FRIDAY:

Ralph Nader, author of the landmark car safety book Unsafe at Any Speed and ruiner of the Al Gore presidency, is now apparently also a novelist. He'll be promoting Only the Super-Rich Can Save Us! tonight at Town Hall. (Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Avenue, 7:30 p.m., $5.)

SATURDAY:

Speaking of people that remind you of the Bush Presidency, antiwar activist Cindy Sheehan is speaking at the Northwest Socialism Conference. Also scheduled to speak are Matt Gonzalez, the first Green Party member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, and blogger Keli "Liberty Belle" Carender, who will be representing the Tea Party in a debate against socialist Ramy Khalil (exciting!). (Seattle University, Bannan Building, room 102, 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., $10 suggested donation.)

With over 200 participants anxious to sell you their knickknacks and geegaws, it's time for the annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale. Nice weather is forecasted, so it should be a great day to drive bike around in search of stuff. Bring some small bills, or be known as that jerk who tries to buy a fifty-cent paperback with a twenty. (All over West Seattle, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

Is the Pug Gala "the biggest social event of the pug year," as claimed? I dunno, but I bet you could "Ask Mr. Pug," as he seems to be a scheduled speaker. Pug races, costume contests, and disgusting (yet endearing) drooling are also on the agenda. (Magnuson Park, Hangar #30, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., $10.)

SUNDAY:

It's Mother's Day. Go worship your mom (or a mom). Bring flowers.