Karen Vaughn Welcomes Freddie Jackson

Listen today in the 11am hour for my exclusive interview with Freddie Jackson before his concert with Miki Howard Saturday night at the James L. Knight Center.

Alicia Key's Superwoman Performance @ AMA's

Alicia Keys, Queen Latifah, and opera singer Kathleen Battle bring down the house as they wrap up the 2008 American Music Awards.

Karen Vaughn welcomes Sommore

Listen today in the 11am hour. Sommore will be my special guest.

Karen Vaughn welcomes Sister Souljah

Listen today in the 1pm hour to hear my exclusive interview with Sister Souljah about her new best seller, Midnight: A Gangster Love Story.
Saturday I had a chance to attend Sister Souljah's book signing at the African-American Research Library in Fort Lauderdale. Over 200-hundred sisters and brothers came out to support her new novel, Midnight: A Gangster Love Story. We all had a good time vibin' with Sister Souljah. I like to call her the voice of truth.

Five Minute Fix - November 17, 2008

Beyonce talks Etta James

Beyonce brings on the blues as legendary Etta James in the film Cadillac Records in theathers December 5th. Beyonce talks to the LA Times about playing Etta James, her new album and why she wants the role of Wonder Woman. (Read more)

Don Cornelius is Straight Trippin'

The Los Angeles city attorney has charged Don Cornelius, former host of "Soul Train," with spousal battery, assault with a deadly weapon and dissuading a witness from making a police report, all misdemeanors, city attorney spokesman Frank Mateljan said Friday. He was taken to jail last month after police were called to his home following reports of domestic incidents involving his wife. Cornelius was released on $50,000 bail. He could face up to one year in jail on each of the five misdemeanor changes. Dang, was it really worth it Don?

Victoria Secrets strikes a pose on South Beach

Check out the flicks from the Victoria Secrets fashion show this past Friday at the grand-opening of the historical Fontainbleau Hotel. Usher, Mariah Carey, Terrance Howard and Robin Thicke performed. Ladies, watch below and pull out your paper and pen for your holiday Victoria Secrets wish list.

King family looking for Loot$$$

Throughout this historical campaign, President-Elect Barack Obama's vision of Change and Hope was compared to the Dream of Dr. King. Which has lead to a wave of t-shirts, posters, pins and other paraphernalia depicting of the likeness of MLK alongside Obama. Now, the King family is researching its claim on merchandise being spawned of Martin Luther King Jr and President-Elect Barack Obama. Tell us what you think and leave your comments. (read more)

Karen Vaughn welcomes Terrance Howard

Listen today at 11am for my exclusive interview with actor Terrance Howard. Log onto HOT105fm.com to listen live.

Karen's Gift Ideas

Tell me what pre-teen wouldn't love this sweater from The Limited Too. Go with a long sleeve 't' shirt underneath and a pair of jeans and you are in holiday style. Only 36.50. (more)

Me Time Moments

Need a break at work? Take five minutes and think about something that makes you happy and brings you joy. Perhaps it’s looking at the sun kiss the ocean during a sunset, the time you spend with family, memories of riding your bike as a kid, those stole moments relaxing in a bath or shower, or maybe, it’s simply that FREE latte your co-worker gave you last week. Whatever it is…take a moment, tune out everything around you and really focus on what brings happiness to your life. During your thoughts, breathe in and out slowly through your noise, massage your temples and smile. You can do this anytime you need to refresh your mind and soul with positive energy during the workday. Take the joy of your thoughts with you through out your day.

Do you have a Me Time Moment? Share them by leaving a comment.

Karen's Gift Ideas

November is here and it's time to get your holiday shopping list together. let me help you maxiumize your dollars with inexpensive gifts your family and friends will love.


Origins Calming Elements
$29.50 (A value of $32.50)

Relaxes, relieves and puts them at complete ease. I love Origins Lavendar and Vanilla Line. Any Working Diva would love this in their stocking. (more)

Get out of the YES trap

Ladies, this article by Karen Leland is right on point. If you feel overwhelmed...maybe your caught in the YES trap.

You're standing around the water cooler minding your own business when your co-worker from the next cubicle starts pleading with you to organize next month's holiday office party. Your brain does a quick game of connect the dots and realizes that between next weeks sales presentation and your Aunt Joan's visit, the inevitable answer must be no. As you open your mouth to say "I'm sorry I wish I could, but I can't," you do a 180 degree turn around and out spills " I would be happy to." Why is it that such a small two-letter word can be so difficult to say?
The key is to learn to say "yes" to the right things and "no" to the wrong ones. That's easier to do if you understand the following four saying yes traps and their solutions.
Trap #1: Good Candy. Remember when you were a kid and there was always one house on the block that handed out really good Halloween candy? Your plans always included a visit to that address. Even as an adult, no one wants to feel like they are missing out. Say you get invited to the movies, or you are asked to be part of a task team at work. Instead of saying I'm too tired or busy, you say yes for fear that if you decline you might miss an opportunity. Marjorie Brody author of Career Magic: A Women's Guide to Reward and Recognition says, "We are afraid that if we say no, we might miss a chance to be recognized for our talents or seen as someone who is willing to jump in and help out. We don't want to be the only one not going to the party." Smart Solution: When you want to participate but the timing or scope is wrong, you can always offer an option or ask for a rain check. Try saying "I'd love to be asked at another time."
Trap #2: Bad Guy. Saying no is not just a problem of the willy-nilly and weak-kneed. Feeling an internal pressure to say yes has nothing to do with education, success or smarts. The fear is that if you say no, you might be perceived as unfriendly, uncooperative or not a team player. If you say no and someone gets angry, accept it and apologize for their hurt feelings, but not your decision to take care of yourself. Smart Solution: Let the other person know you empathize with their situation or feelings. Try saying, "I know how important this is and I feel bad, but I'm not in a position to say yes."
Trap #3: You Like Me. Wow they want you to be in charge of the team ski trip to Mount Saint Helens. Of course you are flattered, who wouldn't be? Everyone wants to be liked and likes to be wanted. The opportunity to be part of a group is rewarding but even things that are fun can become a burden if you're overextended. Smart Solution: In this 24/7 can-do culture the pressure to say yes to everything can be overwhelming. Create a boundary that lets other people know when you have reached your time, energy and attention limits. Try Saying "I have to many other things on my plate right now."
Trap #4: Got Guilt. Sure your local church or synagogue could really use your help -- and your sister in law definitely needs someone to watch the kids. If you find yourself saying yes because you are worried about hurting someone else's feelings, or think your being selfish by saying no, you're caught in a trap. "For many of us it's a knee jerk reaction to be constantly thinking about the people in our life. When the requests come in we have been trained to say yes." Says Helen Lerner author of Time for Me: A Burst of Energy for Busy Women. Smart Solution: When you are asked to do something you really don't want to do, draw a clear line in the sand. Try saying "I don't want to do that."
Take The 'Yes' Trap Quiz
How often are you caught in the yes trap? You might be surprised. The more of these questions you answer 'true' to, the more you need to recover your ability to just say no and regain the balance in your life. Circle true or false:
1. I often say yes for fear of missing out on something.
True / False
2. I frequently worry that if I say no I might hurt someone's feelings.
True / False
3. I often think if I say no I may be viewed as uncooperative or not a team player.
True / False
4. I frequently feel guilty when I say no, especially if I can see what is needed.
True / False
5. I want people to like me so I often say yes, even when I don't really have the time or energy.
True / False
6. In general it makes me feel uncomfortable to say no.
True / False
***
Karen Leland is author of the recently released book "Time Management In An Instant: 60 Ways to Make the Most of Your Day."(source)

President Elect Barack Obama

Grant Park was filled with emotion. The country filled with HOPE. Now, we all will come together for CHANGE!

History has been made!!! Barack Obama will become the 44th president of the United States of America. My elders never thought they would see an African-American man become president. Now that they have, all things are not only possible in their eyes, but in the children's eyes, their grand children's eyes and for future generations. Last night as I looked in my son's eyes...his world has been forever changed and he has the infinite possiblity to do everything he desires. Barack Obama has blown through the biggest barrier in the nation, the position of the country's highest office. The emotions are overwhelming and joyful. However, it's time for us to stand a little taller, and walk a little broader. We must become soliders of change. Barack said from the beginning, this election isn't about him, it is about us.

So, as we celebrate this hisortical day, what are you going to do to bring about postive change in your inner circle, your family, your community, your country? Let's get started!

PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA: If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.
Its the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.
Its the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.
Its the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.
Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.
I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and hes fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nations promise in the months ahead.
I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.
I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nations next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy thats coming with us to the White House. And while shes no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.
To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics - you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what youve sacrificed to get it done.
But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you.
I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didnt start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.
It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generations apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.
I know you didnt do this just to win an election and I know you didnt do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how theyll make the mortgage, or pay their doctors bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.
There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who wont agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government cant solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way its been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.
What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.
So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, its that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.
Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.
And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if Americas beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.
For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.
This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one thats on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. Shes a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing - Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.
She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldnt vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that shes seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we cant, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.
At a time when womens voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.
When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.
She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome. Yes we can.
A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.
America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we cant, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:
Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

Karen Vaughn Book Club November 2008 Selection

Dreams From My Father
by: President Barack Obama

Bookclub Gathering & Coffee Tasting

Tuesday, November 25th 7PM-9PM

Starbucks Coffeehouse Sheridan and North Park Road

Hollywood, Florida 33020

The election is over, we have gone from, "Yes We Can" to "Yes We Did!" Now lets learn more about Barack (if we haven't learned everything already) in his memoir, Dreams from my Father. In his memoir, Barack Obama writes about his personal struggle with race and identity. After his father's death, Barack travels to Africa to discover his roots and to understand more about the man who was his father. After his trip, Obama was able to put his multicultural background in perspective and move forward with his life. He found his place and purpose. This is the point in which Barack became more than a law-graduate from Harvard. He became Barack, helper of people and ambassador of Hope.

Read with us and join the discuss right here on my blog. Leave your comments. Then, join us Tuesday, November 25th for our Book Club month Gathering. (Click Here to buy Dreams from my Father Now)

The Candidates and their families Vote

Barack and Michelle voting this morning in Hyde Park

The McCain's voting in Phoenix

The Clinton's voting in Chappaqua, New York

Joe Biden with his mother and wife Jill voting in Wilimgton, Delaware

Sarah Palin voting in Alaska



All the candidates and former President Bill Clinton and Sentor Hillary Clinton have voted.
HAVE YOU?
Vote and encourage others to vote in your community and state. It's up to us now. You still have time to get out to the polls. This election is history in the making, be apart of the process.

Barack Obama Rally at the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise

The evening was magical.

Stars Stump for Obama

MIAMI — With two days remaining until Election Day, Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs told voters in South Florida not to be scared away from the polls by long lines.
"It's bigger than us," Combs said. "We have to do it for our children, we have to do it for the people that died for us to have the right to vote."
Combs and Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, appeared before a crowd of about 800 at the Chester Robinson Athletic Center at Florida Memorial University for a "Last Chance for Change" rally Sunday afternoon.
Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, music executive Kevin Liles and fellow recording artist Mary J. Blige also joined them at the get-out-the-vote effort for Democratic nominee Barack Obama.
"We stood in line to get the new Lil' Wayne CD," Liles said. "We stood in line to get a new pair of Jordans. We stood in line to get in here. So we ain't afraid of no lines."
The event was more of a campaign rally than hip-hop extravaganza. None of the artists actually performed on stage, instead using their time to stump for the Democratic nominee. A DJ played as the crowd waited for the group to arrive, and a gospel choir and college step teams also performed.
"We have been doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result," Blige said. "Please do something different. Barack Obama is a true example of something different. He's a true example of something our children can have in the future, what they can look at and say: 'Wow, we can really, really do something. We can really, really be something.'"
When an announcer asked if anyone in the crowd had already voted, several attendees threw their hands in the air, waved blue campaign signs and screamed. (source)

Obama Logo: The Meaning

Obama logo is pure genius
The O represents Obama and he can use the logo without his name next to it. He’s claiming the O as George W. Bush claimed the W
The blue O and the red stripes represent the flag
The red stripes represent the plains, the American farmland
The O’s whitespace represents the sun, shining over the plains. Because it’s white, it evokes sunrise, not sunset.
So what the logo is trying to say is that there’s a new morning sun (a hope, change) rising over America, and that Obama is it.

Voting Tips

1. Get a Sample Ballot for your county so you will be prepared.
2. Bring a chair, radio, and something to read.
3. Encourage those who haven't voted to come with you.
4. If you are voting during work, keep in contact with you employer by calling in or texting to keep them informed of your wait time.
5. By all means, stay in line.
6. If you are bringing small children, have snacks, water, books and hand-held toys to keep them busy.
7. Explain to them the importance of voting and why you are waiting in line.
8. If you child can still fit in their stroller...BRING IT WITH YOU, your child can have a seat and not get so restless.
9. Keep snacks, water, books, and toys in the carrier below.

HAPPY VOTING!!!