Yesterday, The Georgia Straight's Travis Lupick reported American president George Bush's former deputy chief of staff will be speaking in Vancouver next week as part of the Fraser Institute's Illuminismo dinner series. At the time, institute communications director Dean Pelkey said seats for the event - which have been on sale since at least January 18 - have been selling fast. But not too fast, it seems. Because, as of Tuesday, there were still seven seats left at the event's 16 "intimate" tables. The following is a complete copy of the email announcing the availability of those seats.

We are pleased to let you know that our Illuminismo event featuring Karl Rove on Monday, February 18th has only 7 seats left. In the midst of one of the most hard-fought American Presidential primaries, this is the first Canadian appearance by controversial political strategist and former Deputy Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush. His insights and understanding of the politics and policy issues surfacing during this exciting time are certain to enhance your knowledge and stimulate some great conversation.

Held by The Fraser Institute in the spectacular forecourt of the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Illuminismo dinner series is limited to 16 intimate tables, allowing guests the time and opportunity to interact with the speaker throughout the evening. Showcasing the most informed and high-profile speakers the world has to offer, these distinguished evenings engage you in an exclusive forum with your friends and peers to explore, discuss, and challenge your assumptions and beliefs.

Tickets for the evenings are $500 each or $750 per couple. Tax receipts will be issued in accordance with CRA guidelines. To reserve these last tickets now, please call Inu at 604-688-0221 ext. 524 or email inum@fraserinstitute.ca.

Other events included in this series are:

April 28, 2008* - Richard Dawkins on Evolution and Religion
sponsored by Inwest Investments Ltd.

British ethologist, evolutionary biologist and popular science writer - author of The Selfish Gene and the current best-seller The God Delusion.

*new date confirmed

May 26, 2008 - Mark Steyn on the War on Terror
sponsored by Ed Belzberg

One of Canada's most acclaimed and best read political columnists, author of the best-selling America Alone: The End of the World As We Know It.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Warm regards,

Hassan & Nezhat Khosrowshahi
Co-Chairs, Illuminismo