Do you hate cookie-cutter clothes and are always saying "I could SO make that"? Get "Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt" (Workman Publishing, $14.95).

You'll learn that a tee and basic sewing supplies are all it takes to create an original outfit. In addition to adorable tops, author Megan Nicolay shares patterns for deconstructing and reconstructing ordinary T-shirts into peasant skirts, pillows, handbags, leg warmers and even a wedding dress.

— Paula Rath

TEENS CAN LEARN LIFEGUARDING

Kids, need something fun to do this summer? Learn ocean-safety skills in the 2006 Junior Lifeguard Program, which starts this month. The five-day course teaches teens 13 to 17 everything from CPR to surf rescue techniques.

Sessions (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) will be held at Ala Moana Beach Park, Kalama Beach Park, Waimanalo Beach Park, 'Ehukai Beach Park and Poka'i Bay Beach Park. There is a suggested donation of $25. You need just two things: Bathing suit and strong swimming skills.

Visit www.myjuniorguards.com.

— Catherine E. Toth

FINAL WORD

"I've written plenty of novels. Maybe it would've been better if I'd written fewer."

John Updike | The prolific author, whose 22nd novel, "Terrorist," is out on Tuesday, in Entertainment Weekly