Why does Anchorage get all the celebrities dropping in as they fly to the far east? The Beatles, Steve McQueen (who even got arrested), Ronald Reagan and now President Barack Obama have all made pit stops. Yeah, yeah, Anchorage has that big airport and even Elmendorf Air Force Base. With all those executive jets you see zipping through here, the Homer Airport clearly can handle Air Force One. OK, the old Boeing 707 version. Well, maybe Marine One, the presidential helicopter.

How come the Big O isn't coming to Homer? Per capita, Obama probably got more votes in Homer than Anchorage. We even had an Obama campaign office here. How many "Barack the vote" hoodies did you see in Anchorage? "Marimba players for Obama" bumper stickers? You'd think loyalty like that would be rewarded.

You gotta give Obama credit for bravery. What with all the Teabaggers up north, and of course Sarah's deep fan base in the Valley, you're not talking a town likely to give him a big warm welcome. Not that Anchorage is going to go all Jimmy Carter on Obama like they did in 1980 when Gov. Jay Hammond took Carter fishing. Still, Obama is probably wise to limit his first Alaska appearance to meeting local military.

Fortunately, down here at the End of the Road we create some pretty famous people of our own. Maybe next summer Obama can visit for a longer stay. If you do, Mr. President, take a side trip to Homer maybe a little halibut fishing, some kayaking, a long beach walk and a pickup basketball game at the Alice Witte Gym. There's always lots to do here, like some of these Best Bets:

BEST EN GARDE BET: Wait that's avant garde. Sometimes the Betster gets confused about these artistic terms. Anyway, former Anchorage filmmaker Michael Walsh so loved Homer he moved down here even married a local girl. He shows his latest film, "Ascent," at 7:30 p.m. today at Bunnell Street Arts Center. An experimental film, it includes music by Walsh, too. Admission is $8.

BEST GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY BET: With this fabulous fall weather, turn off the Wii and go outside and play, kids. That's the idea behind the get outdoors movement some parents and teachers are getting behind. Learn how to fight "nature deficit disorder" with a talk by Children & Nature Network vice president Martin LeBlanc from 7-8 p.m. Friday at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center.

BEST GO REALLY OUTSIDE AND PLAY BET: The recent snow has gotten skiers excited about hitting the slopes. Get in the mood with Teton Gravity Research's new movie, "Re:Session," showing at 7 p.m. Friday at the Homer Theatre. Sponsored by the Kachemak Ski Club, tickets are $15 and benefits KSC and its Ohlson Mountain Rope Tow. See some amazing skiers and boarders in the gnarliest snow around.

BEST BE PREPARED: Get a jump on your holiday shopping with Hospice of Homer's "Preparing for the Holidays" gala from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday at Alice's Champagne Palace. Tickets are $25. A fundraiser for the good programs of hospice, what better way to fight the Friday the 13th curse?

BEST BASIC BEAT BET: From skin drums to fiddles, music of many cultures has risen or been reborn in America. Learn about some of that music from 5-7 p.m. Friday with a reception for the Smithsonian's New Harmonies traveling exhibit, opening at the Pratt Museum. The Pratt showcases local sounds with "Melodies of Kachemak Bay," also opening that night.

BEST ROGUE BROGUE BET: No, it's not true that The Whiskey Jacks will be backing Sarah Palin on her "Going Rogue" book tour. They're "Going Brogue," though Irish brogue, that is. The Anchorage band plays foot stompin', Gaelicerrific tunes starting at 9 p.m. Saturday at Alice's Champagne Palace.

BEST BIG HEART ART BET: Barbara Lavallee's art has become known for its bright, cheerful colors and its simple themes. This isn't fussy stuff, but art with heart. She visits Homer to sign her new book (with writer Patricia Lee Gauch), "The Knitting of Elizabeth Amelia," and recent prints. Meet her from 1-6 p.m. Saturday at the Art Shop Gallery.

Homer's Best Bets