We schedule our civic crankiness around the summer, in case you didn't notice. Everyone here knows that important decisions get put aside now, at least as far as the lower peninsula political process goes. The Outside world doesn't seem to care about this. Even so, except for some of our favorite letter hacks who could get worked up about a change in silverware at the White House, God bless 'em no one writes to us anymore. If this goes on, we're going to have to pay someone to whack away at some sacred Homer cow.

Fear not, though. Already our weather has shifted from seemingly endless days of scorching sunshine to misty, overcast evenings with real darkness. Fields of fireweed almost at full bloom may look scenic, but Alaskans look upon them with trepidation, knowing all too soon the fireweed goes to fluff and bam, next thing you know, it's 80 inches of snow. By then we'll really have worked up some good rants.

In the meantime, hey, check out some of these Best Bets:

BEST GET YOUR GROOVE ON BET: Shanti Groove describes itself as "moving along acoustical and electrical lines, combining the voice of jazz and rock with back porch bluegrass and funktified percussion." Hey, they sound perfect for Homer. You can hear 'em at 9:30 p.m. Friday at Alice's Champagne Palace. Tickets are $12 at the door and help benefit Cook Inlet Keeper.

BEST GO MENTAL BET: "Heavy Mental," that is, as Scott Cossu calls his music. The Windham Hill recording artist music is called a mix of jazz, classical, world-beat and boogie-woogie. He plays with flutist Ann Lindquist at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Bunnell Street Gallery. Tickets are $25. The duo also plays across Kachemak Bay at 8 p.m. Saturday in Seldovia at Dancing Eagles Bed and Breakfast. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children and $35 for a family.

BEST THE SECRET LIVES OF ARTISTS BETS: Always wondered where Homer artists create their amazing works? Here's your chance to tour their studios. The tour starts at 7 p.m. at Bunnell Street Gallery, and includes transportation, refreshments at the studios catered by Panarelli's Deli and CafE. Tickets are $75, and are printed as a collectible, hand-made book made by Kim Terpening.

BEST NOT YOUR FATHER'S SHAKESPEARE: One year Pier One Theatre did the Scottish play with characters wearing Carhartts instead of kilts. When Alaska does the Bard, forget the tights and floppy feathers. See the what the Fairbanks Shakespeare Festival does with "The Winter's Tale" at 7:30 p.m. today through Sunday at Pier One Theatre. Tickets are $16.