Homer's best bets</MCC HEAD>

Story last updated at 1:12 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2003

Homer's best bets

Photo by Don Pitcher, Homer News
Hands on science

Carmen Field shows Andy Bullock a velvet snail in the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve lab Saturday at the opening of Islands and Ocean Visitor Center.

Dudes, did you see the cover story in that lame big city rag? It must have been a slow week at "one of the country's most unique alternative newspapers," as they fancy themselves. (Hey, a little language tip, Betsters: "Unique" means "having no like or equal," so you're either unique or not. No "most.").

Anyone who has spent more than a day here knows that our drug of choice is coffee. From grumpy old men holding mug ups to hipsters sipping quad lattes at an upscale espresso stand, we love our coffee.

And coffee gets us through the dark days. Can you hang in there a week? The Solstice is at 10:04 p.m. Sunday, and by Christmas Eve, we quit burning daylight. So as we head toward the end of the holiday mania, try out some of these Best Bets:

BEST FOGGY LENSES BET: Yeah, it can be hard to look through binocs at some black dot bobbing on the bay when your teeth are chattering, but for diehard birders, it's just another day's work in the annual Christmas Bird Count. Want to check out the avian locals, those tough Alaskans who don't wimp out at the first wisp of snow? Join the count at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Islands and Ocean Visitors Center. Dress warmly.

BEST VISIONS OF DANCING CANDY CANES: Christmas is all about children like the birth of a sacred baby, for starters so bring your kids, newborn to 12, to the Homer Emblem Club's annual Children's Christmas Party. It starts Saturday at 1 p.m.

BEST SILENT NIGHT BET: Snow falling gently on spruce trees, the hush that falls upon us as our holiday preparations come to a close and glorious voices rise in song from churches along the bay. That's Christmas Eve. The Homer United Methodist Church holds a candlelight service from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, and invites everyone to join them in worship.

BEST KEEP IT STEADY BET: Two feet on terra firma, firmly grounded. Sounds easy, right? Add snow, ice, rickety knees and things can get a bit dicey. Want to know if you're at risk of falling? Come to the free-fall risk screening from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at rehab in South Peninsula Hospital. Call ahead at 235-0370 to book a spot.

BEST HOOPS BET: The Lady Mariner basketball season starts this weekend with a home game against Nikiski at 7 p.m. Friday at the Homer High School gym. The Mariner boys play Nikiski at 8:45 p.m. On the road, the Lady M's take on Seward in Seward. Go Mariners!

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