While some states have a state flower, a state song, even a state cookie, South Carolina has a state dance. The Shag is official state dance of South Carolina.
We know that Jake has some moves, but can the man shag?
The Shag came from the Myrtle Beach (SC) and Wilmington (NC) beach communities in the 1940's and is still popular in both the Carolinas and Virginia. A form of swing dancing which has some steps similar to a jitterbug, it originated as a way for the white youth in the then segregated south to dance to predominantly African American Rhythm & Blues music ( early basis for Rock -n-Roll).
The basic Shag moves are an eight count dance where the upper body remains still and all movement is done with the lower half of the body. As partners dance the basic Shag the man holds just one hand of his partner as he leads. He is the center of attention and in more advanced shag moves his partner not only mirrors his moves but spins and twirls around him. A basic shag leaves one hand free for each partner and while very frowned upon in competitive shagging events, it is well known that your free hand is to hold your drink as you shag in the sand. The shag is one dance that you can do and never spill your beer.
Yes there are shag clubs, shagging contests, junior, amateur, novice and pro shagging divisions, and Shag : The Movie.
There is no doubt somewhere in Columbia there is some shagging going on. Wonder if Jake will get his shag on? Now that's "Dancing with the (former co) Star"!
I would pay beaucoup bucks to see Jake and Austin shag!
ReplyDeleteToo funny - thanks for the laugh this morning! BTW, thanks for the song too, one of my faves - I've loved this ever since I heard it in Bull Durham during that hot scene, I think they shagged in every room of the house! ;)
ReplyDeletealias NETB
ReplyDeleteDo you think that the last 25 plus years post AIDS have created a cultural shift in the gay community and we are now seeing it in the newest generation of gay men?
Wicked, I wanted to comment on this - The author brought up this point too - I've always wondered if way back in the late 60s when there was more freedom much like the straight sexual revolution, gay men had their own sexual revolution, and men were discovering and reveling in that. But much like everyone else, people truly want have a meaningful relationship with one partner, so I think today's young gay men have inherited that freedom to love more openly and have relationships the way they want to, after the way being paved by the older generation. Of course, AIDS complicated things much as sexual diseases have done for all people, albeit much more seriously. We've stillg got a way to go, though.
Very interesting about the shag, and would love to see J&A on the dance floor doing this one.
ReplyDeleteInteresting about the history of the shag. Which means you have a southern state naming as its state dance one that was designed to keep white kids from dancing too much like the black kids.
First memory of doing the shag was in gym class. Those eight basic steps and the devil they gave me at first. And then tying a tie around the hand of the door knob so I could hold on and do it over and over again in my room till I stopped thinking and counting and just ended up dancing.
ReplyDeleteLooks like Kenny Chesney won't be doing much dancing after breaking his foot during a concert in Columbia over the weekend. Kenny Chesney breaks foot in Columbia at Concert
ReplyDeleteBut I do smile at the quirkiness of life. Chesney's concert schedule Columbia,SC followed by Austin TX.
I am so impressed that Kenny Chesney continued his show after breaking his foot. What a trouper!
ReplyDeleteBeen thinking about that article about the young, gay married men. I was amazed to read about the couple who got a marriage license but didn't tell their parents. To me, if you're grown enough to get married, you should be grown enough to tell the family.
Also been thinking about Destiny's comment in the last thread about gay couples using marriage to legitimize their relationships. Straight couples have been doing this forever! How many young couples do you know who married to make their families take them seriously? I knew several when I was in high school, unfortunately.
Never enough pictures of naked Jake. That's enough to re-arouse my interest. Cool music too. I am a big fan of music from this time period, and listen to it while walking on the treadmill. I've often imagined Jake and Austin dancing together in the privacy of their own home. Jake strikes me as being very romantic.
ReplyDeleteTo tie into the conversation about gay couples getting married, these two just recently confirmed that they have gotten married after 22 years of being together...they are an open television couple
ReplyDeleteForgive me I don't have time to link
http://www.lovetripper.com/bridalstars/2008/04/42608-tv-stars-justin-ryans-wedding.html
http://weddingobsession.wordpress.com/2008/04/15/home-heists-colin-justin-tie-the-knot/
and 2 little video of just a part of their design show just to get the idea of them
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQvUX1tB9Dc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCxMDcEOIEU&feature=related
they are pretty much like this the entire time on their show
Do you think that the last 25 plus years post AIDS have created a cultural shift in the gay community and we are now seeing it in the newest generation of gay men?
ReplyDeleteYou have to remember that gay men in their 20's have never known a world in which AIDS did not exist. Gay culture of post Stonewall and into the 1970's was something completely different than it is today. This generation will be very interesting to follow.
You have to remember that gay men in their 20's have never known a world in which AIDS did not exist.
ReplyDeleteNoone of either gender in their 20s knows of a world where AIDS did not exist. It's a totally different world for everyone, but that's not to say that people are disconnected from what happened in the past days; those early days have given people the rights they enjoy today, although there are still more to go - literature, art, fighting for rights, to me it's a rennaissance of sorts.
The more knowledge I gain and the more I become involved, the more I see that people, whether race, religion, sexuality, gender, are pretty much the same in what they want out of life. I see myself and my BF in those two guys who are so in love they want to get married, and nobody knows more about how they feel than they do, and they don't need to validate themselve to anyone. That's why I say it may be not so much a cultural shift, as it is something that was there all along and just coming into full flower. I'm so happy to see it. JMHO :)
The couple deflected the question with a you-must-not-really-understand-the-power-of-our-love look common to so many lovesick young couples. “We just know we’ll be fine,” Vassili told me, rubbing Marc’s back. “We love each other, and that’s all that matters.”
ReplyDeleteI thought it interesting that you found this squee-able, NETB. When I read it, I figured this couple would never make it. They don't seem to have any idea what it really takes to make a relationship work in the real world- how much work must go into it- because love is enough. It think that's crap! True, lasting love is practical, IMO.
A Wash DC story re Reese doing Avon walk. maybe Jake will be there. must be diff to go from hard biking w/Austin to being 'on hand' w/Reese. no wonder he s exhausted!!
ReplyDeletehilarious
^^But it may turn out to be practical, given a chance. Who knows what the future holds for any of us, but they deserve the chance to make it for themselves, that's why I found it squee-able, because I've been there, and probably most of us have. I love to find common ground with people, so that's why. I've been told the same thing, but it's up to the individual couples to decide, if they make a mistake, it's their life. I'm just happy that they are able to get married, be open about it and express their love fully, without having to hide it or have that destroy something beautiful. I hope the same for other couples. What a great topic.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I was dashing off a comment this morning in a hurry before work, so I hope I was clear. Today's post I found cute charming and wonderful, I should have said thanks for the smile. :)
ITA Wicked, I don't think that couple is going to make it, which is why I raised that point.
ReplyDeleteI do think it happens with straight couples too. The divorce rate is higher in those parts of the country where people get married at a younger age--the south in particular. The states with the lowest divorce rates are the most liberal, including Mass., and states in which people tend to get married at a later age. I think some of that is probably due to that kind of thinking--rushing into a marriage to validate the relationship, or feeling like you have to get married because living together is not acceptable, etc. Then I think there are people that believe marriage will solve whatever problems they be having in terms of commitment.
About the NY Times article:
ReplyDeleteI guess I am trying to make the point that the gay culture prior to AIDS was even more promiscuous, than it is now or has been for the past twenty years and it must have some influence on the younger guys. There was a huge shift in behaviors in the gay community post AIDS, we are now seeing the first generation after that.
Re gay culture pre-AIDS being more promiscuous- I think guys got scared when people first realized what AIDS was and how it was transmitted. They understood that unsafe sex and multiple partners was what was causing AIDS to run rampant through the gay male community. And remember, when AIDS was first being diagnosed in the 80s, it was a death sentence. There were no drug cocktails then. As things have progressed medically, and AIDS is not the death sentence it once was, I think we are starting to see a backlash of unsafe sexual practices creeping back into the gay community. I've read articles where gay men say that being HIV positive is "not a big deal." I'll see if I can find any of them.
ReplyDeleteFound one!
ReplyDeleteThis article is a resource for therapists on how to talk to gay men about having safer sex. It goes into why gay men are not having safer sex at the beginning.
There's also a wonderful documentary that was out a few years ago, I think Frontline on PBS showed it. It was about when the disease first surfaced, and how the gov't and pharmaceutical companies were slow to act and take it seriously because at that time it didn't affect the mainstream population, or making the drugs available at the time too expensive. It was agonizingly sad. I'm condensing, but that is the gist of it. This disease affects everyone, we really are all in this together. Because certain strides have been made in combatting it, I have read where some aren't taking it as seriously, but it is still a deadly disease.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the laugh Bad Seed, I needed that. :D
ReplyDeleteI can't make the link because of time constraints, but if anyone is interested, this incredible program is here, it's from 2006:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/aids/
Destiny!! You & I can be on hand for charitys!
ReplyDeleteIt's a date!
ReplyDeleteand we wont have to workout or even give money!! Just be on hand!!
ReplyDeleteGraet post!!
ReplyDeletebtw the Californication state dance is the West Coast Swing. bwwwhhaaa!!
If Reese's on hand I'll just give a finger.
ReplyDeleteJake was in the disco dance club in high school..the Shag, the Swing..does he know how to do the Hustle or what?? lol
ReplyDeletewalker..LOL
ReplyDeleteA really nice Jake sighting
ReplyDeleteSo...it was the Sunday when we moved the clocks ahead and I got out of bed thinking that it would be nice to see even less people at the Farmer's Market since everyone lost an hour of sleep. I had made all of my purchases and went to get my weekly sugar cane/cayenne detox juice but the guy said he had to make a new batch. They know I like it fresh so I didn't complain and decided to spend 20 minutes reading. I was just looking around and happened upon a hot dude with a great body and nice posture. I said to myself, "Wow. He looks like a young Paul Newman. Nice job, cupcake, you'll go far in this town." I went back to reading. But I looked up again and was like, wait a minute, that's Jake Gyllenhaal!
I'm not really into bum rushing stars unless they are star academics like Cornell West, but Brokeback does hold a special place in my heart. So I made a deal with myself; I'll get my detox juice and leave and if I happened upon Jake on my way out I'll say something to him. It was about 10 minutes later and Jake was gone from view. I got my juice and started on my way home when I noticed two women whispering about a guy further down in front of me. He was looking at sprouts. So I walked up beside him and looked at some spinach:
Me: "I don't want to make a big deal of this, but I just wanted to tell you that I love you and I think you're the best ever."
Jake: "Awww...thanks!"
Me: "God bless you."
Jake: "Thanks. Take care."
So then I went home. I was trying to convey to him positive energy given Heath Ledger's recent demise and as a gay fan say what I could without going into a lot of stuff. The thing that struck me was that he was a present and sincere person; the "awwww" was totally not condescending or sketchy. Very nice guy and combined with the good looks....I had to get home quickly and watch BBM in the privacy of my own home.
Check out this comment from Bad Seed's link-
ReplyDeleteAlso makes you wonder how much $$ money of the Walk donations goes to pay for her Avon contract. Even though they probably say that all funds go to the charity (yeah, riiiight) Reese ain’t doing the “Ambassador” gig for free. Avon will be paying for her and her guests entire stay (hotel, limos, meals, entertainment) for her weekend appearance. When she was in NY for her 2 hour UN “appearance” she was there for about 5 days spending most of the time shopping. She also went to a Broadway matinee performance (Avon probably paid for those tickets as part of the entertainment package) and she was texting on her cellphone almost the whole time and then left at intermission.
Big mistake, Avon. BIG mistake.
Good: Too bad you didn't find it, you: 2:55pm/your source:2:39PM.
ReplyDeleteJake and dancing. Oh you know he was busting a move during the Bar Mitzvah Run 92-93. Cabbage Patch, Lawnmower, Sprinkler, and not only The Running Man, but tore it up doing The Roger Rabbit.
ReplyDeleteNow a days you seem him doing..what looks like driving something, hands up at 10 and 2 and working the trunk-- should we just call it the Driver's Ed?
But I want to see him dance to Sugar Hill Gang's Apache.
I love that they holds!
ReplyDeleteVery cute post, I like how dances contribute their names to all the sex words ... or is it the other way round? :D
ReplyDeleteAlso a very nice Jake sighting.
I love Colin and Justin, thanks 11:15 :)
You don't even ry to hide it do you?- Why should we? You don't.
ReplyDeleteEh?
ReplyDeleteEh?
ReplyDeleteSecond. I think this might be some kind of troll thing.
Destiny and Bad Seed, I want in on that on hand thing!
I've always loved Colin and Justin as well London. The time Justin almost snogged Christine Hamilton (wife of one of the most odious Conservative mps, now a sort of celebrity) will always remain the most cringworthy piece of television ever (it was on a decorating show I think).
ReplyDeleteAlso, I know the post is ironic but everyone does know that shagging means something very different in the UK.
Well Jake does have his Man of Mystery doesn't he? ; )
ReplyDeleteMeg, the shag is also a hairstyle.
ReplyDeleteMeg, had a US friend who asked for one in an English hairdressers, once :D
ReplyDeleteokay Wicked, you can be on hand too. remember th pros are, no working out, getting paid, free food & travel. the cons are you hafta work a few hours a year and smile like you mean it. can you handle it?? I voted you in but Destiny has the final vote.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAustin Powers would have a thing or two to say about shagging.
ReplyDeleteWicked, if it's okay with Bad Seed then it's okay with me if you join us, although I have my doubts about your ability to handle some of the work. I know how hard it is for you since becoming half of Twicked, but if you're going to join us you've really got to remember that a smirk is not a smile.
That's a great Jake sighting. Always like to hear when our shagalicious boys are good to fans. :)
ReplyDeletesmile like you mean it.
ReplyDeleteUh oh! Dunno if I can do it. Tom usually handles that!
Ted said:
ReplyDeleteDear Ted:
I'm terrible at Blind Vices; I never even try to figure them out. But I've finally been tempted to take a guess about Toothy Tile's identity. Is it...George Eads? Love the column, and I'm not even a celebrity groupie!
F.G.
Dear CSLies:
Your CSI-specific Toothy guess makes me think you’d search down Georgie-boy for an autograph...or more. Lucky for your celeb fantasies, he isn't Tooth-babe.
Dear Ted:
What is going to happen first: Are we ever going to find out who Toothy Tile is, or is our planet going to be destroyed because aliens don't like the way they are portrayed in J.J Abrams' flicks?
Fred
Indianapolis
Dear Outting Space:
You’ll be seasick from Cloverfield 2 before T.T. gets some cojones, that’s my hunch.
Dear Ted:
Love being able to click right to you from the homepage. I guess the data showed that you were a top destination. You go, girlfriend!
JenJen
Chicago
Dear Butt Licker:
It’s not me they want, it’s Toothy Tile (big bottom-diva tease). But thanks, darlin’, appreciate the almost successful sycophancy!
Dear Ted:
Read that Jessica Biel is making a movie with Jakey. How the hell does this talentless girl get these jobs?
J.L.
Dallas
Dear Duh:
Same way she keeps snagging men like Justin Timberlake.
BTW
ReplyDeleteCloverfield 2 -- is slated to be out in 2009, but there is nothing to confirm it.
Cloverfield 2 -- is slated to be out in 2009, but there is nothing to confirm it.
ReplyDeleteSo Ted is saying give Jakey a year or so?
I think he's saying there's no telling. :(
ReplyDeleteI always love Monday evening. Lots of stuff to think about from Ted tonight. I love that he is not letting up.
ReplyDeleteT and Wicked = :-)
The coming out party was such a fun day and meant with no ill intent only love.
Wow, a shagging party right on Monday morning! You know I'm starting to think it's a good thing I can't come here when I'm at work or I'd have serious deadline problems. ;D
ReplyDeleteVery interesting discussion above about that NYT article.
Talking about marriage as a way to legitimize a relationship - often those very same straight couples have a baby later, thinking this will solve all their marital problems! It's amazing how many people still think that way. Probably because being married and having children are still widely considered as the ultimate justification of our very own existence on good old planet Earth - and if you do everything by the traditional book, how could you fail, right?
I think we are starting to see a backlash of unsafe sexual practices creeping back into the gay community. I've read articles where gay men say that being HIV positive is "not a big deal." I'll see if I can find any of them.
Yeah, it's a tendency that doctors have noticed over here too. Some are appalled as they know the long-term impact of the disease, including a certain form of dementia, and they think everybody, including the health authorities and the governments, have let their guard down too soon.
A nurse I know also told me she's seeing an awful rise in STDs among teenagers, particularly girls. And the serious, consistent, sex education courses are almost nonexistent. The teachers think it's the parents' job, the parents expect the school to do it. Our government is planning a large-scale immunization campaign against a virus that causes cervical cancer, with little girls as young as 9 getting the vaccine (to ensure better protection when they're older). And yet, nothing as serious is done in order to prevent some of the major causes of that cancer, namely early sexual activity and STDs (including HIV)!
And now if you'll excuse me, I have to go back to the homepage to listen and watch that Shake & Jake post.
I think Ted is saying "don't hold your breath for any imminent coming-out".
ReplyDeleteTed keeps saying Toothy's a bottom! Gotta love it!
ReplyDeleteI would have thought sex education courses would be better in Canada Frenchy; surprised to hear it's not that different than in the U.S.
ReplyDeleteSo, is Ted saying Jessica is getting parts and men by faking it?
I'd guess the reference to aliens destroying the planet is a reference to TDAT and to the Moon Project as well. Maybe Ted is implying there is link between the Moon Project and Jake's not coming out?
I would have thought sex education courses would be better in Canada Frenchy; surprised to hear it's not that different than in the U.S.
ReplyDeleteIt's most probably better in certain places but definitely similar to what you find in the U.S in many cases.
So, is Ted saying Jessica is getting parts and men by faking it?
Quite possible. Or that she's just like Penelope, a lesbian who doubles as a professional beard. Ok, am I offending any JIS (Justin-Is-Straight) fans here? ;)
Ted also called Toothy a Diva, a term just used about Jake in the last two weeks. I've heard enough about Toothy to know its Jake though, I want info about Gray Goose/Austin. As was mentioned in yesterdays movie discussion, the bearding probably started out as OK no problem, I can handle it, but not so sure that is still true.
ReplyDeleteI wish we had more news about GG and/or Austin too.
ReplyDeleteI wish we had more news about GG and/or Austin too.
ReplyDeleteI third this request.
Unfortunately, he's little known and probably doesn't warrant any interest from Ted or other gossipers right now.
Hopefully The Informers might change that... if only for a short blissful moment.
'night everybody.
OT TR Knight slammed Sally Kern at the GLAAD awards on w/e. good 4 him!
ReplyDeleteCongratulation to Rufus Wainwright for receiving the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, ath the GLAAD awards, for his role in fighting homophobia in the entertainment industry.
ReplyDeleteThe Stephen F. Kolzak Award is named for the late casting director who devoted the last part of his life to fighting AIDS-phobia and homophobia.
Looks like they are doing more extra casting for Nailed to film this Thursday.
ReplyDeleteWant to be in a film with Jake Gyllenhaal and Jessica Biel?
They are looking for adult males and senior citizens. Why am I picturing a march of seniors with walkers and scooters chasing Jake down the street?