Birth Control or Chancellor Control?

New York City Schools Chancellor Cathie Black seems like a magnet for controversy and angry parents and teachers. As if becoming the chancellor by NOT meeting the requirements and receiving a waiver from Education Commissioner David M. Steiner wasn’t enough controversy and doubt to start with, Black still finds a way to make more parents angry. In a meeting in January, Black suggested birth control to control the overcrowding in the schools located in lower Manhattan. She also referred to making tough decisions on trying to satisfy every neighborhood as making “Sophie choices”, a movie where a mother has to decide with her of children will live in a death camp.

Some articles reporting on this matter seemed to lean either on the negative side or the positive side of Black’s response to an audience comment that said these overcrowded schools might need to accommodate 1000 more students come 2015. Under the article on the New York Post website, some comments seem to reflect agreement with Black’s “kidding” solution for overcrowded schools. One even suggested that letting illegal immigrants get a free education also attributes to the overcrowding of New York public schools.

Black’s bad luck doesn’t end there. She seems like a clear advocate of closing down over 20 schools that are considered failing. In two Panel for Educational policy meetings that were held on February 1 and February 3 of this year, Black received boos and yelling from an angry crowd of parents and teachers. When she responded back in first meeting, she got criticism from both parents and members of the New York City Council.

Basic Black, a book written by Black and published by Random Houses, Inc. in 2007, is considered an “essential guide for getting ahead at work and in life”. The advise in the book is based off Black’s own personal experiences that brought her to make tough decisions about her work and personal life. The description of the book indicates that it will lift up the readers spirits, is inspirational and motivating. Obviously, angry parents don’t care about what Black has written to bring motivation; they only care about the actions that Black puts forth for their children and the school system.

Black, I think you have your work cut out for you!

Book Review Blogger?

Hey guys,
I just realized something important about myself. I REALLY love to read. Ive been reading a lot ever since last year. I love to read all types of books, although now I am into reading fiction and fantasy about creatures like vampires and werewolves. LOL Yes I am obsessed with the Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer. I read all four book more than two times. I think I can say I have a favorite; the very first book Twilight. The establishment of Bella and Edward’s relationship was epic and very emotional and sentimental. It felt like I was apart of their relationship and I was witness to something very important. More on Twilight later =]
I also just finished reading the last three of the six Vampire Academy novels. All are written by Richelle Mead. Even though I only read three out of six, I can just imagine the first three. But I didn’t really need to read them because the first book that I read (called Blood Promise) got me so into the series that I felt I didn’t have to read the first three. But I will soon (mark my words). Book reviews of all the books Ive read are coming up (including books by Nicholas Sparks. I love his books!) Also I will include the books that been mostly in the media (hence, media noodles) because there is a LOT of information out there from media sources. And I am here to put it all on one site!
I read all types of books, from fiction to fantasy to urban to reality fiction. So if you want an opinion from me on how a book was or if you want information on an upcoming book, look at this site and comment if you want (any trailers or more information on websites that I didn’t find and post myself).
Happy commenting and for me happy blogging!
-JESS

I Could Get Used to This!

Hi,
I created this blog because it is required for a multimedia class I am taking. I have never actually blogged before (I don’t know if face book is considered blogging). I enjoy talking face to face rather than writing them a blog and letting them read my opinions on here. But I think I could definitely benefit from having a blog. My information and opinions will reach more further in different locations and it’s also a place to vent.

I chose the name Media Noodles for my blog site name because I am a journalist student so I have to know things about the media and I will be writing things pertaining to the media. All my work as a journalist is a part of the media. The noodles part relates to the brain; more so the mind. I got it from the phrase “use your noodle” which is the name of my first post. So when you put it together it simply means thoughts or ideas for the media or the public.

Multimedia journalism is very significant in the world today. Most people now are moving to getting their news on the internet. Journalists are using their creative side not just in their writing, but to create multimedia such as videos, audit, and pictures. Even the newspaper uses graphic pictures to go along with a story. On the web, instead of a picture, now journalists create videos that IS the whole story and just write a little text underneath that describes the background of the story or a summary. Even though words are critical to any type of news and media, it just seems right to say that video and pictures can tell a story too. Most times a picture or video helps to bring the story together and to bring out a key point or the reason for the story.

I love writing and getting my ideas on paper. That’s why I’ve never been into blogging. I still keep diaries which is where I write about my day or things that are happening around me. I talk to my friends about ideas and about what’s going on in the world. I began to read the Daily News three or four times a week because it gives me the chance to sit down and relax and read a newspaper. Sometimes looking on the computer can get annoying for my eyes. Besides, I love reading. You could get really enticed and pulled into the story, whether its a news story, feature story or a book.

Overall, blogging seems fun and you could get really creative with your comments. It’s also a place to speak your mind. No, I mean like REALLY speak your mind without criticism from the government or someone else of that sort. No one can force you to write something you don’t want to write.

Hope you enjoy my site!