Secrets of enjoying and singing karaoke

Okay, so you're shy.

Okay, so you couldn't carry a tune with a forklift.




There are very few things that are less "scarier" than being invited out by friends to go have a drink on a Saturday night.....only to find out AFTER you said yes that it's Karaoke night.

You have a few choices to make:

1. Call at the last minute and cancel blaming your spouse, your kids, your pets.  NAH!!
2. Sit there and watch everyone else having fun saying you have a sore throat.  NAH!!
3. Get up and join in the fun!!!!!!

The first thing you need to know, realize and believe is that YOU are the only one who really cares whether you can sing or not.

The second thing you need to know, realize and believe.....when you are singing karaoke the person who is having fun gets the loudest applause.  Remember the scene from "My Best Friend's Wedding" Cameron Diaz did not sing the song very well....and no one was impressed in the beginning because she wasn't having fun....It was when she started having fun that the crowd went crazy.  This doesn't just happen in the movies!! People who go to karaoke bars want to have fun!  If they wanted to hear "perfect" music they would stay home and listen to their IPod's.

The third and last thing you need to remember:  Only you can decide if you are going to have a good time.  It is not anyone else's responsibility to make sure YOU are happy....so go out there, have fun, be entertaining, make a fool of yourself and have the time of your life!!!

Beginners can always start with songs like Tequila as it doesn't get much easier than this.  This is a great song to get past your "stage freight" and get used to karaoke!!!

Jimmy's Tavern has karaoke every Tuesday and Saturday night!!

Understanding body language

Ever meet someone and wonder what they "think" of you?  Ever see someone from across the room and wonder if they were "approachable?"  This may help.

We all know what words mean...or at least we hope people understand what we mean when we talk.  What do the non-verbal gestures mean?

There are several types of non-verbal signals

Gestures:  These are a bit more obvious than other types of non-verbal communication.  Gestures consist of; thumbs up, thumbs down, strong fist (which could mean anger or solidarity), the "okay" hand sign and the "V" hand sign (which could mean victory or peace).

The "less obvious" are the movement or position of our body.  Pay attention because if you are speaking to someone these are important.

We'll begin with the "obvious" one:  Arms crossed in front usually means the person is not comfortable, does not trust you, closed off, defensive......no matter what they are feeling it is not a good sign for you.

Crossing of the legs:  This one is interesting and usually geared more towards women than men.  If their legs are crossed and opened to you it means they are interested in you, what you are saying or comfortable with you.  If they are crossed away from you it is not good for you...they either are uncomfortable with you or they want to be left alone.

Standing with their hands on their hips:  This person is showing they are in control.  It could also mean a sign of aggressiveness depending on the situation....so men, pay attention, if your spouse does this....you are possibly in trouble.

Tapping fingers or objects:  This person is bored, anxious or frustrated which means if you are the one having the conversation with them you may need to change the subject.

How a person holds themselves will tell a lot about them.  An open posture means friendliness or open to communication while a closed posture (shoulders slumped) could mean unfriendly, anxiety or hostility.

The eyes:  Often referred to the "windows to one's soul."  If a person is looking you in the eye it means they are interested in what you are saying....I know duh....BUT prolonged eye contact can be threatening so be careful.

If a person is often looking elsewhere while you are talking you need to step up your conversation.  They are either not interested in what you are saying or looking for an escape.

The faster a person blinks is usually a sign of being uncomfortable or distress. 

This information was compiled from Psychology/New York Times Company/About.com

When you are talking to someone and they look up and to the right they are using their creative side of their brain....which means they could be trying to come up with a clever answer or, more commonly known as, lying. 

To find out what side of your brain controls you go to this link and take the quiz.

Next time you are out, at Jimmy's Tavern if you are from Pueblo County, Colorado, try these out and see if you understand the person better when they aren't talking.  Comment on your discoveries.

Pick up lines...that worked in the movies

Can't promise they will work for you but they did work in the big screen.  Enjoy and good luck

"Your husband told me you were the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, but he didn’t say anything about the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen.” -George Clooney to Catherine Zeta-Jones, Intolerable Cruelty, 2003.

Okay guys....this will work on two different levels, the first is IF they haven't watched the movie they will love this line OR if they have watched the movie they will be impressed that you did. You may want to say "your friend" instead of husband because if you are hitting on a married woman..shame on you.

“Your eyes are amazing, do you know that? You should never shut them, not even at night.” -Oliver Martinez to Dianne Lane, Unfaithful, 2002

 Women love to be complimented on their eyes (means you aren't talking to their breasts) :)

“Are you a Bewitched man, or a Jeannie man?”
“Bewitched, all the way, though I always dug how Jeannie always called Larry Hagman ‘master.’” -Uma Thurman and John Travolta, Pulp Fiction, 1995)

I would ask them if they would prefer a Bewitched man or Jeannie man.

“Wanna play a game? You can be Little Red Riding Hood and I’ll be the Big Bad Wolf.” Jacob from Twilight

 Careful using this one....depending on the personality of the woman you could be slapped.

“I hate to see you go, but I love to watch you leave.” John Travolta to Joan Allen, Face/Off, 1997

Can never hear this too much

“I really wish that you’d come home with me. You’re so cute and I’m really good in bed, believe me. You smell good, too.” Nicholas Cage to Valeria Golino, Leaving Las Vegas, 1995

Not recommended on your first meeting :)

 

"We live in a cynical world. A cynical world. And we work in a business of tough competitors. I love you. You… Complete me.” Tom Cruise to Renee Zellweger, Jerry Maguire, 1996

Ahhhhhh for all you married men out there or men in relationships.....This one is a winner

 

“Do you wash your pants in Windex? Because I can see myself in them.” Austin Powers

Again, this one could get you slapped :)

Hitch: “Now, on the one hand, it is very difficult for a man to even speak to someone who looks like you. But, on the other hand, should that be your problem?”
Sara: “So life’s kind of hard all around.”
Hitch: “Not if you pay attention. I mean, you’re sending all the right signals – no earrings, heels under two inches, your hair is pulled back, you’re wearing reading glasses with no book, drinking a Grey Goose martini, which means you had a hell of a week and a beer just wouldn’t do it. And if that wasn’t clear enough, there’s always the “f#$! off” sign that you have stamped on your forehead.”

Not really a pick up line....but very good advice about paying attention to someone you want to pay attention to you.

"I want all of you. Forever. Every day.” – Ryan Gosling to Rachel McAdams, The Notebook,

Another great one for you married or committed in a relationship men.
Tell me some of you best pick up lines in the comment section.

Having fun when you are the designated driver

 Okay, it's your turn...you get to go BUT no drinking for you so how are you supposed to have fun? 




Let me assure you there is plenty of ways to be included in the fun (and a few things you can do to create some fun yourself).

Be prepared:  There is nothing worse than driving a really drunk person home.  I suggest you have food in your car that will help soak up some alcohol on your ride.  PB sandwiches (no jelly) are good as they don't "drip" on your seats and it will help fill them up.

Take a notebook with you and assign each person a page.  I love to have them sign their name on the first line before they start drinking.  Each time they finish a drink you write what their drink was and have them sign next to it.  You can have a contest on the most legible signature at the end of the night....and let's be honest we love Facebook and can "post" their sheets the next day.  Make sure the bartender/waitstaff/customer takes a group picture BEFORE the drinking begins.

Go to the dollar store and buy a crazy hat or button.  When one has a "drunk moment" (we all know what those are....falling of the chair, falling into a wall, etc.) they have to wear the hat or button until the next "drunk moment."  Don't forget the picture of this.

If you have a great group of people have each person give you $20.00 before the beginning of the night.  The one with the worst signature has to tip the bartender/waitstaff their whole $20.00 and the rest tip $5.00 of their $20.00.  Depending on your group you can either return the remainder to the "non losers" of the signature game or, if everyone agrees, you can keep that as your tip.

If you feel like you are out of place drinking soda?  Order a non-alcoholic beer or drink.  If your group likes to drink shots (this gets fun with the notebook) have a shot with them....just do it with water, soda or orange juice.

As the designated driver it is your responsibility to keep everyone safe....and of course it is your obligation to take pictures and/or video of the night.  (only do this if you are the type of friend who will respect their privacy and only show them...unless they say you can post it on Facebook).  I have several videos of a friend who rarely drinks but "cut loose" one night at Jimmy's Tavern.  I love to "show" it at friend events to prove he actually does let go and have fun at times.  Of course I have never sent it to anyone, post in on Facebook, or allow anyone to hold my phone when viewing.  You will only remain friends if you are first a friend....but there are no rules that say you can't embarrass them in small groups.  Ask the bartender/waitstaff to take an "end of the night" picture for your notebook.

The next day:  You now have pictures and signatures.....create a memory book of the night out.  If you have a great group of people and a great bar, like Jimmy's Tavern, you can have a wall of your memories of that night out.

Now, being the designated driver doesn't seem so bad does it.

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Why you should drink at Jimmy's Tavern instead of home

Every night, Harold would go down to the liquor store, get a six pack, bring it home, and drink it while he watched TV. One night, as he finished his last beer, the doorbell rang. He stumbled to the door and found a six-foot cockroach standing there. The bug grabbed him by the collar and threw him across the room, and left.
The next night, after he finished his 3th beer, the doorbell rang.
He walked slowly to the door and found the same six-foot cockroach standing there. The big bug punched him in the stomach, then left.
The next night, after he finished his 1st beer, the doorbell rang again. The same six-foot cockroach was standing there. This time he was kneed in the groin and hit behind the ear as he doubled over in pain. Then the big bug left.
The fourth night Harold didn't drink at all. The doorbell rang. The cockroach was standing there. The bug beat the snot out of Harold and left him in a heap on the living room floor.
The following day, Harold went to see his doctor. He explained events of the preceding four nights. "
" What can I do? " he pleaded.
" Not much " he doctor replied. " There's just a nasty bug going around."

This joke brought to you by Only Funny Stories

Jimmy's Tavern offers the best of Live Music Friday Nights
Karaoke Tuesday and Saturday Nights
The best bartenders
The best pool tables

BUT the best part of Jimmy's Tavern....It is your own little "Cheers" in Pueblo County: 

Everyone knows your name.

Jimmy's Tavern knows no strangers

The task of being a bartender

Anyone can pour a beer.....right? Anyone can mix a rum and coke...how hard can that be?




If it was that simple everyone would do it...and be broke. Being a bartender takes much more than just mixing, pouring and serving you drinks.

Walk into any bar and ask for a "Dirty Monkey" and you will see how difficult being a bartender is. It's the drinks that are rarely asked for, no one has heard of that separates the professional bartenders from the "just until something better comes along." I'm not saying that the professional bartenders are always going to know what a Dirty Monkey is but the good ones will look at you and say, "okay, you've stumped me...how do you make it." This is not a job you can "fake it till you make it" as there is nothing worse than ordering a drink and having something other than what you ordered served to you.

If you are one of these clients, you know the type (Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally), if you order an "uncommon" drink do yourself (and your bartender) a favor and confirm the ingredients in the drink.

Now for the hardest part of a bartender's job....listening to you.....do I dare say the word "complain" about your life, your job, your spouse or the guy at the end of the bar. More people "talk" to bartender's than Psychiatrists....one reason is they are cheaper. If you are one of these people who bend the ear of your bartender......remember to TIP THEM WELL, it's still cheaper than professional help.

The next time you find yourself in a bar take 10 minutes of your time there and watch how hard your bartender works, how much your bartender remembers of their customers and how difficult the job actually is.

Appreciation is appreciated by everyone. Show some to your bartender the next time you see them.

Follow Jimmy's Tavern on Facebook for all the upcoming events:  Live Music!!!!

Organizing a Night Out and understanding bar etiquette

Time to have a GREAT NIGHT OUT!!!

Okay, you want to go out.  You want to go with a group of friends.  Did you know there is bar etiquette?

Before the NIGHT OUT!!

First thing you need to know if YOU choose the bar, YOU are considered the host for the evening.

Okay, you know which bar you want to host your gathering at (Jimmy's Tavern of course).

• Make sure the bar knows ahead of time you are coming to assure the table(s) are set up to fit the number of people coming.
• Establish a designated driver before going to the bar!  In a earlier blog there was a link about how much you can drink....it would be wise to revisit that website.
• Now this one may be what keeps you from "organizing" the outing:  How is the tab going to be paid?  If it is a single tab....the host leaves their card with the bartender.  If it is individual tab the host still needs to leave their card with the bartender "just in case" someone forgets to pay the tab.  (Personally don't invite anyone who would do this).  IF you are planning individual tabs where everyone either pays their own or the bill is split equally PLEASE plan ahead of time....there is nothing worse for a bartender who has taken care of you all night to have to run multiple credit cards for one tab.
• Discuss with the party whether "rounds" will be purchased or each person will order when ready.  It is bad manners to buy rounds that would obligate another to reciprocate. 

While AT THE BAR

• Okay ladies....there was a time when it was expected that the man purchase your drink.  Want Women's liberation.....buy him a drink.  Please don't expect that the men at your table will pick up the tab...this will lead to hurt feelings if they don't.
• Men:  It is nice if you offer to pay for the first drink but do not insist....you don't want it to lead to any misconceptions of any expectations.  AND remember this:  if you offer to buy her a drink, it means ANY drink she wants...don't be upset if she drinks "top shelf."
•  Bartenders and Waitstaff are busy!  Don't request their attention until you know what you are ordering. 
• The words "THANK YOU" and "EXCUSE ME" will also work in the bar environment!!  Being in a bar does not excuse bad manners.
• Know your limits.  There is nothing worse than "the drunk of the group."  Yes going to a bar involves drinking....but if you get angry when you drink too much...don't drink too much.  If you get sad when you drink too much don't drink too much.  EVERYONE in the bar, not just the people in your group, want to enjoy being there.  Fights and tears are not part of having a good time.
• If you see your waitstaff or bartender leaving....settle the tab with them before they leave.  Most will not ask for fear of offending their customers but they deserve the tip they earned!!!

Now we come to tipping:  revisit the blog on tipping and don't be cheap!  Great tip (pun intended) tip well the first drink and you will receive better service....but don't forget to continue tipping throughout the night if you pay by the drink.

The bartender and waitstaff ARE NOT YOUR MOTHER.  Don't make a mess and leave a mess at your table.  It has never hurt anyone to clean up after themselves.

LAST CALL really does mean LAST CALL.  It is rude to ask for "just one more."  It is also rude to ask to stay past closing time.  It is against the law to serve you after hours so don't put the bar and the bar staff in that position.

Leaving the bar does not mean your job as the host is over.  Make sure no one has left anything at the bar AND make sure ALL women leave safely! 

Jimmy's Tavern on Facebook wish everyone a safe and great night out!!!

Directions and Hours of Jimmy's Tavern