Cheryl Underwood Interview

Where in the World is Cheryl Underwood? This weekend she is in Miami at the Improv-Coconut Grove. She called into my radio show today

and we had a ball. I love Cheryl because she speaks the truth! We talked about early voting, her support for Barack, her quest for a good man and of course, her performance. I'm going to try upload the interview soon. Until then, watch Cheryl on The View last Friday.

Boyhood Dream

For the Fellas: Fatherhood

Yes, this is the Working Divas blog, but there are many Working Dons that are working fathers, single fathers, or married with children that need to know they are appreciated. To each of you, your children are your future and many blessing to you for nurturing our young children and giving them the support and love they need. Barack Obama was right when he said, we need to be better parents. Take time with our kids and give them the best of us each day. With many demands on all of us, we need to go back to the old saying, It takes a Village to Raise a Child. If you know of a child in your community that needs a father-figure, step up and give of yourself. If you need assistance in parenting, check out Fatherhood.org. Much Love to all my Brothers...this one is for you.

Five Minute Fix

Jennifer Hudson Family Tragedy
The body of Julian King (nephew of Jennifer Hudson) found inside White SUV in Chicago...Developing...

Authorities have confirmed the body found in the back of an SUV on Monday is that of actress Jennifer Hudson's 7-year-old nephew.

The body was taken to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office just before noon, and family members arrived around 3 p.m. to identify the boy. Jennifer Hudson, two of the boy's aunts and an uncle identified the body as that of Julian King, according to police.

An Amber Alert had been issued for the boy after a shooting Friday afternoon that left the actress' mother and brother dead. A massive search for the boy ended tragically when police discovered the body inside an SUV on the West Side. The Amber Alert issued Friday for Julian was canceled shortly after the body was found Monday morning.

The boy's body was found on the floor in front of the SUV's middle row of seats, covered up with heavy plastic and other items to conceal the body, a police source told NBC Chicago. The boy appeared to have been shot in the back of the head, the source said. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday. (source)



Sister Souljah in South Florida
I can remember opening the pages of the book, The Coldest Winter Ever on a Friday night in early 2000. With each page I was drawn deeper into the perfectly woven story of Winter. It's one of my favorite books. Now, Sista Soujah releases the long-awaited sequel, Midnight: A Ganster Love Story. (CLICK HERE TO BUY MIDNIGHT NOW)

Sista Souljah will appear at Pyramid Books, Monday, November 17th at 6pm. Pyramid Books is located at 544-2 Gateway Blvd., Boynton Beach, FL. For more information call (561) 731-4422.

What in the World
Guitar Hero hired some heavyweights for their new video game commerical. From Kobe Bryant to A-Rod and Michael Phelps, I don't know if I love it or hate. You decide and get a good chuckle at work.



SNL: Obama Variety Show
The Obama's are getting a laugh from the SNL Sketch. Michelle played by Maya Rudolph (daughter of the late Minnie Ripperton) singing "Solid as Barack" and more. Totally entertaining.

Jeremy the Intern: OBAMA Experience!

My friends and I had been up for 19 hours straight. The day had been so exciting because Barack Obama was going to be on campus of THE GREAT BETHUNE COOKMAN UNIVERSITY the next day; I was able to get tickets for myself and 3 of my friends. After standing in the ticket line we grabbed some lunch and went to handle whatever else had to be done. Hours passed by and we found ourselves at sonic at 12:45am. We couldn’t sleep due to the excitement, which would come some hours later. We finally get in at 1:30am, I went to sleep and what felt like one minute later my alarm went off! It was time to get up and get dressed for what would go down in history. We get in line at exactly 4:55am. When 9:15am struck doors opened, we went through the security checkpoints and seconds later found ourselves racing toward seats in the front-middle section of the auditorium. We were finally sitting, waiting anxiously anticipating Barack Obama.
“He’s the next president of the United States, Barack Obama” after hearing that I went ape crazy! I jumped up and screamed like someone from a Michael Jackson concert. He entered the performing arts center, with his sophisticated swagger and charm. It was like the resurrection. He walked up to the mic and began promising us that the future would get the positive change, which is imminent at this moment. As he spoke I was mesmerized and still in a state of shock that Obama was right in front of me, 25 feet to be exact. He is the necessity that the country needs now!!! He spoke about affordable prices for college and taxes decreasing and change all together. If you hadn’t been sold before, you were sold right then and there. His speech ended and he made his way to the crowd greeting and hugging supporters at that point my friend Tiffany and I ran to the front, however unable to get a hug or a handshake, I was still able to see his face up close!!! I was totally in awe and very pleased to experience everything that is Obama.

Working Divas' Spa Day

Calling all Working Divas...It's time for you to put yourself first! I heard your requests and I've found the perfect spa for us to reconnect. Remember the Working Divas' Spa Day at Contour and Salon Menage'? Well, we are back (finally) with another fantastic spa for you to kick up your heels and relax with your sister-friends. I can't wait to see you all again. Refreshments will be served. Plus, you can receive a FREE massage! Space is limited, so pick your treatments from the special Working Divas' Spa Menu selections above and call Blue Water Holistic Center to book your appointment. (954-885-5279) Visit them online at http://www.bluewatershc.com/. I can't wait to see you there.

Five Minute Fix October 21st

Still HOT, COOL, VICIOUS! Hip Hop Female Pioneers Salt N Pepa brought down the house at the BET Hip Hop Awards. They took it back to My Mic Sounds Nice, you know that was the jam! They also performed Shoop, Big Girls, and Whatta Man (that included a montage of Barack Obama and his wife Michelle. Check out the show on BET this Thursday, October 23rd at 8pm.

Speaking of Barack Obama, he is leaving the campaign trail Thursday to return to his native Hawaii to visit his gravely ill grandmother Madelyn Dunham. Keep him and his grandmother in your thoughts and prayers.

Congrats to the ladies of the movie, The Secret Life of Bees. It came in third at the box office its debut weekend earning 11.1 million. Everyone is buzzing about this movie it’s a must see.

Actor Terrence Howard was just as shocked as we were to be eliminated from the movie, The Iron Man. Terrence says he found out he was replaced by Don Cheadle the way everyone else did, by reading stories on the internet and trade magazines. Now he has time to promote his new CD Me and the Band of Kings.

In an interview with NPR: "It was the surprise of a lifetime. There was no explanation. [The contract] just...up and vanished. I read something in the trades implicating that it was about money or something, but apparently the contracts that we write and sign aren't worth the paper that they're printed on, sometimes. Promises aren't kept, and good faith negotiations aren't always held up."

Just in time for the holidays. Celebrity Chef G. Garvin has released a new cookbook, Dining In. With this economy, we all have to learn how to turn it up in the kitchen and save our pennies.

Karen on TV

Check out my entertainment segment on JIM and Jade in the Morning my MY33 TV. We chatted about Jennifer Hudson, Robin Thicke and Janet Jackson's "Rock Witcha Tour." You can also read about these stories in my "Five Minute Fix" post below.

FIVE MINUTE FIX October 15th

JENNIFER HUDSON
Newly engaged, New CD and…New Movie for J-Hud
The buzz this week is all about Dreamgirl Jennifer Hudson. She is newly engaged, has a top selling debut CD, and her song Spotlight is number one on the urban charts. What more could Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson ask for…a new movie. In theaters Friday, The Secret Life of Bees hits the silver screen based on the novel by Sue Monk Kidd also stars academy nominated actresses Queen Latifah and Sophie Okonedo, as well as singer Alicia Keys. See the trailer below.


ROBIN THICKE
The Magic of Robin Thicke has been challenged
Everybody is loving Robin Thicke right now. His lead single Magic from his second album, Something Else is number two on the urban charts. He was in town recently with Mary J. Blige who is featured on Magic. Since Robin came on the scene he has been compared to Jon B. Everyone has been wondering where is Jon B. He will release his fifth album, Helpless Romantic October 28th, and the lead single Oh So Sexy is incredible! Let the beef begin!? Naw, Jon says there is NO BEEF…however he has issued a piano challenge to Robin Thicke and says, “I see you got the piano in the pictures—this is to my man Thicke—I love what you do, but nobody is ever, ever, ever going to replace Jon B.” Personally, I have enough love for both Jon B. and Robin Thicke. I want to see them tour together, now that would be HOT!

Watch Jon B drop the challenged…



Janet Jackson
Illness revealed
Janet Jackson is returning to her Rock Witchu Tour and revealing the illness that led her to cancel a host of concerts. Janet was suffering from vestibular migraines. She is receiving treatment and has been given the OK to resume her tour. Janet’s camp will announce the new dates for her canceled concerts including here in South Florida. Now let’s brush up on those Janet Jackson video moves and get ready for Ms. Jackson!

Fall Music Reviews

Joe

It’s a new beginning for Joe with the release of “New Man.” Coming out of the shadows of Jive Records, Joe is his own man on 563 Music Kedar Entertainment group. Accompanied by a host of industry heavy weights… Nas, The Game, Busta Rhymes, Mario, Trey Songs, Snoop and P. Diddy; Joe pulls out all the stops. "Why Just be Friends” is a new two-step anthem that I can hold my drink to and hum along. The smooth falsetto vocals are favorable. This mid-temp track expresses the dilemma of a man trying to take a friendship to the next level; as Joe calls it, “gets caught in the friend zone too many times.” In “ER” he parallels his plight for love with a medical emergency that is sure to please the die-hard Joe enthusiast. Also look for the Secret Garden-like “We Need to Roll” featuring Trey Songs and Mario. Joe Thomas: New Man is in stores now.

Solange Knowles

This chic R&B darling is changing up the game with her highly anticipated sophomore album, Sol-Angel and The Hadley Street Dreams. Solange Knowles is redefining her game, with her first single “I Decided” which is firing up on the Billboard Dance singles chart. The finger snappin’ refreshing second single “Sandcastle Disco” is indeed the invigorating sounds that radio has been missing.

Janelle Monae

The latest addition to Diddy’s band of merry men on Bad Boy Records is the futuristic, soulful and pure genius that is Janelle Monae. The extraordinary afro-Punk Darling just released Metropolis: The Chase Suite, her second EP which furnishes fans with a dose of high tech, and new wave sounds, adding perpetual hunger for what her debut album will sound like when it hits stores at the top of 2009.

Q-Tip

Innovator and Hip-Hop Icon Q-Tip hits the pavement with his new release The Renaissance. Fresh off the Rock the Bells tour Q-Tip is ready to work it. With the intro voiced by presidential hopeful, Barack Obama we have to give Q-Tip a virtual high-five. Although I wasn’t moved by his first single “Work it Out,” (His Budweiser commercial was more enjoyable) I’ll give this rap pioneer a hood pass. I’m sure the album will be much better when it’s released November 4th, with guest appearances from Common, Andre’ 3000 and the resurface of D’Angelo. I’m routing for your Tip!

Eric Benet

Love & Life are moving in the right direction for Eric Benet. With total creative control, Eric has produced a sound of pure soul that feels like a personal hug. The lead single “You’re the Only One,” is the perfect back drop while unwinding on the couch with a cup of tea or a relaxing in an aromatherapy bath. Eric’s honesty cuts like a knife in “Still I Believe” sharing his perfect moments and moments of despair. Eric’s music is moving and motivating. He is a music lovers dream. Light a candle and indulge.

Karen Vaughn with Envogue at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

The Working Divas met the Funky Divas at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival at Disney World this past weekend. Envogue is one of my favorite groups. So when I was asked to broadcast from the Epcot Food and Wine Festival this year during Envogue's weekend of performances, I just had to be in the house. During the concert everyone was on their feet dancing and having a good time. We sang from the first song to the last. They loved the energy of the crowd so much they did a version of "Hold On" that was electric! Terry, Dawn, Maxine and Rhona were amazing and they look incredible! Check out concert pictures below:

Karen Vaughn Book Club October 2008 Selection

“From the Heart: Eight Rules to Live By”

by Robin Roberts

A special selection for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

KV Book Club Gathering & Coffee Tasting
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29th

7pm – 9pm

Starbuck Coffeehouse

Sheridan Street and North Park Road Hollywood,

One Mile west of 1-95

Robin Roberts didn't get where she is today by sheer luck. As a child in Mississippi, a college basketball star, a host on ESPN, and now a co-anchor of "Good Morning America," Roberts used faith and a determination to stay true to herself to guide her to the top. She credits eight rules with keeping her on the path to fulfillment and success: The seven that appeared in the bestselling hardcover edition of "From the Heart," plus an eighth rule, "Early Detection," that specifically addresses her recent bout with breast cancer. (MORE/SOURCE )

Noted for her down-to-earth style and warmth, Roberts considers her faith, family, and fundamental values as being the cornerstones of her emotional and professional achievement. In this little book with a big heart, she imparts her hard-won wisdom through personal stories and inspirational reflections on how any woman can be her best self.

"There is no magical reason why I am where I am. And there is absolutely no reason why you can't be where you want to be. If it can happen for me, it can happen for you, too. And it would be a privilege for me to help you get there." -Robin

Robin speaking at the V Foundation Wine Celebration