For those with significant sweeties, V-day offers you the chance to embrace your inner-mushiness and convince yourself, even if for just one day, that pink and red are your two favorite colors.

And for those of you still looking, there's no better day to find love than this gift-card-industry-fabricated holiday that celebrates it.

Either way, take the time, say something nice, buy some flowers, check out these bets and buy someone a box of chocolates.

Because, like the great 20th century philosopher Forrest Gump once said, "You never know what you're gonna get" in return.

Best slide into the weekend bet: Critically acclaimed singer/songwriter and slide guitarist, Kelly Joe Phelps, brings his abundance of talent to Alice's Champagne Palace tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets to this Downward Dog Production are $25 and can be found at the Homer Bookstore, Alice's, KBBI, Solstice Music and on the internet at www.ticketweb.com.

Best wine and cheese bet: The Kachemak Nordic Ski Club will be holding its annual Wine and Cheese Tour Saturday. The tour begins at noon from Mile 2 Diamond Ridge Road near the old White Alice site. All skiers are invited. There will be two stops at private residences. A donation of $10 per club member and $15 for nonmembers is requested. Children 10 and under are free. A variety of wines, cheeses, crackers and juices will be served. For further information call 235-6018.

Best shake off the winter blues bet: The Homer Winter Carnival begins Friday and runs through Sunday. (A schedule can be found on page 17). The Miss Homer Contest kicks off the festivities at 5:15 p.m. on Friday. The parade starts at noon Saturday at the High School and the Mardi Gras Ball brings a full host of festivities to a close Sunday afternoon at the Down East Saloon.

Best "Here's looking at you, kid" bet: The Kachemak Bay Campus Student Association is sponsoring the "Sweetheart Dessert & Movie" at the East Campus, featuring the movie "Casa Blanca," and will be accompanied by desserts. Donations will be accepted at the door. Call 235-7743 for more information.

Best brew-ha-ha bet: As part of the Winter Carnival festivities, Homer's best home brewers will strut their stuff at the Home Brew Contest at Big Dipper Spas at 397 E. Pioneer. Entries should be dropped of Friday at the Brew Shop with a $3 entry fee. Call Sean at 235-1470 for more information.

Best slip-sliding away bet: The Homer Racing Association is holding the Winter Carnival Ice Races Saturday and Sunday on Beluga lake, ice-thickness permitting. The event is free for spectators, although donations are encouraged. Call Dean at 235-1357 for moreinformation.