Video Project- The Limited Release of Nike Sneakers

This is my video project for Journalism 1220.

This video is showing the problem that sneaker-collectors face when trying to purchase limited edition sneakers. Some stores do a raffle system release system: and some stores do a line up, first come, first served system. However, some customers get frustrated when stores make it unclear on how they will release certain sneakers.

Freedom Of Information Request

February 29, 2016

Information and privacy coordinator – Freedom of Information

RCMP
"E" Division
14200 Green Timbers Way,
Surrey, B.C. V3T 6P3

To whom it may concern,

This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I am requesting a copy of all documents containing information regarding my request to be provided to me.

-          All documents containing all drug trafficking cases in the Newton area located in Surrey, British Columbia, specifically between 64 avenue and 120 street, and 88 avenue and 152 street since March 1, 2015.

-          A list showing all the arrests that were made involving illegal drug trafficking in this specific newton area (between 64 avenue and 120 street, and 88 avenue and 152 street) in Surrey, B.C. since March 1, 2015.

If it is possible for you to provide this documented information to me, please do so in the form of a PDF file or email so I am able to physically see this data and information for my personal use. Please forward this information to me at 09spence23@gmail.com. If my request is unclear or misleading, please contact me via telephone at any time at (778)-840-7609

Please let me know when the information will be available for release.

Sincerely,

Spencer Maichin

9353 Ebor Road

Delta, British Columbia

V4C 4R4

With this Freedom of Information request, I am going to try and see if there is a correlation with the high volume of shootings in Newton last year around this time. There was an article on Vancity buzz indicating that there was 18 shootings over a 45 day period. If I get this information regarding the drug trafficking cases in Newton, I will be able to tell if these drug trafficking cases are around the same time period with the frequent amount of shootings in newton last year. The reason I want to know this because I am usually commuting through Newton to get to school and work via public transit, and if I know that these shootings are drug trade/ trafficking related, it will make me feel safer, rather than thinking that these shootings are random and can happen to anyone.

LINK: http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2015/04/surrey-18-shootings-45-days/

There is no specific person to contact regarding the FOI request. I went on the B.C. RCMP website and looked under the Contact page and it simply gave me a general inquires contact information. I also went on the National RCMP page and found a page for the policies of Access to Information, but again only gave me a mailing address in Ottawa for written requests

LINK: http://bc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=2112&languageId=1&contentId=-1

LINK: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/atip-aiprp/index-eng.htm

3 Reasons Why Not To Be a Vegan

Although here is a conception  that being vegan will lead you to a healthy life style and that it is the morally right thing to do, that isn't necessarily the case. There is a a lot of people supporting the vegan lifestyle which is great, but not everything they say about the "healthy" plant based diet is true and may be misleading.

1: Being Vegan Does Not Mean Eating Completely Healthy

although being vegan would include staying away completely from meat, lard, and butter there are other food products that don not contain any of these products but aren't healthy at all. A health interview conducted on Oprah's online blog food products such as "French fries, corn chips, and lollipops can qualify as vegan if they contain vegetable oil instead of butter or lard." if you choose to be a vegan strictly for becoming healthier, to loose weight, or to become more fit; being a vegan wont magically make these wishes come true. ultimately, being a vegan will narrow down your choices of unhealthy food, but definitely won't completely eliminate unhealthy foods from your ever day diet.

2: Being Vegan Does not Guarantee Weight loss

Although some people become vegan to loose weight, this isn't always the case. in fact it is very possible to gain weight while being on a vegan diet. This article on shape's blog online is a real example of a girl that gained weight while being a vegan. it says she was living off of bagel's and pasta on a daily basis as a student on campus. although these choices were made with vegan ingredients, these foods are loaded with carbs. Unless you are an elite athlete training everyday, this excess of carbs was uncalled for. other dieting practices included  eating "peanut butter by the spoonful" and sweet potato fries as her only source of vegetables. Snacks also consisted of  junk foods like french fries, soy ice cream and dairy free chocolate. That being said, it is important to do your research about becoming a vegan before you dive in face first in to this lifestyle.

3: It Is Our Human Right To Choose or Not To Choose To Be a Vegan

Aside from all the nutrients and not so healthy food serving that being a vegan may consist of, there is no valid  rule anywhere that says everyone should be a vegan. Being a vegan should be a choice in lifestyle and shouldn't be frowned upon if you chooses not to be a vegan. If you do do you're research about what it takes to be a vegan (slim choice in foods, dedication to meal preparation, meeting your daily macro's etc) then you should become a vegan if you wan't to. On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with choosing to not be a vegan.

Photo Credit: Toffee Maky


Google trends: I chose the number "3" in my tittle over the word  "three" because the number had and average of 71 compared to the letter's average of 5. I also chose the term "vegan" over "veganism" because "vegan had an average of 38 while vegan had a score of 31 which is slightly lower but significant.