Ho hum. It's January, it's raining and we don't have the holidays to distract us any more. So what time is it? It's time for the annual Homer winter controversy. Only one problem - it hasn't developed yet.

Sure, there's politics, there's Fred Meyer and there's the ever-looming possibility of - gasp - a stoplight. But none of those issues seem to have folks properly riled up at this point. For January, Homer seems, dare the Betster say it, tranquil, and that just won't do.

Luckily, the B's been around long enough to know that some issue du jour will get blood pressure bulbs popping for a substantial portion of the populace before the crocuses spring from the snow. It's as dependable as snow and rain, and ice and more snow on top of that.

But until such time as the mayor decides all city council testimony will be given in the form of a ukulele song, the school district institutes a uniform policy for all students with last names beginning with the letter "B" or the state builds a roundabout at Sterling Highway and West Hill, the only thing to do is enjoy some of these Best Bets along with the Betster.

Best jazz it up bet

Did you know that people have actually studied the impact of music on plants? If a little Bach makes our leafy friends smile, imagine the impacts it has on us humanoids given we have ears and all. Each Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m., Land's End Resort jives with the jazz notes of Mike Heimbuch and Tom Klinker.

Best trade 'em bet

If it is better to give than receive, it must be better still to do both. This month's First Friday is a little slim, with several galleries opting out, but at the Bunnell Street Gallery, Anchorage artist Wanda Seamster is attempting to start a trend - artists trading cards. Seamster has made several hundred playing-card shaped works and is hoping to find artists to trade with her. Artists can make their own cards from the blank ones at the Bunnell and trade for their favorite Seamster card (most of the show is off limits, though.) The exhibit opens with a slide presentation from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday with an art opening to follow. If trading art isn't your bag, then the show at Ptarmigan Arts Back Room Gallery is sure to light you up - literally. "Lighten Up," from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, is an invitational exhibit including lamps, lights, night-lights and other light-related items. Across the street, Picture Alaska will hold an open house and feature antique prints and mirrors from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday.

Best cha cha cha bet

All the experts say the sure-fire way to beat those winter blues is to get up and get out. The Betster tried that last week and did a move reminiscent of those cartoon strips where the guy steps on a banana on the glacier that once was a driveway. Luckily, an ice- and banana-free venue for moving and shaking has been provided by The Studio on Bunnell Avenue. All types of dancers are invited, from swing to waltz, tango, rhumba and even line dancers. For those with two left feet, a mini class will start things off at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Bring clean shoes that haven't been worn outside. Cost is $5.