Tossing Salt Presents:
A Day of Dougie
Bob Caudle, All I Want for Christmas, and Ultimate X
DougMaynard.com
Doug Maynard

Good afternoon, my friends. Yeah, it’s 2:00 in the afternoon and I just got up. This staying up all night poking the bear on X and answering questions that no one wants responded to is getting old lol. I also sat on the back porch with Feugo and the straybies for a couple of hours listening to Dr. Hook and Ugly Kid Joe. Only Feugo will let me pet him, but the rest are hanging around, and I’m trying to expose them to culture. Also, the cool air last night felt awesome!

So, Day of Dougie time, right? Only two topics of discussion for today, from the Infamous Magic Bag, and a few Ultimate X questions as well. Actually, only one from the Bag, and the other. A big part of my childhood passed away on Saturday night, and I just want to say a few words about the voice of Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, Bob Caudle. And now that we know what is on the agenda, let’s get to stepping. In other words, let’s do this.

Bob Caudle

The long-time announcer and voice of Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling. Caudle passed away over the weekend at age 95, and the world of wrestling is heartbroken. Well, this fan is, anyhow. From age 4 until my mid-teens, every Saturday at 11:30 pm, I would go watch WRAL and the local wrestling. And the one constant, welcoming us to the event, was Bob Caudle. It didn’t matter who the co-host was, be it David Crockett, Johnny Weaver, Ray Stevens, Dutch Mantell, or anyone else, Caudle set the pace with a smooth voice, calling the action and keeping the attention where it belonged, with the wrestlers. Caudle was the face of Crockett Promotions and also served as the weatherman for WRAL on the news programs. And most might not know this, but during his last few years while still in wrestling, Caudle worked as the office manager for U.S. Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC).

Caudle did the wrestling, the weather, the political stuff, and after so many years, I can honestly say that I’ve never heard anyone say a bad word or share a bad story about Caudle. He was everyone’s favorite Uncle, a piece of stability, and just damn good at what he did. Rest in peace, Bob Caudle. I guess wrestling heaven has a big show coming up, and needed a legend to join Gordon Solie and Lance Russell at the announce table to call the action. A great announcer, a wrestling icon, and most importantly, a good man. RIP Bob, and so long for now.

What is something you never want your family to find out about you?

Maybe I’m gay. Oh yeah, Ma knows, but this house is like the Army in the ’90s. Don’t ask – don’t tell. I only go out with guys. I have had guys move in with me. There is a picture of a guy as my screensaver on my phone. I wear t-shirts that say “Yes Homo!”, and other far more explicit sayings. I haven’t dated a woman since 1989. And yet, she’s still blissfully in denial, refusing to accept the truth or believe her own lying eyes. Damn, maybe Mom is secretly a Democrat? It fits the M.O. Okay, I didn’t say that. She’s a MAGA, who just happens to have a smart, sexy, extremely cool son who likes guys. But you’ll never hear her admit it.

What’s a dream you’ve had since childhood?

I’ve always wanted to run a consignment store (junk shop), work in the wrestling industry, and write a book. And date Donny Osmond. He was my childhood crush. It’s not my fault.

Who or what makes you feel jealous?

I feel petty for admitting this, but when I see a couple together, laughing, sharing the moments, and all smiles, it makes that green monster of envy pop up and show its face sometimes. I’d love to have something like that, and be part of someone like that, with that special one to hold, love, give to, and share with. And so far, for various reasons, it just isn’t happening. And kids. I wish I had kids.

All I Want for Christmas

This one is so easy, yet so hard. I don’t care about material things, and never really have. I just want to see my friends happy and safe, get past the stress and uncertain moments, and make it through. The pleasure of those few in my life who matter, my bro, my sis, my cats, is more than enough. And maybe a resolution to a certain matter of the heart. But unfortunately, there are too many other issues to allow me to address that particular one at the moment. But we all know who he is. Here’s a video. My favorite Christmas video and song each year. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Steve Grand.

Pets who can talk or babies who can talk?

I remember the movie, Look Who’s Talking. Babies that speak? No, that just creeps me out. Let them have a few years of goo-goo and gaa-gaa first. But pets? They’re some of my favorite people. They deserve a voice. Let them speak.

Do you think it’s more important to focus on the journey or the destination?

The final destination is never certain or written in stone. It’s the roads traveled, the journey that matters most.

Have you ever lied about being home just to prevent someone from coming over?

Not technically, but there may have been some changing of plans or slight exaggerations used. But I would never actually lie.

And there you go. My thanks for reading and joining me in my daily journey towards wherever this road is leading. I appreciate y’all way much. Any thoughts, comments, questions, or big old hugs welcome and appreciated. And my mind is going blank for a good closing about Day of Dougie, so I’ll just wrap it up now. I’m going to go watch The Drew Carey Show on Tubi. I’m in Season Six now. Be good and love each other.

Ubuntu!