If you're like the Betster this week, you are probably reading this newspaper in bed, with a thermometer in your mouth and with enough cold medicine in your system to knock out Joe Lewis in three rounds.

That's right, sports fans, a nasty bug has descended on Homer like Mothra on Tokyo, and it's taking no prisoners.

The only way to avoid it, I'm told, is to climb into your hyperbaric sleeping chamber and hibernate until spring. But if you, like the sick Betster, gave your chamber back to Michael Jackson, or are unfortunate enough to have a real job where you come into frequent contact with other Homerites, well, it's just a matter of time.

Now I wouldn't worry too much. This nasty nighttime sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, stuffy head, fever, can't-rest-worth-a-darn illness seems to last for only a week or so, which should give you plenty of time to take your medicine, get well and enjoy these Best Bets.

Best Full Nelson Bet: The Mighty Mariner Matmen take on the best of Region III at the two-day Northern Lights Conference Wrestling Championships Friday and Saturday in the Homer High School Gym. Now this isn't your WWE-type buffoonery. These boys and girls can really wrestle. And with the Region crown and a shot at going to State next weekend on the line, you can be sure the action will be fast and furious.

Best pray for a miracle on ice Bet: The Mariner hockey team is traveling to Wasilla this weekend for a shot at the Greatland Conference title against Houston. Not bad for a team without home ice, aye? If you can't make it to the game rent the movies "Miracle," "Slapshot" and "Mystery, Alaska" and watch them back-to-back-to-back. It won't be as fun as rooting for the Mariner Pucksters, but they'll still feel your love.

Best pray for a miracle on snow Bet: 2005 has been a year to forget, so far, when it comes to skiing and snowboarding. The temperature has been all over the map, the snow base hasn't materialized like normal and powderheads all over town have become grumpy. But the Betster does have some good news and it has nothing to do with car insurance. The Ohlson Mountain Ski Tow is scheduled to open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting.

Best Jazz it up bet: The Jazzline Dancers and guests return to the stage Friday, Saturday and Sunday for a benefit performance sponsored by the Homer Council on the Arts with choreography by Jocelyn Shiro-Westphal. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 council members and $8 youth 18 and younger and sold at the council, Homer Bookstore and Etude Studio.

Best be a star bet: Got talent? The Homer Council on the Art's sponsored World Cafe is looking for you for its upcoming show March 5. Auditions begin Feb. 1. Call 235-4288 for more information.

Best trapping tails bet: Fish tails, that is. The Pratt Museum is holding its 2005 Annual Member Meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday. A finger food potluck will be followed by a business meeting and a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. where Steve Lewis and Mike Steik will speak about the history of fish trapping in Cook Inlet.