Weekend Dance Party

One Direction, Conor Maynard & Beyonce's Snuggie Kid

It's been a long time since we had a dance party on the STACKS, but the brand new One Direction video is out, and I just can't contain myself!

Here are 3 videos that you should watch this weekend if you want to dance like crazy. (And who doesn't?)

Conor Maynard "Turn Around" featuring Ne-Yo
You might as well know I'm a complete and total Mayniac. This may be my favorite Conor Maynard video yet. The song is awesome, and the video effects of Conor falling through the air, surfing on top of a moving bus, and floating in a phone booth are amazing. And Ne-Yo's dancing. . . yeah, I love this video! It's the perfect way to get your dance party started.

Beyoncé "Countdown" (Snuggie Version)
Admit it. I know at least some of you have tried to reenact your favorite videos in your Snuggies. Well, the incredibly talented 16-year-old Ton Do-Nguyen is now famous for doing just that. He reenacted Beyoncé's "Countdown" video frame by frame including every dance move, facial expression, and even video effects . . . also while wearing a Snuggie. Beyoncé herself posted it on her website under the heading "Brilliant," and said, "I think he did this video better than I did." 

One Direction "Live While We're Young"
Joy, joy, joy, joy, joy! From the first frame of Harry waking up in a tent, to Louis jumping off a rope swing into a river, to the lads flipping around in those giant bubble/hamster wheel thingies, to the final frame where Zayn sings the last line and then falls over (with help from Louis), this video is 1D perfection. This song makes you NEED to dance, and I may never stop singing it. "Let's go crazy, crazy, crazy 'til we see the sun!" PS. If you watch closely, you will see Zayn making a heart sign with his hands, and a very funny expression with his face. Priceless!

If you have just watched these 3 videos and you still want to dance to "Gangnam Style," then . . . I'm speechless. I still love you, but I just don't know what to say to you.

Leave a Comment to let us know what songs are playing at YOUR dance party.

— Sonja, STACKS Staffer

Guinness World Records 2013 Create a Caption

Guinness World Records 2013 Create a Caption

It's Guinness World Records time again -- that crazy time of year when we post a Create a Caption for the new Guinness World Records book. 3 years ago, we had the photo of the guy who holds the record for wearing the most T-shirts at once. 2 years ago, it was the kid who holds the world record for balancing the most spoons on his face. Last year, it was dogs skipping rope.

 Let's continue the dog theme with this photo from the brand new Guinness World Records 2013 of the world's tallest dog. Prepare to be amazed. . . 

Cymphonique Interview

Cymphonique How to Rock Interview

You know 16-year-old Cymphonique Miller as Kacey Simon in the Nickelodeon show How To Rock (also starring Rags actor, Max Schneider). We got to interview her to ask about her favorite episode of the show, her advice for dealing with bullies, and the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to her.

One Direction Wins 3 VMAs!

One Direction Wins 3 VMAs!

Did you watch the 2012 Video Music Awards last night? If you missed it, here is a rundown of my favorite winners: One Direction, One Direction, and One Direction!

They were nominated for Best New Artist, Most Share-Worthy Video for "What Makes You Beautiful", and Best Pop Video for "What Makes You Beautiful", and the loveable lads won all 3! 

Niall was just gushing his thanks to all the 1D fans, saying "You are incredible! 3 VMAs! We love you all sooo much! All 3 are for you! Thank you."

Louis says, "Wow, can't believe we won 3 awards. I said it on stage but I'll say it again. The awards are because of you guys! Thank you everyone!"

Aww. You're welcome! Congratulations on a job well done!

In his speech, I don't think Louis thanked his hairstylist, but that was definitely an interesting new look. What do you think? Thumbs up or down to his slicked back style? Leave a Comment!

— Sonja, STACKS Staffer

Photo courtesy of MTV

SPONSORED POST Hotel Transylvania Games

This entry is sponsored by Sony Pictures Animation.

 For these free Hotel Transylvania-themed games, it's a race against the clock! When you get the chance to peek inside the cobwebbed halls of this new movie from Sony Pictures Animation, you'll become well acquainted with a handful of spooky creatures that have been lurking in the shadows for centuries. For a little taste of online monster fun, check out these FREE Hotel Transylvania games now.

Match Game: It’s the Monster Match 
Where have I seen this face before? Test your memory and match your wits against these crafty creatures!

Suitcase Sort 
Time to get (bell) hoppin'. Snag these suitcases and see that they get to the right room. Or else!

Monster Quiz: What Monster Are You? 
Got fur? Got fangs? How about a favorite monster meal? Take the quiz!

Dracula's Maze Game 
This one is tricky! Move your mouse to tilt the floor under the Count’s feet. And do it quickly, will you?! 

This entry is sponsored by Sony Pictures Animation.
Images provided by Sony Pictures Animation. © 2012 Sony Pictures Animation. All rights reserved.

Meet Ally in Austin & Ally

Laura Marano Austin & Ally Interview

16-year-old Laura Marano stars as the brilliant, yet shy songwriter Ally, one-half of an internet music duo (along with Ross Lynch) that has become an overnight sensation, on the Disney Channel comedy series Austin & Ally. Read on to find out about her own songwriting, her fave books, and some really good advice for dealing with bullies . . .

Star Wars Costume Pageant

Star Wars Costume Pageant

Ever wanted an excuse to dress up as Luke Skywalker, Padme Amidala, Han Solo, or Darth Vader on a day that's not Halloween? We've got just the thing for you: the Star Wars Costume Pageant! A part of the Star Wars Celebration (a convention for Star Wars fans of all ages), the Star Wars Costume Pageant is being held on August 24th and 25th in Orlando, Florida. It is a chance for super-fans to show off their dress-up skills. There will be Ewoks, Jedi knights, Sith Lords, Emperors, Wookies, Princesses, and maybe even some George Lucases! If photos from past years are any indication, the costumes are gonna be excellent. 

Just look at this adorable Princess Leia! Isn't she precious? She's SO ready to save the galaxy!

If you could throw your own costume pageant, what theme would you choose? Would you pick a movie, book, or something else entirely? What would you dress up as? Share your ideas in the Comments.

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

Images Copyright © 2012 REED EXHIBITION COMPANIES, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted with the permission of REED EXHIBITION COMPANIES.

One Direction New Song

Big announcement today from One Direction! They have a new song coming out!!! A new song!!!! AAAHHH!

You have no idea how hard it is for me to not scream out loud right now, but I'm in the Scholastic office and my friendly coworkers would think I'm crazy, but yeah, if you're screaming right now, I totally understand.

Anyway, here's what I know. The song is called "Live While We're Young" and it is the first single from One Direction's album coming out in November. You can preorder the new song on iTunes starting tonight at midnight, but the actual song will be released on October 1 in the U.S.

The lads just announced it today. Niall had this to say, "Now you've heard the name of the first single! Cannot wait for you to hear the song itself now! And Harry says, "Hope you like it. xx"

XX!!!!!!! That's 2 virtual kisses from Harry to you. Leave a Comment to tell us all how excited you are for the new 1D song.

PS. What do you think of Liam's hairstyle? I really like it.

— Sonja, STACKS Staffer

Flying Monsters

Flying Monsters 3-D

For tens of millions of years pterosaurs dominated the skies. Some were the size of sparrows, but others were as big as a small airplane with wingspans of up to 40 feet. If you have ever wondered what it feels like to fly with a prehistoric pterosaur, then Flying Monsters 3-D is a movie you must see! The movie brings these winged dinosaurs to life on the giant screen and you actually feel like you are right there with them. It is now showing worldwide in giant-screen theaters and digital 3-D cinemas. I saw it at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, and oh my goodness, it was amazing! 

Conor Maynard Interview

Conor Maynard Interview

Conor Maynard is a 19-year-old British pop singer with a great YouTube discovery story. "I did a cover of Ne-Yo's 'Beautiful Monster,'" Maynard told MTV News. "[Ne-Yo] told a story where one of his friends called him [like] 'Yo man, isn't this kid singing 'Beautiful Monster' better than you singing it?' He was a bit like, 'Ah, no, I'll check that out.' And he was like, 'This kid does sing better than me!'"

Now, with his debut album, Contrast, already out abroad and the U.S. release coming in October, people are of course comparing him to Justin Bieber. I've heard 2 singles from the album so far, (OK, I admit to obsessively watching the videos for "Vegas Girl" and "Can't Say No" like a hundred times a day.) and I think he is more like Justin Timberlake. Sometimes he even reminds me of Michael Jackson. Either way, this guy's got massive talent!

Lucky Marie Morreale got to interview him. (First One Direction, then Austin Mahone, and now Conor? Some girls get all the luck!)

SPONSORED POST Hotel Transylvania

This entry is sponsored by Sony Pictures Animation.

Hotel Transylvania, a new monster-size movie from Sony Pictures Animation, will be hitting the big screen on September 28, 2012. This computer-animated comedy features the voices of Adam Sandler as Dracula, and Selena Gomez as Dracula's daughter Mavis. It sounds like a lot of fun and gives us a glimpse into the lives of some monsters whose names you might know.  Play the Hotel Transylvania games, and read on for more about the movie.

Zach Gordon Interview

You know him as Greg Heffley in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies. I met him when he came to Scholastic for a Live Chat a couple of years ago before the 1st Wimpy Kid movie came out. He was hilarious and adorable in real life, much more than Greg would be. We now have a new interview with him after his 3rd Wimpy Kid movie. Read on for Zach's current reflections on his life as an actor, his favorite books, and his hopes for the future.