Wise people who know more than the Betster have been talking about alternate facts. Apparently a spokesperson for the 45th President of the United States suggested a different group of inauguration attendance figures were “alternate facts.”

Holy Heraclitus! The ancient Greek philosopher once said “The world is in flux,” so maybe the spin doctor had just channeled her early liberal arts education. But let’s review how it works:

• Facts: Stuff we know through observation and experience.

• Reality: The world that exists outside us and its forces, for example, gravity.

• Fiction: Stuff totally made up that could be true, but isn’t necessarily.

That last one used to get the Betster in trouble. Having dabbled in the fiction business, Yours Truly learned once that stuff that could be real in life might not work in fiction. All sorts of weird coincidences happen to us in the real world, but in art readers like an orderly, logical world. Go figure. Fiction has to seem real but it can be made up.

We’ve been having a big reality lately, like subzero cold that a day later turns into rain. Smart people know better than to assert alternate facts against the weather, except for teenage boys who like to wear shorts in single-digit temperatures. There can be a fine line between optimism and hypothermia. As the Betster likes to say, the laws of physics are self-enforcing.

But here’s what the Betster knows to be real and true: We live in a wonderful, caring community with lots of great things to do, like these Best Bets:

BEST BREAK BREAD BET: Speaking of compassion, Homer United Methodist Church practices the Christian faith with its monthly free Community Dinner from 5-7 p.m. today at the church. Join your neighbors and share a warm, hearty meal.

BEST GO BIG BET: Big Read events continue with “Faith, Love and Loss: A Panel Discussion on the Bridge of San Luis Rey” at 6 p.m. Friday at the Homer Public Library. Join scholars, spiritual leaders and psychologists for a discussion of Thornton Wilder’s novel that questions why bad things happen to good people.

BEST BUILD IT BET: Help local artist in residence Mandy Bernard finish her way-cool installation from noon-4 p.m. Saturday at Bunnell Street Arts Center. Bernard has been working all month on her project and puts the final touches up this weekend. At 6 p.m. she talks about her project at a potluck opening reception.

BEST ON TOP OF SPAGHETTI BET: What better way to raise money than the classic spaghetti feed? It’s a tried and true way to get a good meal and help out a good cause. At 5:30 p.m. Saturday, head over to the Homer Elks Lodge and join the Kachemak Bay Lions when they help raise money for Hospice of Homer. Tickets are $8 in advance at Hospice or the Homer Bookstore or $10 at the door. Kids 8 and younger get in free.

BEST STAND UP BET: That’s “stand up” as in stand up comedian-economist Yoram Bauman, who presents “What’s So Funny About Climate Change?” at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center Auditorium. Bauman visits with the Citizens Climate Lobby, a nonpartisan group that seeks positive solutions to climate change. The group also speaks at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Land’s End Resort for the Homer Downtown Rotary Club.