Writing Prompt: Olympics Closing Ceremony

The Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games will be titled "A Symphony of British Music." While the details of the August 12th spectacle are still being kept super-secret, the organizers have said that they "will work with some of the country's most globally successful musicians, along with some of the industry's stars of tomorrow." There are TONS of rumors flying around – One Direction? Jessie J? QUEEN?

Sounds AWESOME!

Personally, I would be excited to see the John Lennon tribute and Take That's performance of "Rule the World," my favorite song of all time (I really hope The Wanted make an appearance, too; I'm a huge fan)! Darcy Bussell, the famous British ballerina, will be dancing with 300 other members of the Royal Ballet in a grand performance while the Olympic torch is put out. I can't wait for that, either!

So, I want to know. What rumors are you hoping are true? More importantly, what's YOUR dream lineup? Would you have a laser light show, flying acrobats, holograms, colored mist, fireworks? Share your Closing Ceremony wishlist in the Comments below!

— En-Szu, STACKS Intern (a.k.a. MidnightMagic5)

Image courtesy London 2012

Paralympics Power!

Oscar Pistorius: first double amputee runner at the Olympic Games!

I'm sure by now you all know about the 2012 Olympics taking place in London this week. But do you know about the Paralympic Games? They will take place immediately following the close of the Olympic Games. "Para" is the Greek word meaning "beside," used to emphasize how the two Games exist side-by-side. Paralympians are athletes with physical disabilities (such as vision impairment, limb deficiency, or intellectual impairment) that would otherwise prevent them from equally competing with other athletes. They compete in the same sport events (swimming, volleyball, rugby, archery, etc.) as other athletes, but in their own league.

Harry Potter Birthday Quiz Answers

Welcome to Harry Potter's birthday party! *throws confetti as balloons fall from the ceiling* Now let's all sing.

Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday, dear HAAARRRYYY!
Happy birthday to you!

How well do you know the birthday boy? Did you answer every question correctly in our Trivia Quiz last week? Here are the answers.

Olympic Games Trivia Answers

The 2012 Summer Olympic Games are in full swing! Last week you had the chance to test out your Olympic Games trivia knowledge. Here are the answers:

Olympic Athletes Funny Photos

The Olympics are now underway, and we are eager spectators of every thrilling minute! We've saved some of our favorite photos from the first few days in London. View below the athletes battling for Olympic gold, giving their all in practice and competition. I include the official "serious" captions for each photo, but you can have fun creating your own captions in the Comments.

U.S.A. Women's Olympic Gymnastics Team

Today's post is written by Donna Freitas, author of Gold Medal Summer.

 In Gold Medal Summer, Joey Jordan's best events are Beam and Floor. In order to fulfill her dream of winning gold, Joey has to find routines on both events that play to her strengths, not just what her coach values, and that means valuing artistry over tumbling, at times.