Please Settle A Bet!

I understand what you mean about the signs, and the false reasonings, that's fuckin retarded. However, like I said, although it Does Suck, if that's their rules, then the public should follow them, and not get all pissed, and childish when they get confronted for doing something that they shouldn't be doing.

If it is that important that you need to be barefoot and can't handle wearing flip flops or sandals for a few minutes, simple... you go somewhere else.

 

Or you can just forge a letter and post it here. You really have no proof of what you find. (Even though you won't find it.)

I find no thrill whether we see you in a dress or not. you have only made 9 posts here so far, so it's not like we all know you to begin with. Also if you haven't noticed, this is a hippy forum. Most of the people here are hippy, naturist, vegan, easygoing spiritual people, so seeing a guy in a dress is completely acceptable for all of them.

If you really had balls, you will bet your little friend that if you lose, you must go completely barefoot for at the absolute least, 1 month. - Non Stop.

And chances are... after that month is up, you will probably become an avid barefooter.

 

To All: the mentioned signs never mention what health department prohibits barefeet. A grocery store may have it's own health department which is not a law making body and has no force. I think you should ask a police officer if you are required to wear shoes under the laws in your locality. If law enforcement can't write you a ticket for being barefoot (and they know they can't) you'll be fine. I've discussed this with some friendly state police officers in NY they told me barefeet are legal, but trespassing on private property is another way they could give you a ticket. Driving barefoot is legal but unsafe operation of a vehicle is not. I'll be intersted to see how this thread plays out.

 

Hey Kid,

I'm taking the day off from work today just to go by the Health Department here. If I get a letter with a Virginia State Seal and it is typed by someone there it is not going to look like a forgery. I'm sure you guys could tell if I wrote over it. The store manager I know is going with me. He is actually tired of talking to people in the summer months about coming in the store barefoot. He is sure that it is now a violation, but wasn't a few years ago. That is also why I'm sure I'm right and you guys are wrong. I think a store manager would know before a 'biased barefoot website.'

After I win, I will post Brandon's pics here in shoes just for the hell of it. I started the bet anyways because he could get a store written up and I don't agree with that. And, it will be awesome to have him mowing the lawn and cleaning this house for a year. And, if I'm wrong I told Brandon I will let you Barefoot Kid, pick where and when I have to do this drag and barefoot thing. Hell, I spend the whole day barefoot and you can map the route of where I have to go barefoot. You even have my permission to film it, take pictures and post it on here. So, talk about getting in deeper. But, I'm going to prove you wrong. And, in return I want an apology and a 'you were right, I was wrong' posted on here by you. Deal?

I very well may have a letter to post on here later!

off the the Heath Department!

 

Since you will have an updated version of the letter, can we scan a copy for the SBL website? We have many members worldwide who keep a close eye on any rules or regulations being passed, so *we* are pretty sure there hasn't been any legislation passed that bans bare feet in stores or restaurants, but of course outsiders do sometimes point at that '2002' and claim it's outdated... so a fresh, December 2005, response would be welcome.

/note I'm not too worried it'll say it barefooting in stores is illegal.
//best would be if you could get anything in there about these signs; the Georgia letter is a nice example. "There are no State laws requiring customers to wear shoes in an food service establishment in Georgia. These signs, if posted, reflect a store policy and not a state health law. If customers encounter these signs they need to notify the local (county) health department and the signs will be removed or reworded to reflect a store policy." This should help prevent such confusion in the future!

 

Hey, that's the feeling I got from the very first post. I'd almost bet myself there's no "bet" here, there's no "Brandon," there's no "grocery store manager," and his whole argument is a total spoof. But I could be wrong and if so I would apologize to JayD. I've been participating in various boards for many years, and this topic just reeks of phoniness. Some of the statements he's made are just a little too over-the-top to be sincere.

But having said all that, it really doesn't matter whether he's for real or not. This has given many of us a chance to reiterate some barefooting facts and debunk some myths. So, perhaps JayD should actually be thanked for starting this, regardless of his motives.

 

I wish this bet and arguement with Brandon and you guys was fake. This SUCKS!! I'm going to be a man about this. Wasted eight hours of leave and much time at the health dept. I have to admit what I found out. You guys and Brandon were right. The only way a store gets written up in Virginia is if an employee is barefoot while working.


I cant believe this. I wish this bet was fake. Who in the hell would want to humiliate themselves on a public board. And, I will never hear the end of this from Brandon and the others here. And, Kid gloat all you want- at least I wear shoes in public! And, though you unforunately get decide the details of this stupid bet, I can't do it until February at the earliest, since I will have to buy a dress and fly to who knows where!

You guys and Brandon got lucky. It SHOULD be a code violation. This is very hard to digest.

 

Told you, you were wrong. There could be a cheaper way of paying the bet perhaps Brandon and the others here will settle for you spending a month barefoot every except work. As its your thing against being barefoot thats got you into this trouble be a man and try it your self for an extended period.
Or are you to chicken to do it?


Keep Bare Everyone

Barefootandy

 

I would rather go in drag and barefoot for one day and have it posted than give you guys the satisfaction of me going barefoot for a month.


If Kid is cool, he will let me apologize to him on here and leave it at that. He was proven right and I think he will be satisfied with that. I think I can talk Brandon into letting me by with doing the lawn, cleaning the house, etc.

 

Wouldn't bank on it Jay

 

Hi all!

This is Brandon. Yes, I really do exist. I am using the same computer as Jay, since we are housemates, but we are two different people fortunately! And, yes this is a real bet. Jay let in get a little out of hand on here, but that doesn't suprise me!!

I started going barefoot almost everywhere about two years ago. Jay and I are coworkers and share a house. He really gives me a hard time about the barefoot thing. We blew up at each other the other day, when I went to the store barefoot. He made the comment "if going barefoot in this store is not a code violation then I will dress up as a woman." the bet took off from there. I want to thank you guys for the info provided.

Barefoot Kid, I'm personally NOT letting Jay off the hook with house chores. He is going in drag and barefeet for me. I have read this thread well. I told Jay that he told Sweet Dream and you BOTH that he would go in drag, barefeet, whenver and wherever you guys want. That mean he actually and maybe legally would have to do this twice for both of you. It is up to you two. One time in drag and barefeet for all or should he have to do it three seperate times- He will be doing it once for me. He posted it on here what he would do for both of you if he lost. Don't go easy on him Hey- at least you don't have to share a house with him!

Thanks again. I look forward to posting regularily. Sweet Dream and Barefoot Kid, think about it. Jay may just have to go barefoot in public three times!

 

Another thing to remember Barefoot Kid, do you think Jay would let you off with an apology if you lost the bet. I doubt it. Plus, the way I look at it, he started the bet with me. He even found this site on his own. And Jay made the bets with all of us in a public forum. I personally never would make a bet like he did if I thought there was any chance I would lose.

 

Your whole story did sound a little fake, and if you are really for real, I apologize. It's really kind of irrelevant anyway, because it gave a lot of people the opportunity to post some facts and positive opinions about barefooting.

What we were hoping for was for you to get an update from Virginia in writing. Were you able to get anything in writing? Or, if it was only verbal, who did you talk to and exactly what did they say?

 

Jay,

I respect that you're being a good sport about this, admitting your defeat and willing to follow through on your bet. I might have let another person with your honest integrity off easy but like barefoot kid said, you had such a negative attitude about bare feet that I think it would do good justice to the barefooter's community and all involved to have the pictures taken and posted as you promised. Although you gave me (and Barefoot Kid) the option of where and when you are to appear as a barefoot drag queen, I would like to strike the following bargain, for the sake of making things more realistic, since we want to see these pictures posted without delay.

Here's the deal- you get to spend a day in your own town dressed in drag and bare feet, with Brandon as your witness and photographer. Just follow the simple instructions below. It will be like doing a scavenger hunt. This way, Brandon can get his end of the deal at the same time, and you won't have to travel very far to satisfy me and the barefoot community (although the Kid may have something more to add).

Jay's Big Barefoot Day (to be witnessed and documented by Brandon)

The Preparation:

1. Set aside a day where both you and Brandon have the afternoon free to conduct the "business" of paying off your lost bet.

2. Before that day arrives, purchase or borrow garments, makeup, and accessories to facilitate dressing in drag. Consult friends if necessary about what to get. Don't be half-assed about this. If you're going to be a good sport you need to go full force. See below for more details.

The Day:

1. Put forth a concerted effort to dress like a diva- wear at least a short-medium skirt with halter-top or women's vest, or a sundress. A feminine wig is a MUST. Wear some lipstick, rouge, and eyeliner. To respect the wishes of our forum member txbarefooter, I ask that you attempt Britney Spears as she appears in "Baby One More Time". I will leave it up to Brandon to determine whether your level of effort is acceptable or not. If the weather is cold, bring along a robe that you can quickly remove for the photos.

2. LEAVE YOUR SHOES AT HOME. Make sure to bring a digital camera with fresh batteries.

3. Head down to your local grocery store, perhaps the same one you mentioned in your posts. We want to see pictures of you in the parking lot, in at least two different store aisles, and waiting in line at the checkout. We also want pictures of you showing the dirty soles of your feet after you have visited the grocery store and its parking lot.

4. Go to a restaurant. We want pictures of you walking around the dining room and sitting at the table with your feet visible.

5. If there is snow available, we want to see pictures of you standing or running barefoot in the snow.

6. If there are railroad tracks nearby, have pictures taken of you walking barefoot along the tracks and stepping on the gravel, in your diva dress of course.

7. We'd also like to see pictures of you in your barefoot diva outfit at some outdoor public gathering, such as a parade, festival, farmer's market, or craft faire. We ask that you walk around the faire for at least 20 minutes and not just stop there for a quick photo shoot. If there is no outdoor gathering, then a photo of you walking across a busy street intersection will suffice.

8. Go home and post the photos!

Since this shouldn't take you that long to accomplish, I'm going to ask that you complete the tasks and post the photos within 3 weeks to avoid this thread from becoming stale. However, if you think you need more time, just ask for more time. We don't want you to forget about your promise.

Have fun with this. If people give you weird looks just tell them you lost a bet. They'll understand. I can't wait to see the pictures!

Sweet_Dream

 

Sweet Dream that is actually quite a 'scavenger hunt.' I don't have much of a choice, as it is up to you and Kid. I'm going to need help with a couple of things for me to do this. So I'm going to run a couple of options by the three of you later today. That is quite a list you have for me.

I will get with Brandon and lets see what Kid posts and we will work something out. You guys got real lucky here. I searched hard through alot of code info at the Health Department and found nothing. But, please do know that a person can't work in a store or resteraunt with barefeet in Virginia! Unfortunately for me that wasn't the issue.

 

Here is my bargain Sweet Dream. I will run it by Brandon when he comes back Monday. And, I guess it is up to Kid also.


I agree to do something like you have mapped out. However, I honestly prefer to do this in another town, as long as it is in the US. I would rather do this somewhere where people will not know me. I would rather pay alot of extra money for a flight and hotel. In exchange I will agree to walk anywhere or go any place barefoot that I'm told or pay any needed costs. I agree to any photos and will even buy the camera. I'm sure we can agree on a date.

Another reason I would like to do this out of town is that I would like someone to get me made up. In exchange I will pay whatever is needed for the dress, etc. and I will wear whatever is chosen by the one dressing me up. I would honestly have trouble finding someone in my area to assist with this. And, I don't think Brandon knows how to do make up, etc.

I'm willing to meet a group of you barefooters and submit personal info to anyone who would agree to this. Since you did compliment me on coming back and posting that I was wrong, this is all that I would ask. I really prefer to do this in another city. I'm open to whoever and whenever but just not in my city.

Now Sweet Dream and Kid, if you two are cool, you will accept my apologies on this board and you could let me off! Going in drag and barefeet will not change my opinion on this issue. And, if Brandon is cool, he will accept me doing the lawn and house chores for next year.

You have to admit that you guys were lucky on this. Those signs fooled me. And, my negativty to the barefoot community is this. There is nothing wrong with going barefoot in your own house, but it is not safe to barefoot in public places. You place yourself and the establishment at risk.

 

Personally, I'd rather see you go to a bunch of stores that have a 'by order of the Health Department' sign on their door and set them straight... removal of the sign would be best but even if it reflected a store policy would be better than this phantom law. That'd be far more useful for any barefooters in your town... While I must admit I've had a laugh at the ideas being spouted so far , I'd personally prefer something practical instead of public humiliation, and it'd be a lot cheaper too! But I didn't get into the bet so I guess I don't get a say in this!

No we don't, that is just a biased idea. Feet are much tougher than people who don't habitually go barefoot think. Injuries are extremely rare, and when they happen they're pretty minor. Glass isn't likely to cause a major cut, even splinters are extremely rare -I definitely get far fewer splinters in my foot than I get small scrapes & (paper)cuts on my hands! Stubbing a toe can happen in flipflops too, same for dropping something on top of the foot. High heels & platform shoes are far worse for twisted ankles & for slips & falls, and a twisted ankle is more disabling & takes far longer to heal than a glass cut... may I ask whether you'd be in favor of a ban of high heels, platform shoes etc in stores?

Also we don't spread many germs or dirt around; you're at much greater risk touching stuff with your hands that are handled by many people like door knobs, push-buttons, money... Even if everyone would go barefoot so many more people would touch the floor with their skin, most infections don't spread through the skin, but enter your body in other ways. If you get pathogens on your hands (through any of those things I named, for example) you are much more likely to get them in your face/mouth/nose, when you wipe your nose, eat a snack, wipe your hair out of your face... and *there* they can enter your body. Your feet are on the ground and generally remain there. Even those things that are known to spread from foot to foot -most noticably athlete's foot- don't have as much chance on a bare foot. They're usually picked up in locker rooms where many people walk around briefly, but then put their feet in closed shoes... a warm, damp and dark environment, perfect for a fungus to grow. If you walk anywhere where there are many barefooters and remain barefoot, the skin of your foot will be well-ventilated, cool and usually dry (even if it's raining, a bare foot dries very quickly as soon as you get onto dry ground). That is not a good environment for a fungal infection at all.

I believe many people are biased against bare feet for two reasons. One, those signs; if you read 'no bare feet by order of the Health Department' often enough, most people will believe there's something unsanitary about bare feet, and that feeling has likely taken root in your mind so even now you know the signs are false, it's still hard to believe that bare feet are not dirty or unsafe. Second, feet that have been cooped up inside closed shoes all day will often smell bad, and that of course doesn't give a good impression either. But that is not the feet themselves you smell; it's the waste products from bacteria breaking down sweat in anaerobe circumstances. Bare feet may sweat in summer, but they still won't produce the smell.

 

Now Jay, I don't think anyone here expects you to ever have a changed opinion about bare feet, nor the impetus to notify your local store owners about the falsifications their signs represent- you are obviously another one of those stubborn shoe-mongers that plague the lifestyles and freedoms of barefooters alike. People like you are the ones who probably invent those signs on restaurant windows and "phantom laws" and such. The bottom line is that you owe us the duty of appearing in drag and bare feet in public. A bet is a bet, and you said you would be a man about it. First you told us that we could pick the time and place and even the dress. Now it looks as though you're starting to wuss out on us, by telling us that you aren't prepared to dress yourself and won't do it in your own town, and other lame excuses. If you weren't prepared to carry through with this then you should not have made the bet in the first place! OK, how's this then: go to the thrift store and pick out a simple sundress and wig, put on some lipstick and drive to another town close enough to be convenient but far enough away where you won't know anyone. Bring Brandon with you, or another person who can photograph you. Go to the places I mentioned in my "list" and have the photos taken. If you're cool, and a "man" about it, then you will cooperate. No more excuses!

Just think about it this way- if you wuss out, the humiliation will be worse because your personal integrity will be ruined and no one will ever want to make a bet with you ever again. Now do you want to live with that kind of guilt and persecution the rest of your life? Didn't think so.

Now having said all that, I do think Myrana's idea is a good one, if you're willing to actually carry through with it, although it will be a hard task to verify. However, if you can get a photo taken with you, a store owner/manager, and the "No Bare Feet" sign all in the same photo, and another with the same angle but with the sign clearly removed, then that would be an acceptable alternative. You may have to visit several places before finding one where they are actually willing to remove the sign.

 

Actually, Jay, I'm just giving you a hard time. I don't really care what you do, and certainly don't want to be the one liable for any kind of disaster that might ensue as result of my joking around with you! There could be a prosecution lawyer in your family for all I know... And besides, involving me in the bet would be unfair to you anyway because nothing would have happened to me if I lost. But I still think it was cool that you came on here, played a little game with us, lost and admitted it, politely offered to honor your bet, and in the end, confirmed for all of us that it's not illegal to go barefoot, at least not in Virginia. You've added a refreshing sense of suspense and comic relief to this little webpage, and must give you credit for that. So you're off the hook with me. I'm basically leaving it to Brandon and Barefoot Kid now to determine whether posting humiliating barefoot pictures of you here is a necessary settlement.

 

OK, you said you'd "rather pay alot of extra money for a flight and hotel" so ... go to Key West, it is barefoot friendly and you'd not be out of place.

I still have the feeling you're a troll and just playing us, way too convienent to suddenly take the day off and "discover" there is no health code about barefeet. then post that we were right and all you'd do to fess up on the bet in the first three paragraphs, then spend the next to chickening out on it. You could do a google and find a crossdresser that fits your criteria and then post it as "you" and we'd never know.

Lots of things about this post don't add up and equates to a troll.