Saturday 3/18

BEACHCOMBERS DRIFTWOOD SHOW -- People who obviously have nothing better to do than comb the beach for eye-catching flotsam and jetsam then whittle some hippie-trippy designs into it will be showing the fruits of their strange obsession at this event. Grayland Community Hall, Grayland, WA, 360-267-2003, 10 am-6 pm, free.

Sunday 3/19

DOLLAR BILL ORIGAMI CONTEST -- Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, itself one of Seattle's oldest curiosities, is ushering itself into its second century by hosting this bizarre contest. Winner takes all as the losers are left to cry into their clam chowder next door at Ivar's. Only the deft of hand need apply. Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, 1001 Alaskan Way, 10 am.

AT THE CROSSROADS: A FIRE CEREMONY -- The crossroads of yore was a hallowed place where aspiring bluesmen sold their souls for better chops. At this crossroads, however, artists who have spent a year creating papier-mâchè and wood sculptures will indulge their pyromaniac sides by setting them aflame on the lawn adjacent to the international fountain. Spring cleaning meets The Towering Inferno? Call 386-1974 for info. Seattle Center.

WOMEN'S ORGASM -- This candid workshop will use explicit media and frank discussion to explore the touchy subject of female sexual pleasure. Seattle Institute for Sex Therapy, Education, and Research, 100 NE 56th, pre-register by calling 522-8588, 7:30 pm, free.

Wednesday 3/22

NALINI NADKARNI -- Along with the ocean floor and barren arctic regions, the rainforest canopy is one of the planet's last unexplored frontiers. After clocking in thousands of hours of research time in the canopy, Evergreen professor Nadkarni is ready to share her insights on this diverse tropical ecosystem. Meany Hall, UW campus, 624-6600, 7:30 pm, $16 general/$8.50 students.