"People behaving badly," was how one of the Betster's old coworkers described inappropriate public behavior. Whether dissing President Obama, getting in the face of a tennis line judge or grabbing the microphone from a sweet young singer and telling her she didn't deserve the award she just won, some people could use a session in behavior modification with the Betster's old nemesis, Father Rivoire. A couple of hours of penance hall with that old Jesuit priest and even Rep. Jim Wilson, R-S.C., would learn to keep his mouth shut when somebody else has the floor.

Homer, of course, has no problems with politeness. As anyone who has attended Homer City Council meetings knows, they're the very model of decorum. It's "Mr. Mayor" this and "Mr. Citizen" that. Everyone speaks in turn, and while some hold opinions stronger than a pot of truck stop coffee, people respectfully disagree. We're so dang polite visitors sometimes mistake us for Canadians.

That's because no one visits in February. In February, the gloves come off and we go all Kanye West on each other. Once we get our usual cabin fever contretemps out of the way, though, we're poster children for an Emily Post etiquette manual. How can you work up a good grump when we live in such a beautiful place?

So polish up your manners, be nice to each other as the elections get down to the wire, and do have an ever so lovely good time around town this weekend, perhaps with some of these Best Bets:

BEST BRAMBLE BET: You might be tempted to pick some of those beautiful berries ripening on bushes around town as you do the Amblin' for Alzheimer's Walk and Run, starting at 10 a.m. Saturday at Lighthouse Village on the Homer Spit. Sponsored by South Peninsula Hospital and Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska, the fundraiser supports Alzheimer's programs. Walk 2 miles or run 10 kilometers. Dogs and strollers welcome. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., with prizes for best fundraisers, best finishers and best amblin' shoes.

BEST CLEAN IT UP, MATEY: Saturday we have not one, but two international events taking place in Homer. All day you can cruise the beaches and pick up trash for International Coastal Cleanup Day, part of a worldwide effort to clean our coasts. Sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy and the Center of Alaskan Coastal Studies, it's also part of CoastWalk this month. Call CACS at 235-6667 to sign up. Then, at 8 p.m. celebrate your good deed at the Salty Dawg for International Talk Like a Pirate Day, with a competition and other low-down scurvy things. Aaargh!

BEST BIG BACKYARD BET: We're blessed in Alaska to have some of the finest parks in our backyard, like Lake Clark National Park across Cook Inlet. Celebrate with two films from 7-9 p.m. at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center -- including a sneak preview of Ken Burns' new documentary series.

BEST ZIPPING ZAMBONI BET: They're sharpening the blades on the Zamboni and getting ready for hockey season over at the Kevin Bell Homer Ice Arena. Trade in your old gear and register for the season from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the arena. New to hockey? Bring a copy of your birth certificate. Visit www.homerhockey.org for registration instructions. Skate on!