J.R. Martinez Steps Up For 'Dancing With The Stars'

Soap fans are well aware of J.R.'s charisma. For the past three years, he's played retired soldier Bret Monroe on the daytime drama, All My Children. That role happens to hit close to home because like Bret, Martinez also toured in Iraq and nearly lost his life.

Back in 2003, a Humvee that J.R. was riding in unexpectedly hit a landmine. The violent explosion left Martinez' with severe burns on over 40 percent of his body.

    "I was trapped inside the vehicle for about 10 minutes, conscious and can literally see my life slipping away from me," he said when recounting the incident. "You know, my mother is my best friend and I kind of had the visual of my mother, and them handing her a flag and I thought to myself, that's not something I want to put my mother through."

Martinez' mom was obviously overjoyed that he pulled through and stayed by his side throughout his many hospital visits. Interestingly, it was during the time he was bedridden that J.R. began to contemplate an acting career.

Martinez said watching novelas inspired him and just a few short years later, he was on an "American novela" himself. And now with DWTS, J.R. is ready to take his fame to the next level. Not only that, he's hopeful that he can be an inspiration to the millions of viewers who tune in.

    "I just want people to take away that no matter through what war or battle that you are fighting, that through positive thinking, through a positive attitude you can overcome," he said. "I think all of us up here are going to prove that to the 40 million people that watch this show that we are going to push ourselves to go beyond what were thought possible.”

Source Michael Lopez

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Posted in 2011 top dancing with the stars , Agentes De Cambio , All My Children , Dancing With the Stars , J.R. Martinez , salsa dance , Television

Sesame Street Prepares To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

It's hard to believe that Hispanic Heritage Month is just a few weeks away. This year, you can expect quite a few famous faces honoring everything Español, including your favorite characters from Sesame Street. Yup, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, and more are ready to get in touch with their inner Latino.

September 26th marks the kickoff of Sesame’s 42nd season and its creators have plenty of fun episodes planned. The one that we're most excited about is entitled, "The Latinization of Marco."

Based around the character of Gina, the episode will follow her as she learns about the culture of her adopted Guatemalan hijo. Marco, Gina's son, arrived four seasons ago and has been very popular with Latino viewers. He also happens to have a few famous fans as well.

In the "Latinization" episode, Marco will get to meet both Juanes and Sofía Vergara. Vergara will teach him (and the home audience) several important Spanish words and Juanes will discuss South America and perhaps whip out his trademark guitar.

The Sesame staff seems to be very excited about the special episode, especially since it encourages viewers to learn new languages.

    "Sesame Street’s curriculum fosters children's natural inclinations to ask questions and encourages investigation and experimentation in order to make new discoveries,"Sesame Workshop Vice President Dr. Rosemarie Truglio explained.

And though they won't be appearing in the "Marco" episode, plenty of other high-profile Latinos have lined up appearances for season 42. Expect to see Rico Rodriguez, George Lopez, Bruno Mars, and even Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor in the upcoming weeks.

Additionally, Sesame has booked Nicole Kidman for her first-ever appearance and locked in Robin Williams, Conan O'Brien, and Carmelo Anthony for drop ins. But we have a feeling that it won't be the celebrities getting the littlest viewers excited. They can look forward to brand new "Super Grover" segments.

Source Michael Lopez

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Posted in 2011sesame Street , Celebrities , Cultura , Hispanic Heritage Month , Juanes , Sesame Street , sofia vergara , Television