Tossing Salt Presents:
A Day of Dougie
American Bandstand, The Lost Boys, and Ultimate X
DougMaynard.com
Doug Maynard

Do you know what really sucks? When you hear a song, and it’s good. And it’s stuck in your head. BUT, the artist who is singing the song is a confirmed moron, who goes against almost everything you believe politically and personally, and has shown themselves repeatedly to be brain-dead on social media with their comments. And now, it has happened to me.

It’s an old song, Just Give Me A Reason, and it’s a duet between Pink and Nate Ruess. I’d heard it before, but it never clicked with me. But now, it has. It popped up on Spotify one night, and it just hit me hard and just right. But Pink is one of those morons who said, if we support President Trump, don’t listen to her music and screw off. And 99% of her music, I hear and feel nothing. It’s just noise. But I like this song, despite it being her performing the vocals. Damn, ain’t life a bitch sometimes. Hey, Haley Reinhart & Casey Abrams, cover this song so I can like the song AND the singers, as it should be. Oy vey! Here’s the video. And damn you, Pink.

So, welcome to another edition of A Day of Dougie. Yeah, I’m writing again. I did three editions of the Ultimate Wrestling Q&A this morning, and I’m out of wrestling questions now until my crew, the usual suspects, send me some more. I do have over 130 questions waiting from Twitter for The Ultimate X Q&A, but I’m not in the mood for that. So, Day of Dougie, it is. But there’s a catch. I’m going to make this an Ultimate X edition of A Day of Dougie. Two random topics of discussion, plus a few random questions from X. Something for everyone, right?

So, let’s get the Magic Bag and draw forth a couple of topics of discussion to chat about. American Bandstand and The Lost Boys. So, those are the topics. And I’ll mix in at least ten Ultimate X questions too. This will either be fun or it will be a disaster. Let’s find out together.

Is homeschooling good for children?

I’m honestly mixed on this one. To learn facts and gain knowledge, homeschooling is definitely better. Knowledge is power, and it’s easier to acquire knowledge and learning without all the distractions and incompetence that dominate public schools today. But I fear for the kids because the social interaction, learning to deal with others, both good and bad, is a necessary life function, and not being part of the public school system eliminates all that. How do you learn how to deal with the real world if you’re not part of it regularly? The world is not a good place, and people are not always good. Public schools help a person learn about that, and how to react and handle things, to prepare them for being an adult. It’s a mixed bag for sure. And there are definite pros and cons on each side of the issue.

What brings you the most joy?

My friends (the few I have left), my cat, reviews and comments on my written work, and hugs from sexy men, preferably named Eric.

The best part of waking up is?

According to the commercial, it’s Folgers in your cup, but I don’t drink coffee, so bleh to that. For me, it’s using the bathroom, checking on and feeding my cat, feeding the straybies, and then going back to bed for another hour or so. Yeah, the best part of waking up is going back to bed. Works for me.

American Bandstand

And now, the topic of discussion. American Bandstand, the dancing kids show, hosted by Dick Clark, ran from 1952 to 1987. That’s a long time. And it was such a simple concept. They played the current hits, and teenagers danced. And sometimes during the show, they’d have a famous band or singer come out and lip-sync to their hit song. So simple, but it worked for 37 years. And yes, as a kid, I watched. I watched American Bandstand, the black version, which was Soul Train, and Dance Fever, the disco version, starring Deney Terrio. And yeah, I was a skinny white boy (What happened?) and quickly discovered I have no rhythm. I can’t dance. But I did it anyway, and watched Bandstand and wrestling. That was my pre-teen life. Thank you, Dick Clark, for the memories. And now, back to the Q&A part.

Do you enjoy going to live events, like concerts or theatre?

I used to, but now, my anxiety acts up too much. Between that and the discomfort when I try to move around too much, I prefer to just stay home.n

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

The World According to Dutch, by Dutch Mantell. Really fun book. Dutch Mantell is a great storyteller, in addition to being a legendary wrestler and booker. I’ll do a book review at some point, but if you’ve ever listened to Dutch’s podcast with James Romero, Storytime with Dutch, I think you already know. An excellent read.

Do you like trying new foods, or do you stick to your favorites?

I hate change. I find two of three things that I like, and stick with that. My men and my food.

The Lost Boys

From the ’80s, one of my favorite vampire movies of all time. It had the Coreys (Feldman and Haim) in it, and the best rock soundtrack as well. Vampires? Has them. Great music> Has it. A good story. Yeppers. A bare-chested man with a sax? It was the perfect movie for that time period, and it remains one of my favorites even today. An instant classic in every way.

What’s something you’ve done recently for the first time?

I can’t think of anything. My mind is going blank. I replaced a doorknob on the back door. Does that count? It isn’t the first time, but it is the first time in almost 40 years. Yeah, I guess that will work.

What’s something you’re looking forward to right now?

The next time I get to hang out with my bro. I thought we were chilaxin’ today, but he was supposed to get back up with me last night to let me know something, but never did. In his defense, he’s not feeling well right now, and I can definitely understand that. But anytime I can sneak in some bro-time, I deeply appreciate it.

And there you go. I guess it’s time to call it a night. Thanks for reading, and thanks for the continued support. And I had something else to add, but my mind just went blank. I hate it when that happens. Have a great one, and stay sweet, my babies. And in the words of Dr. Frank N. Furter, “It’s not easy having a good time! Even smiling makes my face ache.” Later, my lovelies. Have a great Day of Dougie.

Ubuntu!