Are Ghosts Real?

Boo! Did I scare you? I hope not, but ghosts have been scaring people for centuries. The big question is, are they real?

Since Ancient Egypt, people have believed that the soul or spirit of a dead person remains on Earth and can appear to living humans.

Some people believe ghosts can be found anywhere, from old castles to haunted houses. Most ghost stories tell of people who died unexpectedly, either by accident or murder, and their spirits still want to remain on earth.

Some people conduct séances in an attempt to speak to the dead. Believers claim these rituals let them speak to ghosts and prove they exist. Skeptics, or non-believers, say that séances are a hoax.

In an attempt to prove the existence of ghosts, many believers have turned to science for evidence. The art of ghost hunting is traced back to London’s Ghost Club, which sought out ghosts in the English city. Modern ghost hunters use high-tech equipment, including handheld infrared thermometers to measure changes in room temperature, and audio recording equipment to pick up ghostly voices.

Skeptics believe that evidence found by ghost hunters can be attributed to many different things. These scientists say that images of ghosts are most likely dust particles in the air, while audio recording devices picked up signals from local radio towers.

There is still no evidence proving ghosts definitely exist, but the debate rages on. So, do you believe in ghosts? Tell us in the Comments.

Brian

Cool Things Invented by Kids

You may think of inventors as geniuses with years of experience, but some of the coolest inventions actually came from kids!

In 1858, 15-year-old Chester Greenwood invented earmuffs. He hated hats and hated cold ears even more. So he tied fur patches to a headband and invented the first earmuffs.

Robert Patch was only 6 years old when he turned the model truck into a children’s toy. The boy created a toy truck with parts that could be taken apart and rebuilt into different vehicles. Patch’s truck was patented way back in 1963, but is still selling in toy stores today.

Frank Epperson accidentally stumbled across the Popsicle when he was 11. One frigid night, he left his drink outside with a stirring stick inside. The next morning, he found a frozen drink, and the world’s first Popsicle was born.

Krysta Morlan was in 10th grade when she invented the cast cooler, a device that pumps air into a cast and relieves irritation. But Krysta wasn’t done yet. She also invented the Waterbike, a bike-like vehicle you put in the water and power by pedaling.

Ryan Patterson was working at Burger King when he saw a translator ordering for a deaf friend. That sparked Ryan’s imagination and he soon invented a glove with sensors that translate sign language into written word.

Louis Braille was only 15 when he invented his own language for the blind. Braille, named after its inventor, uses a series of dots that people can trace their hands over and read.

Kids have created some of the coolest gadgets and also helped a lot of people. What invention would you like to create?

Brian

“blackberry watermelon popsicle” Flickr photo by stu_spivack

10 Problems Only Older Sisters Understand

How hard is it being an older sister?! Can any of you guys relate? We’ve compiled a list of top 10 problems . . . only older sisters understand.

1. Younger brothers. (Farts! Burps! Pulling your hair!)
2. Parents expect you to “be the responsible one and set the example.”
3. You had to eat lima beans first.
4. When your younger sibling steals your stuff.
5. When your younger sibling imitates everything you do.
6. You get blamed for all fights because “you’re bigger.”
7. When your younger sibling barges into your room and won’t leave.
8. When your younger sibling reveals something embarrassing in front of your crush.
9. When you have to include your little brother/sister when you play with YOUR friends.
10. Changing diapers.

Are you an older sister? What are the best and worst things about being an older sister? Air your grievances in the Comments below!

Ratha

Alpaca Create a Caption

Alpaca Flickr photo by Chris Jones

This alpaca is trying really hard to get your attention! What is this beauty saying?

I think it’s saying, “Check out my new hair cut! #onfleek”

Leave your caption in the Comments!

2016 Is a Leap Year!

After February 29, 2016, the next leap day will not happen again until 2020! Imagine how much you will have changed and grown by then! A fun way to track your changes through the next four years is to create a leap year time capsule.

A time capsule is a collection of items that are stored away as a method of communication to the people of the future. In this case, the people of the future will be YOU in four years. To create the perfect time capsule, you will need a few things—a small sturdy box or metal tin, a piece of paper and pen, and few of your favorite items that can fit inside the box.

On the piece of paper, write your name, date, and answers to the following questions:

1. What is your favorite food?
2. Who is your best friend?
3. What are you most thankful for?
4. Where do you see yourself in four years, or what will your goals be?
5. What is one piece of advice you want to give to your future self?
6. (Optional) Get your friends involved and ask them to write down one good quality they love most about you and why.

When you are done, fold up your paper into a tiny square, seal it with a kiss, and toss it inside your small box. Feel free to add anything else that is significant to you. For example, in my box, I am adding the front page of a local newspaper, my most recent movie ticket stub, a photo of me and my best friends, a piece of jewelry, and my favorite flower.

After you’ve finished stuffing your box, seal it, and make a note on the surface saying, “Do NOT open until 2/29/2020.” In four years, dig out your box and read what you wrote. It will be interesting to see how much you’ve changed since then.

What will you add to your time capsule? Drop a Comment to give your ideas. I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with!

-Sandy

Write a Valentine’s Day Poem!

It’s almost Valentine’s Day! If you want a quick gift idea that is thoughtful and creative, then here’s a little activity you can try. Write a poem!

Here are three types of poems with instructions how to write them. You pick the type of poem you like best and write one for someone you care about. It could be for a family member, a friend, or even a secret crush . . . shhh! Don’t worry! I won’t tell.

Lyric: a rhyming poem that expresses personal feelings. It can be as many lines as your heart desires. Here’s an example:

Your love is warm and holds me tight,
Making our moments together just right.
So thank you, Mom, for being you.
Being your daughter is a dream come true.

Haiku: a Japanese poem that has 17 syllables divided into three lines consisting of 5, 7, and 5 syllables on each line. Here’s an example:

The color purple
Reminds me of an orchid.
It’s pretty like you.

Acrostic: a poem where the first, last, or other letters of each line spells out a word or phrase. The word or phrase can be as long as you like. Here’s an example:

LOVE
Like the way the sun caresses my skin,
Our friendship is warm and comforting.
Vividly, I remember our happiest moments
Eating cupcakes and sharing jokes.

YOU
You’re my best friend for so many reasons.
Obviously, we make the best pair.
Uniquely, being you is perfect.

Now it’s your turn. Which type of poem will you write? Leave a Comment with your new poem below. When you’re finished, copy it in a card and send it to the person you wrote it for. Good luck, poets!

-Sandy

10 Problems Only People With Braces Understand

Yes, I know it’s hard to believe (and believe me, I’d much rather forget!), but I used to be a brace-face. Those were the longest years of my LIFE. Braces are uncomfortable, painful, awkward, and so annoying. I was so excited when I finally got mine off! To show sympathy and solidarity for those of you currently experiencing the struggle, I’m bringing you a list of Ten Problems Only People With Braces Understand:

1. Apples are the enemy. Apple skins are the WORST.
2. Flossing takes FOREVER! It’s practically the next day when you finally finish!
3. You’re always nervous about smiling because you never know what food might be stuck in there.
4. Getting them tightened HURTS A LOT!
5. Switching out band colors is cool, but you’re stuck with that color for a whole month. Who wants to wear the same color ANYTHING for that long?
6. After eating a sandwich, at least 45% of the sandwich is stuck in your braces.
7. No gum, caramel, or hard candy! Like I said . . . those were the LONGEST years of my life!
8. Getting scratched and cut by stray wires on the inside of your mouth—ouch!
9. That awful feeling when the orthodontist tells you it’s going to take longer to be braces-free than you were initially told. (Absolutely devastating.)
10. Finally getting your braces off, but then wearing a retainer for what feels like the rest of forever.

Oh yes, the braces struggle is very, very real! Do you, or did you, wear braces? Are you going to need braces soon? Share your thoughts in the Comments below!

Yours in pain,

En-Szu

Create a Caption for Rocky the Dog!

Hey there! This dog looks like he’s relaxing at home after a long day! What would you say he is thinking?

Here’s my caption: “Can we just stay in and snuggle now? I’m exhausted from chasing my tail all day, and I never even caught it!”

Write YOUR caption in the Comments below!

Megan, STACKS Intern

Problems Only Dog Lovers Understand

Do you have a dog? Or just love dogs in general? Then you know there are some problems that non-dog people just don’t get. Can you relate to any of these problems that only dog lovers understand?

1. You toss food on the floor of restaurants because you forget your dog isn’t there to eat your leftovers.
2. You have enough hair all over your bed to make an entire wig.
3. When someone yells, “Fetch!” you look around for flying balls.
4. Your windows are always smudgy from your dog’s nose prints.
5. There’s a giant drool spot on the couch where you were about to sit.
6. Those sad, sad puppy eyes break your heart every morning when you have to leave for school.
7. It is sometimes embarrassing when friends come over and your dog acts INSANE!
8. Your foot is asleep right now because your dog is sitting on it and won’t get up!
9. You have to hide your favorite shoes because your dog thinks they are chew toys.
10. It is minus 20 degrees out and you have to go walk your dog in the snow. Brrr!

Can you relate to any of these? Let us know YOUR problems that only other dog lovers would understand!

-Ratha

It is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

What is YOUR dream for the world? Tell us in the Comments and then create your own “I Have  a Dream” poem to honor the legendary activist today.

You Know You’re Excited for the Holidays When . . . 

The holidays are in full force right now: Salvation Army bells on every street, holiday music floating out from every store, window displays worth ooh-ing and aah-ing over . . . and chocolate, chocolate everywhere! The holiday spirit is infectious (as are the cold and flu, which are also floating around this time of year, so remember to wash your hands)! Have you caught the holiday bug? You know you’re excited for the holidays when . . .

1. You have a holiday playlist blasting 24/7, and you’re still not sick of it.
2. You’ve watched the movie Elf 5 times already since Halloween.
3. You catch yourself singing along to “Winter Wonderland” at the mall.
4. You are infected with the spirit of giving, and you can’t stop thinking of great gift ideas.
5. You’ve broken down your wishlist into High Priority, Medium Priority, and Low Priority categories.
6. You check your calendar every day and count down the days to Christmas (4 more days!).
7. You drink hot chocolate with a candy cane every day after school. In fact, your diet is 5% peppermint-flavored candies, 5% real food, and 90% chocolate in any and every form.
8. It is cookie o’clock every hour of the day.
9. You gathered a bunch of empty boxes and old books and wrapped them in holiday paper so it looks like you have a big pile of presents in your room. You are actually drowning in wrapping paper and ribbon, and you have never been happier.
10. You can’t stop wearing holiday-themed sweaters. You will NEVER stop wearing holiday-themed sweaters.
11. You add cinnamon to everything. EVERYTHING!
12. The sound of jingling bells makes you look up in the sky for reindeer.
13. You have decorated your locker with glitter and paper cut-out snowflakes.
14. You keep wishing for snow . . . even if it’s sunny at 75 outside.

Are you ready for the holidays? What are the things you do to get excited? Share in the Comments below!

Happy, happy, HAPPY holidays,

En-Szu, STACKS Writer

Create a Caption: Holiday Kitten

What do you think this playful Christmas kitten is saying all cozy in its Christmas stocking?

“Merry Christmas” Flickr photo by Bill and Vicki T

I think it is saying, “The stockings were hung by the chimney with care . . . until I jumped in and made Christmas way cuter!”

Leave YOUR captions in the Comments. Happy Holidays!

— Sonja, STACKS Staffer

Do You Get Too Much Homework?

Kids today spend a lot of time doing homelike, like, A LOT, up to 2 hours a night sometimes! Even Kindergarteners and 1st graders get homework! What’s the deal?

According to the Center for Public Education, teachers assign homework because they believe that homework builds character, work habits, and study skills. Parents and teachers are also afraid that without homework, kids will spend all their time “watching television, instant-messaging, or playing video games.”

But too much homework can actually be harmful. The 2013 American Psychological Association survey found that 45 percent of U.S. schoolchildren were stressed-out by homework. The Center for Public Education says that for middle schoolers, the perfect amount of homework per night is 1 hour. More than that and it could start getting too stressful to really help you academically.

Some parents and school districts are starting to realize that maybe kids are doing too much. An elementary school in Gaithersburg, Md. banned homework in favor of 30 minutes of nightly reading. And some parents of younger kids are asking teachers if they can opt-out of homework altogether.

What do YOU think about homework? Tell us how much time you spend every night on homework and if you think it helps you to be a better student. Be honest!

Sonja, STACKS Staffer

10 Best Gifts to Give and Get!

Happy Holidays! You’re making a list and checking it twice. You’re pretty sure you’ve been less naughty and more nice. So you should be in good shape. But wait – what’s even on your list? And what will you be giving?  In case you need some ideas, we’ve compiled a list of our Top 10 Best Gifts to Give and Get for 2015. Drum roll please . . .

1. A pet! Always a big request, but animal rights groups advise against giving a live animal on Christmas Day. Giving a leash, or a good book on caring for the animal is a better idea for the actual day. Then you and your family can take the time to choose the right pet for you, and you can learn about the responsibility that goes into it! (There’s also Zoomer Zuppies, the Interactive Puppy which has been pretty popular.)

Two-Wheels Mini Hover Smart Self Balancing Scooters for Kids

2. Mini Hoverboard. These self-balancing motorboards seem like they’re straight from the future! They respond to your body’s slightest motions to move, but they don’t come cheap ($400! *gulp*). And you will definitely need a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads when you ride it.

3. Anything Star Wars! With the movie coming out on December 18, LEGO bricks, t-shirts, action figures, stuffed animals, and light sabers will all be popular. The Force is strong this season.

MyShopkinsList.ShopkinsWorld.com

4. Shopkins. Already on Season 3, these tiny creatures have taken over. From the actual figures to the Ice Cream Truck and Supermarket Playset, you’re gonna need a bigger toy box. And they won’t break the bank. Look for Ultra Rare ones like Sugar Lump, Kooky Cookie, and Mandy Candy.

Hasbro Pie Face game

5.NERF Gun. OK, you are absolutely not allowed to shoot it AT PEOPLE, but for target practice, you can’t beat a NERF gun. Set up some cans and see how many you can knock down with the squishy “bullets.”

6.Spin Master QUICK CUPS Game. Super fun, quick, family board game. Draw a card, stack your colored cups to match the card, and ring the buzzer first.

7. Any Smartphone. Hey, a kid can dream, right?

8. Pie Face Game. (I am totally giving this one!) A hilarious board game where you could potentially, at any moment, get hit with a pie in the face.

© 2015 The LEGO Group; © DC Comics. THE LEGO MOVIE © WBEI. © New Line; © Universal Studios and U-Drive Joint Venture.

9. LEGO Dimensions Video Game (rated E10+). For Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U, Playstation 3 and 4. Following in the footsteps of Skylanders . . . it’s heeeere! Build the LEGO Gateway and then play the game starring Batman, Gandalf, and Wyldstyle. Expansion packs include Emmet, Cragger, and many other LEGO characters.

10. Cookies! Who doesn’t love to get holiday cookies or make holiday cookies? Make your favorites, or be creative, and watch your friends’ and family’s faces light up as they gush over how awesome a baker you are. Package them in cute holiday bags or boxes, and cover them with Hershey’s Kisses for maximum gift-giving effect. And Rice Krispie Treats totally count.

What are YOUR best gifts to give and receive?  Let us know your faves in the Comments below. Happy holidays!

-Ratha, STACKS Writer

10 Problems Only Harry Potter Fans Understand

You know who you are. You fell in love at the first page of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and you never looked back. But there are some things that people who have not read Harry Potter just don’t understand about you . . .

1. You wish Hogwarts were real and you desperately want to get your Hogwarts letter.
2. You try seriously hard to do magic and are frustrated when your “wand” (a.k.a. stick) does not work.
3. Dobby, Fred Weasley, Professor Lupin, Snape, and Tonks.
4. Trying to explain Quidditch to your non-Harry Potter friends so you can play it at recess.
5. The movie did not include your favorite line or scene from the book.
6. You scream while watching the movies, “That didn’t happen in the book!”
7. When someone says, “JK” (for just kidding), you think, “Rowling.”
8. You are desperately waiting for J.K. Rowling to write another children’s book.
9. If it’s not Harry-related, you kind of don’t want to talk about it.
10. Nothing else you read is ever as good as Harry Potter.

Can YOU relate to any of these? Leave a Comment to tell us your problems that only other Harry Potter fans understand!

Sonja, STACKS Staffer

Thanksgiving Turkey Create a Caption

Flickr photo by Ben + Sam

Thanksgiving is this week, so I hope you are excited to eat lots of food and maybe watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Here is last year’s turkey from the parade. What do you think it is saying? Leave your caption in the Comments.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sonja, STACKS Staffer

Flickr photo by Nina

Winter is coming and it looks like this chipmunk only just got the memo. It seems pretty surprised about something!

What do you think this little guy is saying? Leave your caption in the Comments.

Sonja, STACKS Staffer

7 Meanest Children’s Book Villains 

Are the villains in children’s books too mean? To help you answer that question, I’ve compiled a list of the top seven most evil children’s book villains. Some of these characters are so deliciously evil, it’s no wonder that they have all made it from books to the big screen.

#7: Jadis, The White Witch from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Her character is supposed to be a tall Amazonian woman with pretty features and great strength, but for all that beauty, inside lives a very dark and ice-cold heart. She turns people and animals to stone and then uses them for home décor. Who does that? Also, did you know that the fur collar she wears is actually Aslan’s mane? Yeah, that’s mean!

#6:Count Olaf from A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Aside from his abnormally large nose and weird sideburns, Count Olaf is really mean and weird. You can almost always find him scowling in every illustration, and he is definitely known to have bad hygiene (ew). Yup, that’s enough to put him at number 6.

#5: The Grinch from How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
I know that he is seriously misunderstood, but with a green, hairy face, those evil-looking wrinkles and long, pointy, hairy fingers, how could you not be scared of this guy? The Grinch may be one of my favorite childhood holiday movies but he’s still pretty scary-looking.

#4: Miss Trunchbull from Matilda.
I loved, loved, loved this movie, but seriously, Miss Trunchbull is mean and scary. Why she is even working in a school when she hates kids completely boggles my mind. On top of that, she doesn’t let anyone eat snacks or have candy in their pockets!

#3: Kronos from the Percy Jackson series. 

Kronos, who is technically Percy’s grandfather, is the god of the Titans. Isn’t it weird that he looks like a monster while Zeus and all the other gods look normal? Either way, he’s scary-looking and he wants to destroy the world even if it means destroying his own kids. That’s pretty evil!

#2: Slappy from Slappy’s Revenge. 
Where do I even start with Slappy? His name, his features, and his evil tendencies are all equally frightening in so many ways. If I had a doll that looked anything like Slappy in my room, I don’t think I’d be able to sleep. Would you?

#1: Lord Voldemort from the Harry Potter series.

Drum roll . . . And our number one villain, of course, is Lord Voldemort! He’s pure evil and wants to destroy all Muggles. Since that includes Hermione, who is my heroine, there’s no question he should be on top of this list.

That’s my list of the top meanest villains of all children’s books. Which one on this list do you think is the creepiest? If you could add another villain, who would it be? Let me know by dropping a Comment below!

Sandy, Stacks Staff

Book-Inspired Halloween Candy

Halloween is coming! At the STACKS, it’s a perfect opportunity to combine our two favorite things in the world into . . . book-inspired candy!

In case you missed it, this past summer we did something similar with book-inpsired ice cream flavors. You guys had some really clever ideas (Warrior Cat Mice Cream, anyone?), so now, check out our list of book-inspired candy below!

Percy’s Peppermint Pattie
The oh-so-amazing combination of yummy, yummy chocolate and minty creme gets a new twist with a bolt of unexpected flavor: ambrosia! Just be sure not to eat too many. You don’t want to be too sluggish to outrun any Minotaurs or vengeful evil demigods!

Harry Butterfinger
The crispy, peanut buttery center of this candy bar is more than just simply delicious—it contains a spell! Each bar gives you a temporary magical power . . . but you’ll never know which one until you eat it. Will you shrink to the size of an ant? Become invisible? Shape-shift into a cat? Who knows!

Kane Crunch
Delightful, fit-for-the-gods milk chocolate is packed with a blend of nuts, toffee, and crispy rice in this candy bar that is imprinted with magical hieroglyphics. If you (like me) aren’t really able to read hieroglyphics, they’re just really awesome decoration, but if you, say, happen to be descended from Egyptian gods, you’ll be able to enjoy the secret messages each bar contains.

Land of Lollies
Each of these sparkly, unusually flavored lollipops tastes like a different fairy tale. Will it taste like Goldilocks’ just-right porridge? The breadcrumb trail that Hansel and Gretel left behind? The sea in which the Little Mermaid lived? Unwrap one to find out!

The 39 Clues Candy Corn
It tastes just like regular candy corn. However, each package contains—you guessed it!—a clue that will bring you one step closer to becoming the most powerful person on earth.

What book-inspired candy do YOU want to invent? Share your ideas in the Comments below!

En-Szu, STACKS Writer

Oliver, the Halloween Cat

Is this cat wearing a Halloween costume or is he a witch cat all year long? What spells and potions do you think he is imagining under that sparkly witch’s hat?

Flickr photo courtesy of Natalle Barletta

Here is my caption:

“Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble. . . or maybe I’ll just take a nap.”

Leave your caption for Oliver the Halloween cat in the Comments!

Sonja, STACKS Staffer

Create a caption for this adorable dog, Maisie!

Hi, there! This puppy seems like she is going on her own outdoor adventure! What would you say she is thinking in that cute, furry head?

Here’s my caption: “Watch out, world! I’m off my leash and ready to take over this dog park!”

Write YOUR caption in the Comments below!

Megan, STACKS Intern

Haunted House Word Find From CrestBlue50

How many words can you spell using the letter in the words, Haunted House? Make sure the words are 3 or more letters or they don’t count. Here are 2 words to get you started. Leave your other words in the Comments!

Enjoy!!!!

H A U N T E D  H O U S E

shoe

dent

.

.

.

Today’s Book Quiz comes from Moderator Katie on the Reading Buzz Board.

1. What’s your all-time favorite book?
2. What’s a book you liked that turned into a movie? Which was better?
3. What is your favorite series? What is your favorite book within the series?
4. Who’s your favorite author?
5. Do you happen to enjoy dark, spooky, or supernatural stories?
6. Do you like reading manga or graphic novels?
7. Do you like to read books about other cultures? What about other historical times?
8. If you could go to lunch with any author, who would it be and what would you like to talk about?
9. Have you read a book in another language besides English? Did you enjoy the book or books you read?
10. What type of books (genre!) do you most like to read?
11. What is your favorite literary element? For example, simile, metaphor, irony, foreshadowing, personification, figurative language, or even forms of poetry can count here….
12. Are there any books you’d like to suggest?
13. Are you in a book club? If yes, which books have you read in it?
14. What is your favorite childhood book (picture book)?
15. If you could turn any book into a movie, which book would it be? Which actors would play which characters?
16. If you could change the ending of ANY book, which book would it be and what would the new ending be? Please start your answers with the book title so STACKers can decide if they want to read your answer/spoiler or not!
17. Has any book every evoked really strong emotions in you? For example, has any book made you REALLY sad or angry, or empathetic, etc.? Which book and which emotion?
18. Have you ever read a book that you thought you’d love but ended up not liking? What about the reverse?
19. Estimate the number of books you’ve read in the last 12 months.
20. You won a $500 book gift card. What are you going to buy with it?

Have fun! Thanks to these STACKers who helped me come up with the questions: gopherchess4, breezebrain39, darkrising6, bastkitten37, and chorusartistic19.

Leave your answers to one or all of these questions on the Comments!

Virtual Cupcake Creation

DesertChief19 decided to make up a contest! The contest is about virtual cupcakes because who doesn’t like virtual cupcakes?

• Cupcake Flavor:
• Frosting Color:
• Frosting Flavor:
• Any Toppings:
• Anything Else:

For example:
Username: DesertChief19
Cupcake Flavor: vanilla
Frosting Color: white
Frosting Flavor: vanilla
Any Toppings: rainbow sprinkles
Anything Else: chocolate inside of cake

Create your own virtual cupcake and leave it in the Comments. If you want to actually send your virtual cupcakes to your friends, you can do that on the Allie Finkle website, and on the Confectionately Yours website!