Palin and special needs

Recently on our site Jill Brooke wrote a very interesting article about Palin and special needs kids. This is an area that is close and dear to my heart because my brother Marlin when he was alive was a special needs kid. He had cerebral palsy and had epileptic seizures. While he was alive it was tough on my parents and when he died is was even harder dealing with all the emotions. Soon after my parents divorced.

Take a look as the article Jill wrote as I feel it really hits the nail on the head and is something every parent of a special needs child should read in order to get a better understanding of the path ahead. Check it out:

http://www.firstwivesworld.com/relevant-news/jill-brooke/can-marriage-survive-a-special-needs-child

Cougar Or Not To Cougar...That Is The Question...

On our site First Wives World there is a very interesting conversation taking place about the word cougar. Some women love the word, embrace it and are living the cougar lifestyle. Others don't care for the word and are looking for another word to replace it. Take a look at these two pieces and let me know what you think.

The Term "Cougar": Demeaning, or Purrrrrfect?

Help Me Come Up With a Better Word Than "Cougar"

All my best,
Antonio

First Social Network for Divorced Women

Hello All,

I'm so sorry it has been a while since my last post. We have been very busy getting ready for the soft launch of our social network on www.firstwivesworld.com. Last week we launched just to our divorced friends and family so they could check out the site and give us feed back. We have gotten overwhelming response and the numbers keep growing! We should do a hard launch soon, which will include a big marketing and advertising push.

Please, go check out http://community.firstwivesworld.com/ If you see things you like or don't like let me know so we can make changes. And most of all please send your divorced friends and family to the site because this site was made for them!!!

All my best,
AntonioFWW
http://community.firstwivesworld.com/

AIDS Walk 2008

AIDS Walk 2008 was a huge success. I want to send a enormous hug of thanks to all the wonderful people that donated this year to this amazing cause. Thanks to you we were able to surpass our team goal of $1,000. We not only surpassed it, we doubled it! We raised over $2,000 so thank you all for your help. I hope next year you can all join us at the actual walk as it is an amazing experience.

Thanks again,
Antonio

Night of all Nights - My night with Ron Abel and Lucie Arnez! Plus Debbie Nigro sends words of encouragement to Silda Spitzer.

Last night we launched on youtube Debbie Nigro's video asking the women of NY to give their words of encouragement to Silda Spitzer. The video is heartfelt and a wonderful gesture to our former first lady of NYC. I want to personally say congratulations to Debbie for doing something so sweet and caring. I'm sure Silda really appreciates the wonderful thoughts and prayers being sent her way right now. Here is the video:




Last night at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood Ron Abel the extraordinary arranger for such talents as Lucie Arnez, Valarie Pettiford, and Loretta Devine did a concert for the Actors Fund. During that show there was an announcement that Ron would be creating the music for a new project called Bricktop that will be produced by Paul Lambert, Jonas Neilson and Whoopi Goldberg!!!

I've known about this announcement for some time and I have been biting at the bit to tell you all about it. Below is the official press release that is going out today to all the publications!

Whoopi Goldberg teams us with Jonas Neilson and Paul Lambert to produce "Bricktop---Queen of the Night,"

a new , upcoming Broadway Musical , about the legendary and grand cabaret owner who attracted the elite to her clubs in Paris, Rome and Mexico City during the '20s and '30s. Lambert and Neilsen, also the Producers of First Wives Club, the much talked about upcoming Broadway musical, is surprising a Hollywood crowd tonight with the stunning announcement.

Whoopi, Paul and Jonas wanted to announce this partership at the 2008 Actors Fund Benefit Concert series (details below) where the distinctive and intoxicating voice of Loretta Divine (one of the three leads in Michael Bennett's original stage production of Dreamgirls) will be debuting several spectacular songs from "Bricktop."

"A Place Of My Own" and "Queen Of The Night," music and words by Ron Abel and Chuck Steffan, are already being compared to the legendary songs from "Caberet" and "Gypsy." Broadway insiders are buzzing that both songs are destined to become award-winning signature pieces. Business associates and fans of Whitney, Fantasia, Beyonce, Queen Latifa and Loretta have started casting votes for each of their favorites to play the lead in "Bricktop."

This is a very special, rare chance to hear Loretta, the now famous film and TV star ("Waiting to Exhale," "Boston Public," "Grey's Anatomy," "The Preacher's Wife" with Denzel Washington, and "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge") belt out these amazing songs.

Lambert said "There is no one on earth with a better understanding of Bricktop and this exciting era than Whoopi Goldberg. From the minute we met, it was clear that Whoopi understood Bricky better than most. Bricky was tough, gutsy, and fiesty. She was the keeper of many of the elite's secrets. Tonight will be a very special, rare chance to hear Loretta, the now famous film and TV star ("Waiting to Exhale," "Boston Public," "Grey's Anatomy," "The Preacher's Wife" with Denzel Washington, and "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge") belt out these amazing songs.

Jonas Neilson said" Whoopi adds such creative depth to the team and will attract an all star roster of talent. Paul and I have such great respect for Whoopi because she is totally unique, an independent thinker, one of the most diverse and creative backgrounds ever. It is an honor to work with her."

Whoopi Goldberg is one of America's best known and most cherished entertainers. Her films, The Color Purple, Ghost and Sister Act have won her an international following. Her appearances as host of the annual Oscar broadcast and as a regular on such television programs as Star Trek: The Next Generation and The Hollywood Squares have brought her into the homes of millions of Americans.

Over the course of her career, Whoopi Goldberg has achieved success as a comedian, dramatic actress, writer and producer, and has won the top honors in her profession, including an Oscar and the Mark Twain Award for American Humor. Millions of Americans watch her every day as co-host of the daily television discussion program The View.

Below are the details for tonight's event. Call if you want to attend or need more information

Contact:
Lois Whitman 917 822 2591 loisw@hwhpr.com

The Highly Anticipated 2008 Actors Fund Concert Series

in the Lobby of the Historic Pantages Theatre

Kicks off with the music of

RON ABEL

Performed by an all-star cast!

”The real star is undisputedly the music. This career move puts the guy in a whole new league.”

–Entertainment Weekly

WHAT: Actors Fund concert series entitled MUSICAL MONDAYS, a series of Cabaret events in the lobby of the historic Pantages Theatre, Produced by John Bowab and Martin Wiviott. All shows include pre-show cocktail reception at 7:30 pm and post-show dessert reception with the artists.

WHO: Monday March 24^th – Ron Abel

Scheduled to appear: Lucie Arnaz, Loretta Devine, Joely Fisher, Joey Gian,

Marsha Kramer, Wayne Moore, Valarie Pettiford, Linda Purl & Giselle Wolf

Following the Actors Funds critically acclaimed concerts with Brian Stokes Mitchell, Peter Gallagher, Valarie Pettiford, Alice Ripley & Emily Skinner, Melissa Manchester and Sam Harris - this spectacular cast starts their 3^rd year of the series off with a bang!

The Actors Fund returns with their 2008 sequence of exclusive and intimate Musical Mondays in the foyer of the Hollywood landmark. In the tradition of offering exclusive and unforgettable experiences to the public, The Actors Fund is proud to offer the incomparable talents of Ron Abel. This multi-award winning composer, producer, arranger, orchestrator, conductor and musical director has an enviable listing of stage, film and TV credits and an even more impressive international list of artists that he has worked with, including Carol Burnett, Michelle Pfeiffer, David Hyde Pierce, Lily Tomlin, Jason Alexander, Kim Basinger, Johnny Mathis, Bette Midler, Patti LuPone, Liza Minnelli and Jessye Norman, to name only a few.

THE ACTORS FUND is a nationwide human services organization that helps all professionals - both performers and those behind the scenes – in performing arts and entertainment. Founded in 1882 – and celebrating its 125^th Anniversary this year – The Fund serves those in film, theatre, television, music, opera, and dance with a broad spectrum of programs including comprehensive social services, health services, supportive and affordable housing, emergency financial assistance, employment and training services, and skilled nursing and assisted living care. Administered from offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago, The Actors Fund is a safety net, providing programs and services for those who are in need, crisis, or transition. www.actorsfund.org.

Star studded event!!!

What an amazing week to be working for First Wives World and First Wives Club the musical! The excitement never stops around here.  Last week I had a great trip to Los Angeles where we hosted an event for Mimi Schmir, which was a star studded event to say the least.  You can read about the event at Mimi's here:

http://www.firstwivesworld.com/relevant-news/katherine-mckee/stars-align-hot-flashes

I can't say much right now about most of the meetings in LA but I can say that they all went very well!  We have another event coming up on the 24th in Los Angeles that will have a huge announcement that will go out to all the press.  I can't say what just yet (and it's killing me) but I guarantee it is enormous!  So keep tuning in and as soon as I can say you can look here for your inside track!

All my best,

Antonio

Pictures provided by Maya Myers Photography

Wow, I'm speechless - First Wives Club the musical

I have to apologize for not writing for a few days. I, like so many New Yorkers, came down with the flu, so I was flat on my back for a about a week and a half. I actually still have the sniffles but at least now I feel like I'm part of the living again :)

I'm back in the office and what a day. We have the new scripts in and they look fabulous. Since I work in the office I was able to read it early this morning. I cried, I laughed and I applauded. Rupert really did a great job and the music by HDH is just wonderful. Everything is just falling into place and you wouldn't believe the people that want to play the parts. We have gotten resumes in from some really huge names!!! Once something becomes final I will blog it here for sure.

All my best,
Antonio
 

Above is a pic just for you insiders of one of the working meetings between Rupert Holmes, Francesca Zambello, Paul Lambert and Jonas Neilson.

What's in the stars? Sex? Love?

This month is all about sex and love on our site.  There are some very interesting features being posted by our experts and I hope you get a chance to check them out.  I like the newest video of Constance Stellas.  She talks about what body part to accentuate during the month of February in order to put your best foot forward.  Check it out:

Also if you want to add me to your Technorati favs then click on this button:

Another wonderful day in New York

All I can say is, no day is ever the same here in NY.  Look at my day today:

11:00 - Meeting with Sergio Trujillo who is the choreographer for Jersey Boys (He is an amazing person, wonderful choreographer and all around sweet guy.  He just redid Tarzan because the Broadway version for terrible reviews.  The new version he did is getting great reviews in Europe)  I hope Paul, Jonas (the producers of the show) and Francesca (the director of the show choose him)  I don't know where their minds are but he for sure is my top choice!

1:00 - Meeting with Joe Antonio.  He is our CTO and is really teaching me a lot about the internet and is helping me to expand my view of what viral marketing is capable of doing.  

It's long and complicated but I love what I do ... even though when I tell people I'm the Viral Marketing Manager I get the most confused looks ever.  Actually I love being on the cutting edge so this just drives me to work that much harder.

8:00 - Legally Blonde on Broadway.  I've been wanting to see this show for a while and tonight I get to see it for the first time with my man, Hector.  I think he has seen more musicals with me in the past 3 months than he has his entire lifetime.  I love watching him experience new things.  I'm like a proud father.  And he loves learning so we are a perfect match.

As I said every day is different.  Who knows what tomorrow holds, but as of right now, that ain't a shabby day!  I love it!

All my best,

Antonio

No expiration date on sexy

Today we posted on the firstwivesworld.com site a video of a woman by the name of Jeanette Longoria.  She is an amazing woman who is a socialite and has had two very long marriages, both of 20 years.  She is a divorced woman who was also the first lady of Texas, has 7, yes 7, children.  And still, she can say that there is no expiration date on sexy and I love that!!  She's my idol!!!

Her book is called, "Aphrodite and Me" and I think it is a must read especially if you are single again in your 50's and up.

Check out the video:

Sarah's new vlog

All I can say is Sarah really knows how to make me cry.  She just did exactly what I did a few weeks ago ... let me explain.  I have never been divorced but I have been in a long-term relationship and when you break up whether you have a ring or not ... it's tough. 

The week of Christmas I visited my mother in Las Vegas.  While there I came across some pictures of my first relationship, my first love, which they say is always the toughest to get over.  I started to notice that many of the pictures were one's he would probably want to have, family, friends, that sort of thing.  So I started the process of going through all of them to sort them out.  

It was painful at first but liberating in the end.  I have come so far since then.  I love my life and I would not be here if it were not for all the things I did in the past.  So to past loves I say, "Cheers and thank you, for making me into the strong, daring person that I am today!"

Now watch this video ... but grab your tissue box first :)

Research project

We are conducting an experiment and need your help! This is a research project. Please read this blog and pass it on after clicking the links below.

My name is Antonio Martinez and I work for a company called firstwivesworld.com. 

firstwivesworld.com is a community for, and by, divorced women. It is a source of information when you are contemplating, navigating and moving beyond divorce.

What we are trying to prove is: There are more people than we ever imagined that have been touched by divorce.

What do we mean by touched? We mean either you or someone close to you is going through or has gone through a divorce. For example: My parents divorced when I was a pre-teen. My cousins actually took it pretty hard because they love my mom and still call her "Aunt Yvonne" to this day. We were ALL touched by divorce.

What we need you to do is: If you or someone close to you has been touched by divorce and you have a facebook or myspace account simply become a member of our myspace or facebook group below. If you don't already have a myspace of facebook account please start one today and join. It only takes a couple of minutes and this research will help so many women that need your help.

Thank you for your help in this research project: We promise you will not be put on an email list or bothered in any other way. This is purely for research. Please click on the links below and join:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7171687115

http://groups.myspace.com/firstwivesworld

The effect of divorce may sometimes touch further than we think and we here at firstwivesworld.com are trying to help women find the resources they need to put their lives back in order. And for those not going through divorce, but have been touched by it, we provide articles, bloggers, resource materials, video blogs and some entertainment on the subject matter.

Thank you again for your help,
AntonioFWW

facebook and myspace

Today we officially launched our myspace and facebook pages. We hope this will unite all the divorced women out there just like our website www.firstwivesworld.com is doing right now. When women become members they will be able to get updates from us about the latest in divorced news and also be able to speak with and connect with other women that are going through what they are going through.

Please check it out and tell all your friends that are going through what is one of the toughest times of their lives to join our groups! It's free to become a facebook and myspace member so join today!

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7171687115

http://groups.myspace.com/firstwivesworld

All my best,
Antonio

Just because it's funny...

I posted this video on Youtube of my friend Sarah who is going through a divorce right now and I have been getting a really good response from it, which I knew I would because it's really funny ... No, not the fact that she's going through a divorce ... oh you'll see.  Check it out.  You can see this video and many more with Sarah through all her high and low points at:

http://www.firstwivesworld.com/

Montel Williams

Boy when it rains it pours!!!

Debbie Nigro, who is one of our founding partners, went on the Montel Williams show.  She was fabulous!  Here is the clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOyBScq3Fug

We also released on youtube a video of the ex-husband of Kathleen Turner and we have been getting a ton of response:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pPEK0rhRX8&feature=related

There is something new everyday.  I'll try and do updates more often but this is all moving so fast and it is really amazing.

All my best,

Antonio

From Broadway to Broadband

Working for a start up company has it's ups and downs.  Thank goodness the ups out weigh the downs.  Sure there are times when we feel like we're running around like chickens with our heads cut off, but that is just one of the joys of working on a new Broadway Musical and and Internet Property at the same time.  You might be asking, "What Broadway Musical?" 

Well, I work for First Wives Club the Musical.  I work for both the Musical and an Internet Property.  I play a couple different roles in the companies at the moment but my role is expanding and I thought now would be a good time to start a blog about the entire experience.  

The show is be coming to Broadway in 2009 and here, on my blog, you will find out about our progress and how we have launched a website for helping divorced women, a lot in the same way the three women started a foundation to help divorced women in the movie.  Stick around and you'll see this story unfold right before your eyes.

Please check out http://www.firstwivesworld.com and let me know what you think of the site.  If you know someone that is going through a divorce, thinking about divorcing or has gone though a divorce please send them to the site because I think they will find a good Internet home there where they can express themselves freely and find information they need for whatever category they may fit into.

That's it for today, expect more from me very soon.

Thanks for visiting my site and reading my very first blog,

AntonioFWW