2012: The Year of Kony

The time to make a difference is now.

"Right now, there are more people on Facebook than there were on the planet 200 years ago."

This opening line of "KONY 2012", the newest campaign from the Invisible Children Inc. acknowledges the quantity of life across the globe. As the thirty minute video progresses, experiences ranging from first sounds to the dissemination of political uprisings capture what it is to be engaged in society.

If you've watched this video, or any footage from Invisible Children, you already know that its not only the quantity of life that should be of great interest but the quality. In Uganda (and other states where the Lord's Resistance Army, known as the L.R.A., has crossed borders to spread their terrorism), Joseph Kony, a rebel guerrilla leader and number nine on the world's Top 10 Most Wanted fugitives, is running rampant. His extremist ideals are rooted in the Christian Ten Commandments and his campaign involves strategies including murder, mutilation, rape and cannibalism.

What's wrong with this picture?

Thanks to Invisible Children, the time to "do more than just watch"has come. The mission of three young filmmakers in 2003 has exploded into a global movement. College campuses across the United States have witnessed the atrocities committed by Joseph Kony and his followers, including (but not limited to) his practices involving the forceful recruitment of child soldiers. Nine years ago, Bobby Bailey, Laren Poole and Jason Russell "stumbled" upon this war and have since created Invisible Children Inc. as a non-profit and informative resource to educate others and work to stop Joseph Kony through various media outlets.

As of today (March 8, 2012), the "Kony 2012" video has over 12.1 million views on Viemo and 37 million on YouTube. Along with a viral sweeping on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, celebrities such as Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Christina Milian and Nicki Minaj have endorsed the campaign. The message of this campaign, during a presidential election year that has been known for differing and controversial issues is that the eradication of the L.R.A. and its crimes is "something we can all agree on".

Joseph Kony: He can run but he can't hide.

This film was first posted on March 5th. 

If its message can grab the attention of almost 50 million people (a number equal to the total populations of such countries as South Korea or South Africa), what kind of impact will it have on the actions of those people? 

As global citizens, we are obligated to do our part in taking a stand in crimes against humanity. 

There are many ways to be involved in this movement to save the lives of innocent Ugandans and to contribute to the preventative measures being taken to alleviate this crisis globally. Along with the links included below, COSMOpolitique urges you to contact legislators and members of Congress and encourage them to be active participants in this war against Kony. 

This is the year for change at home and abroad.

Sign the pledge to stop Joseph Kony.

Donate to Invisible Children.

SHOP Invisible Children. (All proceeds are donations to the cause.)

Learn more about the cause.

Watch the video: "KONY 2012"

What will you do to help?

Tunes & 2012: Where to Go for the Hottest Shows of the Year

     With a busy start to the new year, we can imagine how planning ways to spend that Christmas bonus might make you a little anxious. (Especially if saving money was one of your resolutions.) But what if we said that there was a great way to spend it on yourself and turn it into a once-in-a-lifetime trip? 

Well, if you like traveling and music, you've come to the right blog.

      As early as January, the 2012 music festivals have begun to gain momentum and everywhere from Miami to Indio and Vail Valley to San Bernadino is hosting one! With our quick 2012 festival guide, we're sure you'll find the perfect excuse to gather some friends and make it an unforgettable trip.

• March 2-4: Snowball Fest, Vail Valley, Colorado Due to the rapidly approaching date of this show, we suggest grabbing the $160 passes sooner rather than later. For fans of Afroman, Bag Raiders and Crushendo (formerly Slim Thugz), this year's line-up will make you thankful you worked so hard this year. And if that doesn't do it, then the 6,000 acres of snow for scenery certainly will! 

• March 3: Cyprus Hill Smokeout, San Bernadino, California Despite its declaration as a music festival and medicinal marijuana expo, don't let that stop you from this "mind opening" experience. The promotional video on their website, features clips from previous shows and a massive audience and the line-up boasts such acts as The Dirty Heads and Wiz Khalifa. With over two dozen acts, GA tickets for $86 and plenty of hemp-related shopping, we suggest packing your car now. (And don't forget to pack lots of snacks!) 

• March 9-18: SXSW, Austin, Texas After doing our homework, the (approximately) 90 stages at SXSW really got us excited. If that wasn't enough, this event doubles as a film festival! SXSW's schedule of events will keep you busy everyday which is why registration for their entrance packages (known as "badges") is especially important. Prices range from $750 to $1195 until February 10 and not that we don't think bands like The Ettes (Nashville), Fanzine (London, UK) and THE GRANNIES (San Francisco) are worth it, but planning for an event as large as this can take a lot of time, especially when it comes to finding accommodations!

• March 23-25: ULTRA Music Festival, Miami, Florida We envy those of you who have spring break during this time and don't need to run to Human Resources with a vacation request. Take the advice from an older and wiser generation: DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW. The website blasts the foreboding words "SOLD OUT" but as with any event, if you can find tickets online, spare no cost. This year's lineup includes acts like Hardwell, Jack Beats and Kraftwerk but Loco Dice, Miike Snow and New Order will also be present for "the biggest dance music event in America". As if we haven't dropped enough names already, the full list of performers is available on their website as well as a gallery from last year and countdown to the 2012 show.

• April 13-15 & 20-22: Coachella, Indio, California After seeing some snapshots of "Coachella cuties" from last year's show, stars like Victoria's Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio and Kate Moss put tickets to this event on our wish lists. While traditional tickets are unavailable, there seems to be some fine print that might gain you entry. Our motivation? Acts such as Pulp, Radiohead and Santogold are just a few of the things on our "most wanted" lists this year. Let us know if you get into what is known as California's flagship festival, we'll want to see pictures!

Heading to JassFest, SunFest, Sasquatch or any other "fest"'s this year? We want to hear about them! Send pictures and comments to cosmopolitique@gmail.com or tweet us @COSMOpolitique.

"Looking Forward" to 2012: First Night in Boston

If you're sitting at your cubicle (or in your bedroom at your parents' house) daunted by the idea of an unplanned New Year's weekend, we can sympathize. In fact, with so much to do in one of the best cities in the world, its easy to forget just how easy planning can be without breaking the bank. And don't feel bad because you just couldn't swing that trip to NYC with your friends. Boston has a celebration all its own that honors the firsts and lasts of everything this holiday.

On firstnight.org, the official website of Boston's annual winter celebration, the facts page boats that "First Night is the oldest and largest New Year's Eve celebration of the arts in North America". However, if you're not a fan of all things artistic, don't fret. With over a million people expected to celebrate this year, there is something in the city for everyone. 

What to do:

• Beginning at 5:30, the annual holiday procession commences at 5:30 in front of the Hynes Convention Center. If you enjoy the pomp and circumstance of a holiday parade, grab a spot along Boylston St., or where Charles St. meets Beacon St. This is a great family activity and for those who might want to call it an early night.
• While considered art, the annual display of ice sculptures is an entertaining way to spend time between city adventures. This year's collection will include five masterpieces illuminated by a variety of lights. Weighing between 30 and 45 tons, each sculpture is impressive and might motivate you to take on a hands-on project in the coming year!
• Got plans during the day but want to see the year out with a colorful explosion of delight? Don't miss the midnight fireworks over Boston Harbor! The Zambelli family, famous in the firework business for a little under a century, has been making the skyline sparkle in more than 18,000 cities alone for nationwide July 4th celebrations. We can't wait to see what they have up their sleeves this year!
• If you're looking for a party, websites like Clubzone.com have full listings of the festivities going down at venues like the Seaport Hotel and Club Mantra. (But hurry because these can sell out up until the day before!) Ticket prices may include amenities such as bottle service, hors d'oeuvres and champagne tots at midnight.
• For the comedian (and comedienne alike), acts such as Dan Kelly and John Pinette, will be performing  at venues across the city. Their events, as well as others, can be found on Boston.com's calendar page.
• Despite the expected increase in visitors to the city this weekend, there are still plenty of ways and places to steal a moment or two of romance on this holiday. Thanks to this guide we found, you can sweep your significant other off their feet at midday or midnight if you check out Boston.com's "Best Places to Kiss" gallery.
• However, while some chose Boston because we know how to "do it big", some prefer the quaintness of a simple dinner out and watching Dick Clark in the comfort of their own home. We can understand that but don't miss out the celebrating entirely! From Aura Restaurant to The Beehive, there's a festive spot for everyone! (Reservations recommended!)

Like our tips? Have some of your own? Comment below, 'like' us on Facebook or send us a tweet! @COSMOpolitique 

And have a very Happy New Year! xoxo

Christmas Countdown: The 18 Reasons You Shouldn't Vote GOP in 2012

As your options for holiday gifts get slimmer and slimmer, so do the GOP candidates for president. In fact, as they weed themselves out of this political circus that is obtaining their party's nomination, it may become clearer as to why voting Republican is not the way to go in 2012.

The reason these candidates are not attractive candidates for "leader of the free world" is based on their ability to understand the bigger issues facing America, how they comport themselves in political (or presidential settings) and their general lack of knowledge.

Below are a few frightening facts about these aspiring presidents:

Michelle Bachmann

• 55, Tea Party "darling", made famous by her many gaffes (Don't confuse her with the historical facts...)

Newt Gingrich

• 68, ousted as Speaker of the House, wants to protect the sanctity of marriage yet has been married 3 times and settled a divorce with a former spouse on her hospital bed (How's that for 'sacred'?)

Jon Hunstman

• 51, no skeletons in his closet other than the fact that he dropped out of high school (but later earned his G.E.D.) and is friends with the Chinese (VP). (No word yet on whether or not he ever inhaled...)

Ron Paul

• 76, has been nicknamed "Dr. No" which settles his likelihood of being a pragmatic leader and has a foreign policy of "non-intervention" despite the fact that globalization is proving to be a contributing flattener of the world.

Rick Perry

• 61, named his hunting lodge something racially offensive (not to mention morally reprehensible) and said that human rights for gays are not in America's best interests.

Mitt Romney

• 64, needs to learn his American geography and when to admit that his ideas are just as good as Obama's when it comes to healthcare.

Rick Santorum

• 53, criticized Obama for disclosing bin Laden's death too soon adding that it was a "national security failure" and believes that the passing of gay marriage would cause the U.S. to fail. (Kinda makes you wonder his take on the economic situation, right?)

On top of all this, some candidates don't understand the separation of church and state while others simply don't understand moral obligations. Furthermore, candidates should be checking their facts because Americans are smart and we know what's good for us. 

(Hint: Demonizing our relationship with Israel doesn't make the list...)

Speaking of lists, what are your thoughts on the presidential candidates so far? Leave us a comment below and we'll promptly respond! (Mostly because there are no press secretaries to wrangle with!)