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By Michael Lopez

Long before there were iPads and Kindles, readers used to shove their faces into bound stacks of paper called books. And as much as we love touch screen technology, there's something about a good old fashioned libro that still lightens the inner soul. Apparently thousands of South Floridians seem to agree, as the 28th annual Miami Book Fair International kicks off for another glorious year.

Designed as a massive street fair in the heart of Miami, the event will span from November 13th through the 20th and feature over 350 well-known authors. It will also be a great opportunity to buy your favorite books at dirt cheap prices.

Founded in 1984, MBFI initially began as a small two-day affair. As each year passed, buzz about the event grew and now it holds the record as the largest literary festival in the country. And obviously being centered in Miami, the Fair puts an extra special emphasis on writers from the Latin community.

One of MBFI’s biggest attractions is its Ibero-American Authors Program, which features lectures and readings that are entirely in Spanish. This year, top Latin writers like Pablo Medina, Gioconda Belli, and Javier Sierra will participate in the Ibero event.

And that's not all. Another huge MBFI draw is "Children’s Alley," which is a special section of street dedicated solely to games and kids' books. There is also the newly launched "Comix Galaxy," which celebrates the artwork and stories behind the industry's hottest graphic novels.

Plus, for all of you star watchers, there will be plenty of celebs on hand too. Legendary musician Harry Belafonte has been confirmed to make an appearance, as has Jenna Elfman and Michael Moore.

And the Book Fair is embracing the digital age too. Outside of welcoming everyone with an eReader, MBFI has its own Twitter and Facebook pages. You can find out all of the details on how to book a trip (and which authors to look out for) by visiting the event's official site.

What all your all-time favorite books? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Books, Cultura, Giocondo Belli, Javier Sierra, MBFI, Miami, Miami Book Fair International, Pablo Medina

By J.Sand La Diiva

Hola Mis Blogamolies! Last Night Miami was invaded by THE THRONE! Well, by Jay Z & Kanye West who really made us “WATCH THE THRONE”!!

The night was truly STAR-STUDDED! First up we had Mr. Miami Heat himself, Dwayne Wade, with his beautiful girlfriend Gabrielle Union and let me tell you the crowd went wild, but not as wild as when fellow teammate Lebron James came into the VIP section and both were all in Heat gear representing the Miami Heat!

Then it got a little crazy everyone, from Will Smith, Pharrell, Fabolous, DJ Khaled, DJ Irie and NEW YORK YANKEES' own Jorge Posada and Alex “A-Rod” Rodriguez (Qué papi!) were ready to get the show started. Even Beyoncé and baby bump were in attendance but secretly got around so she wouldn't be seen.

Mrs. Carter had plenty to distract the crowd from her, everything from the super HD video screens and light show to the double rising stage that Hova and Kanye started their performances from. They covered all their mega hits from the “Watch the Throne” album and their individual classics as well.

Mr. West hit us with some hits such as "Stronger", "Gold Digger", "Through the Wire" and my personal favorite "All of the Lights"; Jay-Z did super classics like "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)," "Jigga What Jigga Who” and "99 Problems."

They kept the music and entertainment coming and gave every concert goer their money's worth! Oh and the fashion went from Hovas classic Yankee fitted to Kanye's crazy style! I think that absolutely nothing was better than the "record" that Jay-Z and Kanye West broke singing "N****s In Paris."

They had previously stated that the record had been to do the song 3 times and in Miami they did it 5 TIMES! Every time it was done the crowd went wild including D-Wade & LeBron! It was definitely an experience of a lifetime! Make sure you keep up to date and with all the chismes about Jay-Z and Kanye West and your favorite artists here on www.TR3S.com

Un besito,
J.Sand La Diiva

Tags A-Rod, Beyonce, BLOGGER: J.Sand La Diiva, Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union, Hova, Jay Z, Jigga, Jorge Posada, Kanye West, Lebron James, Miami, Miami Heat, Pharrell, Watch the Throne, Will Smith

By Vanessa Beatriz Soto

Okay everyone, say it together - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JENNIFER!

A newly single Jennifer Lopez stepped out this weekend to celebrate her forty-second birthday in Miami, Florida, looking totally gorgeous in her signature style of bronzed skin, flowing caramel locks, and a figure-hugging designer cocktail dress - or two!

Lopez gathered with her family at Scarpetta restaurant in the historic Fontainebleau Hotel to dine, nibble on birthday cake and even sing! Her sixteen guests including her beloved confidante, mom Lupe, as well as close friends and other collaborators, in an evening that was as much about celebrating the beginning of a new year as the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

Following the announcement of her impending divorce from her husband of seven years on July 15, Jenny has been keeping close to home, but there's no better way to show the world a little of her trademark 'glow' than a glamorous evening out, dressed to the nines, at a landmark Miami locale, right?

But that's just the cherry on top of the weekend of gatherings for Jennifer's 42nd birthday. In fact, Jenny partied all weekend long, with other events including a pool party for close family, including her twins with ex Marc Anthony, Emme and Max, as well as a private wine-cellar dinner at The Forge on Miami Beach (this place looks amazing - I might have to fly down to Miami to check out that seafood platter!)

Rumor has it that the acclaimed pastry chef even surprised the birthday girl with a special chocolate souffle created just for her, and accompanied by a Happy Birthday serenade and champagne poured for the table. Another celebratory weekend activity was high-end boutique shopping at the Bal Harbour Shops, located near trendy South Beach, where Lopez was spotted snapping up designer toddler duds for her little ones. Fancy!

Is it too soon, though? I mean, the ink on the divorce announcement is hardly dry - Should Jenny be out on the party crawl already, or is she just showing her face for the cameras? Are more breakup revelations forthcoming? Or is this the beginning of a brand new life for La Diva Lopez?

Let us know in the comments!

Tags blogger: Vanessa Beatriz Soto, Celebrations, Celebrity Divorce, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Miami

By Simone Hilliard

When Pitbull dropped his debut album M.I.A.M.I (Money is a Major Issue) in 2004, many questioned whether the upstart Cuban-American emcee had the ability to not only win over the dirty south, but transcend audiences nationwide.

After seven years in the game, 6 albums under his belt and a roster of Hot 100 hits, the unlikely success of Mr. Armando Perez has astounded most, but it's safe to say Pit's salsa-infused sounds and bravado-laced Spanglish lyrics aren't leaving our playlists anytime soon.

However, can Mr. 305 really become Mr. Worldwide? With his latest effort Planet Pit, the rapper has seemingly abandoned his hip hop roots in hopes of breaking global barriers, and along the way has picked up his first #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit with "Give Me Everything." The song was also number 1 in the UK's top singles list.

In an interview, Pit shared his global mission for his latest effort.

"Instead of speaking to the block, I rather speak to the globe so the block can go, 'Oh wait a second, there is a whole lot more out there...And that's where the respect and credibility comes into play. You can't buy that and no record can buy that."

The rapper also explained how his sound has evolved during his seven year career.

"I think from M.I.A.M.I. to Planet Pit, how it transitions, what it shows is maturity, growth, evolution, someone that's been learning, applying, observing."

But is one #1 hit enough to solidify international staying power? Arguably, Pitbull hasn't gone platinum out the gate with any of his lps, nor is he a Grammy Award winning artist. However, as one of the most nominated artists at this year's Latin Grammys, Mr. 305 may receive the acclaim to push him over the top.

Do you think Pitbull has the gusto to go global? Sound off in the comments, or @MTV3.

Tags Grammy, Latin Grammys, Miami, Mr. 305, Pitbull, Planet Pit

By Larry Yepez Jr.

With the hype of the NBA Finals, the Miami music icon Gloria Estefan released her latest song "Wepa" in honor of the Miami Heat and the great season they played. The video was shot in Miami's American Airlines Arena and features the excitement of a Miami Heat Game. Miami at night, Heat players jamming, spinning cheerleaders, dancing fans and of course... glorious Gloria on fire.

Although the Dallas Mavericks took the championship trophy by beating the Miami Heat this weekend, thanks to Gloria the Miami Heat now has their own anthem! (Mavericks, where is your anthem sung by a major Latin superstar?  Huh?!)

"Wepa" is the first single from Gloria's upcoming album "Miss Little Havana". The up tempo Latin-flavored "Wepa" was produced by Pharrell Williams. The song's rhythm is very catchy; the progressive Latin beats make you instinctively want to shake it like a Polaroid picture! "Wepa" is a feel-good song that transmits the positive energy of Miami's happy, beautiful people.

What do you think of Wepa?

Tags Blogger: Larry Yepez Jr, Gloria Estefan, Heat, Miami, NBA, Wepa

By Larry Yepes

The launch of the Heineken TransAtlantic Festival was on fire this past weekend, as the Colombian band Bomba Estereo sparked up the fest with an explosion of Electro-Cumbia, Rap, House  and Hip-Hop beats.

The crowd in the downtown Miami loft was shaking their booty to the unique sounds of these groundbreaking artists, a mix of all kinds of people from the hipsters to the yuppies and even some funky 50+ music lovers, some representing with typical Colombian sombreros vueltiaos but all jamming to the same vibe.

Bomba E's singer Liliana Saumet is captivating to watch, her energy radiates as she passionately sings her soul out in a beautiful classic cumbia voice and then all of a sudden, effortless and seamless, she breaks out and turns into a hardcore, in-your-face rapper!

True raw talent at its best, along with catchy cosmic dance beats was the perfect combo for a great show that built up as the crowd favorites pumped up the energy, and certainly the loft was pumping when 'Ponte Bomb' -  Bomba's new single, a take on Technotronic's classic 'Pump Up the Jam'-, rocked the house.

But when the roof really went on fire…or better yet, on fuego, was when Bomba brought the house down with their biggest hit 'Fuego'.  And with that  burning, Bomba Estereo Ignited the Ninth Annual Heineken TransAtlantic Festival that will be going on until Saturday April 30.

Tags Bomba Estereo, Festival, Heineken, Miami, Music, TransAtlantic

By Michael Lopez

The second we heard that Bravo’s Real Housewives reality series was headed to Miami, we knew it would be full of colorful Latinas. The series’ big premiere this week confirmed our predictions, and then some. Brazilian bombshells, Latin basketball wives, and a “Cuban Barbie” take the franchise in an interesting direction.

Believe it or not, Miami is the seventh spinoff of the popular Real Housewives brand. Since the first batch of Orange County ladies debuted in 2006, Bravo has introduced us to memorable socialites from New York, Atlanta, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and Beverly Hills.

Though Orange County’s Peruvian Jo de la Rosa was the franchise’s first Latina housewife, Miami features the most Spanish-speakers yet. Four of the six cast members have Latin-American roots.

Cristy Rice, a self-described “sassy Latina” who is divorced from basketball star Glenn Rice and is the mother of three, is already building tension with castmate Larsa Pippen, who also happens to be married to NBA legend Scotty Pippen.

Marysol Patton may well account for two Latinas on the show, as her eccentric mother Elsa Carreras Patton is already becoming a fan favorite. A single socialite who runs her own PR firm, she considers herself the queen of Miami’s elite party circuit.

Alexia Echevarria, executive editor of the city's Venue Magazine, has already dubbed herself “Cuban Barbie.” Living in a “blended family” with a new husband and children from a prior marriage, she’s all about the glitz and glam.

And what fun is a season without a firecracker? That would be Brazilian Adriana De Moura. Recently single, she’s openly admitted that she’s addicted to gossip and has some very flirtatious ways. Could that create some friction with the hubbies? It wouldn’t surprise us.

Of course, the real question is, how did the Miami Housewives stack up after Wednesday's premiere? Ratings were lower than expected — the ladies tied with the Food Channel’s Cupake Wars —but we imagine things will perk up once the catfighting begins.

What did you think of the Real Housewives of Miami? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Bravo, Chisme, Cultura, Miami, Real Housewives, Real Housewives Of Miami, Television

By Michael Lopez

How cool would it be to see Pitbull slide down your chimney in a big red suit and fluffy white beard? Well, that may never happen, but the native Miami rapper did spread some Christmas cheer around his old stomping grounds in the city's Wynwood neighborhood.

According to the Miami Herald, Pit's company, PlanetPit.com, the city of Miami and the nonprofit Imaginate Foundation gave away more than 500 toys — including Barbie and Bratz dolls, footballs, BMX bikes and even pre-paid cell phones — to children ages 1 to 16 at the annual Toy A-Way event at Roberto Clemente Park last Saturday. The holiday event also featured bounce houses, music and plenty of edible treats.

A merry Armando Pérez (Pitbull's real name) even tweeted about the event:

“This is what Christmas is all about yeeooowwwww!”

Any fan of Pitbull knows he’s a festive and generous guy. “Santa Pit” has also given away a stocking of prizes each day through his “12 Days of Christmas” campaign. For his generosity and community involvement, Armando certainly earned a spot at the top of our good deed doers list.

What have you done to help needy families in your community this holiday? Brag below or @MTV3.

Tags 12 Days of Christmas, Armando Perez, Christmas, Health, Holidays, Miami, Pitbull, Toy A-Way

By Bashira Webb

If we learned anything from the cult classic "Hackers," it's that tech geeks are generally misunderstood and actually badass. Cool hackers will change their grades in school or mess with Miley Cyrus (just playin'!). Unfortunately, there is always a bad apple in the bunch to mess it up:

On Tuesday morning (May 25), a geek with a vendetta changed electronic road signs in Miami to say “ No Latinos, No Tacos.” You've lost your cool pass, homie!

But seriously, who doesn't like tacos?

It isn’t known how long the sign was flashing the message, but by 6 a.m. the Florida Highway Patrol and road crew showed up and tried to fix the sign.

On the “Today in South Florida” Facebook page, locals posted their reactions:

“Wow someone has a lot of time on their hands to think up of how they can belittle and disrespect a group of people who help keep this country going.” - Luly Cueto-Belot

“greatest thing i ever saw ...let's take this country back dammit!!!!...south will rise again motherefffer!!” - David Pines

Well David, opinions are like a**holes — everyone has one.

Source: [NBC Miami & Guanabee]

What do you think about the Miami hacker? Tell us in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Florida, Hackers, Immigration, Miami, SB 1070, tacos

The equally stunning Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian were seen hanging out yesterday in Miami. Does this seem like an unlikely pairing? We thought so too! First stop for the divas was the Dolphins/Saints game where Reggie Bush, Kim Kardashian's boyfriend, and his team took the win, 6-0. The the duo met up at LIV nightclub inside the Fountainbleau Hotel where JLo debuted her new single " Fresh Out the Oven" featuring Pitbull. Oh Yeah, March Anthony was there too! We wonder if there was any rivalry between las dos parejas, considering Reggie Bush plays with the Saints and Marc Anthony is co-owner of the Dolphins?  [Twitter]

Can we expect to see more of these dazzling divas together? We hope so! Jenny has never looked better and KK is smokin' too!

Photos via Twitter

Tags Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Marc Anthony, Miami, miami dolphins, Pitbull, Reggie Bush