Yeah, yeah, not that the Lege didn't do something. At least 59 out of 440 bills introduced this session passed, including the Betster's favorite, making Feb. 2 Marmot Day in Alaska. See? Who said nothing happens in Juneau?

Anyway, as Rep. Mike Chenault, R-Nikiski, said, "I don't think my constituents sent me down here to pass bills. They sent me down to pass a budget." As far as Alaskans are concerned, where the rubber meets the road is, uh, the road. Show us the money! Fix those potholes, build those schools and get those federal stimulus bucks. We've got fire stations to build and bike trails to pave. It's hammering time.

Now that daylight hours have stretched enough so you can read your favorite weekly newspaper at midnight, aren't ya starting to feel that summer frenzy? Gosh dern it, the weather has been so fine lately it's no longer shocking to see bare legs and people wearing shorts -- ohmigosh, even sandals. As the snow melts and last fall's undone chores reassert themselves, we're flipping into work overdrive.

Wash those windows. Sweep up those sidewalks. Put away the skis and get out the lawn tools. Everywhere ash remains to be hosed off, swept off and dusted away. We've got visitors packing their bags and making their final plans to come see us, so it's time to get cracking and spiff up the town. After you've knocked a few items off your punchlist, reward yourself with something fun to do, like some of these Best Bets:

BEST DANCING BET: Spiff up those natty dreads and head out to the college on Friday night when local reggae band Uplift gets the dance floor humming. A free, all-ages concert, Uplift performs from 7-10 p.m. Friday at Kachemak Bay Campus East. It's just the thing for citizens old enough to vote and fight in wars, but not old not to get a beer. Uplift also plays 10 p.m. Saturday at the DownEast.

BEST ROLL 'EM BET: When Hollywood comes to Homer to recruit the next generation of Steven Spielbergs, don't say the Betster didn't predict it. We're a little budding Telluride. Check out the new talent with "Inspiration, Please," the premiere of Flex High School's avant-garde camera less film. It shows at 7 tonight at Bunnell Street Arts Center. Next Wednesday from 4:15-5:30 p.m. at the Homer Theatre, catch the second annual Lower Kenai Peninsula Film Festival when students from Nikolaevsk to Seldovia show their films.

BEST BRING THE JUBILEE BET: Student talent? Heck, it's popping out all over. The annual spring Jubilee Variety Show returns at 7 p.m. Friday at the Mariner Theatre with everything from marimba to crazy wild comedy skits. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for Homer Council on the Arts members or $8 for students.

BEST EASY MINING BET: With Earth Day Wednesday, keep that love flowing for your mother planet with the fourth annual Electronics Recycling Event from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at Spenard Builders Supply on Lake Street. You don't need to dig big holes in the ground to find precious metal -- just recycle those old electronics. Buddy up with friends and pile those old computers into one truck. Rates are $15 a carload. Additional rates apply for extra monitors or for businesses and nonprofits. See story, page 6.

BEST YES WE CAN BET: With glimmers of hope coming out of Wall Street, maybe -- just maybe -- this economic downturn is making a U-turn. Like a supertanker, though, it takes a while to turn the ship. Want to share ideas about how to make the summer tourist season a success despite the gloomy forecasts? Check out the Economic Stimulus Mixer from 6-8 p.m. Friday at Land's End Resort.

BEST REUSE BET: While you're out recycling, resupply with some reusable items. Check out the South Peninsula Hospital Auxiliary garage sale from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at the lower level of Kachemak Center next to DMV. Swing over to the Homer Public Library from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday for the library's used book and plant sale.