Bruce H Joffe – författare

Well before the June 1969 Stonewall riots threw open the closet doors to unleash and proclaim an unmistakable gay mantra, myriad clues some subliminal, others overt clearly ingrained the notion of homosexuality in advertisements appearing on the pages of many American periodicals.Hedonistically intertwined with homoerotic connections are advertising themes such as youth, vitality, and carnal pleasure. Gay intimacy and interaction, references to the male genitalia, and threats of sexual conquest of and between men can be documented in ads as far back as the late 1800s. And, although the images reflected in their advertising mirror are fewer and farther between, women who prefer the company of other women similarly have been goosed and gandered by Madison Avenue. In this richly illustrated tapestry hinting at homosexuality in American advertising, Bruce H. Joffe examines and analyzes over 200 suggestive ads concluding that gay imbroglio and innuendo tease at us amid subliminal elements seductively perceived and strategically portrayed. A Professor of Communication who has taught Gay & Lesbian Studies courses at George Mason University, Dr. Joffe is now on the faculty of Mary Baldwin College where he continues to explore sexual minorities, the media, and cultural norms. Author royalties from this book will benefit the Commercial Closet Association, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization working to influence the world of advertising to understand, respect and include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) references that create a more accepting society while achieving successful business results."Joffes new book ... documents ads, starting in 1905, that would raise eyebrows even among gay people living in 2007."--The Washington Blade"The mere fact that this was written by ... a noted academician in the field of gay and lesbian studies, makes this an engaging and enlightening read. If you think that Winnie the Poohs gay leanings is enough to make you fall off your seat, then wait till you read this book. You might even start to believe that the Marlboro Man ... is also gay."--On the Edge of Reason"...a groundbreaking new look at GLBT portrayals in marketing ..."--commercialcloset.org"Joffe identifies ... more than 225 advertisements published by major manufacturers and retailers dating back to the turn of the 20th century - including some of the more well-known brands on the American landscape - that contain same-sex imagery."--Augusta Free Press"Homosexuality has often been a much talked-about issue, but rarely has it been dealt with in the aspect of advertising. A Hint of Homosexuality? crashes through the protective fences of conservatism and delves into this hot topic with much gusto. Readers only have to open their minds in leafing through the pages of this book, as it provides thorough analyses and interpretations of advertisements both recent and vintage and the subliminal homoerotic messages hidden in them. Much of the ideas and discussions ... are given credence due to the undeniable expertise of author Dr. Bruce Joffe in the said subject."--I-Newswire"Leafing through Hint forces the reader to look at old marketing in a new light. The book gives many examples of coding, the subtle images inserted in print advertising that would go unnoticed by a straight reader but perk the attention of an informed gay man or lesbian."--David Atlanta "So, those male underwear ads in the old Sears, Montgomery Wards, and JC Penney catalogs werent the only ones out there in the 1960s and early 1970s to draw the curiosity of a young adolescent gay male. Oh, the power of advertising!"--bufftuff.blogspot.com"... definitely a Must See ... examples of themes and messages that were almost explicitly gay or gay-friendly--yet not picked up on by hetero-America

In the beginning, Dale Carnegie taught us How to Win Friends and Influence People. Later we learned The Power of Positive Thinking, how to Dress for Success, become One Minute Managers, and appreciate The Art of the Deal.Now, comes Personal PR: Public Relations and Marketing Tips That Work to Your Advantage. Strategically designed and practically oriented, the books simple suggestions and anecdotes relate how-to-do-it tactics and strategies youll use to succeed in your business and professional life.On the pages inside, discover how to benefit by utilizing publicity, marketing, advertising, diplomacy, and other promotional practices to tackle your goals and achieve your objectives.

You cant box God up in religion.You cant box Jesus up in Christianity.You cant box church up in a building.You cant box faith up in a set of beliefs. You cant box grace up in conditions.The Kingdom of God isnt boxed up in our churches.Imagine church without pulpits or pews, creeds or confessionalsno membership, plate-passing, pledges, vestments, heavenly choirs, or altar calls.Without buildings to maintain or staff to sustain, the church no longer is seen as a private club or guilt-trip haven to heaven. Instead, its focus is on caring and sharing, living here-and-now, not in the hereafter.Rather than part of our worldly empires, the church has become their antithesis.From guts to glory, the church begets reform.

It all began innocently enough.Such matters often do.Facebook suggested that I add him as a friend.Who knows why? Maybe it has something to do with the mutual friends we have in common. Or the groups we both belong to. Or some mysterious algorithm used by Face-book.He looks good in the postage stamp picture, so I click through to his profile. OMG, he is gorgeous! The proverbial tall, dark, and handsome type to whom I've always been attracted. He is sexy and sultry and seductive. This man is more than good-looking … he person-ifies the word "e;hunk!"e;"e;Could he possibly be gay?"e; I wonder.I follow Facebook's suggestion and send him a friend request.Within 48 hours, I have become his friend #2,311.Two months later, he private messages me:"e;Hi, how are you?"e;The plot is about to thicken.

As religious and spiritual people navigate the complexities of faith in the digital age, memes provide a unique lens through which they can explore, critique, and celebrate their beliefs. The interplay between daily life experiences and vital spirituality within memes not only enriches individual understanding but also fosters a broader conversation about the role of religion in our increasingly interconnected world.Memes often encapsulate profound truths in just a few words or images, prompting reflection and discussion among viewers. Their blend of irreverence and theology challenges traditional biblical interpretations, encouraging individuals to rethink their understanding of the faith.The impact of memes on religious identity is profound, especially among those who navigate their spirituality online. Memes serve as a means of expression allowing individuals to articulate their beliefs in a contemporary context. As they share and create memes, believers reinforce their identities and connect with like-minded individuals, cultivating a sense of belonging in a digital church-like community.Memes serve as a unique lens through which we can analyze religious messages. By dissecting their underlying themes, we uncover insights about contemporary beliefs and practices. This encourages individuals to reflect on their own spiritual journeys while observing how culture shapes their understanding of religious narratives. As these memes circulate online, they create a tapestry of thoughts that enrich the spiritual backdrop, acting both as mirrors and windows reflecting personal experiences … while providing glimpses into the beliefs of others.

In an unprecedented time of turmoil and political chaos creating personal conflicts and public crises, increasing numbers of Americans are moving out of their country for a better, more peaceful life ... and to enjoy a higher standard of living at lower costs.The U.S. State Department estimates that nine million Americans are living abroad. And the emigrant exodus is rising!It's one thing to travel the world with a USA passport … quite another to actually live in – not just visit – "e;foreign"e; countries.EXPAT details the differences.Gains and losses. Trials and tribulations. Physical upheavals, emotional pathos. Rules and regulations, peculiar processes and protocols. Bureaucracy and red tape. Finances and household budgets. Conflicts, crises, challenges. Special satisfactions. Unknown languages and lingos. Assorted hodgepodge.All told, with color and candor.