WEDNESDAY: In the grimly-titled “No Progressive Presidency—Yet,” Eric Alterman, whose Kabuki democracy piece in the Nation pins Obama’s centrism on our political system’s allergy to progressive change, will expand on his depressing thesis. But don’t worry! He’ll also discuss at least one solution (civic engagement). (Town Hall, 7:30 p.m., tickets are $5 at www.brownpapertickets.com)
THURSDAY: Do you like eating and altruism? Today’s your chance to combine both to benefit the Lifelong AIDS Alliance at Dining Out for Life. Hundreds of neighborhood restaurant—including Cafe Presse, Blue Moon Burgers, and Coastal Kitchen—will be giving 30 percent of today’s proceeds to the Lifelong AIDS Alliance. Check out the full list here, then indulge in a worthy excuse to eat delicious food. Justified extravagance! You’re welcome!
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: Do you have a house? Do you wish it had more clean lines and an efficient, Scandinavian layout? Well, Lidunn Øverdahl Cain is here to help! She went to the Oslo School of Architecture, and this weekend she’ll be helping haphazard Americans remake their homes in the Scandinavian tradition, with an emphasis on functional living spaces. (West Seattle Admiral Branch Library, West Seattle Library, 2306 42nd Avenue Southwest, 1:30-2:30 p.m.)