FAT JOE JOINS SEXIST RAP LYRIC DEBATE

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

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

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

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

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

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...

"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

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.

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!

"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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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...

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!

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!

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.