Christian Bourge

BOOK REVIEW: Neither form nor function

Dmitri Nabokov has given the literary world a somewhat fascinating yet terribly troubling gift by surpassing his mother's defiance of Vladimir Nabokov's wish to have his last, unfinished novel burned after his death. The sketches of brilliance on display as a result of Nabokov's son's decision to publish the 138 index cards that make up his father's incomplete "The Original of Laura (Dying is fun)" will leave those well-versed in his prose wondering what it could have been.

November 17, 2009

Hands off our toilet paper

Environmental do-gooders have an annoying habit of channeling the words of Burt Bacharach's legendary songwriting partner, lyricist Hal David. As they fight to keep Americans from enjoying the spoils of this deservedly rich nation, they are, "wishin' and hopin' and thinkin' and prayin' " to keep us from being able to do most everything from putting gas into our internal combustible engines to using nuclear fission to power laptops. But their intifada against the soft toilet paper they believe is occupying the holders in our country's bathrooms is their most ridiculous pursuit.

October 22, 2009

Piracy on Treasure Island

Politicians with ties to land developers are trying to force the Navy to hand over one of the most valuable pieces of property in the country for free. The House version of the 2010 Defense authorization bill scheduled for conference today contains language that would speed the transfer of Naval Station Treasure Island to the city of San Francisco at no cost.

October 7, 2009

Zealots want to stub it out

The nanny state is alive and well in the United States. After getting their foot in the door by banning indoor smoking in much of the country, do-gooders and crazed health advocates now use government to ban lighting up outside.

September 30, 2009

Delights of family dining

One of the great joys in life is passing on knowledge and experience to your children. For my wife, Bridgette, and me, that often includes enjoying great food with our 9-year-old daughter. While she loves pizza as much as the next kid, she also truly enjoys exploring a gourmet meal.

September 13, 2009

A look at Alabama’s governor

With the Republican Party flailing after losing control of the federal government and recent scandals surrounding top presidential hopefuls, the party must search for viable alternative candidates.

August 13, 2009

WATCH: The Sitdown With Alex Swoyer Monica Crowley on a year of historic diplomacy

LISTEN: Inside the Navy’s push for tech dominance Threat Status podcast

WATCH: The American dream priced out of reach? Michael Burkentine joins Kelly Sadler