America 2.0

Welcome to America, where black people are president, gay people are senators and smoking pot is legal. 

President Obama's inauguration into his second presidential term marked a cultural change that was just as deep as the political one, and I was there to see it. From January 17-22 I was in Washington DC with the Close Up foundation and for the first time in my life I gained a whole new perspective on what this country stands for.

As I stood on the National Mall, below freezing weather waiting for Obama to be sworn into office for the second time in a row it dawned upon me just how far we have come as a nation. Only 50 years ago no one would have even thought about putting a black guy in charge, because that would have just been absurd. But there I was, smiling at the one time I was glad to see history repeat itself, also the fact that it was MLK day AND the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation really made it icing on the cake.

It was funny to see what the Republican party put out as a fantasy become a reality; what was seen as a fluke in African American pride and youth enthusiasm made it crystal clear on what this nation wants. Well at least half of the nation.

America is ever changing. The white men, which are the base of the GOP, are becoming a shrinking minority, and those so called hooligans are the people everybody is counting on...Yes, the Democratic party has a long way to go before it can reach that sweeping victory that it's looking for, but our folks on the right side are going to be doing a lot of wandering around looking for that upper hand they need to win in 2016. The future of the GOP now relies on its ability to adapt to the new liberal America...America 2.0.

Let's see how that goes.

I just want to give a Thanks to Close Up for making this the best week ever, and my three room mates Melissa, Claire, and Evelyn who were a blast to stay with!

Follow me on Twitter/Instagram @vivalajamz

Three Things to Get Straight.

1. Nicolas Sparks is not a good storyteller. 

SPOILER ALERT! She dies!

You sir, are vomit in an airline sickness bag. There are hundreds of dead writers cringing in their grave wanting to rise from the dead and smash a bottle in your face. 

I understand the want to read a sappy, predictable, romance novel, but I dare you to read it when you're not on your period. 

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2. DVR/Netflix/Hulu etc. are king!

Commercials longer than a minute? Ain't nobody got time fo dat! Plus, I have homework. 

TV networks still mostly rely on ratings and viewing numbers of shows when they first air, and it causes the unfortunate cancellation of some damn good shows. Yes, they do get the DVR and next day viewing numbers, but they don't seem to put them into account when they decide which shows need to stay or go, and they should. People like me, who go to school, take a bunch of high level classes, drown in homework and don't really get to watch TV during the week always get the short end of the stick here. I rely on my DVR, and now, with the world going at the pace it is, TV networks should too. 

3. Anderson Cooper should be everyone's Patronus 

For the Harry Potter virgins reading this, a patronus charm evokes a positive energy force when faced with dark forces such as dementors. 

FACT: The Moon reflecting the Sun's light at night is a lie. It's actually Anderson Cooper's hair reflecting the light.

Imagine if Oprah and Anderson did a segment together! I would die happy. 

Anderson, I don't care if you're gay, if you are reading this, call me! 

Follow me on twitter @vivalajamz