The Gay Uncle has been intimately involved in researching and consulting on what he thinks is a very important educational initiative during the past year and a half. Sponsored and funded entirely by the Federal Trade Commission (that’s right, Gunc goes Fed) this project uses an online game, a free downloadable curriculum, and other research materials to help tweens learn how to be more critical readers of consumer messages. In other words it’s about teaching Advertising Literacy: what ads are about, who is behind them, and what they want kids to do or think. Anyway, the program launched officially today to some awesome media coverage. These links are below. Or, better yet, simply head on over to the site and have your kid try it out (or try it yourself): admongo.gov Safe, fun, and educational. What could be better?
The Today Show
The New York Times
New York 1
Momlogic
Babble
Thank you Apollo, or Dionysus, or whichever one of those gods is in charge of Faggy Fun. Glee returned to form last night, with an episode that was both hilarious and heartfelt. And I returned to my keyboard immediately after to write up a new Glee-cap for Vanity Fair.
I had a chance to interview the charming and hilarious Chris Colfer, who plays gay teen Kurt on Glee, the other day and he had plenty to say on the subjects of retail therapy, playing (and being) an out gay young person, and his masterful plans for pulling pranks on the cast and members of the audience during the live Glee tour this spring.
The folks over at Archie Comics, in an effort to stay au courrant, are introducing an openly gay teenager into the mix at Riverdale High this fall. His name is Kevin Keller, and he’s H-O-T (for a two dimensional dude, that is.) But his sudden appearance begs a few questions. I attempt to answer them over at Vanity Fair.
Lauren Myracle’s best-selling “ttyl” topped this year’s list of books parents most want banned (or banished) from the shelves of their local libraries. The Gay Uncle gives her a ring, and talks about intellectual freedom, teens, and controversy.
Last summer, my brother’s band, The High Strung, performed at a library on the Naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. And that was the least weird part of their trip. Honoring the experience, I wrote
I had a lovely phone chat this afternoon with Kevin McHale, who plays “Artie” (aka The Kid in the Wheelchair) on Glee. We discussed his recent mind-bending experiences with the three Os–Oprah, the Obamas, and Apolo Ohno–as well as his secret boy-band past. He also revealed that he will be rapping in the upcoming season of Glee, and is embarrassed about it. Also, he is planning an insurrection at the cast’s upcoming Radio City Music Hall show.
Cleaning the bathroom floor got you blue (or yellow?) Tired of teaching your toddler how to position his penis? Wondering why it is that men and women are so infuriatingly different? Well read the Gay Uncle’s timely tips (pun intended) on Why You Should Let Your Son Pee Sitting Down, and you’ll understand everything…and more.