Want to raise your IQ and social status? Karaoke is the answer!

Have you ever wanted to be smarter or more popular? Well according to an article in Focus last year, singing can raise your I.Q. and your social status. I can hear many of you saying; "You haven't heard me sing yet!" and I can relate, because I used to feel the same way. Now, after hosting Karaoke shows for the past 2 ½ years I can say I know better. Mind you, I am not saying I am a singing Superstar, but I can hold my own with a few songs. How does singing raise your I.Q.? According to the research quoted in the article, singing helps the brain reconnect by chemical synapses (which means creating new neural paths) and it releases Immunglobulin into your system which strengthens your immune system. It also releases Ocytocin (Oxy-toe-sin) which influences your memory and social behaviours. Ocytocin lowers the hormones (testosterone and cortisol) that make us aggressive and susceptible to stress. The deep breathing associated with singing also increases the carbon-dioxide levels which lower our stress metabolism. By learning the texts to the different songs (even when they're usually flashed on a screen or TV monitor) helps increase your memory capabilities which helps with information retention.

But enough of the Intellectual stuff. Singing is about passion. It's about seduction, magic, longing, all of life's hungers. It's about the dream of being a better person. Singing exposes a part of your personality. They say if you want to lead people in song you have to excite them or get them enthused. If you don't believe me then just watch a group of Germans singing „Viva Colonia“ or „Time Warp“ from the famed „Rocky Horror Picture Show“. Each person has their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to singing in public but one thing is universal, the more fun YOU have and convey when your singing, the more fun the others have.
 
Each show style is different and some really expect Superstar performances while the majority want you to just have an enjoyable time. Often the better singers will help or accompany the weaker singers to make it more fun. One thing is for certain, every singer should be applauded just for going up and giving it a try. As far as social standing goes, I have experienced many who have been wall-flowers when it comes to social events and have turned into the centre of attention after a successful round of songs at the microphone. Showing your true personality through songs helps break down many social barriers.

The great news is... if you are living in Cologne or Bonn there is a large variety of Karaoke shows to choose from. From Irish pubs, Thai bars to specialist Karaoke bars, there is something for everyone’s taste. Here are few of my favourites in and around Cologne:
Flanagans
Alter Markt 36, 50667 Cologne
T: 0221 2570674
Every Sunday night starting at 9pm hosted by several different and talented DJ's who sing as well as offer humorous entertainment.
 
Club Paper Moon (formerly New Karibik Restaurant)
Gürzenichstr. 21, 50667 Cologne
www.club-papermoon.de
The new kid on the block features Karaoke every Friday Night from 10pm-4am with over 28,000 titles to chose from. There is also a basement disco and a great Italian restaurant on the main floor.
 
Key West
Zülpicher Platz 6 50674 Cologne
www.key-west-koeln.de
The Karaoke hot-spot at Zülpicher Platz. Hosted by the owner Bella, the shows usually get rolling at around 10pm and go until 3am. This is an official „Smokers Club“
 
Jamesons
Friesenstr. 45 50670 Cologne
T: 0221 2572231; www.jamesonpubs.com
 
Heimspiel Bar
Zülpicher Str. 10 50674 Cologne
www.heimspielbar.de
 
Thai Royal Karaoke Bar
Hohenzollernring 46 50672 Cologne
www.thairoyal.de
 
Museum
Zülpicher Platz 9 50674 Cologne
www.museum-kneipe.de
 
If you're in Bonn Check out these:
 
Fiddlers Irish Pub
Frongasse 9, 53121 Bonn
T: 0228 614161
www.fiddlers-bonn.com
Saturdays hosted by Marco from the Big Brother Show and Sunday's hosted by Dotty the Irish Queen of Karaoke.
 
Das Nyx
Vorgebirgsstrasse 19 53111 Bonn
T: 0176 20559306
www.das-nyx.de
Thursday nights hosted by Super Klaus
 
So if you're looking to have fun or raise your I.Q. Then stop by one of these fun Karaoke places and give it a go at the micro, or just be there to support your friends. And remember to bring a song in your heart. Cheers, Smiles, Laughs and Success, Your Johnny Hollywood