and undergoing emergency brain surgery last month, an Argentine clinic has reported that Soda Stereo frontman Gustavo Cerati has “severe brain damage" and is breathing with the assistance of an artificial respirator.  Conflicting reports from various news sites state that Cerati is still in stable condition and is in fact breathing on his own.

Cerati arrived in Argentina after having been transferred from a hospital in Caracas, Venezuela and is now at the FLENI center in Belgrano, Buenos Aires, to continue his recovery and medical treatment.

The head of the FLENI Clinic gave the new prognosis, announcing that medical examinations revealed that there is "severe brain damage to the left cerebral hemisphere and damage of the secondary brainstem."

The tomography of Cerati made after he arrived in Buenos Aires revealed he suffered "an extensive stroke at the left cerebral hemisphere."

The musician is currently receiving antibiotics due to a respiratory infection.

Fuerza Cerati!! MTV Tr3s will continue to keep the Soda Stereo icon and his family in our thoughts and prayers.  Leave your well-wishes to Cerati in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Gustavo Cerati, Health, Soda Stereo