OK, maybe not. But doesn't it sometimes seem that way?

The truth is, we're just a little end-of-the-road town like Key West or Provincetown, trying to get by the best way we can. Commercial fishing? Maybe that will work. Art? Worth a shot. Bourgeois Bohemian retirement community? Sure.

Besides, if some twisted son of Disney tried to create the grand weirdness we call Homer, major Hollywood special effects would be required. You just can't make it happen from scratch sort of like these Best Bets:

BEST SNEWSIE DOES GOOD BET: Before he went off to Anchorage and became a hot shot journalist, Charles Wohlforth worked at the Homer News, yet another of our distinguished alums. Married a Homer woman, too, so you can see he has good taste. This week he returns to read from and talk about his new book, "The Whale and the Supercomputer: On the Northern Front of Climate Change," starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Land's End Resort.

BEST FUN WITH HYDROCARBONS BET: The absence of snow won't keep a good motorhead down. Love the thrill of speed, the sound of loud two-cycle engines and the smell of partially burned gas? Check out the grand opening at 6 p.m. Friday when the Homer Racing Lions Club opens its Motocross Track at Mile 158 Sterling Highway, Griner's gravel pit near the "Welcome to Anchor Point" sign. There is also a raffle drawing for a Honda 50 dirt bike.

BEST CRAFTS, ARTS AND HAIRY LEGS BET: You can get a two-fer this Saturday at Homer High School with the 14th Annual Summer Street Fair and the Second Annual Scottish Highland Games. The events start at 10 a.m. The Street Fair is free, but the games are $12 for adults, $5 for children or $35 for families.

BEST WHO LOVES YOUR MAMA? BET: From "Mama Do You Love Me?" to her new book "All You Need for a Beach," artist Barbara Lavallee is known for her colorful, vivid illustrations and her zaftig women. She signs prints and her new book from 1-7 p.m. Saturday at the Art Shop Gallery on Pioneer Avenue.