Cabins and Creedence Clearwater Revival

This weekend a bunch of my friends are going to a tiny cabin on a lake. (I am not going because I have to work. Boo.) Alaska is great for a number of reasons, one being the Public Use Cabin System. There are cabins dotted all over Alaska that you can rent through the state for cheap. They are rustic (and even that might be a little generous) woodstoves, bunk beds, no running water, that sort of thing. Some of them are remote even by Alaska standards  (floatplane, boat, or snowmachine access only), others are right off the road and handicap accessible. It's a great deal.

I've stayed in a lot of cabins since moving to Alaska and I consider myself a cabin connoisseur. If I'm going to stay in cabin for more than just a few days, these are some things I'm looking for:

1) Coziness

This is not a cabin:

It's a large home built in a cabin style. This is not what I'm looking for in a cabin. I want something that is maybe just a little too small. Something that encourages everyone to sit together around the fire. Furniture should be overstuffed and a little worn. Lots of snuggily fabrics. Slippers. You get the picture.

This is what I'm looking for.

2) Fireplace/Woodstove - Speaking of cozy, right? I don't care if it's just for looks or for heating, but there should be some source of fire. How else will you make s'mores and pie iron pizzas?

3) Porch - With rocking chairs, since I'm making a wish list.

4) Clawfoot tub - Okay this is not a necessity, there is one in Trapper John's cabin in Talkeetna and I'm obsessed.

5) Hammocks - Not a necessity either, but definitely an added bonus. Want to rock in something, but don't want to sit up? Then a hammock is for you. I like having rock options

The more the merrier?

This week's hot jam is Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Don't ask me why, but I love Vietnam era anti-war songs and Fortunate Son is no exception. Way to stick to The Man with rock 'n roll, CCR. I particularly like this version because it features John Fogerty and BRUCE EFFING SPRINGSTEEN. It's oddly patriotic, don't ya think?

The Brendan Leonard Show and Bruce Springsteen

This week's favorite thing is the Brendan Leonard Show.

I spent the summer of 2003 religiously watching this show. It was on ABC Family for one summer season and I think it's hysterical. For those of you who haven't seen it, it's pretty much a toned down version of Jackass. It started as a cable access show and 4 years later (in 2003) was picked up by ABC Family. It was run completely by Brendan's family and friends. His siblings and parents were regularly on the show and they did all of the filming, lighting, editing, etc. Essentially it was a group of 19 year old boys from Winnetka, IL  filming what they did everyday. Nothing fancy or high-tech. Mostly involving duct tape, water balloons, and a lot of falling down. Pretty amazing if you ask me.

 There are two clips from the show that make me laugh hysterically without fail. Felix: The Living Embodiment of Boxing Day and BLS Moment of the Day: The Slide.



I think Felix is so funny because it is so unbelievably random. I don't know how they did it without cracking up. I mean, Sal McIronBones? If we kiss through the bubble are we still kissing? To quote Liz Lemon, "What the what?"

Fun fact: Michael Carney (Felix) is now in law school


Ah the slide. Amazing. I love the commentary by Brenden's sisters. I mean, only older sisters could provide that sort of reflection on the moment. The home movie footage is great too, there's nothing quite like having embarrassing moments on film for the world to see. (And I'm once again reminded that I'm glad we never had a video camera when I was growing up.) Am I the only person who finds little kids' voices really funny? "I fell down...like dis....like dat..."

The show only lasted one season, probably because the cast didn't want to deal with the politics of being on TV and I doubt they really cared what would sell, but for that one season it was pure genius. Good work, guys.


Dear World, Stop hatin' on redheads. Bruce Springsteen loves us and you should too. Sincerely, Maggie

This week's hot jam is Red Headed Woman by Bruce Springsteen. I love that is song is unapologetically dirty and, as a redhead, I find it (oddly?) flattering. Bruce wrote it for his wife, and honestly I can't think of a better gift. Smooth, Bruce, real smooth.