Articles by Melissa Castellanos

Melissa Castellanos


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2013 Top Feel-Good Latino Moments That Tugged on Our Heartstrings

Every year is a rebirth and a fresh start, yet we should reflect on the past year to learn from our experiences and learn how to forge ahead.As we look back on 2013, there have been many struggles in the fight for comprehensive immigration reform, yet there have been rays of hope within the Latino community. Many of the efforts of dedicated Latinos have been recognized, including the ordinary people and activists who fight for what they believe in - and have even risked their lives to be heard.

Zoe Saldana Film Is Sued and Accused of Being a 'Hate Crime' by NJ Native American Tribe

Mixing history and Hollywood is a tricky formula. When it comes down to it, it's about finding a balance between staying true to historical components while creating a compelling story that will in turn become a box office hit.This time, a Native American tribe based in the mountains of northern New Jersey is saying that Hollywood's got it all wrong when it comes to its representation in "Out of the Furnace," starring Woody Harrelson, Christian Bale and Zoe Saldana.Members of the Ramapough Native American tribe claim that the film "paints a derogatory picture of their

2013 How Latino Traditions Bid Farewell to the Past & Welcome a New Year

Latinos know how to celebrate, whether it be a quinceañera, la Navidad and especially el Año Nuevo, it's a time to start anew, be grateful for your friends and family, thank God for all his blessings and to salud to health, happiness and prosperity.

Times Square New Year's Eve Countdown to be Led by Sonia Sotomayor

It has been a rewarding year for US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, that's why it's fitting that the Bronx native will bid farewell to 2013 and ring in 2014 by leading the 60-second countdown at the New Year's Eve gala in Times Square.

John Leguizamo Lends Voice to Newly Discovered California Dinosaurs in Latest Animated Role

What does comedian-turned-actor-turned-animated prehistoric bird, John Leguizamo and paleontology have in common? A new found affection for the Alexornis bird, which was discovered in Baja California and Mexico in the 1970s.

Is Childbirth Over 60 OK? Oldest Woman from Spain Gave Birth to Twins at Age 66, Now a Chinese Woman at 60

Women try to do it all - juggle work, motherhood, all while trying to be of sound mind and body throughout the beautifully rewarding - yet sometimes taxing process. While women have proved that this monumental feat is indeed possible, when it comes to trying again later in life, when is a woman too old to bear children? And what should the cutoff age be when receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Enrique Iglesias & Pitbull Help Ryan Seacrest Ring in 2014 on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve

"Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest" wouldn't be complete without adding some Latin flair to the lineup to help ring in 2014.Cuban-American artist Pitbull and Spanish crooner Enrique Igelsias, who performed together at the Latin Grammys this year, are sure to liven the New Year's celebration by bringing their Latin spirit and energy to the mix.

Oldest Human DNA Discovery in Spain Reveals Surprising Genetic Secrets

The mysteries of our human, genetic make-up continue to unravel everyday with the advances in science and technology - not to mention the tireless dedication of researchers and excavationists. There has been a recent DNA discovery in Northern Spain that add to its complex history.

Colombian Superhero 'Zambo Dende' Combats Slavery & Honors Ancestry

American superheroes draw your super powers and step aside, a new Latin superhero is making his way to the big screen in 2014, and is reportedly teaming up with Disney to create it.

'Secret Life of Walter Mitty' Reminds Us to Find Our Inner Adventurer in 2014

With 2014 around the corner, actor/director Ben Stiller wants audiences to wake up, chase your dreams and take life by the horns -- and begin this by going on an adventure with him in his latest film,"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty."

Couples Named Mary & Joseph Entitled to a Free Hotel Room for Christmas

It's great to get anything for free these days - especially around Christmastime, and according to the Travelodge, if you are a couple named Mary and Joseph - and hopefully Maria and José you are entitled to a free hotel room.

'Pancho Claus' Spreads the Christmas Spirit to Latino Children in Texas and California

Santa Claus' race has been a hot topic this Christmas season, sparking a heated debate in the media as well as opening a dialogue about how we view Santa Claus in America. In Texas and California, there's a Latino Santa Claus, who is adored by many Chicano children.

Charlie Sheen Christmas Freakout: 'This Is the Worst Xmas I've Ever Had'

Charlie Sheen is saying 'bah humbug!' this Christmas - at his ex-wife Denise Richards, reportedly "blasting her as a 'heartless' and 'ugly' hag who's holding their children hostage."

Aldo Orta: How ABC's 'Shark Tank' Made the Mexican Entreprenuer's American Dream Come True

"Thanks to Shark Tank, I live the American dream," said Mexican born entrepreneur Aldo Orta, who received financial backing from ABC's Shark Tank's Barbara Corcoran and Kevin Harrington in season two. On Friday, Orta returned to give the show an update on his progress.

How the Venezuelan Government Is Compromising Home-made Tamales This Christmas

Venezuelans have been through a lot this year, the death of President Hugo Chavez, followed by an uncertain election, the downfall of businesses accused of waging economic war against the government -- and now a delay in the release of inflation data, which has sparked controversy.While many are still hopeful for stability in the upcoming New Year, they can't seem to get a break for Christmas as inflation has compromised its ingredients for it's traditional tamales, otherwise known as "hallaca."

Christmas Lottery Brings Good Will & Cheer to Thousands in Recession-ridden Spain

¡Viva Santa Claus y la lotería! Good ol' San Nicolás came a little early this Christmas in Spain, dispersing $3.4 billion-dollar joy to many in a country that has been suffering from an economic crisis and an unemployment rate over 25 percent.

Colombian Film Festival in NYC Gives Aspiring Colombian Filmmakers a Platform to Shine

Colombians are a passionate group of people and their artistic talent is exploding on the film scene. The Colombian Film Festival in New York City aims to be a platform to showcase amazing Colombian talent here and abroad.

America Ferrera Visits POLITICO to Voice her Opinions on Immigration Reform

Like her strong characters, actress America Ferrera is making sure that her voice is heard, but this time it's on a political platform. The Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild-award-winning actress, has become a strong voice in support of comprehensive immigration reform as Voto Latino's artist coalition co-chair. Last week, she stopped by the set of POLITICO in Washington, D.C., to further discuss her stance on the issue.

Flying on Christmas? How Some International & Domestic Airlines Will Celebrate Christmas in the Sky

Have you ever experienced Christmas at 30,000 feet? If you're stuck in the sky for the holidays this year, you might be in for a festive surpise - that is if you're flying Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Lufthansa, Dutch Airline, or Kenya Airlines on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Demi Lovato Disgusted by 'X-Factor' Jab at her Alcohol Addiction

Thursday night's season 3 finale of the "X-Factor" wasn't exactly the send-off that "X-Factor judge Demi Lovato was expecting. Instead, the show's producers insulted her with a jab at her former alcohol addiction.

Alex & Sierra Win 'X Factor,' But Contestant Carlito Olivero, Pitbull, Demi Lovato & Paulina Rubio Brought the Latin Flair

The adorable singing duo and real-life couple, Alex & Sierra were crowned the winners of "X Factor" season three of the Fox competition, but Latino contestant Carlito Olivero, artist Pitbull and "X-Factor judges Demi Lovato and Paulina Rubio brought the Latin flair to the show.

Greatest Living Latino/a 'Hustlers' in America & Latin America

One must-see this movie this season is the "American Hustle" that is loosely based on the "Abscam" scandal, "a sting operation by the FBI, in which various political office holders were offered bribes on behalf of a (fake) Arab sheikh, it led to multiple convictions, as well as to charges that the FBI unfairly entrapped people." This clever film leads us to ask, who are the modern-day 'hustlers' in America and abroad?

Daniel Escobar Funeral Held Today for the Beloved "Lizzie McGuire" Actor & Thespian

Daniel Esobar was a trained Shakespearean actor, and a star best known as Lizzie McGuire's teacher Mr. Escobar, a role he played from 2001 to 2002, died last Friday at the age of 49. Today, his life will be honored at a memorial service that will be held at 6:45 p.m. at the Hollywood United Methodist Church.

'Bachelor' Juan Pablo Galavis to Sizzle as the First Latino in the Reality TV Show's History

In the wake of Britney Spears' recent comments about Latino men -re-enforcing the Latin-lover stereotype and bad-boy image- her reaction wasn't that far off (but her attempt to mock Spanish was). The pop star's attraction towards Latinos parallels the excitement women are having around the country as ABC's "The Bachelor" gears up for its 18th season, featuring the first Latino Bachelor in the popular reality TV show's history.

Catalonia's Bizarre Christmas Traditions of 'Caganer' & 'Caga Tió' That 'Excrete' a Joyful History

Traditionally when a bird poops on you that's a sign of good luck. While it might sound strange to some, Catalonia, an autonomous community of Spain, has taken this tradition to a whole other level, involving 18th Century customs that involve poo. Like the bird poop theory, Catalonians see poo "as a sign of good luck as it fertilizes the earth and ensures a good harvest for the coming year."
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