LA TIMES on RICKY MARTIN: MTV UNPLUGGED

“As The Los Angeles Times Praises RICKY MARTIN: MTV UNPLUGGED In A Lead Review Today, The Album’s Acclaimed First Single

“Tu Recuerdo” Will Notch A THIRD WEEK As The #1 Latin Pop Song In The Country For A Second Consecutive Week, RICKY MARTIN: MTV UNPLUGGED Is Also The #1 Selling Latin Music DVD IN America

“”¦by reinventing his old hits in an acoustic setting with a monster band, Martin has reinvented himself. We discover an artist who is mature, grounded and focused on musicality”¦ The first revelation is the choice of songs”¦ music that made him a solo star in Latin America”¦ Martin and his robust band transform [songs] such as “Marí” and “La Bomba” into exciting, swinging tropical celebrations with flamenco touches and pan-Caribbean accents. Who would have thought that Martin would be making some of the tastiest salsa music of 2006? The inclusion of a cuatro, a Puerto Rican guitar with a bright sound, adds an appealing, rootsy flavor to a big band with horns, strings and a powerful rhythm section. The second big surprise is the CD’s three new songs. “Tu Recuerdo” (Your Memory) is a beautiful love song written by producer and fellow Puerto Rican Tommy Torres. For this splendid duet, Martin doesn’t return to the usual suspects among his Miami neighbors (Shakira, Sanz). He features the relatively unknown Mari from Spain’s fabulous flamenco chill band, Chambao. It’s a magical choice. The CD closes with “Pégate,” an uplifting blast of a bomba, a native Puerto Rican style. Co-written by Martin, the tune touches an ageless theme in tropical music: The rhythm can ease your troubles. And in the case of this still evolving star, it can also make you born again. (3 ½ Stars)” – Agustin Gurza, Los Angeles Times, 11/27/06 – Lead Album review

“[Ricky Martin] sounds blissfully in the moment and inspired by the euphoric live arrangements on this album. You can almost hear him smile as he sings his way through pre-crossover favorites like “Maria,” “Vuelve” and “La Bomba.” Martin reminds his loyal audiences of the energy and charisma he’s known for, accompanied by soaring strings, classical guitar, percussion and brass. While he’s got our attention, Martin introduces new material and interprets more mellow numbers with unexpected melancholy and even restraint, most impressively on the minor-chord-filled “Con tu Nombre” and single “Tu Recuerdo.” “Pegate,” an uptempo number co-written by Martin, is the bow that wraps up a long-awaited gift.” – BILLBOARD – “Spotlight” ALBUM REVIEW”

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• Brazil replaces Mexico as China’s top market in Latin America and boosts its surplus as well.
• Ana Isabelle de Puerto Rico is chosen ¡Viva el Sueño! Latin music superstar
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• LatAm Immigrants Are Changing Spain, Sociologist Says
• Efrain’s Corner: A Response to….”Puerto Ricans in New York Struggling…Still” Comment
• Puerto Ricans in New York Struggling…Still – Puerto Ricans are some of the most prominent figures in New York politics and culture, so some people are surprised when they hear that, overall, Puerto Ricans are among the poorest and least educated New Yorkers. Almost a third in New York are living in poverty.
• The current global crisis will cause the number of poor people in Latin America to rise by 9 million to 189 million this year, the U.N. Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean said in a report presented on Thursday.
• Shakira’s Stats Don’t Lie: Facebook/Ustream Music Video Debut Is A Hit
• Celebrate Puerto Rican Heritage at the Comité Noviembre Puerto Rican Artisans & Health Fair – Saturday, Nov. 23 – Bronx, NYC
• The leader of Wal-Mart Stores Inc.’s Latin American division, Vicente Trius, is leaving the company after having served less than five months in the position.
• Beginning with the 2009-2010 season, Terra will stream select games live throughout Latin America, in both Spanish and Portuguese
• Is Shakira Turning Into Latina Beyonce?
• Shakira Refuses To Do Interviews In Spanish
• Puerto Rican, Latino Clergy, Theology Professors, Community Members To Condemn Brutal Hate Killing of Gay Puerto Rican Man
• The Associated Press on Wednesday announced changes in its Latin America and Caribbean operations, closing a service limited to Puerto Rican news within Puerto Rico while adding editors and reporters elsewhere for the expanding Spanish market in the Americas.
• Money Transfer Service to Latin America – ATMCASH launches online and over the phone money transfer service to Latin America