Memorial Day Flashback: BBQ With Mariah Carey, Olivia Newton-John & Tyson Beckford

Michael (L) with the fab Mariah Carey and me (R)

I originally posted this in 2015, but as I thinking about Memorial Days past, this was one for the books:

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So picture this: I’m laying on the couch having just taken a Vicodin for the tooth ache that simply will not go away.

(Regular readers know I’ve had not the best week with a tooth ache that wouldn’t quit and since it was a long holiday weekend my dentist’s office was closed. So I was medicating as best I could LOL.)

Hubby Michael comes in and asks “How are you??” As the pain meds are kicking in I stay positive and say “I’m ok.” I’m not really, but I’m going for the “think positive” thing here.

He repeats, “No, how ARE you? We just got invited to an impromptu Memorial Day BBQ at Mariah Carey’s house. Olivia Newton-John and Tyson Beckford are going too. Can you make it?”

At this point I”m pretty sure my hearing is on the fritz, too, as I thought I heard him say we’re invited to Mariah Carey’s house for a party???

And yes, that is what happened.

Thankfully, Vicodin isn’t the strongest thing in the world.

You don’t pass up an invite like this. I get up, shower, put my best “casual chic/going to Mariah Carey’s house” kind of outfit and off we go.

I’d never met Mariah but she was a doll. She and Tyson are old friends; and she and Olivia have sung together before.

I had a great time, was uber-impressed with the gorgeous house she’s renting during her Vegas residency at Caesars Colosseum. Of course, like every party, we all congregated in the outdoor kitchen, chatting and eating burgers. You know, your every day “I’m at a party with international superstars each in their own right” kind of party.

Very cool way to end Tyson’s headlining gig with the Chippendales as he was selling out just about every night. Olivia is now back in town at the Flamingo Las Vegas as her residency resumes. And we’ll be seeing Mariah back at Caesars Colosseum in July.

When I wake up from my Vicodin induced sleep, I’m going to have the best dream to tell Michael.

Check the pics of shiny happy people below.

(L-R) Kristen Makhathini, Mariah Carey, Tyson Beckford, Olivia Newton-John & Michael Caprio
I was clearly doing a bar run for the group at this time 🙂

MIchael, Mariah, Olivia and me

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Reunited in Vegas! Love you Olivia Newton John!! #HopelesslyDevotedToYou
Posted by Mariah Carey on Monday, May 25, 2015

The First Memorial Day

How the black community brought about the first Memorial Day in 1865, then called "Decoration Day."

Via Think Progress:

According to Professor David Blight of Yale University, the first Memorial Day took place on May 1, 1865 in Charleston, SC, after a group of African-Americans, mostly former slaves, gave 257 Union soldiers a proper burial.

The black community in Charleston then consecrated the new cemetery with “an unforgettable parade of 10,000 people,” led by 3,000 black school children.

It was initially called “Decoration Day.”

Donald Trump Observes Memorial Day By Celebrating Himself

Donald Trump

On this Memorial Day, as millions of Americans remember those military service members who’ve fallen to defend our freedoms, Donald Trump took to Twitter to celebrate… himself!

“Happy Memorial Day! Those who died for our great country would be very happy and proud at how well our country is doing today. Best economy in decades, lowest unemployment numbers for Blacks and Hispanics EVER (& women in 18years), rebuilding our Military and so much more. Nice!”

Economy? Do you really think a WWII veteran would rise from the grave to day and ask “How’s the Dow doing?”

#smh

The Twitterverse took note:

And, in case you were wondering, this is how a president addresses Memorial Day properly:

Memorial Day 2016

Today is Memorial Day here in the USA. I urge everyone to take a moment and reflect on who and what we are remembering today.

The last Monday in May has been observed nationwide as a day to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our military since 1868.

Originally called “Decoration Day” (as flowers were used to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers), the date of observance was chosen not as the anniversary of a particular battle, but because it would be the optimal date for flowers to be in bloom.

The name “Memorial Day” was adopted in 1882, but not officially declared by Federal law until 1967.

As he has for the past 7 Memorial Day observances, President Obama laid a wreath today at the Tomb of the Unknowns to honor members of the military who died serving their country.

Speaking to a large crowd, Obama called for Americans to honor the fallen by caring for those they leave behind – their families and their battle buddies who come home.

“We need to be there not just when we need them, but when they need us,” Obama said of the nation’s veterans.

Quote of the day: President Obama on hiring our veterans

President Obama speaks to troops during surprise visit in Afghanistan

“I keep saying back home when you want someone who knows how to get the job done hire a vet.”
– President Obama speaking to troops in Afghanistan the day before Memorial Day.

Not only is President Obama right, but it’s a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with.

Too many veterans cannot find a job after their service and I think it’s reprehensible.  I’m glad to hear our President make that point over and over again.

More about his Memorial Day visit to our troops here.