First off, a HUGE thank you to my family and friends who provided their expertise and words of encouragement regarding my audition today at Ventura College. I would not have been able to make it through the process without passing out, throwing up, or some weird combination of the two. It's been 7 years since my last on-stage audition, so I was a little unsure of what to expect.

When I arrived, I was told to be prepared to stay for the entire 2 hours. I was handed a number (#47) and an application to fill out while I was waiting. After that was completed, I was ushered into a small music room with 20 other hopefuls and taught a "simple dance routine." All my memories of dancing in 4-inch heels came flooding back to me, and it helped me realize that if I could learn routines for an entire two-hour show, then this 30-second piece should be simple. I was wrong.

Twenty minutes passed of turning the wrong way, putting steps out of order, and even possibly, swishing my hips a *bit* too much. After all, the guys were supposed to be the "macho, street types." Definitely too much swishing. Even for guys who dance in the street. We were then placed into groups (mine had 2 other guys) and put on stage in front of the judges.

Fortunately, the groups were allowed to do the routine twice. On the first go round, I missed a few steps, practically threw myself on the ground, and somehow ended with a graceful flair of my arms while dragging my left leg behind me. The second go was a little better, and I tried to slide across the floor instead of throwing myself upon it. Either way, I was dripping with sweat and glad that portion of the audition was behind me. It made me realize that I never want to audition for So You Think You Can Dance.

We were then taught a piece of music from the show, which was quite fun and I easily picked that part up. We were divided into two groups and asked to sing it in front of the judges as our groups. I tried to look as confidant as I could between glances at the sheet music. Fortunately, my voice carries well, so I hoped I was able to make up for my dancing.

Then, we took turns with our solo singing auditions. Everyone was asked to step out of the judges room, and we were called back in one at a time. In the waiting room (aka, the "simple dance routine" room), I overheard the other guys discussing their music selections. Apparently, my music choice (Mr. Cellophane from the musical Chicago), was the piece being performed all day long. Not what I wanted to hear, but there was no time to change it at that point. I knew I just had to do the best I could and make it as unique as possible.

Once my turn came (remember, I was #47, so I had quite a wait), I was sent back into the judges room and up onto the stage with the show's Musical Director at the piano. She asked me what my song choice would be, and I slowly handed her my sheet music for Mr. Cellophane. As it turned out, I was only the 3rd person all day to do that song. Maybe the other guys changed their mind after their discussion. Plus, the Music Director loves the song, and that helped to relieve me.

I belted it out as best I could, putting myself into the characters shoes, but trying to be careful about not going over the line into campy acting. I hit the high note at the end of the song, held for any sign of approval (they clapped for me - which made me feel better), and hustled myself out of the room. I tried to make eye contact with the judges on my way out, but they were good: Not a single one gave me any idea how things seemed to be going.

Finally, the sides were handed out, which we used to read for the part of a certain character in the show. The male side for this show was very unexpected (as I'm not familiar with the show), but I tried to make the best of it. The side was actually a song sung by the male, but we were told to just read the lines, not sing them. It ended up almost as a poem, but it also made for some very funny auditions. Everyone was in the room at this point, so we had to learn to perform in front of the other people we were auditioning against. It's always interesting to see how different people interpret the same lines.

We finished up, turned in our sides and numbers (Bye #47!), and were told that we'd be receiving a phone call about our audition. No time frame was given, so I kept my fingers crossed for a quick resolution. Either way, I wanted to know how this all turned out. I felt like I did the best I could have done, and I was just hoping it was enough to get me back into a show.

At 8pm this evening, I received this email message:


So, in what has to be one of the quickest turnarounds for a decision in my theatre experience, I'm now part of the cast of The World Goes Round. I'll be making my Ventura County debut in April 2010, so I expect to see all of you there!!! More updates will be posted, but rehearsals don't begin until January, so I've got some time to rest up.

I know it was a long post, but it really boils down to a huge THANK YOU for your words of encouragement! See you on the stage!!!

OK, so for my friends on Facebook and LiveJournal who are theatre geeks (you know who you are!), I have a few questions for you. It's been YEARS since I've auditioned for a role in a stage show, and I'm uncertain of the process, so I could use a little help in the selection.

This was the email sent to me for the preparation:


I'm okay with all the requirements (i.e., singing, dancing, and even reading), but I'm not sure of what song choice to go with. Should I do something from my YouTube performances or should I stick with a Broadway-type song? Would that be too much to select a song from the show I might be performing in? Should I go with something from The Rocky Horror Show, as I was the lead in that one and know the songs well? I need help/ideas/direction from those "in the know."

Here's the description of the show: "A Celebration of the songs, dances, and characters of John Kander and Fred Ebb, including musical numbers from Chicago, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Cabaret, and many other shows."

Please, anything will help! Also, what type of clothes should I plan on wearing? Something I can move in (for the dance part), but something presentable for the rest of the audition? AHHH, it's been too many years. What am I thinking?!?

It pains me when people with ZERO talent and lots of money get to record a "hit single", while people like me are destined to travel the karaoke circuit forever...

WARNING: Watch at your own risk.  I cannot be held responsible for bleeding eyes, ears or other bodily orifices.


I couldn't tell which was worse: Kim pretending she was out of breath at the end (as if she really did ANYTHING), Kim's "singing" (I use that term loosely), or her backup dancers being subjected to this just so they could get on a cable television show.

I know it's not really fair to show this video after showing my attempt at Oprah's Karaoke Challenge (thank you for the thoughts and comments, by the way), as she does have a leg-up on me by debuting her single on national television, but where as I have the opportunity for several spots (fingers crossed!), she probably won't be asked back to another television appearance.  That is, unless she has "favors" she can call in to another network.  Even then, that would be a tough sell to book her a spot on another show.

Best of luck, Kim.  You're gonna need it...

OK, so Oprah decided that my talent wasn't good enough for her show.  Whatever.  I don't need national attention anyway.  Getting mobbed in the malls.  Having my photo taken when I go out for a quick Coffee Bean run.  No privacy.  YUCKY!!!!

I'll stick to my local contests, my YouTube account (Corkum22), and let the chips fall where they may.  You never know what path in life you might end up on.

After all, I didn't have anything to lose by entering, right?  RIGHT!

However, Oprah, on the off chance you happen to see this posting, here's a link to my video, just in case you want to give it another listen.  Perhaps your staff missed me in the shuffle the first time around.  Call me!

With my love of singing and karaoke, it was brought to my attention that Oprah is looking for a singer to win it all in her first-ever Oprah's Karaoke Challenge.

I joined up with my friend/muse, Danielle Livingston, for an evening at Golden China in Ventura.  We spent the night singing and recording several different songs and, in general, having a good time.  It's always a blast getting to hang out and sing for people.

Putting my limited video editing skills to use, I decided to edit our best videos (Mine is Tracy Chapman's "Give Me One Reason" and Danielle's is "Body and Soul") to fit within Oprah's guidelines: 2 minute maximum.  The result of my video can be seen here.

So, should either of our videos get us past the 1st round, I'll make sure to let everyone know.  It'll be a fun way to sing for all of America and meet Oprah in person (again).  Fingers crossed, everyone!!!

 A piece of my childhood died today.

I can't recall the number of hours I spent in front of the television watching The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! every afternoon.  Having grown up on the Nintendo system (and all variations of it since 1985), I was pleased to see a live-action TV show make it's way into our homes every Monday through Thursday (Fridays were The Legend of Zelda).

In my mind, nobody could have played a better Mario than Captain Lou Albano.  He jumped around the screen with such pizzaz and life that it made you believe that Mario & Luigi could be real for thirty minutes each day.  You wanted to visit their Brooklyn apartment (back before I even really knew where Brooklyn was or that I didn't want to really visit it after all).  It was a part of me.

So, to Captain Lou Albano, who passed away today at the age of 76, I raise a toast to your memory, and I thank you for bring Mario to life for myself and thousands of other children out there.  May you forever live on in DVD sales!

Yes, I'm a little behind on the times.  OK, WAY behind on the times, but I just found the first season of ABC's "The Mole" on Hulu.  I must say it's one of the best reality TV shows that was ever produced.

Thankfully, a little program called Hulu allowed me to watch the entire 1st season in just a few days, and I was hooked.  It's crazy and stupid, but I really enjoyed it.  The editing was brilliant, the tasks were inventive, and the host...well...Anderson Cooper could do no wrong in my book.  It's fantastic to see him in these locations before he hit the big time.  Plus, what other reality show host eats dinner with the contestants every night?!?  A-MAZ-ING!  Where's his Emmy for Best Reality Show Host?!?  But, I digress...

I'll admit that it took me a while to pick up on who the Mole actually was.  Probably around the 5th or 6th episode I really started to take a look at Kathryn (highlight to read).  Everything from that point on solidified my belief that this person was indeed the Mole.  As it turned out, my hunches were right.

Kudos to them!  Not an easy task, but one that I would have loved to attempt!  Of course, they had to go home without any prize money ($510,000 for the first season), but they had the satisfaction of knowing they did what they could to throw everyone else off track.

Also, as a quick side note, the final episode where they brought back all the "executed" contestants was beautifully done.  I wish the current reality TV shows would take notes from this show.  Getting to see the contestants, the hints that were dropped during the season about the Mole's identity, the behind-the-scenes info.  All brilliant!!!!

OK, so yes, I'm 9 years behind the times, but now that I can start on the 2nd season of The Mole, I hope to not be as naive about the clues the show drops during the episodes.  Although, they're expecting that, so they'll make it even more difficult to figure out.  It's a lose/lose situation.

Actually, with an amazing show like this, there are no losers.  I'm only sad to see that it's no longer on the air.  I would have gladly TiVo'ed it religiously.  Anderson Cooper could join me on a trip around the globe any time.

My good friends over at Media-Match.com brought an upcoming expo to my attention: the Film, Stage & Showbiz Expo.

It's happening next weekend (Saturday, October 17) from 10am to 6pm at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and it looks like it might be a pretty cool event to check out.  Plus, as a bonus, the first 5,000 people to register will get in for free.  Myself and Jarrod just registered for free, so the complimentary tickets are still available (as of this posting).

They have all kinds of stuff going on for those who are interested in the entertainment industry, including on-the-spot auditions for a lot of major upcoming shows (Disney's Mary Poppins, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid; along with Broadway productions of 9 to 5, In the Heights, Rent, and a lot more!)  I know of a few of my friends who would love to have the chance to audition for these shows (myself included!!!!)

So, if you're free next Saturday (October 17!!!!!  REMEMBER?!?), register now and join us for a fun-filled day of entertainment talk.  If you miss any of the links, check out the ad on the right side of the blog for more information.  Also, if you register to attend, feel free to leave me a comment so I know to look for you there.

So, with my lack of employment right now, I figure this is a great time to complete my college experience.

I've half-assed my attempt at Ventura College, and I think most of that was due to the fact I wasn't ready to add that additional pressure to my life.  I had spent far too many years leading a double life, and trying to add the title of "student" wasn't in the cards.

I believe that I'm at a point in my life right now where I can not only handle the pressures and necessary attention of school, but it's something that I absolutely need.  To be able to focus my attention on getting my degree is the perfect compliment to where I'm at in my life.  I've let way too many years pass (years that could have been spent in school), and I don't have much of anything to show for it.

Plus, I know I have an incredible support system to help encourage me on my days when I just don't feel like studying for a test or completing a term paper.  It's a necessary part of the equation.  They've always been there, but I think I wasn't in a place where I was ready to accept their help.

School was always something that could wait.  Another day, another time.  Except this is that day.  This is that time.  My first phone call in the morning will be to the Counseling Office, to schedule an appointment for charting my course at Ventura College, and then eventually off to Cal State Channel Islands.

The time has come.  I'm ready.  Time to fly...

We successfully made it through our first day at home with Chance.  He's seems to have assimilated well with Mabel and the other members of the family.  Plus, given the fact that he's really only a puppy (a year old), he does listen quite well.

I've posted a video of his first day with the family on my YouTube page (Corkum22).  He's helping me with my video editing skills, so I do have to thank him for that.  Of course, spell check would be a handy tool to use, but I digress...

Aiden and I stopped by PetCo this morning, where Aiden helped me pick out a few toys for the little one.  We purchased a rubber tire with a rope (so Mabel and Chance can play Tug of War) and a few tennis balls for them to chase around the yard.  They both loved the tennis balls, and they're warming up to the rubber tire.  I've seen them pull it around the backyard a few times.

I'm looking at an Obedience Training class that begins this Saturday at the Camarillo Animal Shelter.  All dogs who have been adopted from that shelter are eligible for free training, so I thought it might come in handy for the both of us.  My first class is this Saturday, and it'll be a good way for me to learn how to handle a hyper puppy named Chance.

If you have any suggestions on toys, training, or puppy-raising tips in general, send 'em my way!  The whole family will love you for it!!!

We'll be bringing home our newest family member, Chance, on Monday, September 28th from the Camarillo Animal Shelter.

He's a super sweet dog, and while he's only a year old, his energy will be good for the family, including our current dog, Mabel. They'll get along quite well, and they'll be able to play and chase each other around the back yard.

Chance got his name from a family member who said he's getting a "Second Chance", so we thought the name was pretty cool. Chance will definitely be a welcomed addition to the household.

Check out the short video I put together from our 1st visit with him at the Camarillo Animal Shelter.

A huge thanks to the helpful staff that helped us pick out the new addition. If you're looking for a dog (or cat, or even a horse!), definitely give the Camarillo Animal Shelter a quick look.

Photos of Chance's first day at home will be posted soon!

A very happy 1st day of Autumn to all of my loyal readers out there.  I decided to decorate things around here with a nod to the days of old.  OK, so it's a nod to the very old days of old, but it works.  It's Fall-y.  It's Fall-ish.  OK, so it's just odd, but it's my LiveJournal and I like it, so that's really all that matters.

I finalized my flight plans for my Thanksgiving vacation to Florida.  I'll be visiting with my family for a few weeks, but fear not, for I will be updating while I'm away.  My trusty MacBook will accompany me to parts unknown of Central Florida, and I'll be uploading videos and photos of my adventures.

Speaking of adventures, I'll be making a venture out tonight for a little bit of karaoke fun.  It's my first time out in a LONG time, so I'm looking forward to it.  I've got a few of my friends joining me, so if you're going to be in the Ventura area on Tuesday night, shoot me an email.  I'd love to have you join us.  It'll just be us girls for a night out on the town.  A chance to sing the night away.  Don't worry - if you join us, we won't require you to sing (but it would earn you 100 points on the coolness scale, which is MAJOR!)

Alright, enough for now, my party-peeps.  I'll let you return to your marshmallow/squishy/bunny-eared day and look for another chance to catch you on the flip side.  REMINDER: Karaoke - tonight - be there!!!!

I'm just waiting for Japan to turn this into the hottest toy of the Christmas season: Puppy Roll-Over!

Now, don't get me wrong.  I love me some Whitney Houston.  I spent many a night singing out "The Greatest Love of All" and "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" during my adolescent years, but Ms. Houston has definitely hit some rocky times.

That's what makes this video from MadTV's Debra Wilson all the more hilarious.  She's all kinds of fabulous, and I wanted to share this with all of you.

Plus, I needed a good excuse to get on here and proclaim my extreme joy at Jordan winning tonight's 2nd part of the final HoH competition!  All the way to the Final 2!!!!  <fingers crossed>

I was just about to give up hope on this season (especially with Gnat making it to the final 3), but Jordan's HoH win tonight brought me back from the edge.  I really thought that Natalie was going to walk away with the whole thing, but after tonight's live competition, I have a feeling that the annoying 18...er...24 year old is joining the Jury.  At least she'll have her "friends" for company...

Best of luck, Jordo!  America's rooting for you!!!!

After leaving the City of Fillmore (who was gracious enough to pay for my Notary services), I felt it was time to share my training with everyone.  Therefore, I'm officially launching my Sheldon Sherman, Mobile Notary business today!

If you need anything notarized in the tri-county area (Los Angeles, Ventura or Santa Barbara Counties), I'm your man!  I've got all the tools needed for notarizing your documents, and I'll even throw in my signature humor at no additional cost!  ACT NOW!!!

I'm a member in good standing with the National Notary Association, and my notary commission is valid through 2011.  I'm starting off with a small client base, but I hope to expand soon.  If you'd like to get in on my notarial services, please contact me at sheldonsherman (at) hotmail.com.

It's still a fledgeling business, so there are bound to be a few kinks to work out, but I promise to be professional, courteous, and on-time for your needs.  Need a Notary?  Contact me!!!

NOTARY COMMISSION #153236485
EXPIRES 07/2011

So, after the amazing friends that I have on both my LiveJournal and Facebook pages, I was able to find my dear, dear cookies!  Hello Panda has been found!!!

I was pointed in the direction of a local Asian Market here in Oxnard, and once I made a brief trip inside, I found boxes upon boxes of these cookies waiting for me to take them home and devour them.  Of course, I wasn't going to leave empty handed (or disappoint the cookies), so I bought a large box of the Double Chocolate (pictured) and Strawberry, along with two smaller boxes of the Vanilla flavor (just to try it out).

Needless to say, the cookies didn't last long.  Once everyone in the house learned of the cookies, the Double Chocolate disappeared first with the Strawberry coming in a close second.  This prompted my second visit to the market, and this time, I stocked up on double boxes of the Double Chocolate and Strawberry.  I wasn't taking any chances this time around!  While I made this second visit, I found another Panda-themed cookie that caught my eye (known as the Sakusaku Panda).  I bought a box to try out, and these, too, vanished VERY quickly.

On my third trip (twice in a two-hour period), Carla, Nancy and I purchased the remaining stock of the Sakusaku Panda cookies, along with several more boxes of Hello Panda.  We can't seem to get enough of these damn cookies!  I'm sure we'll be back there again soon.  At this rate, we'll be buying out the entire stock of Hello Panda in just a few days time.

Oh, Japan, why do you tempt me so?!?

 I don't know who is aware of the deliciousness that is the Meiji Hello Panda cookie line, but they are amazing!  They come in several different varieties, including Chocolate, Double Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla, and many more.

The problem with these cookies?  I don't know where to find them!  Nancy brought home a box for us to check out, but with the 7 of us in the house, the small box didn't last long.  The empty shell is sitting on my bookcase right now, begging me to find their brother/sister replacement.

I've found them online, but I hate the idea of paying for shipping and leaving the cookies future in the hands of the shipper.  I could pay and wait for days for my cookies, only to end up with boxes of cookie dust because the shipper handled them a little too rough.  I'd feel much better finding a store locally that carries them.

Anyone know of a place locally (around the Oxnard, CA area) that might have this deliciousness in a box? I was told to check Wal-Mart, but the closest one to carry this stock around here is nearly 45 miles away.  Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!!  My inner-5-year-old-cookie-loving-boy would love you a million times over!

I know this is more of a national and moral question, but this one hit home, so I thought I'd pose it to all of my dear LJ readers: At what point (or level) of a crime should constitute a minor being tried as an adult in a court of law?

This subject comes up as 15-year-old Brandon McInerney, who shot and killed 15-year-old Lawrence King (pictured) in February 2008 for his desire to be himself (an open homosexual), is entering the pre-trial phase.  During his testimony on Monday, his defense attorney argued that he was provoked to kill Lawrence King by same-sex romantic overtures.  A "gay panic" defense - also attempted during the trial of Russell Arthur Henderson and Aaron James McKinney for the murder of Matthew Shepard.

Defense attorney Scott Wippert reportedly questioned a witness from the Oxnard police department sharply at one point, asking, “Did you inquire if Larry King was making sexual advances toward McInerney … you do realize he’s charged with first-degree murder? That he was provoked?"

McInerney admitted to shooting King at E.O. Green Junior High on February 12, 2008. Witnesses at the hearing in Ventura County superior court testified that McInerney was annoyed by romantic overtures from King, and that the accused bragged about having access to guns at home, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The hearing, expected to resume today, will determine whether the case should go to trial.

So, even though McInerney is only 15-years-old, and he admitted to the shooting and bragging about having access to guns at his home, do you think he should be tried as an adult?  Personally, I think if he was so closed-minded about a homosexual hitting on him and had the forethought to bring a gun to school for the purpose of killing King, he should be tried as an adult.  Period.

There's talk about him striking a deal to lesson his charges to a possible 25-years-to-life sentence.  I don't think it's fair to the King family, or to the school kids across the nation who dare to be themselves, if McInerney gets off easier on this one.  What kind of precedence will this set?  I'm hurt, enraged, and a little disappointed at the possibility of what the future holds.  We've made leaps and bounds in the last 15-20 years, but what message will this send?  How many more kids need to die (King, Matthew Shepard, and countless others) before the insanity is stopped?

The "gay panic" defense is just a sad attempt to plead for the sympathy of the homophobic community who might side with the murderer.  I think it's high time that people are held accountable for their actions.  No mercy for those who would be so willing to take another persons life simply based on the fact they are homosexual.