I knew I was destined to be a historian a long time ago.  I served two tours in Iraq with the Army, taught English in Italy and fell in love with history along the way.  I graduated from Southern University with degrees in Art and History.  Do I work in either of those fields?  No. (maybe a little with the art though.)  But I certainly haven’t earned a dime from my history degree.  Is that the point?  No.  That isn’t why I study history.  I don’t study history to argue with academics or write long papers that no one will ever read.  I study history because I love it.  I love the stories, I love the small corners of history that have been left undisturbed and unknown.  I like reading about people, their ideas and times. It’s a way to remember them and give their lives meaning.  History wasn’t meant for a few stuffy professors, it was meant for all of us.  Anyone can enjoy history and with a little effort, learn from it.  So, don’t take what I say too seriously.  It’s for entertainment and with that, I hope you do enjoy it. Remember, always ask “so what?”  Why is something important?  Everything has meaning. (okay, maybe not Jersey Shore.) Find that meaning.  Why did people do what they did?  Keep asking questions and you’ll find that the answers often lead to bigger and more interesting questions.

I’m actually a James Bond villain in real life. The pay is good but the benefits are lousy.