This is a travel alert for any karaoke enthusiasts planning a trip to the upcoming International Karaoke Semi-Finals in Beijing:

Get a bullet proof vest, a bomb proof rental car, and use the buddy system (i.e. tell friends where you will be going at ALL times). Folks, it is going to be absolutely friggin dangerous this year - this ain’t no Lucy in the sky with diamonds. This is real life karaoke, and the competition will be stiff and heavily armed. Need I remind ya’all of Sammy “Two Chords” Rachollio’s stabbing last year? That will be nothing compared to the anticipated level of violence at this year’s semi-finals.

It seems that karaoke-related violence has seriously escalated in recent months in the far east (as our previous coverage can attest). The Washington Post is reporting that more than two dozen people will stand trial on accusations that they purchased and stored explosives in a karaoke parlor leveled last month in a blast.

Look, I’m not trying to rain on anyone’s parade here. I’m just saying be safe.