Scott Zipkin

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: TO MY BROTHER SCOTT

I hope the world is treating you well. I know that at times life can be rough but I'm here if you need to talk. Thinking of you.

Amazing Weekend

Chris: Safe journey on your cruise. you'll be missed
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS WEEKEND!

I had the pleasure of starting my weekend with my best friend Dan on Friday night at Gym Sportsbar. Afterwards, Shawn spontaneously drove to Forest Hills and we saw Date Movie (which was HORRIBLE). We laughed though...especially at the cat with an extreme bowel issue. Saturday I had to work, then immediately following I went to Chris Reddings' farewell gathering, hosted by Brooke. There's were 14 of us. Directly following, Alex and I headed over to Sara Beths on Central Park West to perform with Uptown Express. Can I just say Open Bar. :-) We sang and hung out for drinks (So much FUN). I then headed to Marie's Crisis to meet Brooke and the gang. Oy, haven't been there for awhile. They literally only stayed for 20 minutes when they all decided to leave. I met with Shawn (spontaneously) at O'Flarretys on 46th Street. We were there pretty late and decided to start our Sunday when we woke up. We met on Sunday around 1ish and my plan was a little altered because of weather related issues. We ate @ a burger joint called Soup Burg (Yummy buffalo burgers), held hands as we skipped through Central Park to the Boathouse restaurant where we had a couple drinks. It was amazing. He is amazing. In conclusion, we took pictures held hands, and walked around the park (freezing our asses off), had dinner on the East side and called it a night. Sorry, for the abbreviated version. It was the perfect day with the perfect gentleman. More on that another time. :-)

Laundry

Has this happened to you.....you reach into your underwear drawer only to discover you are on you last (reserve) pair. It is then you realize a significant amount of time has passed and life has gotten the best of you.....you've neglected the essential chores that need to get done. Yesterday morning I was forced to wear my flannel pair of Jordache boxers (don't ask). Although I had rehearsal last night (which is a different blog entry all together) I decided to have dinner with my chorusmate Gary and then journey home to wash away the dirt from my undies. :-) Okay, you get the picture. So, not only did I catch up on my television (American Idol, Project Runway) I accomplished the task of dirty laundry!! :-) TRYING NOT TO MAKE EXCUSES.....because my bathroom burden is still lingering on (seriously, it's been over 3 weeks; water leak repairs by my superintendent) my routine is slightly off balance. I'm going to scream if this problem isn't resolved by the end of February. Thanks for listening to my nonsense...to me it's a relief to get it off my chest.

Brian SF

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: BRIAN

Another 30th birthday celebration except this one is in San Francisco. just wanted to extend my gratitude for being such a great person and hopefully one of these days I'll get my ass to CA. Thanks for being such a great friend. You're awesome!

Olivier

Last week I became friends with one of the Melo Men from Paris. His name is Olivier Brieuc and he's originally from Normandy France. We met on Monday night @ The Monster after the BCEFA benefit with Uptown Express. I felt it was necessary to write about him because we became fast friends and I've appreciated getting to know him. Olivier is a bit shy, but I felt he was outgoing and sincere around me. Such a great guy. We were able to hang out a couple times despite his busy rehearsal schedule and my trip to New Hope. I look forward to the day when I will be hanging out in Paris with him. Hey, maybe it will be in the next couple months. Once can never tell what will happen with my spontaneity.

2/20

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: ALEX

Both Alex and I graduated from the same high school in Los Angeles. Although we didn't attend at the same time fate brought our friendship together here in New York. It also brought us together musically (Uptown Express). Both him and his husband (Daniel) have been nothing but wonderful to me.

I'm glad I was able to see you on your birthday @ Vinyl. Short and sweet yes, but who could have predicted that I would be feeling under the weather. I hope you enjoyed the evening with all your friends...you are VERY lucky to have such amazing people in your life. Keep singing and being the wonderful person that you are. Thanks for being there for me.

Mike's Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: MIKE

I'm sorry I was unable to attend your party last night (the big 30) but I was thinking about you on your special day. I'm so glad to know both you and Aldrin and although I don't see you as frequently as before I value your friendship. I hope you had a wonderful time and welcome to your thirties...it only gets better from here. :-) Until the next party!

New Hope

In a word (amazing). It's just what the doctor prescribed, peace and tranquility. Shawn & I spent the day walking around New Hope, we ate at LuLus for lunch, then had dinner and drinks at the Lambertville Station. Can we say 20 oz. Buffalo Steak? I was in heaven....being the foodie I am. After feeling happy & content we went back to the hotel and shared a bottle of French champagne with candlelight, music, chocolate covered strawberries, a serenade, a dance and a lot of laughter. It was wonderful. This morning.....later than I thought, we headed back to Lambertville for breakfast @ The Moon Cafe & then decided to roam around for a bit. On the way back to NYC he drove me though Echo Lake Park in NJ.....and all the way back to Forest Hills. It was a beautiful weekend.

J.D. Celebrates

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: JOHN

John & I sing in Uptown Express together. We've known each other for over a year. What a great voice!

I just wanted to wish you well for the day and I look forward to singing with you at our next gig. Keep charming the pants off of everyone. :-) Have a piece of cake on me. :-)

Rocky

For my friend Gary: I just wanted to send love and support during this very difficult time. Gary, when you called me yesterday I just wanted to reach right through the phone to give you a big hug. I know that losing a pet is like losing a family member so I know how you're feeling. Just know that if you need anything I hope I can be there to help fill the void. Try and keep your chin up and stay strong. I promise, things WILL only get better. Let's grab a drink sometime very soon. You're awesome!!!!!!!

May Rocky rest in peace.......

Losin' It

It's been one of those mornings (OY VEY)! Have you ever wished you could start the day over again...I'd like a do over please!! I lost my unlimited monthly metro card for the subway. NO CLUE where it is and I just purchased it last week. I checked everything but came up short. Not that this is an excuse, but because my bathroom is still being worked on, my apartment is still a mess which has made my morning routine a little different. Soooooo, I'm having a slight anxiety attack. My Grandmother has passed on the essential forgetful gene when it comes to remembering the basics I need for the day (keys, wallet, cell, subway pass, rubber ducky, etc) I tend to forget something daily....mainly the rubber ducky (hehe). I can laugh at myself because I need to, but it's very frustrating. My family/friends are probably smiling while reading this because they know this is just something that makes me me. That's love I tell you! :-) Anyhow, I just wanted to share with you my misery, my aggravation, my story for the day.

D.S

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: DAVE

As with most of my friends, Dave and I share a mutual interest in singing.....hence, we met through the NYCGMC. He was the first person I seriously dated after my break-up with Chris (FYI...Chris & I were together for 4.5 years). Dave is adorable (as you can see), highly intelligent, and just an overall great guy.

Joyeux Anniversaire Mr. Math! I know you will be brilliant w/ anything you set your mind to. I'm grateful to have your friendship and look I forward to hearing all about all your accomplishments in the future. Keep aiming for the stars & keep smiling!

Jennie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: JENNIE MARSHALL

I met Jennie at the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in NYC IN 1992 where we became fast friends. I remember accompanying her in one of the rehearsal rooms on the first day....good times are here to stay. I haven't seen Jennie in a LONG time but I was happy to see her on my 30th birthday extravaganza in NY. In Arizona or wherever you are...I'm thinking of you and hope life is treating you well. Miss you! HAPPY HAPPY!

JW Celebrates

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: JOHN WHITLEY

I met John in the NYCGMC and he's an absolute joy to be around. And what a voice! :-) He currently presides in my old stomping grounds, San Diego. I miss you John and hope you have an amazing day!

L'amour

Yesterday I had dinner at my favorite Thai restaurant in the city, which I've mentioned a million times. I think they've secretly claimed it as well. :-) With the craziness of NYC & conflicting schedules it's sometimes a challenge to get your favorite people together, but we did it.........finally! It's ALWAYS a pleasure!!!

Directly following dinner (an arrangement of bitter confessions after Valentine's Day...not me) I attended a beautifully arranged concert. For those of you who might be confused, the Ambassador Chorus is just a smaller version of the NYCGMC. They are representatives & are mainly used for media exposure. It was also fun hanging out with the the Melo Men from Paris. I became friends with Olivier Brieuc, who gave me his show hat at the completion of the concert. What a great group of guys! We ended the night at the O.W. Bar on the East side with drag sensation Sherry Vine. Could it get any better? :-)

Three Passions

Passage, from Bertrand Russell’s autobiography:

(Thanks Tricia for sending this to me)

Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind. These passions, like great winds, have blown me hither and thither, in a wayward course, over a great ocean of anguish, reaching to the very verge of despair.

I have sought love, first, because it brings ecstasy - ecstasy so great that I would often have sacrificed all the rest of life for a few hours of this joy. I have sought it, next, because it relieves loneliness–that terrible loneliness in which one shivering consciousness looks over the rim of the world into the cold unfathomable lifeless abyss. I have sought it finally, because in the union of love I have seen, in a mystic miniature, the prefiguring vision of the heaven that saints and poets have imagined. This is what I sought, and though it might seem too good for human life, this is what–at last–I have found.

With equal passion I have sought knowledge. I have wished to understand the hearts of men. I have wished to know why the stars shine. And I have tried to apprehend the Pythagorean power by which number holds sway above the flux. A little of this, but not much, I have achieved.

Love and knowledge, so far as they were possible, led upward toward the heavens. But always pity brought me back to earth. Echoes of cries of pain reverberate in my heart. Children in famine, victims tortured by oppressors, helpless old people a hated burden to their sons, and the whole world of loneliness, poverty, and pain make a mockery of what human life should be. I long to alleviate this evil, but I cannot, and I too suffer.This has been my life. I have found it worth living, and would gladly live it again if the chance were offered me.

Valentines Day

Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind,And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.~William Shakespeare, Mid-Summer Night's Dream, 1595

ENJOY THE DAY!

Broadway Cares...

Last night, I performed at the Kimmel Center with Uptown Express for an organization called FYRE Fights Aids and Broadway Cares, Equity Fights Aids. It was hosted by Avenue Q's John Tartaglia and there were performances by The Cleftomaniacs and Michael Langoria (from the original cast of Jersey Boys). We were the final cabaret act for the night. My friend Anthony is a producer for BCEFA....this organization is amazing. I am proud to have finally been apart of something so wonderful.

2/13

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: SHAWN

I've loved getting to know you.....You are truly hilarious. I hope you have wonderful time spending your special day with family. Keep smiling and being yourself. It's what makes you so special.

Snow Day

We had 27 inches of snow in Central Park today.....Oy! I miss San Diego!

More February Birthdays

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: MARK & BEN

I just wanted to wish my 2 buddies from the NYCGMC a VERY Happy Birthday. It seems that February is VERY popular. It's amazing to have such great people from the chorus in my life.

I hope your schedule allows you to celebrate all weekend long. You're awesome! Keep smiling and making others happy.

Mike In LA

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: MIKE

I met Mike on New Years with my friend Chris from LA & best friend Dan. We toasted to the New Year in Central Park with a bottle of champagne (per person) amongst all of his friends in NY. Mike and I hit it off and have been in contact since.

I hope you have a wonderful day.....your birthday should last the entire weekend...Doctors orders. :-) Drink water in between drinks. Have a blast!!! Cheers!

It's Time

Live every day as if it were your last, because one of these days, it will be

Uptown Express

Remembering the Rosebud Party: June, 2005

Singing guest artist for the NYCGMC fundraiser

Mike Morrisi, Sonelius Kendrick-Smith, Mark Danis, James Followell (Director), Ryan Leeds, Chris Caswell, Peter Criswell, Alex Goro, Phil Zipkin & John DePalma with guest artist Jaqualine Jonee

Information About Me

I like the idea of having a somewhat informal Q&A focusing on basic information surrounding my past and present life. Tricia (my blogging inspiration) was the motivation so let's see what happens:

Four Jobs I've Had:

1. Bartender/Barback/Cocktail Waiter

2. Karaoke Host

3. Working Equity Actor (Tours, Summer Stock, Etc.)

4. Management (Non Profit)

Four Movies I Can Watch Over And Over:

1. Clue

2. South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut

3. The Goonies

4. Final Destination

Five Places I've Lived:

1. Los Angeles, CA (Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Studio City)

2. Boston, MA

3. New York City (Midtown, UWS, Forest Hills)

3. Boothbay Harbor, ME

4. Pacific Beach (San Diego), CA

5. Hackensack, NJ

Five TV Shows I Love:

1. Golden Girls (So sad, I know)

2. Sex and the City

3. The Apprentice

4. Law & Order

5. American Idol

Five Places I've Vacationed:

1. Alaska (Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, Seward, Anchorage)

2. Europe (London, Spain, France, Amersterdam, & Italy)

3. Caribbean (Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, St Thomas, Grand Caymen Islands)

4. Central America (Honduras: Roatan)

5. Hawaii (LOVED IT!!!)

Favorite Dishes (This is difficult)

1. Pad Key Moa (Pam's Real Thai Food )

2. Carne Asada Burrito (Extra Guacamole)

3. Sesame Chicken (Really, Chinese anything)

4. Sherpard's Pie (my recipe)

5. Lobster, Clams, Shrimp, Crab, Squid anything
6. Sushi (with the exception of only a couple items)

7. Medium Rare Steak (any cut)

8. MeatLoaf

9. Backed Potato Soup

10. Vegetarian Pot Stickers

Five of my Favorite Muscians:

1. Barry Manilow

2. Joni Mitchell

3. Indigo Girls

4. Portishead

5. Enya

Four Places I Would Rather Be Right Now:

1. San Diego.....it's frickin' cold here in NYC

2. Getting a massage

3. Eating Chips & Salsa in front of the TV

4. Sleeping

Four Sites I Visit Daily:

1. Ebay.com

2. Friendster.com

3. MSNBC.com

4. Google.com

Four Bloggers I'm Tagging:

1. Brooke Ferris

2. Christopher Redding

3. Tricia Wang

4. Larry Nicholas

Ivy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: IVY

I've known Ivy since 9th grade (Hamilton High School: Academy of Music). Upon our first interacton I knew she would become one of my closest friends (I was her Prom Date in 1990). At one point in 11th grade she expressed her attraction to me, but sadly I was more interested in this guy named Gary, which I completely denied. You have to look at the whole picture to appreciate it. That "situation" although hilarious, did not stop us from retaining a great friendship at the time. Ivy is probably the perkiest person I've ever met. HYSTERICAL! Despite the fact that she was "challenged" when returning phone calls and overall communication we salvaged a friendship through the distance (California to New York City). Sadly, our friendship took the plunge about a year ago when she called me unexpectedly the day before visting NYC, I re-arranged my entire schedule to see her, and I never heard from her. (and still to this day).

Ivy:

We have so many wonderful memories to look back on, memories that are priceless. You are still one of my favorite people despite whatever differences are present. When I think of all the times you made me laugh and all the times you cried in my presence because you trusted me (as I trusted you), it is a powerful feeling of contentment. It's difficult to accept that our friendship is lost in translation, however I open the door to you if you still wish to be apart of my life because I love you. I hope you're in a place filled with happiness, love and support. It is my hope that you're still laughing effortlessly.

Happy Weekend

Although the weather was too be desired, Shawn stuck with athe alternate "Plan B" for the weekend adventure. We began with Coney Island and the New York Aquarium. It's funny, I thought NYC would have something more than this, but the penguins, the seat otters, the sea horses, the jellyfish, etc were awesome. I loved it. Afterwards, we skipped to The Boardwalk (the beach) and took a moment to soak it in. We then proceeded to Brooklyn Heights (this part was definitely spontaneous) and stumbled upon the restaurant "The Heights Cafe" which was wonderful, turkey bacon wrap and all. We walked around giddy and smiling, then decided to head to his neck of the woods in New Jersey. We spent time at his place in New Milford, drank some wine (Le Mazet), ate pizza (Big Jims), and watched March of the Penquins & Flight Plan. Snuggling time was in order. :-)


In the morning he made turkey bacon, pancakes and I had a glass of OJ. Shawn is very comical, passionate, and just an all around great guy. We really had a great weekend. Now he's off to get ready for the Superbowl (not by choice, but because his family is really into it). I'll be recording it just for the commercials and the entertainment. LOL!!

America's Funniest Home Video...NOT

Okay....I'm not sure how I feel about this....my friend Tricia filmed me while taking pictures....I could kill her...but I love her. Also note, it's like 8am on Sunday....That's insanity within itself.

Distant Past Revisted

Dale and I became the best of friends in 2nd & 3rd grade while attending Pinecrest Private Elementary School in Los Angeles (Woodland Hills). I believe I was 7 years old when we met. After 2 years, I transferred to a public school closer to where I lived, losing touch with Dale. As the years passed, I often wondered "what ever happened to Dale" and how life was treating him. Roughly 3 years ago, I decided to look for him..... friendster was popular so that's the first place tried, & low and behold I found him. I sent him a message and he responded immediately (He was shocked to hear from me). So, the past 3 years we tried to connect but failed miserably (busy schedule, busy lives, he lives in Atlanta). After 25 years we finally reunited in December of 2005 @ Pam's Real Thai (I'm sooo predictable). How crazy and bizarre to be sitting across from one of my best buddies from my childhood years. While savoring my Pad Key Moa, we caught up on life experiences and reminisced over our past memories. Booze is always a crowd pleaser so immediately following dinner, we went to Chelsea for drinks at G, Gym & Barracuda...yes, he plays for the same team. :-) Great guy, great time...I look forward to his next visit....

Which is today....Dale is back in town. He just called me about 10 minutes ago and we arranged to have lunch @ Whole Foods located in Time Warner Center @ Columbus Circle. How spontaneous is that? I'm grateful to have the opportunity to see him again....Life needs a little spontaneity.

Lincoln Center

Welcome to my world....the building in full view is my office. Gotta love it!

Another Birthday

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS

(Originally posted yesterday)

I was Chris' first friend in L.A. and Chris was the last friend I met at Micky's in West Hollywood (where I worked) before leaving for San Diego.

Chris: I KNOW your birthday was yesterday and yes I called but the confusion was based on information from friendster. Regardless, my thoughts were with you. From the East to the West I've enjoy the times we've spent together. Thank you for a wonderful 6 years of friendship. I hope you feel uplifted and positive about getting through another year. Wishing you the best at UCSB.

Brian (OH)

Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional ~Chili Davis

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN!!!

I met Brian through Chris Redding who was one of Chris' boyfriends back in the Case Western Reserve Univeristy days.. He currently lives in Cleveland, OH, but every now & then makes it to the city.

The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age. ~Lucille Ball

Go out and have a drink for me. :-)

A Good Listener

The greatest compliment that was ever paid me was when one asked me what I thought, and attended to my answer. Henry David Thoreau

Have you ever been in a middle of a conversation when the person you are talking to is clearly not listening to you? Fidgety, distracted and "out to lunch" so to speak? I've definitely been in that situation but not often thankfully. I pride myself in having an amazing circuit of friends (whom I consider family) who constantly lend their support. Last night (after Uptown Express rehearsal), I sat with someone very special who's main objective was to express how his emotional journey led him to several conclusions revolving around his own life accomplishments. No expectations, just an open portal to lend support (verbal or silent). What a huge compliment to be trusted in that capacity. It's a beautiful act of kindness to be available to someone who has impacted your life, not for selfish, personal reasons but just to be there. And if there's a hug attached, then that's a bonus! :-) Instant gratification!