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As 2009 comes to a close, todos estamos pensando el lo que ha sucedido este año: Barack Obama becoming the first African-American President of the U.S., Michael Jackson's untimely death, Justice Sonia Sotomayor becoming la primera latina in the Supreme Court, swine flu, y mucho más.

Pero el fin del 2009 also marks el fin de la decada.  Can you believe los '00s are over?  In come the teens!  So to commemorate this occasion, cuentanos: who or what defines los '00s to you?

Teen Culture

Once upon a time in 2000, the airwaves were invaded by the likes of Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, 'NSync and The Backstreet Boys.  While Britney's all grown up and stealing the spotlight in other ways these days, the idolization of teen stars carried on throughout la decada.

Los 00s are also responsible for American Idol with such new young stars arising like Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, David Archuleta and most recently Adam Lambert.  And other teen music phenoms like the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez y Demi Lovato, and let's not forget Rihanna and Chris Brown, no se quedan atrás.  And really, would the whole Twilight phenomenon really exist without teen fever for RPatz, Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart?  Who's your favorite teen icon from los 00s?

Latin Explosion!

Even more relevant para todos nosotros, was the "Latin Explosion" of los 00s.  Starting with the successful crossover careers of the likes of Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias y Shakira, los 00s brought Latinos to the forefront when it comes to la música popular americana.  Whether hearing Daddy Yankee in a soda commercial or Wisin y Yandel in a video game (and seeing both nominated for MTV Video Music Awards), there is no doubt that Latinos seriously broke through into mainstream pop culture during the 2000s.

With such collabos hitting the video and radio airwaves como Beyoncé y Shakira,  Wisin y Yandel con 50 Cent, Pitbull and Lloyd, Akon and Dulce María, y muchos más.  On the silver screen, actors like Salma Hayek, Benicio del Toro, Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Eva Mendez, John Leguizamo and even Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Alba made waves para los Latinos.  Similarly on la tele, entertainers like George Lopez, Mario Lopez, Eva Longoria Parker, Wilmer Valderrama, America Ferrera and Ana Ortiz made us all un poquito más orgullosos de ser Latinos!

Cuéntanos, what defines los 00s for you?  Stay tuned to MTV Tr3s in January to catch nuestros especiales on Lo Mejor De Los 00's, y mientras tanto...

We wish you all un feliz y prospero año nuevo!  Que disfruten!

Photos via Getty Images & Google Images

Tags 2009, 2010, Año Nuevo, America Ferrera, Barack Obama, Beyonce, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Daddy Yankee, Enrique Iglesias, Eva Longoria Parker, Javier Bardem, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Lo Mejor de los 00s, Mario Lopez, michael jackson, New Year's, Penelope Cruz, Ricky Martin, Salma Hayek, Selena Gomez, Shakira, Twilight, Ugly Betty, Wisin y Yandel

Ricky Martin is one lucky pasajero! El cantante was involved in a scary plane incident on Sunday when his flight encountered a malfunction while in mid-air. The hot papi shared what happened via his Twitter account.

Was supposed to travel today. Taking off we hear a loud sound (not to call it explosion) coming from the back of the plane followed by crazy heat…the cabin got depressurized. Not fun. Flew for 45 minutes at 1,300 ft to burn fuel. Landed and we are fine, but you know what? F it, I’m staying. Fly tomorrow.

We don't blame him for not trying his luck en el aire after all that! Not everyone would have such a positive outlook despues de ese susto.  We're just glad Ricky's safe!  He has two adorable gemelos and millions of fans who love him! [PerezHilton]

Photo via Getty

Tags flight, Ricky Martin, scare

Ricky Martin is the perfect mix of celebrity, good looks, and humanitarianism. It's no surprise that this week his foundation is tackling yet another cause, and building a youth center in Puerto Rico. Ricky partnered with German broadcaster, RTL, on a telecast to raise money for the rec center which will accomodate 150 children and offer fun activities like martial arts, meditation, art classes and yoga...all very Ricky, no?

"The idea is to build a center, a safe haven for children that are at risk of exploitation, which is the main mission of my foundation. It's just to show them another aspect of life they don't know because of the way that they live. We need to show them the beauty of having a dignified life."

The center should be ready next year! It's impossible to not love Ricky but all his philanthropic efforts make us love him even more!  [PerezHilton]

Photo via GettyImages

Tags Fundacion Ricky Martin, Ricky Martin

Draco, the former Menudo member formerly known as Robi Rosa, who is also known for producing countless hits for Ricky Martin and constantly reinventing himself with his own music, is about to release his new album titled Draco.  El album se grabó en solo 6 semanas, and the first single, "Paraíso Prometido," can already be heard on the artist's MySpace page.  Even more importantly, the new music video para "Paraíso Prometido" will be premiering exclusively on MTV Tr3s este lunes, October 12!

El interprete de "Mas y Mas" claims that this new album is completely different from anything he has done before and that the tracks were influenced by his new life at his Hacienda Horizonte in the remote town of Utuado, Puerto Rico.  That's right, the eccentric singer ahora se ha convertido en todo un campesino, spending his days working on his land and cultivating coffee at his Hacienda.  Should we expect some sexy tracks like the ones found in "Mad Love", or some dark ballads like those from "El Teatro del Absurdo"?  We'll have to wait until the album's release date on November 10th to find out but make sure to check out the MTV Tr3s premiere of Draco's video on Monday, October 12th. [Level Magazine]

Tags Draco, El Teatro del Absurdo, Mad Love, Menudo, Paraiso Prometido, Ricky Martin, Robi Rosa, Video Premiere

It's official!!

The heartfelt pleas of Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula Da Silva reached the ears and hearts of the International Olympic Committee and for the first time ever, the Olympic games will be held on the South American continent in the year 2016!

It would have been nice for the U.S. to host them here in Chicago, but for some unknown reason the bid was knocked out of the race within the first round of votes. Not even the presence of President Obama and our reigning television queen Oprah were enough to sway the IOC.

Pero como dijo President Da Silva, "It is time to light the Olympic cauldron in a tropical country." Even Pelé teared up from the emotion! This means that between the World Cup in 2014, and the Olympic Games in 2016, Brazil will be host to the two largest sporting events in the world! Go Brazil!

Our Portuguese isn't too sharp, but we'll leave you with this quote from Ricky Martin's Twitter page: "Rio Parabens Cidade Maravilhosa!!!O Rio vai dar um show em 2016!!! SAMBA OLIMPICA!"

Gracias Ricky y felicitaciones para Brazil y toda Suramérica!! [Comcast]

Photo via Getty Images

Tags Brazil, Olympic Games 2016, Oprah, Pelé, President Luis Inacio Lula Da Silva, President Obama, Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin isn't exactly "Livin' La Vida Loca" anymore...

The Boricua pop icon has serious business to attend to now - like helping children around the world with his campaign in association with Unicef, "Yo Amo América." The organization provides food and shelter to thousands of niños in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States. Ricky's program also includes offering medical help to families in need. Juanes and Juan Luis Guerra are also proud supporters.

Feeling as patriotic and generous as Ricky? Log on to UNICEF.org for info on how you can help the cause.

Photo via Getty Images

Tags Chisme, Latin Music, MTV, Musica Latina, Ricky Martin, Tr3s, Tres

You don't have to be Ricky Martin or Don Francisco to earn a spot on the most famous block in Hollywood anymore.

Cameron Diaz has added her own touch of oro (we don't mean Pauli's perfume) to Hollywood's Walk of Fame. The 36-year-old actress, who earns an average of $20 million per film, will join successful Latinos including Christina Aguilera, George Lopez, and Luis Miguel in their estrella glory. The half-Cuban star dedicated her eternal prize to her mother and father. Diaz admitted that the moment was bittersweet since her dad passed away last year.

Luckily her familia came out to show support! Another Latina makes her stamp in Hollywood. Felicidades! [People]

Tags Cameron Diaz, Christina Aguilera, George Lopez, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Latinos, MTV, People, Ricky Martin, Tr3s, Tres

Leave your dirty thoughts at the door!

Ricky Martin has officially put his Miami mansion back on the market for a cool $11 million. The Boricua pop rey's old luxurious living quarters includes several gardens, a pool, and an indoor gym. Insiders reveal that the "Livin' La Vida Loca" singer and father of twins likes spending more time at his home in Puerto Rico.

Today's economy has put a strain on everyone's wallets, so we aren't surprised that Ricky is downsizing his property wealth. Will his private island in Brazil be the next spot up for sale? [People en Español]

Photo via Getty Images

Tags Chisme, Hollywood, Latin Music, MTV, Musica Latina, People En Espanol, Ricky Martin, Tr3s, Tres

We all know Latinos get the holiday fiestas started on Noche Buena...

While we are off enjoying the virgin coquitos, special regalitos, and our favorite holiday fixings, Ricky Martin is making sure to share his holiday wishes with you! Whether you have been naughty or nice, Ricky does not discriminate his amor for you! Check out his exclusive Postcard From The Stars message and return the gift by leaving your holiday shout-outs right below.

Feliz Navidad!

Tags Chisme, Holidays, MTV, Navidad, Ricky Martin, Tr3s, Tres

Ricky Martin may not have addressed the obvious all of his personal endeavors, but the Boricua pop icon came out about 'livin' la vida' as a father to his 4-month-old twin boys Valentino and Matteo for People magazine.

The "She Bangs" entertainer has maintained a low-profile since deciding to embrace fatherhood via a surrogate and caring for his babies without ayuda from a nanny (beat that J.Lo and Marc Anthony!). Ricky Martin finally decided to lift the family veil and exposed all of the detalles about being a new papá.

Besides revealing what a hands-on father he is, the 36-year-old also explained why he chose surrogacy:

Adoption was one option, but it's complicated and can take a long time. Surrogacy was an intriguing and faster option. I thought, 'I'm going to jump into this with no fear.'

Ricky deserves props for being a model dad, but all of the focus seems to be placed on what he didn't say. What are your thoughts on all of the chismes? [People]

Photos via People and Getty Images

Tags Chisme, Gossip, Latin Music, MTV, Musica Latina, People, Ricky Martin, Tr3s, Tres