Tim Thomas: On Thin Ice?

Would you miss out on a team invitation to the White House?

Imagine accomplishing something and being invited to the White House to be acknowledged for it. Pretty awesome right? Apparently not awesome enough for Tim Thomas, goalie for the Boston Bruins who made  a statement this week by not accepting the invitation extended to his entire team in recognition for winning the 2011 Stanley Cup. Since his refusal to attend, many Bruins fans have voiced their opinions regarding the champion goalie and whether or not politics has a place in sports.

As a Bostonian, it's hard not to involve the two. With celebration banners hanging from our state house and parades of epic proportions through the streets where minutemen once trod when we bring home victory trophies, it seems like the two go hand in hand. Thomas, one of two Americans on the Bruins roster, could be defended with the argument that he was simply exercising his right to free speech. However, some fans believe that athletes should be role models and that perhaps Thomas should have done the gracious thing and accepted the President's invitation.

In his statement, Thomas said that he believes the Federal government has grown out of control, citing the infringement of rights, liberty and property among the reasons for his frustration. In fairness, Thomas made clear that he believe the fault lies with both parties and said that this was a difficult and individual decision.

As fans sound off on the internet and through other media, we're curious to hear what COSMOpolitique readers think. Should Thomas have taken his issues to the president or was his message heard loud and clear? Tell us in a comment below, on Facebook or on Twitter by following @COSMOpolitique

For more on Tim Thomas and what Bruins fans think of his political statement, pick up The Boston Globe, on newsstands today!

"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

Be Scene!

Another weekend is on the way and you're in need of a new watering hole. You'd try something hip but you don't know where to start. Lucky for you Boston.com does!

Meet "Spotted", your new go-to archive for "the faces and places that make up Boston's vibrant nightlife scene". Since August, Boston.com has been tracking the whereabouts of night owls all over the city from swanky South End hot spots to bootlegger parties in Jamaica Plain. Whether you're the type that prefers a concert at a venue like the MFA courtyard or a themed party at a stylish club like Royale, there's something for everyone who wants to venture out.

Ranked 11th in 2009 by Forbes for best nightlife (coming in just behind Miami!), Boston's culture, "coolness" and celebrity fan base (like actor Anthony Michael Hall, model Cameron Russell and comedian Dane Cook) has sky-rocketed it to fame on the silver screen as well as the party scene. But it not always a party here. A quick glance though the Spotted archive proves that being more casual is what some Bostonians do best. (And they look good doing it too!)

But wanna know the best part? Spotted takes suggestions from readers in search of the best places to be and be seen! Offer up your favorite spots and you might just make it into the gallery. Plus, you never know who you'll end up rubbing elbows with!

Get Intimate with Cameron Russell

For the fashion faithful, the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show is a sparkly, ethereal explosion of beautifully mastered lingerie designs. Along with surprise musical guests and V.I.P.'s, many look forward to the new faces that grace the catwalk in search of the underwear empire's next big thing. This year, Bostonians need look no further than brunette beauty Cameron Russell.


Russell was born in Boston but raised in Cambridge. Her brush against fame came early, when she met then-President Bill Clinton at a speaking engagement at MIT. Clinton's words resounded in the young starlet's mind, inspiring her to make the most of her schooling and relationships with people. 


While vacationing in Maine, Russell was discovered at 16 by a retired agent and a year later signed to the prestigious Ford Models agency. Graduate of the Commonwealth School in Back Bay, Russell has worked with agencies such as Ford Models, DNA Model Management and Women Management and has been the subject of Steven Meisel, Craig McDean, and Nick Knight in projects for Vogue, Paris Vogue and Vogue Italia (to name a few).


For a city that's notorious for dropping r's at the ends of words, Russell will likely have jaws dropping November 29th when she debuts as a fresh face for the Victoria's Secret lineup. Even though she resides in New York, we can still love a girl who's known for her smile and interest in kung fu.

With extensive advertising campaigns and couture runway experience under her belt, that dirty water seems  to be working just fine for Miss Russell. Be sure to tune into CBS for the 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on November 29th at 10 pm EST!

For more on Cameron Russell...