The Fig List II (sans postscript)

We’re back with another edition! This week, I recommend two ways to seize power, leading the revolution against tedium and underwhelming plot lines. But only if you are 13-18 (for the first item) or 4-10 (for the second item). For those individuals unfortunate enough to be 11 or 12, all I can offer as consolation is that time will trample these barren years underfoot and you’ll eventually be old enough for one of these undertakings.

No “teen” would use the word “teen”, but…

Find your true calling in bureaucracy…I mean advocacy.

…if you are a “teen”, your disenfranchisement ends here and now. Vancouver residents of a certain age (13-18) can now help the Vancouver Public Library serve its younger members. Fight the good fight and help make the VPL’s teen programming the best it can be. Rebel! Join the VPL’s Teen Advocacy Group!

Join the dark side

Reviewing books offers a rare opportunity to indulge in serenity and megalomania.

If your child isn’t yet in danger of developing back problems, myopia, and an unhealthy obsession with semi-colons, there is still time to remedy this deplorable state of affairs. Anorak Magazine is a delightful publication aimed at humans for whom existential dread has not fully taken hold and who may still have an ongoing financial arrangement with the Tooth Fairy. They run a really lovely program called Anorak’s Little Editors Scheme. Quoting from their website: “Are your little ones obsessed with reading, drawing and writing? Are they full of opinions and ideas? Are they between 4 and 10 years old? Then they are definitely Little Editors in waiting. So, what does it mean to be a Little Editor? It’s simple. It means your lil’ones get to review books, take part in drawing missions and generally contribute to our happy mag. And yes, it’s FREE!” So don’t delay! This scheme is educational and cute – I can’t think of a better combination of attributes.