TONIGHT

Financial journalist Sebastian Mallaby presents a short history of hedge funds. It's either this or watch Kristin Cavallari's fratboy beau Jay Cutler throw interceptions on Monday Night Football. (Town Hall Seattle, Café, 6 to 7:30 p.m., free)

TUESDAY

The landscaping at Ballard's Hiram M. Chittenden Locks is about to get an upgrade. The Army Corps of Engineers is holding an open house to share information and field questions about the landscaping proposals. Yet another example of why no one ever says "Thank God it's Tuesday!" (Chittenden Locks Visitor Center, 3015 N.W. 54th St., 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., free)

WEDNESDAY

The week sails out of the doldrums in a big way with City Council's public hearing on the 2011 budget. Spoiler: don't expect a lot of happy campers in the crowd at this event. If you can't wait to vent your spleen, leave feedback now online. (Northgate Community Center Gym, 10510 5th Ave NE, doors open at 5 p.m., free)

The always-outspoken Ayaan Hirsi Ali visits Seattle at the invitation of the World Affairs Council. Hirsi Ali is a fascinating person—victim of female genital mutilation as a child, escapee from an arranged marriage, fierce critic of Islam, former member of the Dutch parliament. If you really hate Islam, you'll never get a better chance to hear it slammed shamelessly without any multicultural repercussions for you. (Great Hall, 7 to 8:30 p.m., tickets $30/45/75)