Right, like that always works.
Sometimes though, sometimes it happens that even the most arrogant politician learns a lesson in leadership, and gets re-elected by a squeaker — or, hey, not re-elected at all. We word monkeys rejoice with ponderous articles about “a sea change” and how the system prevailed. Fresh-faced candidates grin and yammer about how this time, really, the people have spoken. Hey, can’t a smarty pants political philosopher dream?
Your mileage may vary as to what the people actually have said when they darken those little ovals on the ballot. The people don’t even know. Experienced leadership? New energy? Bold opinions? What the people are thinking is, “Enough already. When are those dang campaign signs coming down?”
Crazy as it is, voting sure beats death squads yanking people from cars, which is how other parts of the world settle political debates. So as you steel yourselves for our annual exercise in republicanism, why not get ready by trying out some of these Best Bets?
BEST ON THE SPOT BET: The cool thing about playing in an orchestra is that all those other musicians have got your back. Sometimes you fly solo, though, and the spotlight is right on you. Well, three Homer musicians have the chops to pull it off, as they showed in the Kenai Peninsula Orchestra concerto contest last spring. At 7 p.m. Saturday at the Mariner Theatre, Reidun Todd, Elyse Carter and Jessica Schallock each play a solo for the KPO Concerto Concert. Other promising young musicians also play, all accompanied by the full orchestra. Tickets are $10 at Etude Studio and the Homer Bookstore.
BEST LICENSE TO THRILL BET: It’s no accident Wearable Arts is held the weekend before the Ritz, the Pratt Museum’s annual gala fund-raiser. In a town where a new pair of XtraTufs counts as dressing up, there aren’t many opportunities to put on really fancy duds — except the Ritz. This year’s theme is “License to Ritz,” a chance to swim in the whole Ian Fleming-James Bond myth. Put on a tux, paint yourself gold, pet a sneering Persian cat. Go Bond, James Bond. Tickets are $75 and, like an Aston Martin DB-5, going fast.
BEST SOCK MONKEY BET: What with mailing packages Outside and all the other holiday preparations, you can never start your gift shopping too early. The bazaar season gets going on Saturday when the Anchor Point Seniors hold a holiday bazaar from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Chapman School.
BEST GALLERY SLIDE BET: In summer, art lovers crawl around to the galleries, but not in November. What with all this ice, you’ll be slipping and sliding your way from Pioneer Avenue to Old Town. New shows include plenty of chances to pick up gifts, including the “Doornamentation” exhibit of wreaths at the Homer Council on the Arts. Check out the First Friday listings on page 4B for all the details.
BEST NEXT STOP NASHVILLE: Many a famous musician has gotten her start playing in Homer bars. Today, the Down East Saloon, tomorrow, the Grand Ol’ Opry? You never know. A release party of the Rev. Poor Child’s new CD is part of a singer-songwriter festival with the Reverend and musicians Reuben Cash, Evy Llyan, Victor Evans and Michael Deraitus.
It’s Election Day on Tuesday, Betsteroids, that time every couple of years we proud citizens get the chance to assert our authority over those humble elected servants and remind ’em who’s boss.
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