Brains on the road

"At a two-hour lunch event on March 17, described as "a conversation with George W Bush", the 43rd president will address 1,500 invited guests - and emphatically no journalists - at the invitation of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. The brochure advertising Bush's appearance promises discussion of his "eight momentous years in the Oval Office," and "the momentous challenges facing the world in the 21st century." Local activists have promised protests. The Calgary fee is a secret, although the Canadian agency involved did reportedly pay Bill Clinton $150,000 for a similar engagement three years ago. Even an ex-leader as unpopular as Bush should manage easily to exceed the presidential salary of $400,000." (thanks Marcy)