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By Michael Lopez

It looks the world may have a new "Russian spy" on its hands. Notorious whistleblower Julian Assange is taking his WikiLeaks message to the airwaves with a brand new show set to air on Moscow's RT network.

The series, which has been described as a talk show, will feature Assange and several "secret" guests who may have classified information about governments, corporations, and noteworthy political figures. RT will run 10 episodes then, depending on ratings, decide whether to renew it for future seasons.

"We're proud to host Julian Assange's new project," RT head Margarita Simonyan said. "RT has rallied a global audience of open-minded people who don’t take things around them for granted."

Just don't expect the WikiLeaks show to hit the road for any cross-country travel adventures. Julian is currently under house arrest in Britain for a number of controversial sex charges.

Would you be interested in watching the WikiLeaks show? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Julian Assange, Politics, RT, Russia, Television, WikiLeaks

By Michael Lopez

Are you ready for #Occupy the album? Well it's coming and it's got an all-star musical cast behind it. Willie Nelson, Yoko Ono, Third Eye Blind and more are contributing tracks for the "99%" soundtrack, which will also feature a strong Latino presence.

Officially called Occupy This Album, the record will include a wide array of diverse tracks. And perhaps most importantly, all proceeds from its sale will go towards sustaining the #Occupy movement.

As we all know, Latinos made their voice heard during the recent #Occupy L.A. protests. And representing their message on the CD will be legendary Mexican-American singer Joan Baez and the Spanish folk group Los Cintron.

Still in the final recording stages, you can expect the #Occupy album to arrive in stores this spring. And we're sure you'll be able to hear it in several protest marches shortly thereafter.

Are you planning on picking up Occupy This Album? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Hot Stuff, Joan Baez, Los Cintron, Música, Occupy L.A., Occupy This Album, Occupy Wall Street, Politics, Third Eye Blind, Willie Nelson, Yoko Ono

By Michael Lopez

It seems like New Mexico (and its Latina governor, Susana Martinez) has made quite a bit of national news recently. The state recently got kudos for bringing big budget Hollywood productions to its region. But on the flipside, Martinez' harsh stance on illegal immigration has brought it some criticism as well.

In regards to the movie push, Susana sent out a very public letter to the press announcing that Johnny Depp's Lone Ranger movie would be filmed in her state. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, The Lone Ranger is expected to be one of 2013’s biggest blockbusters and will be highlighting several New Mexico locales.

"The Lone Ranger is proof that New Mexico's film industry is alive and well," Martinez stated. "This administration is committed to fostering productive relationships with film studios so we can continue to offer our talented workforce and breathtaking backdrops for major productions. As we continue to build upon our reputation as a premier film production center, we are pleased to welcome The Lone Ranger to our state!"

But as quickly as she captured Hollywood's attention, she may very well have scared it away. Depp and many of his A-list actors are staunch liberals and probably wouldn’t take kindly to the news that Susana is looking to imprison hundreds of undocumented immigrants.

The Republican governor recently pushed a new state law that will prosecute undocumented citizens without driver's licenses. Punishment for this crime could lead to jail time or possible deportation.

And if that wasn't bad enough, Susana personally mailed 10,000 letters to foreign citizens with New Mexico driver's licenses. The notes demanded proof of residency in what was largely labeled a "witch hunt."

One thing's for sure; since Martinez assumed office last January, New Mexico has become a very divisive state.

"[This potential law] is incredibly divisive," said Latino rights attorney, David Hinojosa. "And on top of that, it also has created an atmosphere of hostility for many New Mexicans with lawful status and without lawful status."

Truth be told, this state may need a lot more than The Lone Ranger to keep the peace among its citizens.

Do you think Susana Martinez is being too harsh on undocumented immigrants? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Immigration, Jerry Bruckheimer, johnny depp, Movies & CineMás, New Mexico, Politics, Susana Martinez, The Lone Ranger

By Michael Lopez

Having a tough time trying to research your favorite topics on the web today? You're not the only one. Millions of Googlers and Wikipedia fans found themselves at a loss this morning with the 24-hour "blackout" the companies have adopted to protest SOPA.

What is SOPA you ask? No it's not something your abuelita cooks up in a crock pot. It actually stands for the Stop Online Piracy Act and it could get your favorite sites into a lot of trouble. If the SOPA legislation is passed through Congress, search engines and information sites (like Wikipedia and Google) could be penalized if they link you to "pirated" material.

Clearly corporate monsters like Google and Wikipedia don't support online piracy, but they believe the bill is ineffective and would do more harm than good.

"The bill is poorly constructed, quite dangerous and won't actually address the real problem of piracy," Wiki co-founder Jimmy Wales said. "Internet piracy shouldn't be set by Hollywood."

Wales' "Hollywood" statement refers to the fact that industries like the music business are pushing SOPA the hardest. Clearly their field is being crippled by bootlegged songs, but Jimmy feels that music execs lack the technological expertise to craft a proper solution.

Google seems to agree and though they're not shutting down their site for the day, they did put a prominent black bar over their logo with a link that says, "please don't censor the web." Even Craigslist has joined the fight by making their homepage completely black for one day.

"The [online] community got together and had a huge conversation and decided we needed to take a stand," Wales went on to say. "Our interest is really about the fundamental structure of the Internet."

Do you think there is too much piracy on the internet? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Craigslist, Google, Jimmy Wales, Online Piracy, Politics, SOPA, Stop Online Piracy Act, Technology, Wikipedia

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

It's funny how a wave of backlash can change a celebrity’s mind. Just a few days after Kate del Castillo proudly tweeted her affections for drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, the actress backtracked on her statement.

"It's unfortunate that some people have misinterpreted my tweets," Kate said. "I'm sorry if there were any people who were offended. My only intention was to bring a message of peace."

Obviously preaching about an infamous cartel leader was not the right move if you're hoping to spread a message of "peace." But, in actuality, we do believe that del Castillo's heart was in the right place.

Reading between the lines, it's clear that Kate's original post was meant to encourage government officials to take better care of their citizens. Perhaps if she wants to make her messages more precise, La Reina should hire her own "official" to take better care of her tweets.

Do you think Kate's apology was sincere? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Chisme, El Chapo, Joaquin Guzman, Kate Del Castillo, Politics, popnews, twitter

By Michael Lopez

This may be hard to believe, but Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney technically qualifies as "half-Mexican." How is that possible for someone of English, Scottish, and German heritage? It seems Mitt's dad and granddad were both born in Mexico while the family was doing Mormon missionary work.

Apparently Romney's great-grandfather Miles fled to Chihuahua during the late 1800's to avoid persecution for his religious beliefs. He wound up spending several years there and even helped establish multiple Mormon churches throughout the country.

Mitt's dad George was born in Mexico during that period and eventually moved back to America when he was a small child. Clearly it was a small footnote for the Romney family, but it could be a major playing card in this year's election.

In recent weeks, Mitt's has been bringing up his Mexican roots quite a bit when talking to voters. It's an interesting angle, but in our opinion it won’t fly. Romney's been known to preach against immigration reform and has promised to veto the DREAM Act if he were elected President. That certainly doesn't sound very "Mexican" to us.

Would you vote for Mitt Romney in a presidential election? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, George Romney, Immigration, Mexico, Mitt Romney, Mormonism, Politics

By Michael Lopez

Did Kate del Castillo take her role in La Reina del Sur just a little too far? The Mexican actress caused a whirlwind of controversy yesterday after Tweeting supportive messages to notorious drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzmán.

In actuality, Kate's posts were more anti-government than pro-drugs. In a very long message, del Castillo called out corrupt political officials.

"Today, I trust in El Chapo Guzman more than I do the governments that hide painful truths, that hide the cure for cancer, AIDS, etc. for their own benefit and wealth," she wrote.

And for the record, Kate's Twitter was not hacked before the statement went out. Her publicist confirmed that all of the words were written solely by Del Castillo.

Guzman, who's currently on the run from the law, has been known to be a ruthless figure. His cartel is responsible for thousands of murders. So while Kate's heart may be in the right place, perhaps she should have picked a different outlaw to prove her point.

Do you think Kate's tweets went too far? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Chisme, El Chapo, Joaquin Guzman, Kate Del Castillo, Politics, popnews, twitter

By Michael Lopez

Would you have a problem with Dame Salma Hayek? Or Lady Salma Hayek? We sure wouldn't. But we're not the citizens of France. It seems several notable French publications are crying foul about a potential knighthood for the Puss In Boots star.

Less about Salma and more about politics, Hayek's knighthood revolves around her hubby Francois Henri Pinault and his father, Francois Sr. French President Nicolas Sarkozy bestowed the family with the honor last week, which many feel is more about friendship than national integrity.

France's National Order of the Legion of Honor (as it is officially called) was first created by Napoleon Bonaparte in the 1800's as an award for military service. Clearly the Pinault fam didn't help the country win any battles, which is why the citizens feel they are not worthy of the title.

France's popular newsmagazine L’Express claims that Bonaparte would "turn over in his grave" if he knew about the Pinaults getting knighted. We think that's stretching things a little, especially when you consider that Hollywood celebs like Clint Eastwood and Jerry Lewis have received the honor too.

Do you think Salma is worthy of knighthood? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Chisme, France, Francois-Henri Pinault, L'Express, Nicolas Sarkozy, Politics, popnews, Salma Hayek

By Michael Lopez

Travelers at Los Angeles' International Airport got quite an earful recently when Maria Conchita Alonso and Sean Penn traded verbal jabs at the luggage carousel. Screaming loudly, Maria called Sean "a communist," while he labeled her "a pig."

The root of the argument stemmed from the two stars' political beliefs. Alonso had publicly criticized Penn for appearing alongside controversial Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez. Clearly Sean didn't appreciate her remarks and let her know it when they came face to face at the airport.

"He goes, 'I don't want to talk to you. You speak badly about me,' " Maria recounted. "So I'm like, 'You are in favor of Hugo Chavez. And, you know, he's like 'You're a pig.' And I go to him, 'And you are a communist, Sean Penn!'"

Interestingly, Alonso and Penn played lovers in the 1988 film Colors. Though after this incident, we doubt they'll be getting together for any future onscreen flings.

Do you think Maria was right to criticize Sean? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Chisme, Hugo Chavez, Maria Conchita Alonso, Politics, popnews, Sean Penn