Karaoke Queen

The economic slowdown has altered the global landscape in ways that one never could've imagined. Industries that were once booming (e.g., manufacturing) are now heading toward irrelevance, and other professions (e.g., finance) have been hurt by massive job losses. Being unemployed is a scary position to be in ... but it's also a chance to explore other interests -- whether it's going back to school, doing community service, or indulging in acts of campiness.
I helped a former co-worker celebrate his birthday on November 14 at Winnie's. He's now employed at Condé Nast, which has seen its share of layoffs in recent weeks. Surviving a year of ups and downs with one's sense of humor intact is cause for partying ... and with its cheesy décor and potent drinks -- especially the Hawaiian Punch -- Winnie's was the perfect setting to show off my lack of singing skills.
Possessing a limited vocal range is no excuse for not putting your best foot forward. Mastering the art of karaoke begins with song selection; choose uptempo tunes that are easy to follow. Use the stage to your advantage, and don't be afraid to venture into the audience. Finally, feeding off the energy of the crowd reduces any self-consciousness about embarrassing yourself in public.
I put this theory to the test when I serenaded my ex-colleague with Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild" (it was his birthday, after all) and Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" (I couldn't resist "rickrolling" him). My performance garnered such positive reviews until I added the Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up" and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts' "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" to my repertoire. Singing off-key and out of sync was an unusual way to bond with acquaintances and strangers, but it served as an outlet for my angst as I deal with my bout of unemployment.
Karaoke isn't about sounding good, but having fun. As one partygoer told me, "I rocked the place because I embraced my disability." (Go figure!) The amount of effort you put into a task determines what you'll get out of it, and that philosophy applies to every aspect of life -- whether you have a job or not.