Celebrity Rican - News / Gossip Blog on Puerto Rican Celebrities

Scandal for Miss PR candidates

2007-11-28T23:28:00.000-05:00

Ingrid Marie Rivera, the winner of Miss Puerto Rico 2008, is at the center of a scandal. From what is known, there has been a series of serious pranks were pulled on the former candidate. Some involved putting pepper on the winners makeup which made her face swell like a peach! They stole her makeup as well...I guess even beauty queen candidates can go back to their High School ways.

Source: http://www.terra.com/noticias/articulo/html/act1049544.htm

Eva LaRue in Bello Magazine

2007-04-26T12:24:00.000-05:00

Freddie Ready & Sarah Michelle Gellar Ready for Baby

2007-04-26T12:19:00.000-05:00

Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Freddie Prinze, Jr. are ready to start a family, friends tell Star. “They wanted to get their acting careers and their lives in order, but now they’re at a point in their lives where it finally makes sense,” says a friend.

“The two of them are just happy they’re getting to the place where they’re going to be home together in L. A. enough to commit to the effort!” Sarah Michelle will be pregnant in no time!

Meanwhile, JoBlo has shot down rumors that Sarah Michelle Gellar will play a role in the upcoming Batman film, The Dark Knight

There is no truth to the recent rumor says JoBlo. The site also mentioned that there was no confirmation that Harley Quinn, the character Gellar was rumored to be playing, would even be in the script.

FAT JOE JOINS SEXIST RAP LYRIC DEBATE

2007-04-26T12:14:00.000-05:00

FAT JOE has joined fellow rappers SNOOP DOGG and T.I. in condemning those who are linking sexist hip-hop lyrics with the recent racist remarks made by US radio talk show host DON IMUS. The Lean Back star believes rap music is being used as a scapegoat in the fuss, and urges parents to take more responsibility in what they allow their children to listen too. He tells MTV News, "I know that Don Imus did not disrespect those young ladies because of hip-hop music. I'm 99 per cent sure that he doesn't even listen to hip-hop like that. "Everybody who's taking on hip-hop music are the same people who are just looking for a moment or window of opportunity. This is their moment to say, 'F**k hip-hop.' I don't know how a 60-year-old white dude has any relation to hip-hop music. "What we need to know is there is freedom of speech; that's the biggest thing. "My kids listen to hip-hop... they love gangsta rap. But they also do great in school. "I'm a father and I take great pride in having a relationship with my kids. They can listen to hip-hop and understand the difference between reality and entertainment. "Some of these parents, if they don't want their kids to listen to hip-hop, tell them to listen to gospel. Play some other kind of music. It ain't like anybody is forcing people to listen to hip-hop." Imus was fired by CBS Radio bosses earlier this month (APR07) after referring to a university female basketball team as 'nappy-headed hos'.

Hot List: My Name is Earl - Nadine Velazquez

2007-03-20T15:12:00.000-05:00

Ranked #39 in Maxim magazine’s Hot 100 list, Nadine Velazquez easily captures the crowd with her breathtaking beauty. This Puerto Rican-American actress has a drop dead gorgeous body, which gets the viewers even more hooked. She is indeed sexy, yet she exudes a youthful glow that depicts her playful and lighthearted personality. Her inclusion on the television series My Name is Earl escalates her to fame, and has earned her a number of positive reviews like being named one of USA Today’s “Five Rising Stars To Watch Closely” and one of Daily Variety’s “Ten Actor’s To Watch” in 2005.

Born on November 20, 1978 in Chicago, Illinois, Nadine Velazquez studied marketing at Columbia College. After moving to Los Angeles, she landed starring roles in movies like Biker Boyz and Chasing Papi. She also appeared on The Last Ride, The Bold and the Beautiful, Entourage, Las Vegas and in the film Blast!

Playing Catalina Aruca on the comedy series My Name is Earl gives Velazquez the opportunity to be the eye candy of the show. As a very attractive Hispanic maid at the motel, she embodies the ideal male fantasy. She gives the Hickey brothers her unique perspective on things, which adds humor and delight to the show. At times, her character balances the kooky cast. On the other hand, she also has her share of quirky punch lines. Her sensual moves, which she got from her pole dancing days, makes the show very interesting to watch.

Michelle Rodriguez Watch

2007-03-19T14:15:00.000-05:00

Pictures of Michelle at some fashion show events looking to have a bracelet around her left leg that looks like one of those things they put on people when they're under house arrest, so I'm going to assume she is?! Look:

The last 10 pictures are of her walking and sitting around in LA:

Benicio Del Toro to Play Che

2007-03-19T14:04:00.000-05:00

SOME historians are already concerned about "Che," the movie Steven Soderbergh is directing with Benicio Del Toro starring as the Communist revolutionary. Soderbergh seems intent on portraying Ernesto "Che" Guevara as a hero, who battled alongside Fidel Castro to free Cuba from a corrupt imperialist government, and then was martyred by the CIA. Soderbergh will no doubt gloss over the six months after Castro seized power in 1959, when Che was in charge of La Cabana fortress, overseeing the trial and execution of 600 political prisoners. "To witness such butchery is a trauma that will accompany me to my grave," recalled José Vilasuso, a lawyer who worked under Che. "The walls of that medieval castle received the echoes of the rhythmic footstep of the squad, the clicking of the rifles . . . the sorry howling of the dying . . . the macabre silence . . . " Soderbergh had no comment.

KNOCKOUT A 'TRACE

2007-03-19T14:00:00.000-05:00

On "Without a Trace," Roselyn Sanchez is Elana, a young FBI agent who has to prove that she belongs on the elite New York Missing Persons Squad.

"She couldn't be more different from her character,her co-star, Enrique Murciano, tells TV Guide's "Sexiest Stars" issue.

"On the show, Elena struggles just to stay above water. In life Roselyn's not like that at all," he says.

"I'll catch her in her trailer tapping out messages on her BlackBerry and taking calls on three cell phones.

"I'm telling you, she could become the first Puerto Rican female president of the United States," says Murciano.

Hot List: Amaury Nolasco

2007-03-19T13:58:00.000-05:00

Amaury Nolasco has come a long way from his commercial appearances and minor roles. His unintentional pursuit of the showbiz world has advantageously presented itself in numerous television and film projects. A natural charmer, his ability to captivate the hearts of viewers is above reproach. He brings in wit and enthusiasm in whatever role he depicts, which makes him a crowd’s favorite. Popularly known for his inclusion on the suspense-thriller Prison Break, his dramatic acting expertise rockets his popularity worldwide.

Born on December 24, 1970 in Puerto Rico, Amaury Nolasco studied biology at the University of Puerto Rico. Although he did not intend to pursue acting, he moved to New York and trained at the American British Dramatic Arts School after a string of successful acting gigs. As a professional actor, he landed guest roles on television series such as ER, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: NY, George Lopez and The Bench Warmers. On film, he got his first break in 2 Fast 2 Furious as Orange Julius.

Nolasco’s inclusion on Prison Break gives him the opportunity to prolong his exposure on the television loop and escalate his fame worldwide. His portrayal of Fernando Sucre on the popular television series gives the show range and diversity of character. As an escapee in the pursuit of love, he makes the story line more interesting and intriguing. His determination to win his girl unearths his good-natured persona. As a fugitive on Michael Scofield’s side, he exudes generosity, brotherhood and willingness to help.

Geraldo Rivera in The Sopranos...

2007-03-18T20:33:00.000-05:00

"The Sopranos" kicks off the final part of its final season April 8, and details have been understandably scarce so far about what's coming up for Tony & co. But HBO just released a few tiny morsels for fans to nibble on while we wait: The episode titles and summaries for the first four episodes and a list of guest stars includes Geraldo Rivera.

John Leguizamo Judges

2007-03-18T20:26:00.000-05:00

Ckrush Entertainment has announced that John Leguizamo along with Michael Rapaport, and Cara Buono will be the judges for the final round of competition to select the eight lead actors to star in the thriller Live Mansion: The Movie, the first film produced by a social network.

"We are excited to have three actors as talented as John, Michael, and Cara on board to help Live Mansion select the best possible cast for this film" said Jeremy Dallow, President of Ckrush. "Their participation in casting Live Mansion: The Movie is not only exciting for us, but for the entire community at LiveMansion.com. We plan to continue to bring unique opportunities to our members to interact with each other and professionals in the film industry."

There are eight lead roles that are being cast in Live Mansion: The Movie. Each role is down to three finalists from a field of 1000 entries. The finalists were flown to NY last week for screen tests. The audition tapes will be critiqued by the panel of judges in front of a live audience in New York City on March 19, 2007. The audition tapes will then be posted with the panel's comments on LiveMansion.com for the community's members to vote on and decide who gets cast.

"When I was asked to participate in this event, I thought it would be a great opportunity to help actors that are trying to make it in this industry. LiveMansion is a unique platform for actors to show their talent," said Leguizamo.

Ricky King of New York Rican.

2007-03-18T20:16:00.000-05:00

Ricky Martin, Puerto Rico's all-time top-selling artist, has been named king of the 50th annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York.

Parade organizers said Thursday that the honor recognizes Martin's success and his efforts to fight the exploitation of children worldwide.

Martin has won multiple Grammy Awards and was named Person of the Year in 2006 by the Latin Recording Academy.

New Freddie's Movie!

2007-03-18T20:13:00.000-05:00

"Happily N'Ever After"
When the wizard in charge of Fairy Tale World goes on holiday, Cinderella's wicked stepmother takes over the world, which is home to such characters as Little Red Riding Hood, The Seven Dwarves and Rapunzel. Stars Sigourney Weaver, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr, Patrick Warburton and Andy Dick.

Rodriquez going to India

2007-03-18T20:11:00.000-05:00

Former "Lost" star Michelle Rodriquez, who is packing her bags and heading for India, is completely bowled over by Hrithik Roshan's good looks.

"Oh, I think he is hot!" she whooped as soon as his name was mentioned. That's a step up in our opinion from Colin Farrell, the Irish bad boy she was crazy about ever since the two of them were on screen together in "S.W.A.T."

Rodriquez's familiar with many of India's top Bollywood stars and is a huge fan of Shah Rukh Khan as well. She would be travelling to India in six months time to do some charity work.

"I'm counting the days," she told www.hollywood.tv, before adding that she also wants to take out some time to check out Bollywood and Ramoji Film City.

"I love Bollywood films, and I always cry when I watch them," she said.

When it comes to the men in her life, she was recently quoted as saying: "The kind of people I fall for are free spirits, people who'll run naked on the beach with me and won't care if anyone's looking."

But before you think she is just another Hollywood airhead, Rodriquez said she doesn't go along with all the groupthink about India.

"When people here in America talk to me about India, they make it sound like the country is some big India Inc., high-tech firm with a lot of software writers and call centres.

"If they'd just pick up a book once in a while or read something other than gossip magazines, they'd find out there's a lot more to India than what you get in the news."

Though she's an actress who is best known for her tough roles ever since she played the lead in the boxer film "Girlfight", Rodriquez wants to get more spiritually grounded by spending some time with a guru and learning more about what Hinduism has to offer.

Although her film work has landed her awards like the Deaxville Festival of American Cinema Award for best actress and the Las Vegas Film Critics Society Award for female breakthrough performance, she now wants some spiritual satisfaction.

"I'm at the point in my life where I'm looking for something more spiritually rewarding," the 28-year-old actress said.

Ana Ortiz Engaged

2007-03-18T20:07:00.000-05:00

Last week, the publicist of actress and executive producer Selma Hayek announced that Hayek is engaged to Francois-Henri Pinault and is expecting her first child with him. Now, wedding bells are also ringing for actress Ana Ortiz, who is engaged to musician Noah Lebenzon. According to People, the couple is scheduled to tie the knot four months from now, in Puerto Rico.

Ecstatic about the forthcoming celebration, Ortiz expresses her sentiments to People. "I'm really thrilled and my cheeks are hurting from smiling," Ortiz said. "He's a California boy so it's a nice balance for my crazy New Yorker." And since Ortiz is busy with her work on the drama-comedy Ugly Betty, her father, Angel L. Ortiz, who is a city councilman, takes over much of the wedding plans. He said, "My daughter's wedding is in July in Puerto Rico and I am planning the entire thing."

Ortiz, a 36-year old New York native, is an American actress popularly known for her role as Hilda Suarez, the older sister of the main character Betty Suarez, on the popular television series Ugly Betty. Prior to her inclusion on Ugly Betty, she attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Arts and Performing Arts, as well as the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Initially, she worked in theater productions and was included in a number of plays like Hair, Dog Lady and the Cuban Swimmer, and References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot. On television, she appeared on shows like NYPD Blue, Over There, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Boston Legal and ER to name a few.

Even though Ortiz portrays a character slightly lacking of some fashion sense, in real life, she gets a huge doze of elegance and sophistication with her man’s jewelry.

The Best of ShoWest 2007

2007-03-17T00:21:00.000-05:00

Freddy Rodriguez and Rosario Dawson won for Supporting Actor/Actress of the Year at the Best of ShoWest 2007 for the movie Grindhouse.

Alex Cruz at the San Diego Latin Film Festival 2007

2007-03-17T00:10:00.000-05:00

Ethan van Thillo Presents Alex Cruz with SDLFF 2007 Top 10 to Watch Award:

Alexis Cruz and Jose Zuñiga were presented with SDLFF 2007 Top 10 to Watch awards before the screening of Tortilla Heaven. In the audience were fellow cast members Lupe Ontiveros, Marcelo Tubert, and director Judy Hecht Dumonte.

Another Picture of Alex:

Tribute to Alex's Shark character Martin Allende:

Denise Quiñones in favor of changes to Puerto Rico's Civil Code

2007-03-17T00:07:00.000-05:00

Denise Quiñones, the actress, singer and winner of the Miss Universe crown in 2001, made a strong statement today in support of the changes proposed in the draft of the Family Book of the Puerto Rican Civil Code. "I have always believed that all human beings are equal and I just couldn't remain silent while a debate is taking place back home on the rights and protections that every family in Puerto Rico should enjoy. Our legal framework has to recognize the reality in which we live, which is why I am supporting the recognition of civil unions for same sex couples, as well as for heterosexual couples," said Quiñones.

Quiñones, who is currently pursuing acting opportunities in film and television in Los Angeles, California, broke her silence in the hope that her words will inspire other artistic colleagues and Puerto Rican personalities to express themselves on this crucial topic. Additionally, she specifically urged those personalities who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender or have LGBT relatives to share their stories and, in doing so, bring a human perspective to the debate.

"Even though I do not currently live in Puerto Rico, I have always represented my Island with love and humility wherever I might be, which is why in this moment that my lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters need me, I say 'Here I am!'" said Quiñones.

Quiñones, who recently was granted an ACE award for Best Theatre Actress, is aware that the current draft of the Civil Code would also grant transsexuals the right to change their birth certificates to reflect their current gender but pointedly noted that even transgender individuals who have yet to undergo gender reassignment surgery or opt not to have it should also have access to the same right.

"I would also like to express my support for the right of transgender individuals to change the gender in a birth certificate, since they are only trying to change these legal documents to reflect the reality in which they live. I am aware that the current draft of the Civil Code, if approved, would grant this right to transsexuals but it should include every transgender person that seeks to change his or her certificate under the vast right to liberty allowed under our Constitution."

Finally, Ms. Quiñones called on everyone to see this public debate as an opportunity to bring together the Puerto Rican family and invited all to visit the Puerto Rico Para Tod@s web portal (www.prparatodos.org) where they can register and send the Legislature messages of support for these changes in the Civil Code.

"Let's take advantage of this historic moment to learn, to get to know more about our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender relatives and to welcome them into our hearts. Let's follow our best hope for justice, inclusion and equality. Let's fight so that everyone in Puerto Rico has the same rights. So that no one is left on the sidelines. It is everyone's responsibility."

Neutrogena really doesn't work...BUT...

2007-03-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

Pick up the latest issue of Star Magazine and flip to page 74 for a cool feature on Susie and her brand-new Neutrogena deal.

Freddy Rodriguez Honored

2007-03-04T23:48:00.000-05:00

Freddy Rodriguez will be honored as supporting actor of the year at ShoWest, the annual film industry convention set for March 12-15 at the Bally's and Paris hotels in Las Vegas.

Rodriguez, who most recently appeared as part of the ensemble cast of "Bobby," which the Weinstein Co. released through MGM, will next be seen in Dimension Films' "Grindhouse," which opens nationwide April 6.

"Since bursting onto the scene with his critically acclaimed and Emmy-nominated role on HBO's 'Six Feet Under,' Rodriguez has gone on to bring impressive performances to such notable films as 'Dreamer,' 'Lady in the Water' and 'Bobby,' " said Mitch Neuhauser, ShoWest co-managing director. He will be presented with the award March 15 at ShoWest's closing-night ceremony. Rodriguez will appear in director Robert Rodriguez's half of "Grindhouse," which is titled "Planet Terror."

Rodriguez received an Emmy nomination, two SAG Awards as part of a dramatic TV series ensemble, two Alma Awards and three Imagen Awards for his work on "Six Feet Under." His film credits include "Harsh Times," "A Walk in the Clouds," "Dead Presidents" and "Poseidon," and he has made guest TV appearances on "Scrubs" and "ER." ShoWest is managed by Nielsen Business Media, parent company of The Hollywood Reporter.

Lead the way...

2007-03-04T17:55:00.000-05:00

In New York City, tennis star Serena Williams and Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera were among other celebrities who led 250 students from New York public schools in an event entitled “Reading on the Red Carpet.”

Michelle Rodriguez and Mystery Male...OH MY!

2007-03-03T00:54:00.000-05:00

From JustJared.com:

Former Lost star Michelle Rodriguez takes along her two dogs, Maddox and Dido, for a coffee break with a mystery male at a Starbucks in West Hollywood on Wednesday afternoon.

The other pictures are from lask week when Michelle, 28, took her dogs for an afternoon walk in West Los Angeles. When asked if she misses working in Hawaii she replied,” I am itching to go back.”

To view images...click, click, click.

Look Michelle's name on her Starbucks cup... stupid Starbucks and their labels on people!

Muniz Mohawk Exposed!

2007-03-03T00:32:00.000-05:00

Frankie Muniz was spotted dining at Boa Steakhouse on Sunset Boulevard, sporting his new mohawk.

Donno about you guys, but I like it... makes him look HAWTER.

Fat Joe To Tour

2007-03-02T19:32:00.000-05:00

The first big hip-hop tour of 2007 kicks off tomorrow night in Charlotte, North Carolina, with Young Jeezy headlining and taking Lil' Wayne, Fat Joe, Jim Jones, Baby, and Rich Boy along with him.

The Street Dream Tour:
3/03 - Charlotte, NC - Cricket Arena
3/11 - Orlando, FL - Convention Center
3/15 - Richmond, VA - Richmond Coliseum
3/16 - Greenville, SC - Bi Lo
3/17 - Hampton, VA - Hampton Coliesum
3/18 - Jacksonville, FL - Jacksonville Arena
3/23 - Cincinatti, OH - US Bank Arena
3/24 - Macon, GA - Centroplex
3/25 - Nashville, TN - Municipal Auditorium
3/28 - Toledo, OH - Sport Arena Coliesum
3/29 - Providence, RI - Dunkin Donuts Center
3/31 - Louisville, KY - Louisville Gardens
4/01 - Baltimore, MD - 1ST Mariner
4/05 - Little Rock, AR - Altell Arena
4/06 - Kansas City, MO - Kemper Arena
4/08 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Arena
4/12 - Milwaukee, WS - US Cellular Arena
4/13 - Indianapolis, IN - Conseco Fieldhouse
4/14 - St. Louis, MO - Scottrade
4/15 - Minneapolis, MN - Target Center
4/19 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center
4/20 - Dallas, TX - Convention Center
4/21 - El Paso, TX - Cohen Stadium
4/22 - San Antonio, TX - TBA
4/29 - Los Angeles, CA - USC

Natalia Boa Vista!

2007-03-02T16:13:00.000-05:00

Here's some youtube fan videos I found on Eva LaRue CSI: Miami character Natalia Boa Vista:

Dawson > Trachtenberg

2007-03-02T16:01:00.000-05:00

Former Sex and the City star Jason Lewis is reportedly dating Michelle Trachtenberg after finishing with long-term girlfriend Rosario Dawson last November. Jason and Michelle were recently spotted on a date at the Chateau Marmony Hotel but a source told Us Weekly that it’s still very early days: “they just began hanging out”.

All bias aside, but really Dawson > Trachtenberg.

Joaquin Phoenix macking Ghost Rider's Girl!?

2007-03-02T15:54:00.000-05:00

EVA MENDES has laughed off rumours of a romance with her WE OWN THE NIGHT co-star JOAQUIN PHOENIX - after they dined together after work. The Latina actress has been dating director GEORGE GARGUREVICH for the past five years, but is constantly reported to be romantically entwined with her leading men. She says, "God, we went out to dinner together. We were working together so, of course, you'd go out and have a meal after work. Why wouldn't you? "I'm a grown woman! Do you think I'd be making out with somebody? I stopped doing that when I was 14. Yuck!"

Personally I think they would had made a really cute couple...

ShoWest Taps Dawson for Actress Nod

2007-03-02T12:36:00.000-05:00

Rosario Dawson will be honored as supporting actress of the year at ShoWest, the film industry convention that will be held March 12-15 at the Bally's and Paris hotels in Las Vegas. The actress, who appeared in Robert Rodriguez's "Sin City," will next appear in Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino's "Grindhouse," which Dimension Films will release April 6. "We just know that Ms. Dawson is going to electrify audiences worldwide with her performance in the eagerly anticipated 'Grindhouse,' " Mitch Neuhauser, co-managing director of the event, said in announcing the award, which will be presented at ShoWest's closing-night ceremony March 15. Dawson, a native of New York, made her film debut in 1995's "Kids." Her credits also include "Sidewalks of New York" and "Men in Black 2." Dawson also is starring in "Descent," the first film she has produced, for director Talia Lugacy. The film will premiere in April at the Tribeca Film Festival. She will be seen later this year in "Killshot," directed by John Madden, and also is on tap for Rodriguez and Frank Miller's "Sin City 2."
ShoWest is managed by Nielsen Business Media, parent company of The Hollywood Reporter.

Oh The Drama!

2007-03-02T12:31:00.000-05:00

Marc Anthony has been embarrassed by a photo he posed for with a photographer charged with heroin possession and child pornography.

The candid snapshot, taken backstage at a New York concert Anthony headlined in 2004, is being used to prove the Latino singer had a relationship with photographer Michael Star, who is set to stand trial in the US after fleeing to Colombia.

The picture has been posted on Latino newspaper El Diario's website as part of a story suggesting Anthony was a friend of Star's.

But even Star's closest friends insist the photographer merely used Anthony's name and the photo to help him peddle his sick trade.

Rosa Sanabria admits the snapper used his so-called relationship with Anthony to lure young girls to his photo studio.

She tells the National Enquirer, "This guy is a monster and a sick person. It's awful for Marc to be dragged into this."

To make matters worse for the singer, Sanabria reveals Star will attempt to call Anthony to testify on his behalf when his trial comes to court.

"The Kill Pit"

2007-03-02T12:25:00.000-05:00

DeMonaco’s eight-hour drama series “The Kill Pit,” begins production later this month in Pittsburgh, with Steve Shill (”The Sopranos”) directing the first four episodes. “Kill Pit,” revolves around a downtown bank robbery by a team of American Iraqi-War veterans. More than a dozen hostages from all walks of life are taken, ranging from the daughter of a business tycoon to an adulterous couple. Throughout the eight-hour event, viewers will follow the escalating action as the volatile soldiers plot their way out, the negotiator anticipates their moves and the hostages desperately try to survive. Time is critical and the game intensifies with surprising twists at every turn. John Leguizamo will play Wolf, the leader of the robbers, Donnie Wahlberg as Horst Cali and Jennifer Ferrin as Chloe.

Ricky Martin In Festive Mood

2007-02-27T15:10:00.000-05:00

SINGING idol Ricky Martin headlined at the 48th annual International Song Festival in Vina del Mar, Chile over the weekend. The Santiago Times reported that audiences were entertained with musical performances, a beauty competition, comic acts and other entertainment.

Musicians are awarded statues of torches and seagulls for their excellence in different categories.
This year’s international draws included Tom Jones (UK), Bryan Adams (Canada), Martin (Puerto Rico), Fito Paez and Gustavo Cerati (Argentina) and La Oreja de Van Gogh and Ana Torroja (Spain).

Chilean musicians included Los Tres, Los Bunkers, Lucybell, Mario Guerrero, and Kudai.

Gilmore Girls Tonight

2007-02-27T15:05:00.000-05:00

A BABY SHOWER, A JOB INTERVIEW AND A BOAT TRIP ?? While she is in the midst of planning Lane's (Keiko Agena) baby shower, Rory (Alexis Bledel) gets a long-awaited call from The New York Times offering her an informational interview. Lorelai (Lauren Graham) takes over the shower-planning duties, and finds herself brokering peace between Lane and Mrs. Kim (Emily Kuroda) over how Lane plans to raise her twins. Logan (Matt Czuchry) finally admits his business disaster to Rory, who offers him her full support, but when Logan announces that he is flying to Las Vegas to blow off steam with his old college pals Colin and Finn, Rory is disappointed and worried. When Luke (Scott Patterson) discovers that Liz (Kathleen Wilhoite) and T.J. (Michael DeLuise) are trying to sell his boat, he decides to make some changes in his life and take April (Vanessa Marano) on a long boat trip over the summer. Finally, Lane is put on bed-rest and must be wheeled through Stars Hollow in her bed to attend the shower at Miss Patty's (Liz Torres).

New 'LOST' Means More Kiele

2007-02-27T00:51:00.000-05:00

In a recent interview this week with LOST co-executive producers Kitsis and Horowitz confirmed that the rest of the third season is set to explore the backstories of Claire (Emilie de Ravin) and Sayid (Naveen Andrews), as well as the two new background survivors that have been gradually introduced this year, namely Paulo (Rodrigo Santoro) and Nikki (Kiele Sanchez).

LOST airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.

Here's a sneak clip of tomorrows episode with Kiele:

Kind of funny though, how LOST loses one Rican (Michelle Rodriguez) and gains another between seasons. I rooting to see Rosie Perez in season four, can you just imagine her voice and heavy New York Rican accent among all those soft spoken actors?

Freddie Prinze the 3rd

2007-02-27T00:16:00.000-05:00

Rumors are spreading that Freddie Prinze Jr.'s wife of five years, actress Sarah Michelle Gellar best known for her role on Buffy the Vampire Slayer is expecting after spotted at a Elton John's Oscar Party wearing a loose dress.

John Leguizamo at Vanity Fair Oscar Party

2007-02-26T23:56:00.000-05:00

John was hiding from me! I didn't see him whatsoever during the Oscars last night nor on the red carpet, but here he is living it up at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party and Queen Latifah's Vibe Magazine Hollywood Pre-Oscar Party:

Drink up!

"I'm too sexy for these sunglasses, too sexy for these sunglasses, too sexy yeah!"

"I'm too sexy for this palm tree, too sexy for this palm tree, too sexy yeah!"

"I'm not sexier than Tyrese, not sexier than Tyrese, not sexier yeah!"

Sorry, John...but have you seen the body on Tyrese? Gawd!

Rican Eye For the Rican Guy...

2007-02-26T23:46:00.000-05:00

From eonline.com

While Ellen hosts the 79th Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater, I'm at West Hollywood’s East/West Lounge in a cozy VIP room for Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’s Jai Rodriguez's viewing party. He has invited a bunch of close friends, and it seems like everyone is rooting for Jennifer Hudson. “She’s the ultimate dream story,” an adorable little man tells me. (And again, as we now know, she's a Dreamgirl come true.)

About halfway through the show, Sara Ramirez’s commercial as the new Dove spokeswoman plays, and the entire VIP bunch starts clapping for their fellow Oscars viewer. “It’s so embarrassing,” the Grey’s Anatomy starlet says, as she turns away from the screen. Hey, there’s nothing to be shy about, considering she looks stunning. But she doesn’t have to worry for long, because Jai quickly grabs everyone’s attention. “Shhh!!! Celine’s on!” he exclaims. His gays sit and listen, and I take that as my cue to sneak over to the Abbey for The Envelope Please 6th Annual Oscar Party.

Ricky's Casa For Sell!

2007-02-26T23:40:00.000-05:00

Ricky Martin is selling his Florida waterfront mansion for a crisp $16.9 million. The ginormous Mediterranean style crib features 7 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms. The Miami palace boasts a few famous neighbors too; Matt Damon and Shakira.

Ricky bought the house back in May 2005 for a mere $10 million.

Jesus a Puerto Rican, huh?

2007-02-26T16:44:00.000-05:00

Jose Luis De Jesus Miranda the Puerto Rican L. Ron Hubbard (Founder of Scientology) as like to call him. Was interviewed by The Today Show where he talked about being Jesus Christ, what he preaches to his followers and why he is the second coming of the Lord.

Here's a quote from the interview that had me laughing:

If it's a cult, it's the best cult I've ever seen. It's a nice cult, I'm proud to lead a cult like this.

Riight buddy, here's the interview:

Cheese

2007-02-26T15:44:00.000-05:00

Jennifer laughs at Marc as he playfully takes pictures of the photographers on the red carpet of the 79th Annual Academy Awards.

Muniz New Do

2007-02-26T12:27:00.000-05:00

Frankie Muniz, was spotted yesterday at the Auto Club 500 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race sporting the Mohawk hairdo. The reporter of the sighting stated he looked like a young Xtreme skateboarder.

Freddie New TV Pilot

2007-02-26T12:17:00.000-05:00

Freddie Prinze Jr. will star in CBS'comedy pilot, Atlanta. From Paul Reiser, the show revolves around a funny and charming ad executive (Prinze) and a woman who meet at a funeral and can't stay away from each other, says The Hollywood Reporter.

Ricans at 79th Annual Academy Awards

2007-02-25T21:45:00.000-05:00

Jennifer presented Dreamgirls during the show.

Oddball Spirit

2007-02-25T13:28:00.000-05:00

In the oddball spirit of the Spirit Awards, several unusual musical numbers kept attendees' toes tapping. Taylor Dane sang a tribute to Little Miss Sunshine to the tune of "We Are Family,": "Screwed up family/Such dysfunctionality" and Rosario Dawson performed an ode to Half Nelson to the melody of "Son of a Preacher Man,": "The only one who reached out to me/ Was a crack-headed teacher man." By the show's the end, the sun was just sinking on the Pacific Ocean, leaving independent-minded revelers enough time to party and still get their pre-Oscar beauty sleep.

What's Poppin' With Nina Sky

2007-02-25T13:24:00.000-05:00

From R&B Week:

They've been working on a new joint called The Musical. The album is said to be touched by Scott Storch, Ryan Leslie, Cipha Sounds, Solitair, Cool & Dre, Salaam Remi, The Jettsonz and a few others. Features include Rick Ross, Trey Songz, Ne-Yo, Styles P. & Sheek Louch.

Here is a clip of Nina Sky in the studio with the Jettsonz. Sometimes you gotta get a good vibe going in the studio in order to pop off a hit.

The first single off of The Musical is "Sugar Daddy."

Nina Sky In Studio w/ The Jettsonz
Uploaded by apartment3b

Kirk Acevedo in New TV Series 'The Black Donnellys'

2007-02-25T13:06:00.000-05:00

From the Oscar-winning writers of Crash and the writer of Million Dollar Baby comes the new NBC drama The Black Donnellys. The series follows the exploits of four young, working-class Irish-American brothers and their involvement in organized crime in New York City. The Donnelly brothers will do anything to protect each other against all odds.

The story was inspired by writer Bobby Moresco’s experiences growing up in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. The cast includes: Jonathan Tucker, Billy Lush, Olivia Wilde, and Kirk Acevedo.

The Black Donnellys Premieres on the 26th of February 2007 at 10:04 PM on NBC.

Retro Puerto Rico

2007-02-25T13:01:00.000-05:00

Signs of chic already are creeping into a place once regarded for its laid-back funkiness. The 2-year-old Bravo Beach Hotel, whose minimalist lines were reshaped from a former hacienda house turned motel, sports Frette sheets and iPod docking stations in its nine guest rooms and villa. At Thanksgiving, actor Benicio Del Toro dined on the VIP terrace (the first VIP anything on the island), and its wine-tasting room and sushi bar host a New York City clientele that pops over for long weekends. New restaurants serving nouvelle Caribbean cuisine have joined spots dishing out typical rice-and-beans criolla fare.

Read more...

Michelle Rodriguez Writes to Fans

2007-02-24T01:04:00.000-05:00

Michelle recently posted on her Official Site's Michelle-Rodriguez.com message board in reference to a post her fans made in regards to understanding her as a person:

I'm seriously left at a loss for words, You don't know how many times I've felt soo misunderstood, misinterpreted, alone, and I hate to say it, Lost. I don't think you guys understand how amazing it feels to know that someone gets it. That people out there can read between the lines and understand my truth. I just want to live, love, spread strength, Joy, and eventually pass on to the next fase after death. I am so freakin Lucky & Blessed to be part of such a big group of humans around the world who really appreciate Freedom, The power of individuality, and people with all there imperfections. You guys understand unconditional love. Thats fierce, Thank You. Thank you. Thank You. You bet your ass I'm gonna keep on strutting away on my path, Devouring anything that gets in the way of my unifying agenda. Unity is a power that too many people take for granted. I appreciate it. Love it and plan on giving to it. Aslong as you do too. ONE LOVE GUYS, Now I know Where to go for inspiration.

Premio Lo Nuestro a la Música Latina 2007

2007-02-24T00:15:00.000-05:00

Ricans at the 2007 Premio Lo Nuestro a la Musica Latina:

Jennifer Booed By Movie Flock

2007-02-24T00:03:00.000-05:00

Jennifer Lopez's new film was booed at the 57th Annual Berlin Film Festival at the weekend.

Bordertown premiered at the event, but the reception it received was less than favorable.

According to reports, most of the audience voiced their disappointment by booing and jeering while others gave the movie a round of muted applause.

A source claims J.Lo fled the cinema in tears after hearing the cacophony of boos and is now said to be worried the movie will be panned by critics.

In Bordertown, the 37-year-old actress plays an American journalist investigating a series of murders near American-owned factories in Juarez and El Paso, in Mexico.

Here's a clip of a press conference Jennifer did after the festival, where she talks about the movie:

I was kind of feeling bad for her until I reminded myself the income she most likely got from this movie. Oh well, better try next time Jennifer.

Geraldo Rivera's Fed 23, 2007 Blog Entry

2007-02-23T21:40:00.000-05:00

Jack, a neighbor of mine over in New Jersey drove up as I stood outside, welcomed me home from Iraq, and then proceeded to blast the media for its obsession with those twin blonde disasters, dead and alive, Anna Nicole and Britney Spears.

Jack, who’s kind of a typical every man, was especially scornful of the living twin, Britney, accusing her of being a grossly negligent mother. He didn’t fault Anna Nicole as much as he excoriated reporters covering the travels and travails of her dead body, especially with so many, much more important issues out there worthy of discussion.

To read more...

Hottie Alexis Cruz

2007-02-23T20:49:00.000-05:00

Alexis Cruz's hottie of the CBS hit series Shark (sadly his character [Martin Allende] was recently killed off the series) Official site Alexis-Cruz.net posted a new promo head shot of Alexis.

Here's the trailer to Alexis' latest movie Tortilla Heaven releasing in March:

Jennifer Lopez Embraces Latin Roots

2007-02-23T15:40:00.000-05:00

Jennifer Lopez says she is fulfilling her dreams with the upcoming release of an all-Spanish album "Como ama una mujer," or "How a Woman Loves," and two Hispanic-themed films this year.

"I wanted to sing in Spanish from the beginning of my recording career," said the New Yorker of Puerto Rican origin. The album, which will be released in the United States March 27 after more than two years of work, was mainly produced by her husband, Marc Anthony.

Lopez soon plans to promote "Como ama una mujer" in the United States, Spain, Mexico and "everywhere we can."

Bernie's Final At Bat?

2007-02-23T15:30:00.000-05:00

Bernie Williams' mother is praying he can handle being rejected by the Yankees and accept that he likely has played his last game in pinstripes.

"He understands the situation," Rufina Williams told the Daily News yesterday from her home outside San Juan. "I'm just praying he will be at peace with it."

The spring training standoff between the Yankees and their longtime star apparently came to an end this week, with Williams' agent declaring that the popular veteran would not report to camp if he had to play his way onto the roster.

Williams' relatives in Puerto Rico said the Yankees' decision to not offer him a guaranteed contract caused him great heartache. But they said they're still hoping he can somehow play one more season in the Bronx.

"If he knows he can't play any more, he would just walk away," said Williams' uncle Jedan Figueroa, 73, who has a framed autographed poster of his nephew in his living room in Barrio Maricao, where Williams grew up. "But he knows he can still play."

Ricky Signs at Wedding...

2007-02-23T15:23:00.000-05:00

Music legend Ricky Martin, UNICEF goodwill ambassador and two-time Grammy Award winner and among the 50 most beautiful people in the world, performed at the wedding reception of Kunika Jolly, daughter of Delhi-based businessman Vivekk Jolly and Dhurv, son of Mumbai-based industrialist Neeraj Raja Kochar. Kunika is niece of politician Kamal Nath, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry.

The Latino pop star set the dance floor on fire with his popular numbers like Maria, The Cup of Life and Livin 'La Vida Loca, at the Hotel Le Merdien in Jaipur. The singer shared the floor with DJ Aqueel and a couple of Lebanese belly dancer.

Martin and his 30-member troupe performed in a black-coloured dome, especially erected within the hotel premises for the show that is said to have cost over Rs 3 crores. As soon he started singing, the select gathering of guests, including some Europeans, began dancing. It was a big dance party.

The high-profile wedding, with star personality like Martin, performing in India for the first time and top businessmen and industrialists as guests, is estimated to have cost Rs 100 crores, the costliest in Jaipur's history.

Int'l Reggae & World Music Awards return to world-famous Apollo Theater

2007-02-23T15:12:00.000-05:00

The 26th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), by Martin's International and Associates returns to Harlem's World Famous Apollo Theater, in New York City on Saturday, May 5, 2007, commencing at 8:00 pm for general admission, 7:00 pm for VIP ticket holders, and 6:00 pm for the nominees, performers, sponsors and other participants to walk the red carpet.

Daddy Yankee is one of the nominees among many other Reggae artist from all-over.

Elizabeth Vargas Chimed In

2007-02-23T02:17:00.000-05:00

Friday's Good Morning America, the MRC's Scott Whitlock noticed, openly lobbied for the passage of legislation that would require employers to offer six weeks of paid time off to workers for maternity, illness, or the care of a loved one. Robin Roberts set up the segment: "Now to a new study from Harvard about paid maternity leave all around the world. It ranks countries based on how generous or stingy their benefits were. And the bottom five countries may have you scratching your head and saying, 'You must be kidding.' ABC's Elizabeth Vargas is here with the details. And we did see this and we were like, no, no, no. This cannot be right."

Elizabeth Vargas chimed in: "Everybody has that reaction, Robin. 26 million mothers in this country work. The vast majority say to make ends meet, they must. With that many moms in the work force, you'd think the U.S. would lead the way in flexible, family-friendly policies. Think again. For millions of working moms, those first weeks after giving birth are a time to take off, recover, and bond with your new baby. But increasingly, the question is who pays?"

When a Labor Department official suggested that "we need to do more to encourage Americans to save more for the times they do need to be out of the workforce," Vargas found that reasonable idea which has worked for generations to be incredible: "It's up to a person to save enough money before they have a baby to be able to stay home for a few weeks and recover and spend some time with that new baby?"

Hector Elizondo To Guest Star on 'Grey's Anatomy'

2007-02-23T01:06:00.000-05:00

Emmy-winning actor Hector Elizondo, who is currently in production as Mr. Torres, Callie's father. Will guest star on Grey's Anatomy.

The Grey's Anatomy episode is entitled "My Favorite Mistake," it has not yet been assigned an air date.

Geraldo Rivera on 'Live with Regis & Kelly'

2007-02-23T01:01:00.000-05:00

10 a.m.

Geraldo Rivera guest co-hosts; actor Billy Bob Thornton; from “Law & Order SVU,” actor Jesse L. Martin; “Beautiful Baby Week 2007” winner announced. (N) (WIS-10); Martha: The winner of the dream kitchen sits down for a talk with Martha; Chef Secret from Sue Torres. (N) (WKTC-63); The Tyra Banks Show: Actress Jennifer Hudson talks about her life-changing role in “Dreamgirls.” (N) (WLTX-19); Montel Williams: Life-threatening dangers, including a doctor and his wife who were paralyzed from a botox injection. (N) (WOLO-25)

Coach Who Won It All With Anthony

2007-02-23T00:56:00.000-05:00

DALLAS - Jim Boeheim coached the player who was probably the most famous one-and-done prospect in college basketball history until this season - and Texas' Kevin Durant and Ohio State's Greg Oden may not eclipse Carmelo Anthony in acclaim unless one of them leads his team to a national title as the current NBA star did for Syracuse as a freshman in 2003.

So Boeheim has a unique perspective on the new rule that prevents players from entering the draft until they're a year out of high school, a stipulation that Texas Tech's Bob Knight decried Monday by calling it "the worst thing that's happened to college basketball since I've been coaching."

It's not as if freshmen never turned pro after only one season before the regulation came into effect - 15 from four-year colleges did so over the last five drafts, to be exact. Even when recruits had the option to head straight to the NBA from high school, there were some who signed with colleges but stated their intention to play their way into the draft after just one year.

Boeheim has experienced the positive impact that a one-and-done player can make, but he also recognizes how rare Anthony's feat was.

"He, and other freshmen before that and since that, have had an effect," Boeheim said. "He's the first one that actually took his team to the national championship and won it."

Six of the Orange's top seven scorers were freshmen and sophomores that season. Anthony earned

Marc Anthony Also To Appear On 'American Idol'

2007-02-22T21:16:00.000-05:00

London, Feb 22 (IANS) Singing couple Jennifer Lopez and her husband Marc Anthony, who are very keen to appear together on 'American Idol', might make an appearance on the hit show on April 11.

Contactmusic.com quoted a source as saying: 'It was Jennifer and Marc who approached 'American Idol,' not the other way around. They are currently in talks with the show's executive producer, Nigel Lythgoe.

'Getting them on the show would be a huge deal - they'd definitely be the big surprise of the season. Prince was such a sensational guest last season, they knew they'd have to step it up for season six.'

Marysol Castro in Hollywood For The Oscar

2007-02-22T18:48:00.000-05:00

Marysol Castro is heading to Hollywood to the 79th annual Academy Awards for Good Morning America.

On Saturday and Sunday Marysol Castro will report live for Good Morning America Weekend. And on Monday, the entire Good Morning America team will be live from the Pantages Theater...

Eva LaRue Attends the General Motors Corp. Oscar Celebration

2007-02-22T18:21:00.000-05:00

General Motors Corp. kicked-off Hollywood’s most prestigious awards week with their annual celebrity fashion show, TEN, partnering the hottest names in entertainment with GM’s futuristic concept and new production vehicles. Touted as one of the biggest and most anticipated events each year by the entertainment industry and media, this annual pre-Academy Awards event took place at legendary Paramount Studios in Hollywood and highlighted GM’s commitment to design as well as the environment.

Mark Indelicato Gives Bite To 'Betty'

2007-02-22T15:42:00.000-05:00

The tech-savvy kid enjoys surfing the Internet but steers clear of "Betty" message boards, where fans have been known to post cruel comments about his over-the-top portrayal of TV's most atypical male child. Preferring not to elaborate on the negative, he says, "The controversial comments, all from adults, are pretty discouraging."

Mabius is impressed with how Mark has handled his high-profile Hollywood arrival, noting, "Regardless of who he becomes as an adult, he's very self-assured."

That confidence radiates on screen, making Mark an integral component of the ABC hit (Thursdays, 8 p.m.), which is this season's third-most-watched new series (behind "Heroes" and "Shark"). It averages 12.3 million viewers and has dramatically improved the network's performance in its time slot.

The show also has collected honors from the Golden Globes, Family Television Awards and the Satellite Awards, and it will vie for the top TV comedy title at the NAACP Image Awards and GLAAD Awards, which recognizes positive portrayals of gay and lesbian characters.

A sweet innocence'

Justin's sexuality has never been addressed on the show, but "Betty" creator Silvio Horta, who is gay and came out to his Cuban-American family at age 19, says the character will experience "the journey" as he matures. "I see myself in him," Horta says. "Growing up, I certainly felt like an outsider at times. But there's this sweet innocence in Justin that sees the positive."

A Pennsylvania native, Mark began singing songs from "The Little Mermaid" at age 3. He calls acting and singing "my passions."

He was dancing in his school musical, "45 Minutes to Broadway," when his manager jumped on a New York casting call for "not a buff typical Latino boy," Mark recalls. "And as you can see, I'm not the typical Latino boy."

Certainly not. Mark is a quarter Puerto Rican, 75 percent Italian and 100 percent showman, with musical preferences ranging from pop to alternative to musical theater.

"Mark nails the character - being able to play up the flamboyance," Horta says.

Adds America Ferrera, who plays Betty: "He loves what he does - like a little kid playing."

Ferrera says she, Mark and Ana Ortiz, who plays Justin's mother, Hilda, "sit around the set singing musicals. We're recently obsessed with Dreamgirls,' and last week we were singing Hairspray.' "

Meanwhile, as the season progresses, Justin will be dealing with the possibility of his mother reuniting with his father, Santos. The macho dad has so far had trouble accepting Justin, but Horta says the relationship will evolve.

"There's a great emotional story line to play there," he says.

Passing the mall's cinemas, Mark says the actors who play his TV mom and grandfather have become his movie buddies. Last year, he and Tony Plana (grandfather Ignacio) watched "Marie Antoinette," while Mark and Ortiz took in a screening of "The Devil Wears Prada."

He cites Queen Latifah as his personal acting muse "because she has the endorsement (deal) with Cover Girl. I wouldn't want to endorse Cover Girl, but maybe something else to get all that free stuff."

Though not yet a teen, Mark is already using skin-care products and has visited the mall's Kiehl's store. "Kiehl's is great," he says. "And my mom and I have begun using a (product) called Clarins."

Sporting Prada sunglasses, Mark says his keen knowledge of fashion predated his "Betty" casting.

"Of course, you know what Prada is," he explains. "Maybe I didn't know Valentino and Michael Kors, but I knew Coach, Gucci, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana. Fashion means a lot. The way you look is the way people judge you. I don't care what people say, that's the way people are."

Expensive tastes all around

While his TV alter ego prefers bright colors that "pop," Mark is more comfortable in black T-shirts he picks up at teen-friendly stores such as Gap and Quicksilver.

But the week before the Golden Globes, he took full advantage of the swag suites, which allow celebs to load up on high-end freebies.

Mom Lynn, trailing behind her son as he enters Nordstrom, takes partial blame for her son's fashion obsessions. "It's not that I'm a materialistic individual ..." she prefaces. Says Mark, finishing his mother's sentence and inspiring them both to laugh, "It's just that we have expensive taste."

Mark, who began selecting his own wardrobe in the third grade, recently cleared out his father's closet and gave him a fashion makeover. Though Mark, a fan of Bravo's "Project Runway," says that "I go anywhere I want and buy what I like," his mother says that's not so. She says she carefully monitors her shopaholic son's spending. "We give him a little allowance each episode, because you never know in this business where you're going to be day to day," she says. "It's very easy to spend, but he's really learning the value of money."

Indeed.

Coming upon Nordstrom's shoe department, he races over to a pair of pricey pumps he discouraged his mother from wearing to last month's Screen Actors Guild awards. "These are the Jimmy Choo shoes that are like $1,000," Mark enthuses, sounding identical to his character.

Flipping them over, he sees they are a steal at only $650. "Still," he pauses, "that's pretty expensive."

Mark Indelicato in Action:

Ethnic Minorities Pays Off For 'Betty'

2007-02-22T15:34:00.000-05:00

Male TV directors in Hollywood have told me it's hard to find shows willing to hire female directors. Whenever I've asked why, they simply said, "I don't know." But "Ugly Betty" is an oasis where women really are equal, or in control, behind the scenes.

"Half of the writers are women, if not more. We've had more women directors on the show than men," says Ana Ortiz, who plays Betty's sister Hilda. "I've never been on a set before where there's so many women calling the shots."

As a result, Ortiz, 36, believes women viewers relate to the hit show.

"I haven't ever had a ['Betty'] script where I thought, 'I wouldn't say that.' That's happened so many times before [on other shows]," she says.

Moreover, a lot of the characters and crew are not white, as Ortiz, a New York native of Puerto Rican descent, explains.

"My own experience working [as an actress] has been cliche," she says. "It's Maria the maid, or Maria the drug-dealer's girlfriend, or Maria the sassy spitfire."

In other shows, she says, Latinas "are the guest stars. We come in and we have an affair with the husband, we ruin the family and then we leave."

Hilda is a kind of sassy spitfire, but she's more fleshed out than that, Ortiz says.

"You get to see the relationship with her son, being a single mom, and everyone living right on top of each other," she says. "It's not so surface."

Producer Salma Hayek deserves a lot of the credit. She was very active in getting the show made, and she remains active in promoting and working on the series.

Higher-ups at ABC have also gone the extra mile, investing millions of dollars a week not just in the production and promotion of "Betty" but in the female sensations "Grey's Anatomy," "Desperate Housewives," "Men in Trees" and "Brothers & Sisters."

The investment is paying off. "Betty" and "Grey's" are perhaps the most diverse shows on TV, and they're ABC's top-rated series among all viewers and the coveted age demographic of 18- to 49-year-olds.

Ortiz says "Betty" doesn't exploit issues of gender and heritage by propping up old storylines, either.

For instance, she says, Hilda's son is gay, but Betty's family is not freaked out about it.

"Here's this great kid who's completely unique, well-adjusted, loves himself, loves his family, and he's his own person," she says. "And we don't have to comment on it and wring our hands and sweat. He's happy."

Ortiz hopes the look of "Betty," both in front of and behind the camera, becomes contagious, and she has good reason to be optimistic now that "Betty" is a critical and popular smash.

"People are going to go where the money is. That's obnoxious to say, but we're doing really well and that's a huge plus, and hopefully it means [TV networks will] take a risk like this."

With Ortiz's own success blooming, she jokes, she might hire a maid.

"I'm gonna name her Maria," she says. "But she has to be white."

A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints

2007-02-22T15:14:00.000-05:00

Released This Week On DVD

Coming-of-age drama about a boy growing up in Astoria, N.Y., during the 1980s. As his friends end up dead, on drugs or in prison, he comes to believe he has been saved from their fate by various so-called saints.

Rosario Dawson plays the boy's childhood friend all grown-up.

Her Name Is Nadine

2007-02-22T13:13:00.000-05:00

ALL NEW EPISODE TONIGHT OF "MY NAME IS EARL"

Tonight, ex-wife Joy (Jaime Pressly) is looking at a jail term for her latest crime and Earl wants to save her bacon. He appeals to strip-joint owner Richard Chubby (another fabulously declasse appearance by Burt Reynolds) to loan him the necessary money.

The trade-off is convincing the sultry Catalina (Nadine Velazquez) to return to her old job as a stripper - so she can jump for Joy.

Ricky Flicks Off Bush & He's Not 'Sorry' About it

2007-02-22T13:00:00.000-05:00

Ricky Martin, who was a headliner at the 2001 inauguration ball for President George W. Bush, has a message for the American commander in chief about war.

At a recent concert, the 35-year-old singer stuck up his middle finger when he sang the president's name in his song "Asignatura Pendiente," which includes the words, "a photo with Bush." The gesture last Friday prompted cheers from thousands of fans in the San Juan stadium.

On Thursday, the Puerto Rican heartthrob repeated his criticism of the Iraq war and explained his changed position on Bush.

"My convictions of peace and life go beyond any government and political agenda and as long as I have a voice onstage and offstage, I will always condemn war and those who promulgate it," Martin said about his action in an e-mail statement sent to The Associated Press via a spokesman.

Martin, like other artists, has been highly critical of the war in Iraq.

Bernie Williams Rejected The Yankees

2007-02-22T12:49:00.000-05:00

Bernie Williams rejected the Yankees' offer of a minor league contract and will wait to see if a guaranteed job opens up for him on the team. New York manager Joe Torre spoke with Williams last week and tried to reach him, without success, on Sunday. "Bernie told me he had talked with Joe. Other than the invite, there wasn't any information that led him to believe he would be a member of the team," Williams' agent, Scott Boras, said Tuesday. "He's continuing to work out, will wait to see if their position changes."

What's a better offer than the New York Yankees, Bemie?

Angel of Vengeance

2007-02-22T05:35:00.000-05:00

Denise Quinones talks about playing the Angel of Vengeance Andrea Rojas on Smallville and in the Vengeance Chronicles, as well as playing Rachel Torres in the Aquaman Pilot, we even talk Batman and Wonder Woman!

Krypton Fan Episode 64

Joaquin Phoenix F**k Yeah!

2007-02-22T05:23:00.000-05:00

Joaquin Phoenix introduces Steven Tyler of Aerosmith with a resounding, "F**k, yeah!" to the Peace Alliance volunteer activists who heard from just some of the 52 members of Congress who are initial cosponsors of the bill to establish a U.S. Cabinet Level Department of Peace and Nonviolence.

Miguel Cotto v. Oktay Urkal on March 3 In Puerto Rico

2007-02-22T04:58:00.000-05:00

Oktay Urkal (38-3, 12 KOs) will be the reality for welterweight Miguel Cotto (28-0, 23 KOs) on March 3 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but the majority of the media members on a conference call hyping the event were more interested in Cotto's proposed June 9 Madison Square Garden event against Zab "Super" Judah.

Cotto, tried his best to keep the focus on Urkal.
"Urkal is a tough opponent," said Cotto, "He has two hands and he is coming to win, I am taking this fight seriously and not looking ahead."

Yet even the usually measured Cotto broke character and seduced by thoughts of Zab Judah when one media member asked the Puerto Rican star to comment on Judah's prediction of a 5th round knockout victory.

"Zab Judah talks a lot, but look at him now," said Cotto, "Look at his career, does he back up all the talk?"

Kostya Tszyu, Carlos Baldomir, and Floyd Mayweather Junior would equivocally answer, "NO!"

Top Rank's promoter, Bob Arum, licked his chops at the possibility of Brooklyn's Judah against Miguel Cotto in Madison Square Garden during the weekend of New York's Puerto Rican Day festivities.

"Judah is very attractive live gate for local fans," said Arum, "It is a natural rivalry."

Back to the matter at hand, Oktay Urkal and March 3.

One would think that preparing for a fight in your native country, while being a national idol, would be distracting. Hell, Zab Judah, a marginal icon at best in American popular culture, partly pinned the reason for his January, 2006 loss to Baldomir at Madison Square Garden due to the distractions of being at home.

Not a problem for the Cotto, ever a professional, who knows how to balance his personal and professional life like few young men in the sport can.

"When it is time to get ready for a fight, " said Cotto, "It is time to get ready. There is a time for fun and there is a time for work. Now is a time for work."

You can check out Cotto, at work, March 3 on HBO's Championship Boxing, knowing that if Cotto is victorious, he will then proceed to work "Super Mouth" Judah, a fighter who is the living antithesis of Cotto's humble and workman like personality.

Jennifer Lopez to Perform on ‘American Idol’

2007-02-22T03:08:00.000-05:00

Access Hollywood has learned from reliable sources that Jennifer Lopez is scheduled to perform on “American Idol” on April 11.

J. Lo joins a long line of big-time acts to take the “Idol” stage over the years, including Prince, Mary J. Blige, Rascal Flatts, Shakira and more.

Access also has heard very strong rumors that Gwen Stefani is slated to perform on “Idol” on March 28.

FOX has announced season 3 winner Fantasia will perform on the show this Thursday and reportedly will announce that she’ll be joining the cast of Oprah Winfrey’s “The Color Purple” on Broadway.

This year’s “Idol” competition is now down to the final 24, with the top 12 men performing on Tuesday night, followed by the final 12 ladies on Wednesday.

Earlier this month, Michael Jackson shot down rumors that he would perform on the “Idol” stage this year.

“There is absolutely no truth to the rumor that Michael Jackson is going to appear on ‘American Idol,’” Jackson’s rep Raymone Bain told Access. “He has signed no agreements with anyone. Robin Leach’s story is inaccurate.”

Michelle’s drink-drive tag Anger

2007-02-22T01:41:00.000-05:00

Lost star Michelle Rodriguez has opened up about her drink-driving convictions in an online message.

The actress's grammatically challenged rant to fans paints herself as a victim, even though she admitted drink-driving.

She claims she asked to spend more time in jail rather than wear an alcohol-detecting ankle bracelet she was fitted with following her court appearance.

I tried to get them to put me in jail but they had their mind set on this bracelet,' the former Lost actress, 28, writes.

She claims the bracelets 'should be for alcoholics and druggies' and adds: 'For someone like me, who loves life too much to f*** it up for a sip of a beverage, this level of control isn't necessary.'