Dads don't get the big flashy holiday. Oh, for Mother's Day, we send flowers, jam the lines phoning home and just smother those who brought us into the world with love. But fathers? The poor guys. Another ugly tie, maybe a cheap power tool, a clap on the back and that's it.

OK, sure, in the old days, moms did all the work. Dad came home from working in some big tall building, grabbed a martini and sat down in the easy chair to read the afternoon paper. Hello? Do afternoon papers even still exist? In our hip, progressive era, dads have become equal partners in the fine art of raising a being with more brains than sense to become a civilized creature.

So yo, Betsteroids, let's make Father's Day a grand celebration of the men who helped make us wise and wonderful people. How about taking a day to tell Dad how much he means to you? If you're a work in progress — i.e., a teenager — set aside the adolescent indifference and see your father as, well, a guy who was once a punk kid like you, ya know?

A Baby Boomer still trying to figure out how to connect with an old fashioned dad? Well, maybe now that you're a father yourself, you'll find something in common. Those dang kids! They don't know anything. Hold on to that connection, revive it if it's lost. This week, think of Dad, those men awkward in showing emotion, but deep down, sweet loving souls.

Blessed to have your father in town this week? Hey, how about getting out and trying some of these Best Bets?

BEST WHERE DID THE BLUFF GO? BET: Back in the day, there was a forest on the Spit and you could graze cattle on the sandbar off Munson Point. Old timers know that Homer's shoreline has changed a tad over the years. But why? Geoff Coble and Steve Baird present some ideas from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center, with their talk, "Linking Groundwater and Development to Shoreline Erosion."

BEST MUSIC AROUND TOWN BET: Holy cow, if you want to listen to some good local and national acts this weekend, just pick a bar or club and check out the Homer music scene. Geoff Muldaur plays at 7:30 p.m. today at Amped Café, Three Legged Mule plays at 10 p.m. Saturday at the Down East Saloon, 3 Blind Mice plays at 10 p.m. Friday at Duggan's and — well, check out the calendar for more acts.

BEST MUSIC AROUND THE BAY BET: As if the Homer music scene isn't enough, head across the bay to Seldovia, and check out two solid days of amazing talent Friday and Saturday with the Seldovia Summer Solstice Music Festival. See www.xyz.net/~seldarts for a full schedule.

BEST GIRLZ AND BOYS OF SUMMER BET: Ah, a sleepy summer evening, that low sun casting a somber glow upon the land, a cool breeze blowing in off the bay. Sit back and relax and enjoy another awesome Solstice. But hey, you in left field, try to wake up when a pop fly comes your way, OK? It's softball season, Betsteroids. Homer Softball Association games are at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. today, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at Homer Middle School.

BEST HIT THE LYNX BET: No, no, not those furry animals: the Kachemak Lynx Golf Course on East End Road. This Friday at 6 p.m., it's the Summer Solstice Golf Tournament, and never mind that the Solstice is on Monday (9:46 p.m., to be exact). There are prizes, glory, the thrill of competition, but mostly, golf.