Ya know how it goes. When Hollywood gets bored making reality TV shows about supermodels marooned on tropical islands, they turn to Alaska for inspiration. Next thing you know, there’s a series about a New York writer who comes to Alaska to figure out herself after her engagement falls apart, which is the story of “Men in Trees,” set in fictional Elmo, Alaska. The premise sure beats that of a nebbish doctor forced to pay off his medical school debt by serving four years in a quirky little Alaska burg.

OK, there’s some truth to that, this idea of coming to Alaska to figure out yourself after things got a bit confusing down south. Haven’t most of us been there, done that, written the memoir?

But a town with a man’s first name where all the men are hunks and the women are drop-dead gorgeous? And the men outnumber women 10-to-1? Uh-huh. Sure, Homer women can be easy on the eyes, but Homer men? Stud muffins? Except for that guy who models for life drawing, you’re not exactly talking Gentlemen’s Quarterly.

Well, as they say in the writing biz, Reality is what happens when television quits working. That’s the thing about life as we know it here at Latitude 59 degrees and some change. If anyone ever wrote about the truth of this place, they’d have to disguise it as science fiction to make it believable.

What you can believe, though, is how much fun this town can be even when the number of daylight hours get into the single digits — like some of these Best Bets:

BEST THESE GIRLZ ROCK BET: Homer High School basketball season starts next Friday. You can meet the Mariner Girls basketball team at 6 p.m. Friday with a dinner and auction at the Homer Elks Lodge. Show ’em your support and wish them well.

BEST BRIGHT LIGHTS LITTLE CITY BET: On a recon tour of homes with good little boys and girls, Santa Claus swings by at 6 Friday night to flip the switch at the Homer Christmas tree at WKFL Park. Hot cocoa is served at the Homer Volunteer Fire Department following the event.

BEST GET NUTZ BET: If you’re new to town, the holiday isn’t complete without going at least once — some go three times — to the Nutcracker Ballet. From three-headed rats to graceful ballerinas, this homegrown production outcharms any big-city production. The show opens at 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, and plays through next weekend. See details on the Arts page.

BEST ONE-STOP SHOPPING BET: If you can’t find a present for that special someone among the over 100 booths at the Nutcracker Faire, he’s either picky or has everything. Homer’s annual big arts and crafts emporium is 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday at the high school.

BEST YUMMY FOOD BET: Give a man a restaurant gift certificate and he’ll eat well for a night. Give him a cooking class with Teri Robl, and he’ll eat well forever. The Homer News star cooking columnist has been tempting us with her recipes week in and week out. You can see how she works from noon-2 p.m. Saturday when she demonstrate three recipes at Spenard Builders Supply.

BEST OOOOOHM BET: Grasshopper, what is the sound of the season? Find out from 1-3 p.m. Saturday at the Anahata Center on East End Road with a Holy Sounds mini workshop facilitated by PeggyEllen Kleinleder and Jennifer Baker. All religious traditions are welcome.

BEST HOT NEW ART: Ayup, it’s First Friday, the last of the year, when many galleries put out new exhibits. From literary and visual arts fusion to artists letting go to jewelry way, way outside the box, the gallery scene has it all. Some of it is really cool, ice, ice, baby cool, like Lynn Marie Naden’s ice necklace at Bunnell Street Gallery. Check out the listings in the Arts section.