I got told I was smart a lot as a kid - I thought high school was beneath me and I would purposefully try and read really hard books when I was way too young just so I could feel better than others. I became this way with everything. Music, books, movies, TV Shows, food, alcohol, coffee - As I get older and matured I realize I don't like how I feel towards people who don't have the same cultural attitudes I do. Sure I've watched some all time great moves and read some classic novels and there's definitely massive value in those - but I don't like how if someone tells me their favorite movie is Avatar or their favorite book is ACOTAR or they enjoy Folgers coffee or they like Creed I just assume they are idiots. This has especially hit me in the dating world - I will date a girl and she will tell me "oh that's one of my favorite movies" or "oh I love this song" and it's some really trashy badly rated movie or some super garbage music in my opinion and it turns me off from the girl, which is super sad because what the fuck is wrong with me?
I've also surrounded myself with friends who are a bit of culture snobs, to a certain degree - so I'm in sort of an echo chamber socially. All my friends are super hipster people and idk I just feel like... damn maybe this isn't the best?
How do I improve this what do I do?

Hello! I wanted to get some perspective on a situation my partner and I are considering.
My partner’s best friend is going to be moving abroad this summer for his job for at least the next year. He owns a nice little townhome and doesn’t want to sell it yet, and he also wants someone living there ro manage it and take care of his plants lol. So, he has offered to let us move in for a fair monthly rent. This would only be for a year, as my partner is finishing up his PhD and then we will be moving away for his job opportunity as well. My partner and I are homebodies, no kids (just a cat), and my partner is extremely, extremely clean and tidy. At the surface, it seems like a good deal with a set end date that benefits all involved. BUT I know that everyone says to only rent to/from friends and family if you hate them and want to destroy your relationship lol so I know there is a catch.
His friend is going to be drafting up an official lease, but what other things should we be aware of going into this situation? I would really love to take advantage of this, but I know my partner cherishes this friend and so I don’t want to be in a situation where their friendship is ruined. For whatever it’s worth, both my partner and his friend are from a country/culture that is very heavily focused on supporting friends and family, so something like this would not be uncommon at all there. I think that’s why they both are thinking so positively about it while I’m being the realistic Negative Nancy over here hahah
Any advice would be much appreciated!

1(25F) dating my (26M) for 5 years. I moved to Canada five years ago and he asked me out 4 days before moving (we were both very close friends and was heartbroken about my moving unexpectedly). We never went on dates or even kissed or anything as a couple. As years went by our relationship are having it's ups and downs but we are sticking together and love each other. Since I moved here with my family I live with them and pursuing my bachelor program. As we moved here 5 years ago my parents had managed to get settled down (like buying a house, 2 cars, establishing a business). Recently my bf moved to Germany to pursue his education. And he's asking me to move with him if he gets a good job there after his completion of college. But I told him I can't as I need to take care of my old parents (they are in their late 50s and has many health issues), take care of the house mortgage they bought the house recently), the business and also my little sister (12 years old ). Also since I have got accustomed to Canadian environment and culture it will be hard for me. It will be hard for me to leave my old parents, the business and all other responsibilities as I'm the oldest. Also after the completion of my degree I plan to get a job and look after the business too as it's my parents dream. If I leave and move country l have to give up everything I have here and give up my responsibilities. As for my boyfriend, he's afraid that he lives alone and he's afraid that he might not get a respectable job in Canada. He's saying I'm being selfish and he's life is being decided based on m dad buying a house and having a business. I live Montreal and I plan to live here. So I really need advice on how to proceed and what to decide.

My parents are really a pain too
I am fully Haitian(mom is haitian, dad is 75% haitian and 25% DR from his mom.) But i really hate my culture and skin and dont feel connected. To make it worse the school system is seemingly passive against me and im surrounded by hispanic people and friends. Ive gone far as to say to friends when its the right moment, that im haitian but my parents speak spanish and i was raised in creole and spanish, which is what everyone believes. I love the hispanic culture, the food, and music, and the people. Too bad im stuck in this shit stain i never wanted to be. And this dates back to when i was 4 that i never liked being haitian and in fact wanted to be hispanic since 4. Its very rare that i will be with spanish relatives because my dad will only sometimes meet them. I hope i could just live my life faking being hispanic. I speak spanish pretty well because i practiced it. And im only 14 so this is probably immaturity. Just somebody speak on if im wrong for this or not because i feel it was out of my control that im so attached to hispanic and not haitian culture. Please dont encourage me out of faking just tell me if im wrong for thinking what ive been thinking since 4 and if i should speak to my parents about these insane thoughts

My parents are really a pain too
I am fully Haitian(mom is haitian, dad is 75% haitian and 25% DR from his mom.) But i really hate my culture and skin and dont feel connected. To make it worse the school system is seemingly passive against me and im surrounded by hispanic people and friends. Ive gone far as to say to friends when its the right moment, that im haitian but my parents speak spanish and i was raised in creole and spanish, which is what everyone believes. I love the hispanic culture, the food, and music, and the people. Too bad im stuck in this shit stain i never wanted to be. And this dates back to when i was 4 that i never liked being haitian and in fact wanted to be hispanic since 4. Its very rare that i will be with spanish relatives because my dad will only sometimes meet them. I hope i could just live my life faking being hispanic. I speak spanish pretty well because i practiced it. And im only 14 so this is probably immaturity. Just somebody speak on if im wrong for this or not because i feel it was out of my control that im so attached to hispanic and not haitian culture. Please dont encourage me out of faking just tell me if im wrong for thinking what ive been thinking since 4 and if i should speak to my parents about these insane thoughts

My parents are really a pain too
I am fully Haitian(mom is haitian, dad is 75% haitian and 25% DR from his mom.) But i really hate my culture and skin and dont feel connected. To make it worse the school system is seemingly passive against me and im surrounded by hispanic people and friends. Ive gone far as to say to friends when its the right moment, that im haitian but my parents speak spanish and i was raised in creole and spanish, which is what everyone believes. I love the hispanic culture, the food, and music, and the people. Too bad im stuck in this shit stain i never wanted to be. And this dates back to when i was 4 that i never liked being haitian and in fact wanted to be hispanic since 4. Its very rare that i will be with spanish relatives because my dad will only sometimes meet them. I hope i could just live my life faking being hispanic. I speak spanish pretty well because i practiced it. And im only 14 so this is probably immaturity. Just somebody speak on if im wrong for this or not because i feel it was out of my control that im so attached to hispanic and not haitian culture. Please dont encourage me out of faking just tell me if im wrong for thinking what ive been thinking since 4 and if i should speak to my parents about these insane thoughts

So a little back story, i met this girl for the first time a few days ago, went for drinks, and we hooked up. We hadn't talked about what we were planning for but she told me I never really asked her out. So i did and she invited me over to her place for some pasta as she had a long work day.
So as she doesn't drink and loves dark chocolate, I took some chocolates as my culture taught me that when ever you're visiting someone carry something nice, and she completely ignores it and gives it back because she doesn't want any chocolates today, maybe some other day. So onto the date, we start talking and immediately she mentions that we're on the second date because her friend thought I was nice and she should give me a second chance. That kinda bummed me off but I let it slide because I thought it was a joke ( it wasn't ). And then we decided to make some pasta and watch a movie, but all along she did was scroll her IG, check up on some work or text her girl friends. I'm someone who doesn't like checking up on phone when I'm around someone so it kinda felt bad. After dinner, she said let's cuddle and then you can go as i have early work day tomorrow. So yeah we cuddle and end up having sex, and she doesn't sleep at her time so while we're in bed after the sex, she mentions it's my fault if she wakes up late. I said lol I'll wake you up in the morning by giving you a call to make sure you're not late and then she tells me that I'm crossing boundaries by trying to help her and she wants to take things slow ? I mean what ? I didn't even mention anything about the future, just wanted to make sure she didn't get late for work. And I'm a morning person anyways. So yeah I got pissed and got up to wear my shoes and while wearing them she asked me for a hug and I was already tying my laces by then so I tied them and leaned in for a good bye hug and she tells me that now you're touching me after touching your shoes, now you shouldn't. And then I was completely mad and i just told her you sleep, I'll leave now. And left her house.
I don't know what she wanted from me, just a hookup, dating idk. But atleast talk about it and communicate.

I hate to use a term a meme word like “culture vulture” but watching the new music video for Post Malone and Morgan Wallen’s new song I Had Some Help, I struggle to find a more apt description. Being a decrepit, aging millennial, I remember Post Malone emerging on the scene with White Iverson. His cornrows and “grill” aesthetic already seemed dated at its debut. This was a signature look of the mid to late 2000s. Looking back, it seems too early in the cultural zeitgeist (I invite you to roll your eyes at the term “cultural zeitgeist”) to be parodied but what do I know? What is the angle, other than a “I am a wigger!”?
Hip hop is the last new form of art in music. I will not entertain EDM. It’s not that the genre is unable to create meaningful art. The medium has simply failed to strike the delicate balance of being culturally relevant and popular. This may seem reductive but see if your normie friends can name a Burial album.
Drunk, listening to Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song”, I have concluded that hip hop is in its death throes (before you ask, yes, because a black person is involved this is a hip hop song). With no new ground to till, popular artists like Post, Beyoncé and Lil durk have turned to country music. Why is country music seeing a resurgence? Hauntology. “I Had Some Help”references the idea of what country “is.” Trucks, ten gallon hats, American flag and a run down bar? This is not country, this is referencing country and the worst part is this is implied. This “reference” is not subtle, it is abject. Post Malone is the Valkyrie of western culture.

Ok, obviously I'm into health and fitness. I refuse to have a dad bod, and I am a dad. I don't understand how dad's even get dad bods with kids around who always want to wrestle, and be chased, and be thrown up in the air, and then the airplane rides (which you have to be careful about or they can cause another kind of throwing up)... kids are like having your own personal gym that yells motivation at you if you get lazy. So, ya. I'm white, 6'1'', 200lbs of solid super hero bod. Like... hmm... what's a super hero with no hair. Yeah, like that guy. (did you think of anyone?)
I also love to build things. I built several houses including my house, all my boats, a giant robot, a super cool solar powered workshop. Oh, right... I live on my own pair of private islands so I get electricity from solar panels, and water from the sky. In other words... no bills. Oh, life is a different thing without rent or mortgage, car payment, electricity bill. Just imagine, all that gone. Yeah. it's pretty sweet. I do pay for internet (someone recently told me they'd love to live like I do, but couldn't live without internet. This conversation happened on reddit... which obviously means I have internet.) I also buy some food, but that's about it. ...and I keep growing more food, and I want to get chickens soon!
I'm looking for someone I can get to know, and possibly have a meaningful relationship with who generally likes the sound of what I've written here. I'm not into hookup culture at all. Not saying I don't like sex. I'm very into sex. ...just with someone I care about and trust. I have no problem dating someone younger, but you have to be a legal adult (I've had a few uh... inappropriate responses on here). So, who are you? What's your story?
Jaimie
Last minute details. I have a sourdough blob named Bubbles. Right now I'm making pizza (With sourdough) and green tea for dinner. I don't know much about green tea.... other than that someone left me with a box full of the stuff a few months ago.

What real life political, economic, societal, military, governance, leadership backbiting, or other issues that have brought down real governments and nation states do you think would ultimately lead to the fall of Gilead?
I think that their focus on isolationism, naturally less productive organic agriculture not meeting the needs of a growing population, and the lack of technology and manufacturing in agricultural production means relying ever increasingly on an aging workforce that can not meet the production levels of mechanized food production. It also means that should they return to machinery as older workers can no longer keep up with demand, there will not be the skills or equipment needed to make the necessary repairs- due to their isolationist ideals and basically pissing off the rest of the world, they’re going to have a hard time finding farm equipment overseas
And while theyre currently pro vaccines, it’s inevitable that the religious zealots will push for no vaccines. STD’s are also never discussed- syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea- all need antibiotics, new emergent disease variants require new vaccines to be developed, agricultural strains that are resistant to the new climate and disease strains of the post war world, and the means of development and production of all of which won’t exist after they’ve destroyed higher education institutions, invariably killed all of the research scientists who used feral stem cell lines, and all of those who were educated under the pre war systems will eventually die.
If the series scenes showing the schools and children gathered in homes and public spaces is reflective of the the gender gap in new births, Gilead’s new generation of children has a very skewed ratio of female to male infants being born, so even if the decision is made to provide the boys with higher education in Gilead with an old fashioned apprenticeship and fellow style interning with older educated professionals, based on the gender gap shown, there will simply not be enough young men to fill all the necessary rolls in society that Gilead reserves exclusively for men- leadership, military, medicine and the sciences, homeland security, police and fire, construction and the maintenance trades, architecture and development, food merchants and food chain movement, butchers, warehouse staff, delivery drivers, manufacturing, etc.
Older Women, specifically the Martha’s, seem to be the majority of the hard on the body farming labor and environmental toxic clean up- meaning that the aging female workforce producing the majority of the food as well as working toward increasing available tillable acreage are going to be physically unable to work or dead in short order. The middle generation of younger women are still possibly fertile- but they’re being sent to the colonies to die rather than being sent to agricultural areas to work. The kidnapped children all seem to be have given to commanders and upper class families, meaning it’s unlikely they will age into those farming rolls. It’s a bottleneck with defined expiration date.
Also, other than handmaids and fertile women-there are no other desirable exports for Gilead to offer other nations for food and needed goods, and it’s likely that there would be many nations who would have zero interest in returning to the slave trade, especially sex trafficking and forced pregnancies, and practically speaking, some nations’ would be opposed to interracial births and diluting their gene pools.
And I suspect Gilead, and likely all of the world’s Islamic, Atheist, Catholic, Non-denominational, and Jewish nation states would be mutually opposed to engaging in trade or cultural exchanges due to Gilead’s heretical religious beliefs and the persecution, executions, and unlawful seizing of property from the religious brothers in what is now Gilead during the war, as well as the impossibility of open borders with a nation still executing citizens for their religious beliefs. (Btw- any idea what denomination Gilead is most likely to be?)

So a little back story, I'm 24 M and I met this 23F for the first time a few days ago after talking on hinge, went for drinks, and we hooked up. We hadn't talked about what we were planning for but she told me I never really asked her out. So i did and she invited me over to her place for some pasta as she had a long work day.
So as she doesn't drink and loves dark chocolate, I took some chocolates as my culture taught me that when ever you're visiting someone carry something nice, and she completely ignores it and gives it back because she doesn't want any chocolates today, maybe some other day. So onto the date, we start talking and immediately she mentions that we're on the second date because her friend thought I was nice and she should give me a second chance. That kinda bummed me off but I let it slide because I thought it was a joke ( it wasn't ). And then we decided to make some pasta and watch a movie, but all along she did was scroll her IG, check up on some work or text her girl friends. I'm someone who doesn't like checking up on phone when I'm around someone so it kinda felt bad. After dinner, she said let's cuddle and then you can go as i have early work day tomorrow. So yeah we cuddle and end up having sex, and she doesn't sleep at her time so while we're in bed after the sex, she mentions it's my fault if she wakes up late. I said lol I'll wake you up in the morning by giving you a call to make sure you're not late and then she tells me that I'm crossing boundaries by trying to help her and she wants to take things slow ? I mean what ? I didn't even mention anything about the future, just wanted to make sure she didn't get late for work. And I'm a morning person anyways. So yeah I got pissed and got up to wear my shoes and while wearing them she asked me for a hug and I was already tying my laces by then so I tied them and leaned in for a good bye hug and she tells me that now you're touching me after touching your shoes, now you shouldn't. And then I was completely mad and i just told her you sleep, I'll leave now. And left her house.
I don't know what she wanted from me, just a hookup, dating idk. But atleast talk about it and communicate.

For context I am a 22 year old Greek Orthodox male and my ex girlfriend is 20 year old evangelical (even though she claimed to be atheist). I just read your thread story you said how your priest told you to break up with your RCC due to religious differences. I am writing this to say this happened to me as well. My ex girlfriend broke up with me due to “Cultural/Religious” differences. She did not like the idea of me wanting an Orthodox wedding and our kids going to Sunday and Greek School. I cried and begged her to change her mind and that we are still young where things can change. Alas, we still broke up. I was (still am) very upset by it and talked to my priest about it. He gave me the same advice that it would not have worked out and it was better for us to break up now than later. (We dated for a year and a half and she was my first real relationship). Even though I am still hurting he was right. Better now than later when we are about to be married. I am glad to hear that I am not the only one who has dealt with these religious differences. As for other people who are dealing with the same thing currently, let this be a message to them. Be careful with who you date so conflicts like this won’t happen in the future to you

Importance of compliance in healthcare staffing

Compliance in healthcare staffing is of utmost importance in order to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of healthcare facilities. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality of patient care and protecting the well-being of both patients and staff. By adhering to compliance regulations, healthcare staffing agencies can not only avoid legal penalties and reputational damage but also foster trust and confidence among clients and patients. Additionally, compliance in healthcare staffing can contribute to the growth of business by attracting new clients and retaining existing ones. To grow business, healthcare staffing agencies must prioritize compliance and implement effective strategies to ensure that all staff members are properly trained, licensed, and qualified to provide the highest level of care.

Legal and regulatory requirements

Legal and regulatory requirements play a crucial role in ensuring compliance in healthcare staffing in New York. It is imperative for healthcare staffing agencies to adhere to the set guidelines and laws to maintain the highest standards of patient care and safety. These requirements encompass various aspects such as licensing, certification, background checks, and training for healthcare professionals. Additionally, healthcare staffing agencies must also comply with federal and state regulations regarding employment practices, discrimination, and privacy. By diligently following these legal and regulatory requirements, healthcare staffing agencies can establish a solid foundation for providing reliable and qualified healthcare professionals to meet the demands of the industry.

Consequences of non-compliance

Consequences of non-compliance Non-compliance with healthcare staffing regulations in New York can have severe consequences for healthcare organizations. Firstly, it can lead to legal penalties and fines, which can significantly impact the financial stability of the organization. Additionally, non-compliance can damage the reputation of the organization, leading to a loss of trust from patients and the community. This can result in a decline in patient satisfaction and a decrease in the number of patients seeking care from the organization. Furthermore, non-compliance can also jeopardize patient safety and quality of care, as staffing shortages and improper credentials can lead to errors and substandard care. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare organizations in New York to prioritize compliance and ensure that all staffing practices adhere to the established regulations.

Understanding New York healthcare staffing regulations

Licensing and certification requirements

Licensing and certification requirements are essential to ensure compliance in healthcare staffing in New York. It is crucial for healthcare organizations to manage their staff effectively by ensuring that all employees possess the necessary licenses and certifications. By doing so, organizations can guarantee that their staff members have met the required standards and are qualified to provide quality care to patients. Managing your staff in this manner not only ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements but also promotes patient safety and enhances the overall quality of healthcare services.

Staffing ratios and patient safety

Staffing ratios and patient safety are crucial aspects of healthcare staffing in New York. Ensuring appropriate staffing ratios is essential to maintain high-quality patient care and prevent adverse events. However, healthcare facilities in New York are struggling to find the right balance in staffing ratios, which can impact patient safety. It is important for healthcare organizations to address this issue and implement strategies to optimize staffing levels. By doing so, they can improve patient outcomes and minimize the risks associated with inadequate staffing. To learn more about the challenges and solutions related to staffing ratios and patient safety in New York, click here.

Background checks and credential verification

Background checks and credential verification are crucial aspects of ensuring compliance in healthcare staffing in New York. These processes help to ensure that healthcare professionals have the necessary qualifications and meet the required standards before being hired. Background checks involve thorough investigations into an individual's criminal history, employment history, and educational background. This helps to identify any red flags or discrepancies that may affect their suitability for the position. Credential verification involves confirming the validity and authenticity of an individual's licenses, certifications, and other credentials. This helps to ensure that healthcare professionals are properly trained and qualified to provide quality care to patients. By conducting comprehensive background checks and credential verification, healthcare organizations can mitigate risks, maintain regulatory compliance, and safeguard the well-being of patients.

Developing a compliant staffing plan

Identifying staffing needs

Identifying staffing needs is a crucial step in ensuring compliance in healthcare staffing in New York. One of the key factors in maintaining a compliant healthcare staffing system is the ability to retain medical professionals. Retaining medical professionals is essential for providing consistent and high-quality patient care. By creating a supportive and engaging work environment, healthcare organizations can increase the likelihood of retaining skilled medical professionals. This can be achieved through offering competitive compensation packages, providing opportunities for professional development, and fostering a positive workplace culture. By focusing on retaining medical professionals, healthcare organizations can ensure compliance by maintaining a stable and qualified workforce.

Recruitment and selection process

The recruitment and selection process is a crucial aspect of ensuring compliance in healthcare staffing in New York. It involves a systematic approach to identifying, attracting, and hiring qualified healthcare professionals who meet the necessary requirements and standards. This process begins with a thorough analysis of the staffing needs and the development of job descriptions and specifications. Recruitment strategies, such as advertising job openings, utilizing professional networks, and partnering with educational institutions, are then implemented to attract a diverse pool of candidates. Once the applications are received, a rigorous selection process is carried out, which may include screening resumes, conducting interviews, and performing background checks. The goal is to identify individuals who possess the required qualifications, skills, and competencies to provide safe and high-quality care to patients. By implementing a comprehensive recruitment and selection process, healthcare organizations can ensure that their staffing practices align with regulatory requirements and promote compliance.

Training and orientation programs

Training and orientation programs play a vital role in ensuring compliance in healthcare staffing in New York. These programs provide healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to adhere to the strict regulations and guidelines set forth by governing bodies. By implementing comprehensive training and orientation programs, healthcare organizations can effectively educate their staff on the importance of compliance, thereby reducing the risk of non-compliance and potential legal consequences. Moreover, these programs also contribute to boosting revenue by improving staff efficiency and productivity, leading to enhanced patient care and satisfaction.

Ensuring ongoing compliance

Monitoring and auditing practices

Monitoring and auditing practices play a crucial role in ensuring compliance in healthcare staffing in New York. These practices involve the systematic review and evaluation of staffing processes, policies, and procedures to identify any potential gaps or areas of improvement. By implementing robust monitoring and auditing practices, healthcare organizations can proactively identify and address compliance issues, such as ensuring that staff members have the necessary qualifications and licenses, adhering to patient privacy regulations, and maintaining accurate documentation. Furthermore, regular monitoring and auditing can help healthcare organizations stay up-to-date with changing regulations and industry best practices, thereby minimizing the risk of non-compliance and potential legal consequences. In summary, monitoring and auditing practices are essential components of an effective compliance strategy in healthcare staffing in New York.

Documentation and record-keeping

Documentation and record-keeping play a crucial role in ensuring compliance in healthcare staffing in New York. It is imperative for healthcare facilities to maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of staff qualifications, licenses, certifications, and training records. This includes keeping track of background checks, immunization records, and any disciplinary actions taken against staff members. By maintaining comprehensive and organized records, healthcare facilities can demonstrate their commitment to meeting regulatory requirements and ensuring the safety and well-being of patients. In addition, proper record-keeping enables healthcare facilities to easily provide evidence of compliance during audits or inspections. Therefore, healthcare organizations should prioritize the implementation of robust documentation and record-keeping systems to effectively manage their staffing compliance obligations.

Continuous staff education and training

Continuous staff education and training is crucial in ensuring compliance in healthcare staffing in New York. As the healthcare industry is constantly evolving, it is essential for healthcare professionals to stay updated with the latest regulations, protocols, and best practices. By providing regular training sessions, workshops, and educational resources, healthcare organizations can equip their staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex compliance landscape. Additionally, ongoing education helps healthcare professionals stay informed about emerging technologies and advancements in patient care, enabling them to deliver high-quality services. With continuous staff education and training, healthcare organizations can ensure that their staff members are well-prepared to meet the compliance requirements and provide optimal care to patients.

Addressing challenges in healthcare staffing compliance

Managing staff turnover

Managing staff turnover is a critical aspect of ensuring compliance in healthcare staffing in New York. With the constant changes in the healthcare industry and the high demand for qualified professionals, healthcare organizations must adopt effective strategies to address staff turnover. One key strategy is to prioritize employee engagement and satisfaction, as this can significantly reduce turnover rates. Additionally, implementing comprehensive training and development programs can help healthcare staff feel supported and equipped to handle their roles effectively. By focusing on these strategies, healthcare organizations can maintain compliance and ensure a stable workforce.

Adapting to changing regulations

Adapting to changing regulations is crucial in ensuring compliance in healthcare staffing in New York. As the healthcare industry is constantly evolving, it is essential for healthcare organizations to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations to maintain the highest standards of patient care and safety. This requires a proactive approach to monitoring and implementing changes in staffing requirements, licensure, and certification. By closely following regulatory updates and collaborating with regulatory bodies, healthcare staffing agencies can effectively navigate the complex landscape of compliance and ensure that their staff meet all necessary criteria. Adapting to changing regulations not only helps healthcare organizations avoid penalties and legal issues, but also promotes a culture of continuous improvement and commitment to providing quality healthcare services in New York.

Dealing with staffing shortages

Dealing with staffing shortages is a critical challenge faced by healthcare organizations in New York. To ensure compliance in healthcare staffing, it is essential to develop a comprehensive strategy that addresses the recruitment and retention of qualified professionals. One key aspect of this strategy is the implementation of a comprehensive marketing plan for dental practice. A well-designed marketing plan can attract potential candidates and highlight the unique opportunities available within the healthcare organization. By leveraging digital platforms, social media, and targeted advertising, healthcare organizations can effectively promote their dental practice and engage with qualified professionals. This proactive approach not only helps in addressing staffing shortages but also ensures compliance with regulatory requirements in healthcare staffing in New York.

Conclusion

The importance of compliance in healthcare staffing

Compliance in healthcare staffing is of utmost importance, especially in a highly regulated industry like healthcare. It ensures that healthcare organizations and professionals adhere to the necessary legal and ethical standards. The importance of compliance cannot be understated as it helps in maintaining patient safety, protecting patient rights, and promoting overall quality of care. In New York, where healthcare staffing is a critical aspect of the industry, compliance becomes even more crucial. Healthcare organizations in New York must comply with state and federal regulations to ensure the well-being of both patients and staff. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in serious consequences, including legal penalties and reputational damage. Therefore, it is essential for healthcare staffing agencies and professionals to prioritize compliance and stay updated with the latest guidelines and requirements.

Benefits of maintaining compliance

Maintaining compliance in healthcare staffing in New York offers several benefits. Firstly, it ensures that healthcare facilities are operating within the legal and regulatory framework, promoting patient safety and quality of care. Compliance also helps to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in the healthcare system, safeguarding public resources. Additionally, maintaining compliance enhances the reputation of healthcare organizations, instilling confidence in patients, employees, and stakeholders. By adhering to compliance standards, healthcare facilities can also avoid costly penalties and legal consequences. Overall, the commitment to compliance in healthcare staffing in New York is crucial for maintaining ethical practices, protecting patients, and upholding the integrity of the healthcare system.

Commitment to providing quality patient care

Healthcare organizations in New York have a strong commitment to providing quality patient care. They understand the importance of ensuring compliance in healthcare staffing to maintain high standards of service. By adhering to strict regulations and guidelines, these organizations prioritize patient safety and well-being. They invest in rigorous screening processes, comprehensive training programs, and ongoing professional development to ensure that their staff members are competent and qualified. Additionally, they regularly evaluate and monitor their staffing practices to identify any areas for improvement and implement necessary changes. This commitment to compliance not only ensures that patients receive the best possible care but also contributes to building trust and confidence in the healthcare system in New York.
In conclusion, starting a healthcare staffing business online in 2023 is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs. With the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, there is a need for staffing solutions. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily start your own healthcare staffing business and tap into this lucrative market. Don't miss out on this chance to make a difference in the healthcare industry. Visit our website, How to Start a Healthcare Staffing Business Online 2023, to learn more and get started today!

Introduction to healthcare staffing business

Launching a healthcare staffing business in Wyoming can be a challenging endeavor, but with the right strategies and approach, it is possible to navigate the frontier state successfully. In this article, we will provide an introduction to the healthcare staffing business and explore the key steps involved in setting up and running such a business in Wyoming. One of the crucial aspects of any healthcare staffing business is the ability to attract new clients. In order to attract new clients, it is important to implement effective marketing strategies and establish strong relationships with healthcare facilities and professionals. By offering exceptional staffing services and highlighting the unique benefits of working with your business, you can position yourself as a trusted partner in meeting the staffing needs of healthcare organizations in Wyoming.

Importance of healthcare staffing in Wyoming

The importance of healthcare staffing in Wyoming cannot be overstated. With a growing population and an aging workforce, the demand for qualified healthcare professionals is higher than ever. Healthcare staffing agencies play a crucial role in meeting this demand by connecting healthcare facilities with talented and skilled professionals. These agencies ensure that healthcare facilities are adequately staffed, which is essential for providing quality care to patients. Additionally, healthcare staffing agencies help in reducing the burden on healthcare facilities by handling the recruitment and placement process, allowing them to focus on their core operations. Therefore, the presence of healthcare staffing agencies is vital for the efficient functioning of the healthcare industry in Wyoming.

Challenges and opportunities in the healthcare staffing industry

The healthcare staffing industry presents both challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to start a nursing agency in Georgia in 2023. As the demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise, there is a growing need for staffing solutions that can provide qualified and reliable nurses. However, entering the healthcare staffing industry can be challenging due to the competitive nature of the market and the need to navigate complex regulations and licensing requirements. Despite these challenges, there are significant opportunities for growth and success in this sector. By understanding the unique needs of the healthcare industry in Georgia and leveraging innovative strategies, entrepreneurs can establish a nursing agency that meets the demand for skilled nursing professionals and contributes to the improvement of healthcare services in the state.

Understanding the Healthcare Staffing Market in Wyoming

Demographics and healthcare demand in Wyoming

Wyoming, with its unique demographics and healthcare demand, presents both opportunities and challenges for launching a healthcare staffing business. As the least populous state in the country, Wyoming has a small but diverse population that requires specialized healthcare services. The state's rural nature and vast geographic area make it essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare needs of different regions. Additionally, Wyoming's healthcare system relies heavily on federal funding, making it crucial to navigate the complexities of government regulations and funding mechanisms. By leveraging the right banking solutions for taquerías, healthcare staffing businesses can effectively address the specific healthcare demands of Wyoming's population.

Existing healthcare staffing agencies in Wyoming

Wyoming is home to several existing healthcare staffing agencies that have established themselves in the state's healthcare industry. These agencies have successfully navigated the challenges of the frontier state and have built a strong presence in the market. When it comes to venture capital, these agencies have also attracted investments to fuel their growth and expansion. With the support of venture capital, they have been able to scale their operations, invest in cutting-edge technology, and attract top talent. As a result, these agencies have been able to provide high-quality staffing solutions to healthcare facilities across Wyoming. If you are considering launching a healthcare staffing business in Wyoming, it is important to study the strategies and success stories of these existing agencies to understand the market dynamics and identify opportunities for differentiation and growth.

Trends and growth projections in the healthcare staffing market

The healthcare staffing market is experiencing significant trends and growth projections. As the demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise, so does the need for staffing solutions. With the increasing complexity of the healthcare industry, healthcare facilities are turning to staffing agencies to find qualified and skilled professionals. This trend is expected to continue as the healthcare industry expands and evolves. Moreover, the advancement of technology has also played a crucial role in the growth of the healthcare staffing market. Online platforms and digital tools have made it easier for healthcare facilities to connect with staffing agencies and streamline the recruitment process. As a result, the healthcare staffing market is projected to experience substantial growth in the coming years.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Licensing and certification requirements for healthcare staffing businesses

Licensing and certification requirements for healthcare staffing businesses in Wyoming are an important aspect to consider when launching a healthcare staffing business in the state. To operate legally and provide quality services, healthcare staffing businesses must adhere to the regulations set forth by the Wyoming Department of Health and other relevant regulatory bodies. These requirements ensure that healthcare staffing businesses meet the necessary standards and have the appropriate qualifications and credentials to provide staffing solutions in the healthcare industry. Obtaining the required licenses and certifications demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and ensures compliance with state regulations, ultimately building trust and credibility with clients and healthcare professionals alike.

Compliance with state and federal employment laws

Compliance with state and federal employment laws is crucial for any business, especially in the healthcare staffing industry. In Wyoming, navigating the frontier state adds an extra layer of complexity to ensure that your healthcare staffing business is in full compliance. Understanding and adhering to the latest marketing tips for small businesses is essential in promoting your services while staying within the legal boundaries. By staying up-to-date with the ever-changing landscape of employment laws and implementing effective marketing strategies, you can establish a solid foundation for your healthcare staffing business in Wyoming.

Insurance and liability considerations for healthcare staffing agencies

Insurance and liability considerations are crucial for healthcare staffing agencies operating in Wyoming. As the healthcare industry is highly regulated, it is essential for staffing agencies to have comprehensive insurance coverage to protect themselves and their clients. This includes professional liability insurance, general liability insurance, and workers' compensation insurance. Professional liability insurance safeguards against claims of negligence or errors in providing healthcare services, while general liability insurance covers accidents or injuries that may occur on the agency's premises. Workers' compensation insurance is necessary to provide coverage for employees who may suffer work-related injuries. By obtaining the appropriate insurance policies, healthcare staffing agencies can mitigate financial risks and ensure the safety and well-being of their staff and clients.

Developing a Business Plan

Identifying target market and niche

Identifying the target market and niche is a crucial step in launching a successful healthcare staffing business in Wyoming. One key aspect to consider is finding group homes, which can be a profitable niche in the healthcare staffing industry. Group homes provide specialized care and support to individuals with specific needs, such as the elderly or individuals with disabilities. By catering to this niche, healthcare staffing businesses can establish themselves as experts in providing staffing solutions for group homes. This can be achieved by recruiting and training healthcare professionals who have experience in working with these populations. Additionally, developing strong relationships with group home owners and administrators can help healthcare staffing businesses gain a competitive edge in the market. By understanding the unique staffing requirements of group homes and tailoring their services to meet these needs, healthcare staffing businesses can position themselves as valuable partners in the healthcare industry.

Creating a competitive pricing strategy

Creating a competitive pricing strategy is crucial for launching a successful healthcare staffing business in Wyoming. In order to navigate the frontier state, it is important to carefully consider the pricing of your services. By analyzing the market and understanding the needs of healthcare facilities in Wyoming, you can develop a pricing strategy that sets you apart from your competitors. This strategy should take into account factors such as the cost of recruiting and training healthcare professionals, as well as the average rates charged by other staffing agencies in the state. By offering competitive prices while maintaining high-quality services, you can attract clients and establish your business as a trusted provider in the healthcare staffing industry.

Establishing partnerships with healthcare facilities

Establishing partnerships with healthcare facilities is a crucial step in launching a successful healthcare staffing business in Wyoming. By forging strong relationships with hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers, you can ensure a steady stream of job opportunities for your staffing agency. It is important to approach potential partners with professionalism and a clear understanding of their needs. Demonstrating your expertise in healthcare staffing and highlighting the benefits of partnering with your agency will help build trust and credibility. Additionally, offering competitive rates, flexible staffing solutions, and excellent customer service can set your business apart from competitors. Building partnerships in the healthcare industry requires persistence, networking, and a commitment to delivering high-quality staffing services.

Recruiting and Retaining Healthcare Professionals

Effective recruitment strategies for healthcare professionals

When it comes to effective recruitment strategies for healthcare professionals, a creative platform can be a game-changer. A creative platform provides innovative solutions for attracting and retaining top talent in the healthcare industry. By utilizing a creative platform, healthcare staffing businesses can showcase their unique offerings and benefits to healthcare professionals, making them stand out from the competition. This platform allows for the creation of engaging and interactive content, such as videos, infographics, and testimonials, which can be shared on various online platforms and social media channels. These creative elements not only capture the attention of healthcare professionals but also provide them with valuable information about the healthcare staffing business. By leveraging a creative platform, healthcare staffing businesses in Wyoming can effectively reach and engage with healthcare professionals, ultimately leading to successful recruitment outcomes.

Building a strong employer brand

Building a strong employer brand is crucial for the success of any business, especially in the competitive healthcare staffing industry. It requires careful self-reflection for entrepreneurs to understand their unique value proposition and effectively communicate it to potential candidates. By investing time and effort into developing a strong employer brand, healthcare staffing businesses in Wyoming can attract top talent and differentiate themselves from their competitors. A strong employer brand not only helps in attracting skilled professionals but also fosters a positive work culture and improves employee retention. It is essential for entrepreneurs to prioritize building a strong employer brand as it directly impacts the long-term success and growth of their healthcare staffing business.

Implementing retention programs and incentives

Implementing retention programs and incentives is crucial for the success of a healthcare staffing business in Wyoming. With a shortage of healthcare professionals in the state, it is essential to create a work environment that encourages employee loyalty and reduces turnover. One effective strategy is to develop a comprehensive retention program that includes competitive salaries, benefits packages, and opportunities for professional growth. Additionally, offering incentives such as performance bonuses, flexible schedules, and recognition programs can further motivate and engage employees. By investing in retention programs and incentives, healthcare staffing businesses can attract and retain top talent, ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare services to the communities they serve.

Marketing and Promoting Your Healthcare Staffing Business

Creating a professional website and online presence

Creating a professional website and online presence is crucial for any healthcare staffing business looking to succeed in today's digital age. A well-designed and user-friendly website not only showcases the services and expertise of the business but also establishes credibility and trust with potential clients. Additionally, having a strong online presence through social media platforms and online directories allows the business to reach a wider audience and attract more qualified candidates. By investing in a professional website and maintaining an active online presence, healthcare staffing businesses in Wyoming can effectively navigate the frontier state and position themselves as industry leaders.

Utilizing social media and digital marketing

Utilizing social media and digital marketing is essential for the success of any business in today's digital age. In order to reach a wider audience and increase brand visibility, it is crucial for healthcare staffing businesses in Wyoming to embrace the power of social media platforms and digital marketing strategies. By leveraging platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, healthcare staffing businesses can connect with potential clients and candidates, share valuable industry insights, and promote their services effectively. Additionally, implementing targeted digital marketing campaigns can help healthcare staffing businesses stand out from the competition and attract the attention of corporate companies in Wyoming that may be losing money and in need of staffing solutions. By utilizing social media and digital marketing, healthcare staffing businesses can establish themselves as industry leaders and gain a competitive edge in the challenging frontier state of Wyoming.

Networking and building relationships with healthcare professionals and facilities

Networking and building relationships with healthcare professionals and facilities is crucial for the success of your healthcare staffing business in Wyoming. One effective strategy is to focus on email personalization. By customizing your emails to address the specific needs and interests of healthcare professionals and facilities, you can establish a deeper connection and increase the likelihood of building long-term partnerships. Email personalization allows you to tailor your communication to each recipient, highlighting the value your staffing services can provide. Additionally, it enables you to showcase your expertise and demonstrate your commitment to meeting the unique staffing challenges faced by healthcare professionals and facilities in Wyoming.

Conclusion

Summary of key points

Launching a healthcare staffing business in Wyoming can be a challenging endeavor due to the unique characteristics of the frontier state. However, by understanding the key points and following a strategic approach, entrepreneurs can navigate the complexities and establish a successful venture. This article aims to provide a summary of the essential factors to consider when starting a healthcare staffing business in Wyoming.

Future prospects of the healthcare staffing industry in Wyoming

The future prospects of the healthcare staffing industry in Wyoming are promising. With the increasing demand for healthcare services and the growing population in the state, there is a significant need for qualified healthcare professionals. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve and expand, the demand for skilled staff will only continue to rise. Additionally, Wyoming's unique geographical location and its status as a frontier state present opportunities for healthcare staffing businesses to cater to remote and underserved areas. By leveraging technology and innovative recruitment strategies, healthcare staffing companies can tap into this untapped market and provide essential healthcare services to communities across Wyoming. With the right approach and a commitment to quality, the healthcare staffing industry in Wyoming has a bright future ahead.

Final thoughts and recommendations

In conclusion, starting a healthcare staffing business in Wyoming can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. The unique landscape and demographics of the frontier state present both opportunities and obstacles for entrepreneurs in this industry. By carefully navigating the regulatory landscape, building strong relationships with healthcare facilities and professionals, and leveraging technology to streamline operations, aspiring healthcare staffing business owners can position themselves for success. It is crucial to prioritize compliance with state and federal regulations, as well as invest in continuous professional development for staff members to ensure high-quality service delivery. Additionally, staying informed about industry trends and best practices will enable businesses to stay competitive in the ever-evolving healthcare staffing market. With careful planning, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, launching a healthcare staffing business in Wyoming can be a fulfilling and lucrative venture.

Husband (38M) and I (36F) have been married for 6 years. We have no kids but are trying at the moment. We are Asian and respect for our families, especially parents is core to our culture and we both share it. We live in the US and typically both our parents visit every year.
My parents visit for 2ish weeks. Goodbyes are emotional. Sometimes I wish they’d stay a month but none of us would want them to be here much longer.
My MIL visits for 3 months. Shes generally a very good guest. I wish she’d visit for under 2 months, but don’t mind the extended stay.
Here’s the problem. My husband is too committed to prioritising everyone who visits. Whichever parent is here receives extreme care and attention and our lives revolve around them. I’m becoming resentful of having 0 alone all summer.
My husband says people visiting have to be prioritised and should be prioritised and that’s a good thing to do. I think that if someone is staying for 3 months, we need to remember we also have a marriage and find a little time to spend just the two of us, even if it’s an occasional walk after dinner, I dare not hope for date night. The only time we currently spend alone is in the bedroom, a little while before falling asleep/after waking up. Husband is willing to increase this time a bit but to me it has no value given how neglected I feel all the time.
What do you all think is the minimum necessary alone time for a relationship to stay healthy during a temporary 3 month situation? It’s just the two of us all the other times, so this issue never comes up outside of these 3 months.
Thanks in advance.
TL;DR: MIL visiting for 3 months. Husband not spending any alone time with me (all three of us do a lot of things together). How much minimum alone time (if at all) does a healthy marriage need during a temporary 3 month situation?

Hi everyone.
I’m a plus sized girly, incredibly femme, and also black. Over the past few months I’ve tried interracial dating, and I’m just curious based on the interactions I’ve had so far: Is there some unspoken rule that plus sized black women are expected to be tops or masc?
I don’t believe I’ve had this issue or maybe it wasn’t an issue I noticed when I only dated black women?
I was on a date recently and my legs weren’t crossed (because my tummy gets in the way), I cross them the ankle instead… and my date proceeded to tell me how she likes my style/attitude. I was confused at first, but then she told me that she likes that I’m not effeminate. This was news to me! It’s happened to me a few times since then and now I’m being told that I give tomboy vibes.
It confuses me because I wear crazy long nails, makeup, heels, and I’m incredibly prissy. Am I lacking self awareness or could this be a cultural divide kinda thing?

Before going into it, I want to mention how this post was inspired by three things. One was user u/HastyvonFuego2 and their post on going down the rabbit hole on the Kendrick sub last week. It was also inspired by Childish Gambino’s first album release in nearly 6 years where I have been sitting on this idea for a while but he inspired me to finally post this week like he did (never posted on Reddit at all before so be gentle if I am not doing it right)! I was also inspired by an interview Bino gave to GQ about breaking down his most iconic characters. In this interview he says how This is America started out as a Drake diss but then he realized the song was too hard for just Drake so he kept working on it. He also talks in this interview about how all culture is about compression. Which means that yes, This is America is about the gun violence and police issues in America, but compressed in this video is also more about where that culture comes from which he shows is from a small handful of rap moguls, namely Drake, Diddy and Jay-Z (bear with me on this long post, I think/hope it will be worth it). At the end I talk briefly about how Little Foot Big Foot might be in this same vein of cultural compression.
[Intro: Choir]
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, go, go away
The beginning of this song has no background music yet, which really gives it an ‘in the beginning’ feel. Then Gambino starts doing his dances with weird facial expressions. I will explain as we go through his video how those expressions and dance moves represent different famous rap moguls. One easy look to pick out right away is Jay-Z’s famous lip curl/growl look that Gambino gives with a head nod repeatedly. The colonial pants have been a hot topic, but since it’s only the pants that are colonial, Gambino is saying the bottom or basis for this violent culture in America is ultimately colonialism. The lyrics ‘Go Away’, are likely foreshadowing the rap moguls wanting other popular rap rivals to ‘go away’ or they will make them (aka murder them) for profit.
[Bridge: Childish Gambino & Young Thug]
We just wanna party
Party just for you
We just want the money
Money just for you (Yeah)
Usually you want money for yourself and to party for yourself, so this is a bit odd. But what Gambino is referring to is similar to these Diddy ‘freakoff parties’ we are hearing about where people who want to be famous are really partying for these rap moguls so they can get close to them. Where they suck up to them saying that they want to earn the mogul money from their songs.
I know you wanna party
Party just for free
Girl, you got me dancin' (Girl, you got me dancin')
Dance and shake the frame (Yeah)
Then this almost feels like the Diddy rebuttal where he’s like ya I know you want to party and you want to do it for free. Like Katt Williams says, “you gotta tell Diddy no”, it is never free to go to those parties. There are always consequences. When you are partying you are dancing, but shaking the frame could refer to how those boundaries/edges are being crossed, lines are blurred, etc.
Then in the video, the fellow who was playing the guitar gets shot and things turn dark from happy music. I believe that this guitar tune is meant to represent 2Pac and Nas’s song Thugz Mansion. It’s one of the original greats from ‘in the beginning’. Nas famously has always had major issues with Jay-Z too (More on why 2Pac and Nas later). It also represents how it was these moguls who murdered 2Pac like Jaguar Wright and Katt Williams keep saying. Where these murders only lead to more money and fame for the killers when the dead artists’ and their music are exploited more easily.
Also note that the gun gets taken away by a school kid after the shooting, more on this later as well.
[Verse 1: Childish Gambino, Young Thug, Blocboy JB & 21 Savage]
This is America (Skrrt, skrrt, woo)
Don't catch you slippin' now (Ayy)
Look how I'm livin' now
Police be trippin' now (Woo)
Yeah, this is America (Woo, ayy)
Guns in my area (Word, my area)
There is a song called Guns in My Area by Lil Weiner and Baby Chapox that paints a vivid picture of the everyday struggles and conflicts faced by those living in communities affected by gun violence. More compression of other songs and the American gun culture.
I got the strap (Ayy, ayy)
I gotta carry 'em
I am almost certain this line is referring to 2Pac’s song Changes. Throughout This is America, Gambino takes lines from Pac’s song: “They get jealous when they see you with your mobile phone” (referred to later in this a Celly, that’s tool) “That's the sound of my tool, you say it ain't cool, My mama didn't raise no fool”
“And as long as I stay black, I gotta stay strapped, And I never get to lay back” It seems like Gambino broke up these lyrics and scattered them throughout his song. This plays into the theme that everyone is using 2Pac and enriching themselves off of his image and music. I show below how this particular section of the video represents Diddy meaning that Diddy himself is exploiting his music (and alleging that Diddy killed Pac?). We could see this exploitation play out at length with how much Diddy milked the death of Biggie like in Every Breath You Take.
Yeah, yeah, I'ma go into this (Ugh)
Yeah, yeah, this is guerilla (Woo)
Yeah, yeah, I'ma go get the bag
The song Gorilla War by $uicideboy$ and Ramirez talks about getting a bag repeatedly in the course. Also in Otis with Kanye and Jay-Z their lyrics talk about going gorilla (I talk about this song more further down), so it could be referring to this as well. It seems like Gambino is trying to pull out lyrics from all across the rap culture and embed them in his song to highlight the ‘cultural compression’.
Yeah, yeah, I'm so cold like, yeah (Yeah)
I'm so dope like, yeah (Woo)
We gon' blow like, yeah (Straight up, uh)
I think that all of the school kids in the video represent all of the rappers that are signed with these big labels. Which is interesting because they are the ones facilitating the guns for the moguls in the video. You can see that the mogul is really focused on the kids and gets agitated and directs them to follow him whenever they stray off a bit like they are his pupils, or like he owns them. Then all of a sudden the camera comes into a scene where you can see more kids shooting a rap video and all shooting money from a Supreme gun. The camera zooms out almost to show you that this is the mogul’s whole rap empire they are looking over, all of their kids in one place (this empire already includes some chaos in the background). It’s subtle but hilarious, Gambino puts fricken chickens on the ground where the kids are filming the rap video. He is directly calling all of these rappers complete chickens for playing up this lifestyle and being the cause of so much chaos rather than coming out and telling somebody what’s really going on. Trying to get their money over everything else.
[Refrain: Choir & Childish Gambino]
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, tell somebody
You go tell somebody
Grandma told me
Get your money, Black man (Get your— Black man)
This is where things start to get interesting. Gambino is literally saying, go tell somebody about this! We all know what’s happening, why don’t you go let people know how bad it is? But like Jaguar Wright said, who do you tell when these moguls have the cops and feds paid off? This video is literally Gambino putting it all out there in this extremely popular song for everyone to see but yet we still just see the dancing and the violent chaos of people and police in the streets and not the root cause that is hidden in plain sight.
The vast majority of those who reviewed this video until now think this scene represents the tragic church shooting in Charleston in 2015. I think it does, but we also have to look at this from an angle of compression.
The people in the choir are all of the people who are currently singing the rap mogul’s praises and who are focused on going and getting what’s owed to them, get their money (who are also profiting off of the dead fellows music since it goes back to the original tune). You can see that each choir member has a distinct look to them. Think about who you are hearing about now who is about to be implicated in these freak offs and evil deeds. Is that Will Smith in the back left corner!? The short bald fellow in the front left maybe Kevin Hart? Rick Ross or TD Jakes maybe the bigger guy towards the back right? When the camera zooms in on the choir right at first to show their faces, doesn’t the guy in the bottom middle look like an uncanny version of Jordan Peele? Or is that meant to be Cuba Gooding Jr? Then just like the guitar fellow at the beginning, bang. You may be singing Diddy’s praises now, but he will cut you down whenever he suddenly feels like it.
I think almost for sure this initial section of the music video is Gambino acting as Diddy, because right after he shoots the choir, he does the elbow pump/chicken dance. At 3:14 in Diddy’s video for P.E. 2000 he does the chicken dance (he is up first in the video and I think Gambino is trying to say here I first present to you the first public enemy of 3 in this song). That elbow dance signals that it was Diddy and this is the end of his section.
[Chorus: Childish Gambino, Young Thug, Slim Jxmmi & Quavo]
This is America (Woo, ayy)
Don't catch you slippin' now (Woo, woo, don't catch you slippin' now)
Don't catch you slippin' now (Ayy, woah)
Look what I'm whippin' now (Slime!)
There have been many accounts of celebrities being given fancy cars after suffering abuse at the hands of these moguls. So these lyrics are saying that you better not slip up and tell people what’s really going on. And if you don’t look at this sweet carecord deal/movie contract I am going to give you. Beiber told this story about Diddy wanting to give him a luxury car.
Now suddenly, the dance switches from the chicken dance to a sudden bicep flex to signal us that we have now moved on from Gambino representing Diddy to our next mogul.
[Verse 2: Childish Gambino, Quavo, Young Thug, 21 Savage & BlocBoy JB]
This next chunk of the video is all about Jay-Z. I think this is the case because he throws his arms up in a bicep flex just like Jay does in the Otis music video at 2:38. And it makes sense Gambino would pick a dance move from a video with a huge American flag in the background to fit the ‘This is America’ theme. Gambino is mocking him saying, who are you really, the pretty guy or this hard gangster like Gambino shows in his dancing. Also right before they pan to the kids on the balcony, Bino also does Jay-Z’s signature lip curl look a couple times so we know it’s him and to signal the end of his section.
Look how I'm geekin' out (Hey)
I'm so fitted (I'm so fitted, woo)
Jay-Z is famous for making the fitted Yankees cap famous, it’s his signature look. More signs this verse is about Jay.
I'm on Gucci (I'm on Gucci)
Jay-Z has been seen in full wallpaper Gucci sweat suits but could also be referring to Gucci Mane who he hung out with at Beyonce’s tour around the time this song was released.
I'm so pretty (Yeah, yeah, woo)
I'm gon' get it (Ayy, I'm gon' get it)
Watch me move (Blaow)
These lines are probably referring to Jay-Z having a hidden preference for men, especially with the way Gambino flicks his wrist in the video when he says I’m so pretty.
This a celly (Ha)
That's a tool (Yeah)
On my Kodak (Woo) Black
I think that “this a celly, that’s a tool” harkens back to 2Pac’s lyrics in Changes where he sings, “They get jealous when they see ya with your mobile phone” then shortly after that he sings about the sound of his tool, referring to shooting a gun. But Childish flips these lyrics on their head. He is saying that it’s really the phone that’s a tool to be using, not a gun. And pans up and shows (the school kids specifically) on the balcony filming everything going on below. He’s telling the kids/other rappers, use your phone as a tool, you can record these bad deeds when you get blackmailed into being at the freak off. That’s how you can kill them and their career, not with a gun. Go tell somebody! There is also the reference to Kodak which plays into the picture taking theme, but also because Kodak Black has been accused of assaulting a teenage girl in a hotel room. So we have a good idea of what Gambino suggests all the kids start filming and collecting evidence of.
Ooh, know that (Yeah, know that, hold on)
Get it (Woo, get it, get it)
Ooh, work it (21)
Now we are onto Drake’s part. In the video Gambino starts doing the BlocBoy JB dance called Shoot. Drake is known for doing these little viral dance moves like in Hotline Bling. But not only that, this dance is also used in the song that both BlocBoy JB and Drake collaborate on for their video Look Alive. It starts at 2:07 in the Look Alive video. So this is Drake’s dance to signal his part is now starting.
Note this is where the pale horse rides by also potentially saying that Drake is one of the horsemen of the apocalypse. Interestingly, Drake’s collab with BlocBoy JB was pretty much the apocalypse for BlocBoy’s career, who hasn’t had a hit since.
Hunnid bands, hunnid bands, hunnid bands (Hunnid bands)
Contraband, contraband, contraband (Contraband)
I got the plug in Oaxaca (Woah)
They gonna find you like "blocka" (Blaow)
Again, we know this is Drake’s section because his song 10 bands starts out by saying “10 bands, 50 bands, 100 bands” almost identical to Bino’s lyrics here. Also Blocka was famously used by Biggie in his song Gimme the Loot which could be referring to Biggie's demise like Pac’s and making money from his death. Everything in this industry originates from pushing drugs, which has been alleged through the trafficking that Diddy, Jay-Z and Drake do through their private jets likely connected to their bosses, the Clive Davises and Lucian Grainges of the world. This escalates rap beefs and the whole culture to the next level where murder is often a consequence for young rappers in their prime when international drug lord money is involved.
An interesting point is this is the only time where Childish was about to shoot someone in the video, but where he didn’t have a school kid either handing him the gun or taking it away carefully from him. (Maybe also a diss at Drake that even though he acts hard he doesn’t shoot, he gets his horseman of the apocalypse to do his dirty deeds for him instead perhaps?). This is the beginning of the end for the rap mogul as he no longer has his kids doing his bidding for him. A simple message to show how the violence can be stopped, that these shootings can end when the kids stop enabling them. So then as soon as he can’t react in that moment and shoot someone his anger is forced to chill out, as shown by smoking a J, and to go back to exploiting the dead man’s music instead. If you don’t put a gun in someone’s hand when they are heated, those feelings too shall pass - kinda feel.
[Refrain: Choir, Childish Gambino, & Young Thug]
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, tell somebody
America, I just checked my following list, and
You mothafuckas owe me
Whose voice does that sound like!? It sounds a lot like Diddy to me, public enemy #1. This is basically saying that the moguls are the ones who we all owe it to for all of this glorified gun violence in America. That we owe them way more follows and likes for what a massive influence they have had on the violence and chaos we see in America today.
Grandma told me
Get your money, Black man (Black man)
(1, 2, 3—get down)
In Moneybagg Yo’s song 1, 2, 3, he also has a line that says “1, 2, 3, let’s go!” in a similar vein.
But something interesting I came across was Nas’s song Get Down where they use a sample from James Brown's “The Boss” that sounds extremely similar to the way Gambino screams “Get Down!” Which would fit well if the guitar singer from the beginning is meant to be Nas and Pac doing Thugz Mansion.
Also make sure you check out Nas’s song Get Down so that you can hear how much Jay-Z outright copied this song for The Story of OJ. From the musical structure with the piano and interwoven samples right down to the theme reiterated by the sample at the end of Nas’s song: “If that’s how our people are gonna get down, how are we ever gonna get up?”
SZA
Finally to wrap up the video, I have been stumped for a long time as to why SZA is randomly at the end of this video sitting on one of the cars. But I think I finally know why and it reconfirms that this last scene is all about Drake. If you watch Drake’s music video for Worst Behavior (not very Canadian of him to spell behaviour that way I might add) you will see Drake rapping and dancing with a few cars surrounding him and one of those cars has other rappers making cameos in it. In Gambino’s video SZA represents that car with a famous cameo. I think this is further confirmed when the black edges of the video start closing inwards at the end of This is America, the exact same way that Worst Behavior ends. So why SZA as the cameo then? Cause it reminds people that Drake is a p*do.
This is from an article in the Rolling Stone: In 2020, Drake revealed publicly that he and SZA had dated over a decade ago, well before she was an established artist (her earliest music goes back to around 2012; her critical breakthrough, Ctrl, came in 2017). On 21 Savage’s “Mr. Right Now,” Drake rapped about a newer fling who was a fan of SZA’s: “Yeah, said she wanna fuck to some SZA, wait / ‘Cause I used to date SZA back in ’08 / If you cool with it, baby, she can still play.” A few days later, SZA responded, corroborating Drake’s claim with a slight correction: they dated in 2009, when both would have been over 18. Since SZA would not have turned 18 until late 2008, she wanted to set the record straight. “in this case a year of poetic rap license mattered 🥴lol I think he jus innocently rhymed 08 w wait [sic],” she tweeted. “I just didn’t want anybody thinking anything underage or creepy was happening . Completely innocent . Lifetimes ago . [sic]”
If you have to specifically say something isn’t creepy and distance yourself from it being lifetimes ago, it usually is creepy. Drake would’ve been 22 when she was 17. Metro Boomin also happens to be on the Mr. Right Now track. He is currently in trouble for resurfaced old tweets showing how Metro used to tweet disgusting things about what he wanted to do to underage girls. Interestingly, Metro Boomin is also now beefing with Drake.
Drake doing his dance on the car of the original musician’s music seems to be accusing Drake directly of stealing 2Pac’s music. Orlando Brown recently said the cryptic statement that “Drake is Pac” which likely means he stole 2Pac’s approach/style/audience after his death. Gambino did some good foreshadowing here too with the recent AI release Drake put out of 2Pac.
This dance scene also signals that the Drake section is now over.
[Outro: Young Thug]
You just a black man in this world
You just a barcode, ayy
You just a black man in this world
Drivin' expensive foreigns, ayy
You just a big dawg, yeah
I kenneled him in the backyard
No, probably ain't life to a dog
For a big dog
The outro lyrics speak to how these gatekeepers keep black men down and control them with things like being forced to wear a dress to become famous or to submit to homosexual/p*do acts.. In the video, as I mentioned above, the black edges close in on Drake’s dancing scene in This is America. But they don’t completely close and end things like they do in the Worst Behavior video. Instead, in Gambino’s video, the camera pans to show the mogul running for his life with Young Thug’s lyrics almost like a quiet echo in the background. He isn’t running from the cops though, he’s running from the kids and from the public. When I mentioned earlier that the kids not handing over the last gun before Drake’s scene signalled the beginning of the end for the moguls, this is that conclusion. Where it is showing that if all the kids come together to stop enabling and rather expose the moguls, people will be chasing these bastards down once we realize what has been going on behind the curtain. Then the song that Young Thug is singing can just be a quiet echo of the way things were in the past.
If you don’t think Gambino would be this deep and that I went too far down the rabbit hole, do a Google search on the calculations that he came up with for why he sings about loving until 3005 in his song. He seems to go real deep with his lyrics. So a big question this leaves us with is, what did Childish Gambino witness in the rap industry? His whole rap career plays out like he is trying to avoid industry norms.
Even in Sweatpants, he has lyrics like:
No hands like soccer teams and y'all fuck boys like Socrates
You niggas ain't coppin' these, niggas ain't lookin' like me (Nah)
Nah, I ain't checkin' I.D. (Nah), but I bounce 'em with no problem
Seems like he is trying to make it really clear across his catalogue of music that he isn’t a p*do but that other rappers are. Where he is saying that he doesn’t need to ID his potential partners because he can tell they are obviously too young and that’s not hard to do.
Tell 'em, Problem (Problem!)
I'm winnin', yeah, yeah, I'm winnin' (What?)...
Rich kid, asshole, paint me as a villain
So who was trying to paint him as a villain, Drake? And that’s why the diss was originally meant for him?
Don't be mad 'cause I'm doing me better than you doing you…
Better than you doing you
Fuck it, what you gon' do? (What?!)
He’s taunting the other rappers cause he knows they can’t say shit if they are creeps. He has the same sentiment in Bonfire “It’s a bonfire, turn the lights out, I’m burning everything you mother fuckers talk about.”
Childish Gambino has always refrained from talking about the meaning of This is America whenever he is asked, and I can only assume that all of this is why.
Little Foot Big Foot
Now with his new release, Little Foot Big Foot and applying cultural compression to it, it has me wondering if he is referring to Megan Thee Stallion and the Nicki beef? People like Nicki (calling Megan Big Foot) have been claiming for some time she wasn’t even shot in the foot by Tory Lanez. There were many people laughing and making fun of Megan over getting shot. Which could be an interesting story for Childish to tell to represent how crazy this violent culture has gotten that people just laugh and blame the victim now when you get shot. Also a good metaphor for things like ‘shooting yourself in the foot’ for not having a lawyer look over potentially predatory industry contracts like in the beginning of his video. That you want to get in the cool kids club so bad you overlook it. Not as sure on this one though since the song just came out and I have only heard it a few times.
One last thing that is really interesting, there have been tons of artists on podcasts like Shay Shay talking about the strings these ultra rich moguls can pull. Like buying awards or gatekeeping people from being in the industry at all. There was even a story, I think maybe it was Gene Deal who told it, that when Killer Mike won at the grammys that Jay-Z was so angry he made sure to mess up his night by getting him locked up as soon as he left the awards stage. These moguls are extremely powerful and have an incredible amount of sway in the world/industry. If you check out Gambino’s profile on Youtube, his old music videos keep getting taken down, like Bonfire for example is just gone. Fans have been having to upload the videos themselves. There is a reply to a comment, on one of the fan uploaded vids, from Gambino’s account himself when someone asks why the videos are being taken down. His account just replies “Noone knows why :(“ Seems a bit odd all things considered and like maybe he has been at the mercy of these gatekeepers for going against the system.
I am so curious to know what the rest of you think about all of this!

Hi - I'm an expact in Switzerland since several years. Since ~2 years I'm in a relationship with a russian girlfriend (28F). We don't live together yet.
I'm writing about a problem with money, in order to better understand if this is a common things related to her culture, or not (and maybe, how to mitigate the problem)
We both have pretty good salaries compared to the average of residents. I usually pay for small stuffs (dates), and I contribute for a good portion for other shared experiences (e.g. 70-80%).
(well, in fact I'd also like to move to e.g. 80%. You know, in order to don't realize 20y later that you don't know at all your kids)
Now in the hypothetical case that we'll have a family (maybe 2 kids), she would want me to pay the ENTIRE bill, about renting+kid expenses+shared expenses, at least. Which would impact significantly my salary, while her would be totally intact (she plan to still work at e.g. 80%)
Now, this is something that is causing several discussions and stress. I'm open to tradeoff about how to distribute the contribution, e.g. I've never proposed a 50/50 (also because we have two different salaries/etc, so that would be unfair). But she is not open at all, for her "a man should provide food to the family/etc..". Even she would still work, she would still want to "don't contribute economically". Is this something common in slavic womans? (I understand traditional woman who don't work anymore, but this seems pretty different)
This is posing me stress for several reasons. Some are:

• I get a big burden financially, while she get zero (sure, she put efforts in other ways)
• no tradeoff are acceptable from her side. But considering that in a couple can happen to have different point of views, is fundamental to be able to reach tradeoffs.

My partner and I are from different countries and have a significant age difference. Yet, we get along well due to the similarity in our ethics and core values. I've been dating him for over a year and he is a loving man.
Me and my partner are both in good places in life. I come from a culture where we work hard and play hard; and have an ambition for a good life. On the other hand, my partner comes from a culture where work-life balance is prioritized, and they value living minimalist.
We never celebrate special occasions (I travel a lot, and sometimes we are physically away), I have never received a valuable gift from him; we never go to good restaurants. However, he makes me feel valued with the simple things he says or does. For example, I love flowers... He never buys me bouquets from the florists, but occasionally buys me supermarket flowers.
I have a strong, ambitious, proactive, and passionate personality. On the other hand, my partner is calm, down-to-earth, and passive.
I love my partner. He is a good person, he is kind and reliable. He has the potential to be a good husband and a good father. But, he doesn't ignite the spark in me. I don't feel attracted, I don't feel the passion.
Should I break up?

I (21F) am part of a very religious and traditionally strict family. When my sister (40, Alice) got married her husband (40, Stephen) and his brother (mid 40s, Joseph) moved into the house next door (my dad helped them get it and their jobs since they emigrated from a different country). Stephen and Joseph came to our house at mealtimes to eat (since they're men and obvs can't cook /s).
One day Joseph came to eat and he had a helium balloon to give me (i was 5 at the time), I was in the bathroom and instead of leaving it there or giving it to one of my many family members, he decided to take it back with him. After he'd left, someone told me about the balloon so I went to get it with my brother (34 now, 18 then, Simon), my brother went to park his car from the driveway into the garage and told me to quickly go and get it. I went in and I couldn't reach it since it was stuck to the ceiling so asked Joseph to get it down for me to, which he said "take your pants off first".
Even at that age I knew I shouldn't do this because not only did it feel wrong but my mom had also repeatedly told me to be careful, modest and stay away from boys (religious and all, she instilled these beliefs in me from back then and I have older sisters who were thought they same things but more strictly so I was the same). So I didn't do anything and was like "no, give it to me". He kept insisting but by that point my brother had also come in and he got it down for me and we went home. Idk if my brother heard but he never mentioned it.
Stephen on the other hand seemed like a nice guy, was good to my sister and all of us siblings and treated us nicely. Throughout the years he somehow flipped, around the time that their sister (Tammy) married my brother. Now, my sister and Stephen can't stand each other but stay together for the sake of their kids and because they know that if they divorce the same will happen to their respective siblings.
A similar thing has already happened in their family, basically their other brother (Cameron) and sister (Sammy) are also married to a pair of siblings. Cameron was caught fucking a random other girl in a field so his wife's brother who is married to Sammy openly dated and had a mistress while still being married. They basically want to avoid another situation like this, our culture is very family oriented and one couple cannot break up and the other stay together.
So basically my sister Alice is scared of her husband and his brothers doing stuff to her children because she lived with them for a decade and they were physically abusive to the kids and also weird in a pedo way. Although they didn't do anything sexual during this time (that I know of; me being so much younger means they don't tell me some stuff) I don't have any doubts about why she thinks that because I know they have these kind of tendencies and wouldn't put it past them to try on their little children.
I believe this because Stephen recently told his 9 year old son about how to "feel good" and get a "warm reaction" when rubbing his private parts. Now his son is 10, and Stephen took him to his bedroom and "laid on top of [my nephew] and jumped and pressed into" in my nephews words. I have nothing against secual education, or masturbation, but 9 years old is too young and humping your son is also a unacceptable.
On the other hand, my sister in law Tammy has a habit of watching porn on our TV, which is in the living room and used by everyone (mostly for the children to watch cartoons on or for family movie nights, ironically). Additionally, she was caught by my brother chatting up my other brother in law (35, Elias). Elias was my brother Simon's best friend since they were toddlers and he strongly denied anything happening between him and Tammy, but his wife (my sister Felice, 32) has previously caught Tammy doing this thing and told my brother Simon. He didn't believe her until we were all vacationing together 2 years ago and he saw it happen first hand. Since then Simon and Elias haven't talked to each other and their wives are basically no contact with each other (Simon and Felice still talk tho, although its more of a small talk kinda relationship so not very close).
Another thing I hate is that Tammy is hateful towards me and my all my sisters, but I will focus on Alice. Alice lives in a one bedroom with her 6 kids, she relies on her husband Stephen for money and everything else, he has control of all the banks and all the government benefits they receive for the kids. He recently sent 20000 back to his family in a different country and sends an additional 1000 every month. His family bought 4 houses in the past 2/3 years, while Alice's kids literally get bullied because they dont have the right equipment for school, their lunches, their clothes and other such reasons.
One of these was when their washing machine broke when Alice was 7 months pregnant and she had to wash the clothes by hand. She tried to talk to my parents and brother Simon and his wife Tammy to persuade Stephen to buy a new one cuz she physically couldn't anymore, to which Tammy responded with "whatever happens, whether something breaks or not, he's not gonna fix it and we're not gonna get you a new one. If you wanna stay here stay otherwise fuck off". My brother shouted at her and then her crocodile tears came out, but in the end my brother had to buy a washing machine for my sister Alice. Stephen also has a habit of leaving his wife with their 6 kids for months on end when he goes to his home country, this happened when she was pregnant twice.
When I was 14, they also tried to arrange a meeting for me to get married to their younger brother who is 7-8 years older than me. My parents and I both rejected this thought without hesitation.
I feel like their whole family is sexually fucked up and I hate them so much, I'm scared for all their kids and feel like either they will rape them or teach them that these things are normal, so they will grow up to be like them. Naturally I want neither of these things, I love my siblings and wish we could just get rid of Tammy and Stephen, but in our culture divorce is frowned upon and people make a really big deal out of it. Idk if I should report Stephen or how to help Alice, pls lmk if there's something I could do, if not pls help me sort out my thoughts and thank you for listening to my rant.

LONG POST WARNING
Hello everyone,
My partner (24F) and I (25M) returned home from our 3-week Japan trip last week and due to us using this sub a lot during our planning I thought it would be helpful for other current planners to upload a trip report.
Our main interests are Japanese traditions and history, street style/culture, and food so keep reading if these interests are mutual. Read to the bottom to see how much we spent plus some tips and disappointments.
Prelude
We were caught up in the madness at Dubai airport during our layover. Long story short; Airport (and the rest of Dubai) flooded and caused all the flights to be cancelled. What was meant to be a 5-hour layover turned into a torturous 36 hour wait. No staff to be seen, crowds of people arguing, fighting, and crying. We queued for 12 hours to get a new boarding pass for the next flight to Japan. We were meant to fly to Haneda but settled for Narita as we needed to get out of that place as soon as possible but still ended up missing our first day in Tokyo (should have had 5 days). We can’t complain too much as some of the people I spoke to on emirates were in the airport for up to 5 days before getting a flight back to their departure destination. Oh, and our baggage was missing with us only receiving our checked in bags on day 19. Cheers Emirates.
Day 1
Arrived in Shinjuku around midnight. We went straight to Don Quiojte to buy some replacement cosmetics and clothes. The combination of no good-quality sleep for 48 hours and the stimulating nature of the store was very intense! We then started to walk back towards the hostel and passed a Ichiran, so dropped in for some 2am ramen. Not the best ramen I’ve ever had but was still very good for the price.
Steps: 21,643 (includes some airport steps)
Day 2
Woke up and ate the free breakfast at the hostel (this turned out to be a really good money saver for the whole trip as we are not huge eaters in the morning anyway, but it was good to get something light in us before a long day walking). We then walked through the Shinjuku Gyoen Garden – saw some late blooming cheery blossoms and overall, it was a really beautiful botanical garden.
The next stop was Meji Shrine and a walk through Yoyogi park. The shrine was cool to see, especially as it was our first one in Japan. Saw a middle-aged man wearing denim hotpants so short that his balls were hanging out?!?!
Walked to Shibuya to see the scramble. This was cool but also felt it was a bit underwhelming at ground level but the view from Shibuya station walkway was wicked. Lunch was at a conveyor belt sushi place on the top floor of this department store right next to the scramble. This would be higher than average quality sushi in Europe, so it blew our minds that it was available on the top floor of a department store and for so cheap.
Shimokitazawa – We picked up some bargains at 2^nd street and I treated myself some Japanese jeans from a small Demin shop called Bears. The guy in the shop was super helpful and friendly and even tailored the trousers to exactly my size.
In the evening, we first had a poke around Golden Gai and then headed towards Shibuya and stopped in a cool bar where the owner was mixing vinyl while he mixed your drinks (think it was called Q Bar).
We had previously bought tickets to a gig at Circus for one of my fav rappers who I’d been wanting to see for a while. Also really enjoyed seeing the local Japanese warm up acts. Stayed until 5am and then go the train straight to the Tsukiji outer fish market. Was there way too early and had to wait roughly an hour for thing to open. Went to chill by a bench for a bit and by the time we went back to the market it was rammed! Went to bed around 8:30am.
Steps: 32,159
Day 3
We woke up at 2:30pm, got ready, and headed to the Bunkyo civic centre for the free observation deck. We heard it wasn’t meant to be the best Tokyo skyline view but for a free attraction we thought it was very good! Jimbocho book town was also very cool to see. We had a peak into a couple adult movie/magazine stores where I don’t think the owner appreciated our presence as western tourists.
In the evening, we first went for Ramen at Motenashi Kuraki in Asakusa Bashi. Honestly probably the best Ramen I’ve had to date. I ordered the Black Pepper Shio special, and it blew my mind. Even though the staff didn’t speak English they were very accommodating for my partner who doesn’t eat meat (pescetarian but will brave a meaty broth).
We then had a stroll around Akihabara and played some dance mat games in the arcades before heading back for an earlyish night.
Steps: 28,680
Day 4
I couldn’t sleep so got up around 3am and did some admin stuff to try and get our bags back to us ASAP. Chatted to people in the hostel for a few hours.
We arrived at Senso-ji for around 8am. Wasn’t too busy at this time and the temple was impressive. Went for a coffee down the road and had a chill for about an hour before heading into Asakusa. Got admission to the Drum museum which was wicked. Only 400 yen each and had the whole place to ourselves to smack some big fucking drums and make as much noise as we wanted.
We then started to head towards Ueno but made a slight detour to Kappabashi Dougu street to peruse the Japanese chef knives and other cookware. Grabbed lunch from a 7/11 and went and sat in Ueno park which was super busy. There was some food market event on which loads of food stalls had set up. There was also a stage with some J-pop performers and people dressed as ninjas dancing in the crowd. Weird to say the least. By mid-afternoon we were pretty tired so headed back to the hostel for a nap.
In the evening, we headed down to Harajuku and stopped by Big Love records. My partner is really into vinyl, so this was definitely a highlight for her. She picked up Wu Tang 36 chambers in case you were wondering. We then went for food at Afuri as my partner wanted to try the Vegan ramen to which she said it was ok but nothing special. My cold dipping noodle dish was very tasty, however. We then stumbled across this vinyl listening bar called Bar Music on the 5^th floor of this pokey building on the outskirts of Shibuya for a few drinks before bed. There was such a good vibe in there and the cocktails were super good for the price. If you’re looking for a romantic spot, then this is the place to go.
Steps: 31,818
Day 5
Today we headed to Kyoto on the shinkansen around midday after a slow morning chilling in and around the hostel and catching up on some sleep. Checked in to the hostel and had a walk around downtown Kyoto, stopping at 2^nd Street to buy some more clothes.
In the evening, we headed to Kodai-Ji to see the shrine lit up at night. We couldn’t believe how few people were there as it was stunning and truly magical place to be at night. It also has a bamboo grove (much better than Arashiyama, see below). The bar for Kyoto shrines/temples had been set very high.
Walked down Pontocho alley and stopped at a yakitori restaurant which was just ok. We knew it was going to be average when we looked around the restaurant and it was just western tourists dining.
Steps: 25,255
Day 6
First thing in the morning we rented bikes and cycled across the city to Arashiyama. Parked the bikes at the train station and walked up through Arashiyama. We were expecting it to be busy but there were so many people it was almost impossible to move. Had a look around the bamboo grove and was slightly underwhelmed after our visit to Kodai-Ji so we took the tram and then bus up to Kosan-Ji. This was very much worth the 45-minute journey as there was only one other group there and the temple nestled between the trees overlooking the river was breath-taking. On the whole, Arashiyama was way too packed during peak times to enjoy and with everything else Kyoto has to offer we wouldn’t say it was a must see.
We then picked up the bikes from the train station and cycled back across Kyoto taking the long route to explore and get lost. Once we dropped off the bikes, we went for another explore and this time went into WeGo for more clothes shopping. At this point we’d pretty much matched the amount of clothing that we had packed in our checked-in luggage that was still stuck in Dubai.
After a nap we walked towards the metro and stopped at a Katsu restaurant as we wanted to try something different, and it was pretty good. For the price of 1300 yen each we got so much food/sake and left stuffed.
Fushimi Inari in the evening. Like Kodai-Ji, we would recommend visiting Fushimi Inari at night. Firstly, to help avoid the crowds (we got there around 9pm and there was hardly anybody there) and secondly as seeing it lit up at night is a nice change. It was however slightly creepy at night, especially as it was lightly raining. My partner started to get a bit scared once we saw the signs to be careful of the wild boar and monkeys haha. We didn’t make it to the top of Mt Inari as the rain started to get heavy but still very much enjoyed walking through the hundreds of tori gates, stopping off at the shrines and soaking up the history.
Steps: 23,686
Day 7
Today was a late start as even after 8 hours sleep the 25k plus steps a day was starting to catch up with us.
We took the metro to Shimogamo Shrine in north Kyoto. It was very peaceful and quiet however temple fatigue had definitely set in at this point. We then walked through Kyoto to the beginning of Philosophers path. We had seen on this sub that people recommend skipping it unless its Sakura season however we disagree. The path along the river is so pretty and atmospheric, along with the fish gently swimming along in the river.
Kyoto Hand Crafts Centre – if you have the money then this is a great place to pick up souvenirs.
Pre-booked Sushi Iwa for a 15 course Omakase. The food was amazing, but it came to an eye watering 28k yen each. The difference for our western palettes between mid-range sushi and exceptional sushi is negligible. Nonetheless it was a good experience and I’m glad that we did it.
Steps: 23,751
Day 8
Today was an empty day in terms of things we wanted to do, so used it to walk the city and explore.
We checked out the Nishiki market and ate various fried foods on sticks which were all pretty tasty. We then walked northwards, stopping for coffee before reaching the imperial palace. By this point we were very much bored of temples and structures of similar architecture, but we actually ended up enjoying walking the palace grounds and seeing the buildings more than we thought and would recommend it to those who find themselves in north Kyoto.
A leisurely walk back down towards downtown Kyoto, stopping off at a wicked standing soba joint. Forgotten the name but their curry soba was delicious.
Chao Chao gyozas (only veggie gyoza place we could find) for our evening meal before a night cap at the bar across the road before bed.
Steps: 23,304
Day 9
Shinkansen to Hiroshima arriving around 11am.
Checked into hostel and then went straight to the A-dome, peace memorial and museum. We thought the museum was very moving and captured the horror of the events that unfolded very well. A must see for sure.
Okonomiyaki at Okonomimura and then some vintage clothes shopping in Hondori.
Went back out for food in the evening and ended up getting Okonomiyaki again. This time it we enjoyed it a lot more than we did at lunch (probably because we got it covered in cheese). There are a few streets by Hiroshima station with lots of bars and restaurants on top of each other, much like Golden Gai in Shinjuku, however they are not super touristy and has a more laid-back feel to them.
We then went to some bars in the city centre. The best one we stumbled across was called Tropical Bar Revolucion. It was on the 8^th floor and the smoking balcony overlooked the city. Plus, the beers in there tasted so good and I’m not sure why.
Steps: 23,299
Day 10
A hungover morning. Headed to the Hiroshima National Gardens. Going to some gardens is my go-to hangover activity as its low effort, relaxing, and feels productive. These gardens in particular were great and we really appreciated the signs explaining the history behind the space. Overall, we enjoyed this more than the national gardens in Shinjuku.
Public baths near Dobashi in the afternoon. If you’re feeling brave enough to get your kit off in front of 10s of strangers, then this is a good experience. Male and female baths are separate. Can’t go wrong for 400 yen.
Went for a drink at Bar Pretty and then realised the effect of golden week on trying to get a table walking into a restaurant. Walked around for about an hour with no success so settled for food from a department store food court. Sounds miserable but the food was pretty good for the price, and it was busy in there, so it still had an atmosphere.
Steps: 29,487
Day 11
Miyajima Day. Took the ferry to the island arriving at 10:30am. The Ryokan staff met us at the port and collected our bags to take back to the hotel.
Had a mooch around the port area before doing the hike up Mt Misen. The climb to the top on a hot day is not to be underestimated. Sweating buckets, but the route and the view from the top was amazing and one of the standout highlights of the whole trip.
After descending Mt Misen, we bought some beers, oysters and, ice cream and sat along the beach wall and chilled in the sun for a couple hours. The hotel staff then picked us up from the ferry terminal, we checked in and went straight to the Onsen for a couple hours before dinner. Dinner was a traditional kaiseki meal (with more courses than I can remember) served in the banquet hall with the other guests.
While the staff converted our retro ryokan room and set up the futons we had a few more beers before bed.
Steps: 20,803
Day 12
Today we had a chilled morning on the island, having a stroll and stopping for some coffees. We then took the ferry back to Hiroshima, stopping for Okonomiyaki one more time, before taking the shinkansen to Osaka.
Checked into our hostel near Namba and went out for a walk around 8pm. When looking for somewhere to eat we walked past a sign for a vegetarian Indian restaurant called Shama. After nearly two weeks of pure Japanese food we were craving some variety so decided to head in. Located on the basement floor of a particularly run down looking building the restaurant was not the most glamorous. Barely enough space for 10 people, it was hot in there. A constant stream of people was coming in and out of the restaurant and we were lucky enough to walk in when there were two spaces available. From sitting down at the table to receiving our food we waited just under an hour. This would be enough to put most people off but fuck me the food was good when it did finally arrive. We got a selection of 4 different curries, naan breads and samosa. We left stuffed. If you’re in the area this is definitely a place worth checking out.
Steps: 25,502
Day 13
Our first stop of the day was the Umeda Sky Building. Not suitable if you are scared of heights as the glass elevator made our stomachs drop slightly. The views were impressive but we thought the price was a bit steep at 1500 yen each.
We then spent the afternoon wondering about near Namba and Shinsujibashi dropping into shops and picking up some food.
For dinner we made a reservation for a Mexican restaurant near Dotonbori. Massive margheritas, nachos and enchiladas. The food was great, and it shows by how busy the place was still at 10pm. It had been open since the late 70’s with the décor to match and it had a great atmosphere.
Steps: 27,290
Day 14
Checked out Tsuruhashi and Korea Town. Loved the market – dimly lit maze of numerous food and clothing vendors. Stopped to have some Korean stew and pancakes and it was delicious. One of the best meals of the trip.
Shinsekai in the evening. What I can describe as the armpit of Osaka. We loved it. Dirty? Yes. Rowdy? Yes. Rough around the edges with a red light district to top it all off. We had Kushikatsu to finish the evening off. Fried stuff on a stick – of course it going to be tasty but it wasn’t exactly flavour town.
Steps: 23,777
Day 15
Took the train to Minoh and hiked up the trail to see the waterfall. Hike was easy in comparison to Mt Misen and the waterfall was very cool to see. Had a wonder around Minoh stopping for some lunch at a Ramen bar.
We went to the Team lab botanical gardens in the evening. It was very awe inspiring seeing all the installations lit up.
After sampling Japanese McDonalds (I had a burger where the buns were made out of rice) we went for some drinks at Zerro. We liked this bar a lot, the guys working there were very friendly and it had a good vibe.
We then sat and watched the skaters at triangle park with some beers from the konbini before going to see Dj Masda at Circus until around 4am. This area of Osaka was such a vibe and came back here a few times over our 6 days here. Overall, a very fun evening.
Steps: 26,130
Day 16
Woke up chronically hungover but powered on and went to see a baseball game. You’re allowed to bring food and drink into the stadium (as long as alcohol is in plastic/paper cups) so we grabbed some beers and snacks from family mart. We had no idea what was happening but the atmosphere was electric and we enjoyed getting pissed and cheering.
Had a nap and then went to Hafez for middle eastern food. The food was good but not amazing, nothing in comparison to my local middle eastern restaurant back home. Chilled around the Namba park/Big step area. Loved this area so much, we are big into street fashion and culture so this place really ticked some boxes. Lots of skaters and street wear stores concentrated around here. Got an early night watching Battle Royale back at the hostel.
Steps: 22,065
Day 17
Today we went to the Umeda area. Popped into some shopping centres and had Omurice for lunch. It was tasty but not something I will crave when back home. Good experience trying it though. We then walked through Yodoyobashi along the rivers and got gelato and sat in the rose garden. The sun was beating down and we enjoyed just chilling in the sun eating our ice cream.
Compufunk Records were holding a party in their store. Decent gaff with some very welcoming and kind people to party with until the early hours.
Steps: 21,267
Day 18
We reluctantly left Osaka for Hakone today. Very sad to go but onwards to the next adventure. Took the shinkansen to Odawara and then the Hakone Tozan Train to Gora. Checked into our Ryokan and relaxed in the Onsen for a few hours.
Went for a walk around Gora and had dinner at the Ryokan before watching Predator in bed.
Steps: 16,926
Day 19
Today we did the Hakone Loop, starting early in Gora.
Started with the Open-air museum and it was great. We loved the installation and ended up spending 3 hours slowly making our way round. Got some cool photos as well for the gram.
Ropeway to Lake Ashi. This was absolutely terrifying. You have to swap cable cars 3 times on the way over and the warnings of the service being suspended due to the wind was announced at each stop. I’m not going to ruin the surprise, but one section made me literally freeze in terror due to the winds outside so try to do it on a calm weather day.
We then took the pirate boat (bit underwhelming) across the Lake and stopped for some soba noodles and a wander around. Unfortunately it was way too cloudy to even get a chance at seeing Mt Fuji.
Train to Kamakura and checked into our super cute traditional hostel near the beach.
Dinner at an Izakaya from the hostel owners recommendation. Food great and beers slipped down a treat. First time I tried Yuzu Kosho as well – I’m now addicted to the stuff and literally cover all my food with it.
Steps: 19,512
Day 20
A slow start to the morning. Weather was pretty bad but we still managed to hit all the main sights in Kamakura. Big Buddha was a refreshing sight from the temples. Did some shopping up Komachi Dori. Highlight of the day was Hukokaji temple. It was so peaceful and zen in the rain with its very own matcha tea ceremony backdropped by bamboo forest. This turned out to be our second favourite temple/shrine we visited, just being beaten by Kodaji.
In the evening we went for Sushi at a conveyor belt place. Figured this would probably be my last Japanese sushi of the trip so devoured 7000 yen worth of sushi and beer. Went back to the hostel and invited some of the other guests to drink with us. The owner of the hostel had some bayberry homebrew, so we got stuck into that.
Steps: 20,494
Day 21
Enoshima Island is just a 25 min train from Kamakura. Started off the day by walking to the top of the island to get French toast and a beer with a lovely view across the bay. We then headed up the Sea candle to check out the observation deck, still the illusive Mt Fuji hides behind the clouds.
We then bought admission to the caves beneath the island which was pretty cool. I won’t ruin the surprise but there’s something waiting for you at the end of one of the caves.
Had an explore around the rockpools near the caves and took some cool photos. We then had a pizza with fish on which was pretty crazy. Walked around the island a little bit more and I picked up some more Japanese denim which wasn’t the cheapest but the quality of the trousers are great and will last me a lifetime.
Back to Tokyo in the evening.
Went for Izakaya around Asakusa and popped into a couple bars. One was called Not Suspicious and the whole bar was covered in handwritten notes by patrons. Very touristy but quite cool at the same time. Our favourite was a drawing of Mario saying It’s a Me Muthafucka.
Steps: 25,903
Day 22
First stop was Don Quiojte to pick up some Yuzu Kosho (if you know you know) and weird flavoured KitKats.
Kappabashi Dougu street to purchase a fine Japanese carbon stell Santoku. Honestly in love with this knife so much. The people at the store were very happy to hear exactly what I was looking for and even let me try before you buy on some daikon radish.
While in Asakusa I had to return to the place where I put the best thing in my mouth in Japan. Motenashi Kuroki. Switched it up this time and had their classic Shio ramen plus the duck rice as a side. Honestly this place is amazing, and you have to go there if you have time. They aren’t veggie/pescy friendly so my partner went for one last round of sushi round the corner. We met up at a massage chair parlour and spent 30 mins relaxing in the chairs.
We had a bright idea to watch the sunset one last time so headed over to the rooftop park on a department store in Shibuya. Sipping on an ice cold Kirin, the sun slowly dropped behind the distant mountains and we knew our trip had come to an end. How symbolic.
Flight at 11pm from Haneda.
Steps: 23,187
On reflection:
I honestly think this trip was almost perfect in terms of hitting our interests and travel style. There was a good balance of doing the typical first time visit to Japan sights and activities while still exploring and seeing what we came across in the moment.
It hard to pinpoint exact highlights of the trip as everywhere we visited had so much going for it in different ways. We loved the rugged and trendy vibe to Osaka, and I think this would be the city I would most want to live in for a considerable amount of time (If I had to choose). Miyajima was also stunning and a great overnight trip with the Ryokan experience. We also underestimated how much we would enjoy Kamakura with its laid-back surfer vibe and access to Enoshima Island.
One random memorable moment that has stuck with me was when we landed at Narita airport, we took the limo bus to Shinjuku. As the driver pulled away, all the staff at the station turned and bowed in unison. It felt so special to first observe a culture totally opposite to the one I grew up with and was at this point I knew I had embarked on the trip of a lifetime.
If I could go back and change something I would probably miss out Hakone and do an extra day in one of the major cities. This isn’t because we didn’t enjoy Hakone, but we feel like it’s a place that needs more time to soak in what’s going on around you (plus the weather was bad when we were there). This being said the Open-Air Museum was amazing and we enjoyed it more than the Teamlab botanical gardens so the trip up the mountains was worth it just for that.
So, how much did we spend per person (not inc flights)?
Accommodation - £765pp
Given that we spent a couple nights in Ryokans raising the average price slightly, we were pretty happy with the accommodation costs. We stayed in a mix of private room and shared dorm hostels and pretty much all of them were spot on. Travelling as a couple meant that anywhere with a private room split the price between 2. The only hostel we didn’t like was the one in Hiroshima, there wasn’t anything in particularly wrong with it, there was just a really bad vibe from the owner and other guests.
Transport - £344pp
This includes shinkansen to and from all the major cities as well as our suica top ups for metros and buses. Unless your itinerary is something like 3 days Tokyo, 2 days Osaka 2 days Kyoto then there really isn’t any point getting the JR pass now that the price has increased.
Activities – £280pp
It is hard to give an exact amount for activities and food as 1) I didn’t track what we spent our cash on and 2) my partner and I would take in turns paying for things like temple admission. That being said I’ve allocated 25% of the cash we spent to activities such as temple admission. Activities includes our baseball tickets plus club entries as well as temple and museum admissions etc.
Food – £962pp
As above, its hard to give an exact amount for food. On the whole we tried to eat cheap with possible, especially at the start of our trip. There were a few expensive meals peppered in plus we ate out twice a day towards the end of our trip as we realised we were under budget.
The total is a bit skewed as this includes all the alcohol we bought in bars as well as the konbini trips for beers and cigarettes. I estimate that booze accounts for around a third of the total per person. If you would like to do Japan on a budget, reducing the booze will make a big difference.
Shopping/Souvenirs/Gifts – £607 (just me)
We went hard with the shopping. We didn’t actually receive our checked in luggage until day 19 so we had to buy all new clothes and cosmetics. If this wasn’t the case, then I don’t think I would have spent so much (airline is comping us for the additional clothing bought anyway). I also bought a fairly expensive chef knife and Japanese denim pieces, plus lots of gifts for friends and family. Obviously, this number could theoretically 0 if you are on a serious budget and did no shopping but I really underestimated Japanese shopping, especially thrifting. Also, given our cheap choices when it came to accommodation we could afford to splurge. However just to note my partner spent less than half than I did on shopping.
Total: £2958 (582,628 yen at time of writing)
I kept within my budget of £3000. I definitely got a bit frivolous with the cash in the last few days or so, if being as careful as I was towards the start of the trip, I think the total would be closer to £2500.
Disappointments
Takoyaki. We thought it was going to be all about the octopus but were disappointed with our balls of sloppy goo surrounding tiny chewy pieces of octopus. We tried it twice and couldn’t get behind it. Sorry Takoyaki fans.
Arashiyama. Way too busy, especially around the main station and bamboo grove. If it’s the bamboo you are going to see, then Kodaji is a much better spot.
Dotonburi. Albeit we were there in golden week, and it was pretty busy. However, I get the feeling this area has fallen to the past its golden days title and has become a bit of a cash cow for places selling spiralised potatoes on a stick. The area around Namba park was a better option for us.
Tips
Konbini. Absolute life saver for snacks and drinks on the go. The food quality for a convenience store is higher than most other countries so we had no problem with grabbing a meal from one to help keep within our budget.
Don’t over pack – even though we didn’t get our checked in bags, I still packed light so had plenty of space to bring stuff back. Emirates give you your allowance by weight rather than number of baggage so we could check in additional bags on the way back.
Don’t be scared of hostels. If you don’t want to brave the shared dorms, then most hostels offer private rooms with just the shower and toilet shared. Obviously, it’s cheaper if there are two people sharing a room.
Don’t stress about cash. Most places take debit/credit card and if they don’t, you’re never more than 5 minutes from a konbini ATM.
For us, golden week didn’t seem that big of an issue. No problems booking shinkansen around GW. We spent most of GW in Osaka, as such it was going to be busy anyway so maybe we didn’t see much of a difference from normal numbers in the spring.