Sure, you try to be a good citizen. You work hard, don't blow your paycheck on dangerous drugs and drive just under the speed limit. So come April 15 when you file your income taxes and pay out that nice four-figure check to Uncle Sam, and what do you get for a reward?

That's right: a late snowfall. Good citizens who'd already taken off their studded tires slipped and slid all over the place this week. What's up with that? Isn't this global warming stuff supposed to bring earlier springs? If we're going to suffer rising seas, drought and Al Gore documentaries, you'd think at least we'd get some early relief for winter.

As if. You can make God smile by making plans and make Mother Nature guffaw by expecting predictable weather. The Betster keeps telling you that the only thing consistent about Alaska weather is that it's inconsistent. Consider a late snowfall as a reminder for Earth Week that forces greater than you can possibly imagine or understand are in charge.

Grasshopper, the Betster's favorite advice is that old Samurai saying: "Expect nothing. Prepare for anything." Well, heck, that's just common sense Alaska sourdough advice. Even when just driving around town, we pack our Subarus with jumper cables, tow ropes, tool kits, sleeping bags, rain jackets, boots and a can of haggis in the glove compartment for emergency rations.

Be prepared, that's us. Ayup, we all know how to channel our inner Boy Scout. One thing we're always prepared for, though, is a good rocking time, like some of these Best Bets:

BEST SPENDY FRISBEE BET: Sure, you could play catch with those Bunnell Street Gallery Plate Project plates, but as membership premiums, you might want to cherish them as works of art. Join at the $250 and you get first pick until 5 p.m. Saturday, or join at the $100 and pick from what's left at a potuck reception 5 p.m. Saturday at the gallery.

BEST NOT FADE AWAY BET: Even if you've been here a year, you can't help but notice how Homer's beaches have taken a pounding. Discuss our changing seashore from 5:30-7:30 tonight with "Storms, Slides and Calm," this month's Community Conversation at the Pratt Museum. Professor Deland Anderson facilitates.

BEST SMART ART BET: Homer didn't become a Top 100 Art Town just because a bunch of cool artists moved to town. Some of 'em grew up here, and a lot of them learned their art at Kachemak Bay Campus. Check out the next generation of student artists with the Student Art Showcase Opening from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Ptarmigan Arts.

BEST MEGACAKE BET: Light the candles and grab a fire extinguisher for Little Willy Shakespeare's birthday. He's only 444, and his work has held up well slouching into a fifth century. As part of a worldwide celebration of The Bard's B-Day, Pier One Youth Theatre performs "A Midsummer Night's Dream" starting at 7 p.m. Friday at Kachemak Community Center. The play also runs 7 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. April 23. Tickets are at Etude Studio and the Homer Bookstore.

BEST SESTINA SMACKDOWN BET: Poets will face off metaphor to simile with the big Poetry Slam at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Kachemak Bay Campus East. Think you've got the chops? Step into the ring and give your best. Slam poet Kima Hamilton attends.

BEST BOVINES IN BERETS BET: You'll be hearing French cows going "myew, myew" all next week with the opening of "Waves of Mu" at Bunnell Street Gallery. Um, actually, that's mu as in brain waves, the subject of Amy Caron's wild, wacky and weird performance art piece. The show sets up Monday and runs through April 28, with performances nightly at 7 p.m. April 23-24, 8 p.m. April 25-26, 5 p.m. April 27 and 7 p.m. April 28. See Arts, page 14, for more info.

Homer's Best Bets