Open Thread – The Great Bunny Boot Quiz
Here’s a sign I saw downtown today advertising bunny boots in white or black, and I thought I’d give you a little bunny boot quiz.
Question – What is the difference between white bunny boots and black bunny boots?
A) White bunny boots are made from white bunnies, and black bunny boots are made from black bunnies.
B) White bunny boots should only be worn between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
C) Black bunny boots are meant for more formal occasions.
D) Black bunny boots are for men and white bunny boots are for women.
E) There is no difference between white and black bunny boots. Simply an aesthetic choice.
F) Black bunny boots do not dissolve in deisel fuel. White ones do.
G) Black bunny boots are more slimming than white ones.
H) White bunny boots are inflatable, and black ones aren’t.
For anyone thinking that bunny boots are made of rabbit fur, I can categorically say that you are not an Alaskan. That was my first thought when I moved here almost 20 years ago. I was much relieved to find out that they are, in fact, made of rubber (or some rubber-like substance). Spouse bought me a pair from the local Army/Navy store and was very pleased that he found a pair that had never been worn. I learned that the coveted “bunny boots” were no longer manufactured. The ones in circulation were it. And like a Christmas fruitcake, they passed from person to person. So, to find a pair of virgin bunny boots was pretty amazing. Bunny boots are not attractive. They have a pressure nozzle. You really can’t walk in them….you lumber. If you try to drive wearing them, you will most likely kill yourself or others. They feel like they weigh like 15 pounds each. So why….why would anyone actually buy a pair? I’ll tell you why. They are the only boots that have ever kept my feet warm. And not just adequately warm. Toasty warm. And not just when it’s a little cold out…when it’s a LOT cold. In Alaska, that pretty much trumps all else.
And the boot goes on.
And for those of you who were playing at home, F is the correct answer. So, if wading through deisel fuel is on your list of things to do today, make sure you wear the black ones.
they look familiar, d/h still has some floating around from his military days
Thanks for that snippet of information, AKM. I’d never heard of them before.
15 pound virgin bunny boots. One more reason to stay in the lower 48!
per bunnyboots dot com : the white boots are also heavier than the black and are rated for temps below -20 degrees while the black are only rated down to -20.
ya learn something new every day in da flats! bunny boots! who knew??
My thing in Nebraska winters was “Moon Boots” They kept my tootsies toasty. The fact that I looked like Neil Armstrong taking “one small step for man” when I got off the bus cut no ice with me! Alas, the boots and the winter coat long enough to keep my buns warm stayed behind in Nebraska when I moved to Phoenix. My winter wardrobe includes a heavy sweater these days.
I flunked the test – I chose “E”.
Since this is an open thread, I’m posting a link to a video about Tim Tebow, the Florida Gator quarterback. It has a great background song I’d like SP to listen to – the main chorus being
“I Won’t Quit”. Any other Gators Mudpuppies out there?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvXXzKCEl5k
So if you have a pair of white bb’s and would like a black pair. Your only recourse would be to take a stroll up the slope, no?
heh heh
Levi will be on the Early Show, Monday Oct. 26th. to talk about “Going Rogue”.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/23/earlyshow/main5415742.shtml
Wow, bunny boots. Does that take me back or what?
tigerwine…. I went to FSU and U of F back when Steve Spurrier was the QB…aahhhhh!!! those were fun days !!! but when the 2 schools play, I have to cheer for the ‘Noles, as I went there first…
Its true, I had a black pair for ice fishing, and your feet never ever gets cold, they stay toasty no matter what. If you got lost wearing them and you froze to death, the rest of your body would be frozen solid, but when they take your boots off, your feet aren’t. I didn’t know they don’t make them any more. we called them Mickey Mouse boots.
Benlomond – I understand – A guy’s gotta do what a guy’s gotta do!
Until after WW II, FSU was a girl’s school, and the U of F a guys. So, my favorite cheer when playing FSU is ” FSU, FSU – where the girls are girls and the boys are too” Good Luck with the rest of your season. (but not when playing us!)
Ya learn things on Mudflats you wouldn’t know elsewhere! That’s why I love it here so much.
I never heard about bunny boots. They sound a lot like ski boots (only much warmer) – bulky and almost impossible to walk in – you eventually learn to do a Monty Python Ministry of Silly Walks thing.
Thank you AKM.
BTW, I chose G. LOL
I’m off on a 5-night cruise to Bermuda this afternoon to celebrate the retirement of DH after 34 years! It’s about time. I’ve never been on one and am very excited.
I have seen this type of boot, but I think it was in army green. Is that possible? It’s the little inflation port on the side that seems familiar….Might have been up in the old barn when I was a kid. This feels like a waking dream……
My uncle served in the Air Force in Alaska many years back and had the bunny boots which he wore in cold Vermont winters for the rest of his life. Hubby also had a pair of the white ones when he was in the Army in Alaska. He still has them in a trunk, “just in case” we experience sub-zero temperatures here in Kentucky.
On another topic – the story that went round and round yesterday was that Fox had been excluded from the Pay czar Feinberg’s interview and that all the other bureau chiefs said if Fox wasn’t included, they didn’t want to take part either. Fox was the victim and the others stood up with Fox against Obama………. seems that was just more of Fox playing the victim and telling lies. Here’s an article that tells what really happened:
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/10/wh-were-happy-to-exclude-fox-but-didnt-yesterday-with-feinberg-interview.php?ref=fpblg
Happy weekend to all.
@15 – LilLadyNY – WOW! Enjoy the cruise and enjoy the retirement years. Make sure hubby takes you on lots of vacations now that he isn’t working. (And be sure he has hobbies to keep himself out of your hair from time to time.)
OOPS – meant @13 – sorry
The Billionaires for Wealth Care have a new video – Love it ! Must See:
http://www.billionairesforwealthcare.com/
Bon Voyage LiLadyNY . Happy Retirement LiLady Hubby!!!
uh oh – i hear squirrels!
Can I ask what is the pressure valve for?
I knew exactly what the topic was !!!
Still got mine (somewhere) given to me by the AF in Montana – - lugged ‘em around the world for 21 years.
Yep ! they do keep da feets warm !!!
Never actually saw a pair of the ‘bunny-boos’ before..but the storys I have heard from family and friends..amazing..they must be! As to vacations and retirement trips..enjoy, but..for all who have ..Yet to retire..find work that you love, that you would pay someone a fiver..at ‘the door’..so to speak ..each morning..to be able to go and Do..the work..and then..one has a heaven on earth. IE..there are those of us..who militantly chose to be employed ONLY..at things we found joy, personal growth, commitment to the concept Family of Man and sense of community in..as to our ..Work. We therefore..Never..retire.
Interesting! Never heard of bunny boots, being a canadian too, eh? But, I did have a Hudson Bay coat once……still, no bunny boots…….we had leather, suede boots like that that laced. Maybe up in the NWT or Yukon.
Whew…..I was really worried when I saw the sign for “bunny” boots.
I’m so glad they are not made out of little black or white bunnies.
Pressure valve? Help me out…..why?
Tell us how the bunny boots work. I’ve never heard of them.
Growing up I had muk luks (sp), a lightweight shell type water proof canvas boot that went up to the knee, draw strings tied the top shut, you wore them over your shoes to keep them and your pants below the knee dry from snow, they worked well.
So this store sells used Bunny boots for $80.00? wow, sounds like a business opportunity to manufacture them.
Tigerwine #6 – GO GATORS!
My guess with the air valve, would be to pump air in between to pieces of material. Air has a great insulating quality. When you insulate your house, it is not the fiberglass that does the insulating. It is the air that is trapped in the fiberglass, which does not conduct the heat or the cold very well.
tigerwine – OMG ! I thought that little bit of FSU history had slipped into obscurity (big grin !)!!! Florida was the BIG Party school back then…and the rally before homecoming was always great ! Gator Growl ??? It’s all so hazy now…but going to the Rathskellar was always good !!
The things that I learn on this blog amaze me!
I actually think they’re kinda cute… and think how buff your thighs will be, after a winter of lugging 30 extra pounds around!
When I was in jr. high, a short-lived boot fad was those knee-high boots covered in 6″ long (alpaca?) fur. You looked like a half-breed Sasquatch, but I was told they were more than warm enough for CT.
Why the pressure valve? These boots use have an air bladder in them to help insulate. The pressure valve is used when flying in unpressurized aircraft to keep the boots from popping. That would ruin your day.
Best wishes, Dave
My wife has a pair of those boots that Monalisa describes. Just a word of caution. NEVER FORGET that those boots are in the closet when you open the door!
And yes…. I can and have screamed like a girl.
Black is the new white.
“Republicans Going Rogue in Upstate NY” – Christian Science Monitor
http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2009/10/24/republicans-going-rogue-in-upstate-new-york/
*** Palin, et al. represent what can only be called the Tea Party insurgency, whose adherents point to mainstream Republicans — including party philosopher Newt Gingrich — and their support of Ms. Scozzafava as another sign that the GOP has strayed from its core principles. ****
But I know about stuff like that being Alaskan and a member of the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group. So no more hints on the diff or function.
Got some white Mickey Mouse-bunny boots in the basement that I’m storing for an ex-Canadian-military friend. Not sure I can talk her out of them but- here’s an idea.
When next we have a project to fund-raise for, what about a silent auction? Those of us with sorta mudflatsy items like these could donate them by photo and eventually we would mail them to the highest bidder. Would need to high-estimate mailing cost in advance.
Um- scary thought- I’m an insatiable collector- could donate but I succumb to auctions and would probably end up stuff-positive, when, at this point in my life, I want to lighten.
What are we bid for the moose jerky and a signed flyinureye and the bunny boots?
Adele Stan has written another good article in AlterNet, regarding the C Street Family and those Republican Senators who have been opposing health care reform. They sure are creepy!
http://www.alternet.org/story/143252/meet_the_senators_in_the_creepy_right-wing_cult_trying_to_defeat_health_care_reform
Listen and watch Katie Curic as she interviews Glenn Beck, lol, she has a hard time understanding him.
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5330485n&tag=mg;mostpopvideo
I posted this on the Don Young, thread but will put it here too. He ‘may’ be investigated by the House Ethics Committee, I very much hope so.
After all, the public deserves open and transparent Government and justice for corruption. That goes for Scarah also, too. Then those protecting, lyings and covering for her won’t be so happy, they may find themselves in very hot water!
Glen Beck is going to be disappointed when he finds out Scarah joined the corrupt b*stards club after cleaning it up. It may just drive him the rest of way into la la land. Do you think she has the attitude, if you can’t beat them join them? na, she’s always had shark in her, she’ll kill with the best of them.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/24/politics/main5417184.shtml?tag=latest
“An investigation, which is publicly announced, is conducted by an investigative subcommittee that interviews witnesses, issues subpoenas, and obtains records. A preliminary inquiry, run by the chairman and ranking member, is a review to determine whether an investigation should be started.
In past cases, the House ethics committee conducted full investigations of lawmakers when allegations were raised about the accuracy of their financial disclosure reporting. A current investigation of House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., is looking at his disclosure reports.
The committee on numerous occasions investigated violations of the strict congressional gift limits.”
The trial for the Polygmest Sec Raid is starting Monday. It’s going to be a big news day eh? Levi, this trial…….dang lucky little miss Scarah may have her ethics disclosure in the mix too! Go Levi.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/24/earlyshow/saturday/main5417421.shtml?tag=topnews
“She told “The Early Show Saturday Edition” co-anchor Chris Wragge “it really doesn’t” surprise her that the men are being put on trial, “because of the nature of the abuses that we’ve been talking about for years. And I’m just happy to see that they are going to trial. What I’m upset the most about, I think, is the fact that none of the women have been indicted, as well.
” … I think that the women were nothing but pimps on that compound and giving their daughters over to these perverts knowing what was going to happen to them.”
Flora added, “I think the nature of the abuse and the severity of the abuse is going to shock people. I spent a month in Texas in June, when I just traveled through the state, and I wanted to know firsthand what was discovered, and spoke with hundreds of CPS (Child Protective Service) caseworkers, and the sense I got was that the local CPS workers felt just as betrayed as the children, and (I) felt they just quit believing in the system, because they were told they couldn’t protect these kids.”
If they’re so great, why aren’t they made anymore? Seems to me there’s a market for them, not only in Alaska but other cold winter states like Minnesota.
I am relieved to read that no bunnies were harmed in the making of the boots.
What to people buy now that bunny boots are discontinued?
38 Say NO to Palin in Politics Says:
October 24th, 2009 at 9:58 AM
———————————-
I was reading the story post that you linked. It verified the same info that AKM reported but added some additional in for as well. I was struck by this info in this quote.
————————-
Young has served in the House for most of statehood. He was the Republican candidate in the 1972 general election against incumbent Democrat Nick Begich. Three weeks before the election, Begich’s plane disappeared on a flight from Anchorage to Juneau, but he was re-elected anyway.
Begich was declared dead in December 1972, and Young won a close special election in March 1973.
————————–
Those of us not from AK would not have any History or the background on Mark Begich’s Father. The fact that he had been missing for 3 weeks before the Election and people still voted for him I think says a lot about WHO he was and what people thought of him. I’m guessing he had a solid reputation and was well liked. { don’t know the story though }
Don Youngs Political career started then as a result of this special election in 73. I’m sure AKM will be doing followup stories about Young and where this goes.
As the story goes forward maybe AKM can add a few paragraphs and tie in the story of Nick Begich as well. It sounds like there is an interesting story there.
And His Son seems to have followed in his Dad’s footsteps as well. Being in Alaska…. these footprints would be in the snow…. following down that path.
Who was Nick Begich….. AKM?
Maybe a ‘ good story ‘ to tell….rather than one from the CB Club.
One of the decisions I have regretted over the years was not “losing” my Arctic gear when I shipped back out of Clear. The stuff we were issued was, I believe, WWII surplus (it was, for one thing, olive drab), but damn it was warm. The parka (with its fur-trimmed hood), the fat pants, the gloves, the boots — which as I recall we just referred to as “boots”. I wonder if “bunny boots” arose because they do look a little like the boots associated with a clean room bunny suit?
You really couldn’t be comfortable (i.e., not sweat) in the full get-up unless it was at least below 0F, preferably -20F. It was actually fairly traditional to “lose” the gear you had been issued, and pay the AF for it. The charge was about half a month’s pay for a white-bar, but that isn’t why I turned the gear back in. After the winter of 70-71, I told myself that I was never, ever going to be anywhere that it got down to -60F, and I didn’t even want to be reminded of such temperatures.
Of course, then I was posted to California and discovered skiing and snow-hiking.
Actually, when I first saw the picture, my first question was “How do you get the boots on the bunnies? Do they lace on or do they have snaps or velcro?” Also, I’d like to know if the bunnies lay down on their backs and hold their feet up or do you have to turn them over? These are very important questions.
Then I read the article. (sigh)
Ailes (Fox News CEO) looks like death warmed over. What a creepy guy. I wonder if he ever smiles.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/vp/33455984#33455984
Say NO @44 – Is it just me or does the image of Ailes remind anyone else of Alfred Hitchcock morphed with Cheney and sprinkled with a bit of Murdoch ?
(sorry Alfred!)
Strangelet, lol……..I think my hubby still has a pair of the ‘fat pants that zip up the side’, my 86 yr dad, who was stationed in the Aleutian Islands during the war II, gave them to hubby, lol. He loves them, but rarely has the need to use them, they do look funny but he swears by them. I should ship them up to Ann. I think my parents still have water canteens too and a mess kit, and more I’m sure. Incurable Depression era pack rats, lol.
Hey AKM, did you see Keith O talked about Going Rouge on countdown? He joked that it will be in the non fiction section and her’s will be in the humor.
Over the last two days it has really struck as to how Alaskan Politics or Politicians is so strange and weird. Definitely in the category of
” you can’t make this stuff up”
Yesterday we had a revival of the C.R.A.P party story. With all of our ESP wisdom 2 months ago we looked at this plan or idea as a ‘ joke ‘.
And yet now Sarah seems to be using as a basis for a whole campaign strategy.
She should have asked us to brainstorm for her months ago. And if we are so good at it… why didn’t Her fans over at the ‘ Other site ‘ think it up first.. Huh..?
And now the Yong Dung story. As per the thread link a few comment before this Young when he first started out in his career could not even win over somebody who was ‘ dead ‘. That doesn’t seem like a good sign.
And yet today… the same guy …..has his hands in Cookie Jars everywhere, with all the crumbs still all over his face and he proclaims….
” I didn’t take the cookies ” { Most 6 year olds try this and it NEVER works }
Now you can’t get rid of the Guy. From the beginning to now… two different ends of the spectrum.
” You can’t make this stuff up “
This is a searchable website for determining just who owns what in the media arena. This specific link has a very long (and astounding) list of what NewsCorp (Rupert Murdoch) owns and controls.
http://www.cjr.org/resources/index.php?c=newscorp
I always learn something new and interesting when I come here! You don’t see those boots in Florida, that’s for sure, although people do still break out the Uggs, or imitations of them here anyway when it gets into the 50′s or so. (Wimps, I know.) How interesting about the diesel fuel factor. At the risk of displaying my Floridian ignorance, why do the white ones dissolve? Are they made of something different than the black?
Another interesting and scary read:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/23/seymour-hersh-military-is_n_332139.html
A couple of excerpts from the article:
In addition to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the United States military is also fighting a war against the Obama administration at the White House, Seymour Hersh said in a little-noted speech at Duke University on October 13. The military is “in a war against the White House — and they feel they have Obama boxed in,” he said.
Hersh, a Pulitzer-prize winning investigative journalist who exposed the My Lai massacre in Vietnam and the Abu Ghraib scandal in Iraq, sees an undercurrent of racism in the Pentagon’s dealings with the White House. “They think he’s weak and the wrong color. Yes, there’s racism in the Pentagon. We may not like to think that, but it’s true and we all know it.”
A lot of people in the Pentagon would like to see him get into trouble,” he said. By leaking information that the commanding officer in Afghanistan, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, says the war would be lost without an additional 40,000 American troops, top brass have put Obama in a no-win situation, Hersh contended.
Interesting bunny boot facts:
My understanding of bunny boots is that the actual spelling is BUNY boots (I don’t know what the acronym stands for). They were made by the military and that is why you can’t get them new anymore (unless you are very lucky and find someone who has a new pair in your size in their surplus store). I had heard that they were so popular during the Korean War that the soldiers on the north would actually kill soldiers just for their boots. I work in a long term care facility so I hear a lot of Korean War stories.
I frostbit my feet when I was young and these boots are the only things that keep my feet warm when I mush with my dogs. They are very heavy which is more of a “hard on the back” than “good for the thighs” thing. I even got achilles tendonitis one year from running behind the sled in them (it’s a mushing thing).
They are warm even when your boots are full of water (or if your feet sweat).
I would take them over a downhill skiboot any day.