Josh's Journalism Blog

Joshua Arruda, Student Kwantlen Polytechnic University 1266 72 Ave V3W 2M8 (604) 787-7253 Joshua.arruda@email.kpu.ca   October 29, 2017   Freedom of Information Coordinator Vancouver Coastal Health fx: (604) 875-4593 Dear Information Coordinator,   Under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, please provide me with ·          Two of the most recently completed inspection reports for the Sunrise of Vancouver care facility, within the time frame of 2013-2016.      ·          Information regarding the specific number of complaints that have led to follow ups within that same time frame, as well as all documentation regarding the most recent complaint and follow up. If possible, please send the documents in electronic format to my email address. If you have any concerns, please phone me at (604) 787 7253. Please contac...

A month or so ago a blog was published online making the case that heavy metal is good for kids . This is apparently because listening to it allows them to burn energy, express themselves, and grow, opening their minds to a more peaceful way of being. I will be making the case here that it does none of that, and that it instead might make them mentally unstable. The author of the piece begins with the idea that listening/dancing to heavy metal provides children with a way to release pent up energy, and that this allows them to cathartically self-regulate their emotions. The edginess of the music is supposed to act as an outlet for their trouble-making tendencies. He states that “ I'd very much prefer if my kid were to be listening to heavy metal rather than picking on other kids on the playground” Unfortunately, it is actually more likely that a child who vents in this way will pick on other kids. Recent psychological studies have found that this kind of em...

We live in a world that is growing hyper connected, in the online sense of the word connected. Social media and other forms of entertainment, as well as various opinionated bloggers, compete for our attention, and succeed in getting it from millions worldwide. There is an entire flood of information at the fingertips of most people in developed countries, and we are submerged in it to the point where many may no longer feel the need for independent news organizations. Yet much of what appears on the internet under the guise of information is not verifiable. It is often biased, oversimplified, or mere opinion. And there is reason to believe that many users isolate their worldviews into a bubble of confirmation bias, due to the way social media feeds are tailored to individual likes and preferences. These kinds of inconsistencies give rise to fragmented and sheltered views of the world, and the narrowing of perspective can lead to a breakdown in discourse between citizens. These are the ...

We live in a world that is growing hyper connected, in the online sense of the word connected. Social media and other forms of entertainment, as well as various opinionated bloggers, compete for our attention, and succeed in getting it from millions worldwide. There is an entire flood of information at the fingertips of most people in developed countries, and we are submerged in it to the point where many may no longer feel the need for independent news organizations. Yet much of what appears on the internet under the guise of information is not verifiable. It is often biased, oversimplified, or mere opinion. And there is reason to believe that many users isolate their worldviews into a bubble of confirmation bias, due to the way social media feeds are tailored to individual likes and preferences. These kinds of inconsistencies give rise to fragmented and sheltered views of the world, and the narrowing of...