As noted in my last post, the Laurier Centre for Military Strategic and Disarmament Studies (LCMSDS) features some great posts from graduate students. Recently, my good friend and colleague Christine Leppard wrote of her experiences researching in London. Her insight into the workings of the British National Archives and the Imperial War Museum archive should be of great value to those embarking on their first research trip to the UK. Additionally, Christine’s experiences emphasis the importance of making the most of unforeseen situations, like the IWM’s expensive copier fees and their ban of an historians best friend, the digital camera. So be sure to read her entire article over at the LCMSDS blog.
My undergraduate advisor at Virginia Wesleyan College, and friend, Dr. Dan Margolies recently wrote a short article, “Extradition as Foreign Policy,” on America’s use of extradition in foreign policy matters. Prominent extradition cases have emerged through out American history, with controversies being the norm. In light of more recent cases, such as those involving a famous movie producer and Russian arms dealer, Margolies provides us with an informative and enjoyable read. Read the article over at History News Network.
Having relocated to Hattiesburg, MS from Virginia Beach, VA, I’m inching closer to starting my PhD. Let us hope that I can finish unpacking before I dive into reading and research. Since “Going to Southern Miss.” is the most popular post on this site, I figured it might be nice to start accepting questions perspective grad students may have on the grad school experience. Knowing full well that my advice was rather limited, I imagine there are many readers still wanting more information. Getting input from fellow students and friends was, based on my experience, priceless. That said, questions regarding finding the right department, or what to expect at a typical program, are welcome. As noted on Ross Mahoney’s blog, we will be comparing our grad experiences. Hopefully our postings will help future students prepare for either an American or British graduate history program. From asking questions and readings the comparisions, I hope a solid illustration of grad life emerges.
After viewing The Rachel Maddow Show’s episode on the Republican Party’s so called Tea Party, I started to think of a response to post on my blog. I contemplated the RNC’s complete lack of historical correctness when linking their current disdain for taxes with the tax issues of pre-Revolution America. Nonetheless, I was not sure how to convey some of the most straight forward facts about the real Boston Tea Party to a political party that is notorious for ignoring bothersome truths.
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My friend’s site (www.keatingreport.com) went live yesterday and I must admit it is living up to the hype. I highly suggest reading his rebuttal of Drudge’s xenophobic messages.
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Synopsis
The purpose of Thompson Werk is to present the musings of a US War and Society doctoral student. Discussion topics principally center around the World Wars and Vietnam.
The opinions expressed on this site are not be confused with those of my colleagues, employers, friends, family, and/or anyone else associated with me.
Contact me with any comments, complaints, and/or questions.
Responses
- Robert: Everyone needs to see Vietnam,
- Ross Mahoney: Sounds like it is another
- Robert: My original post omitted the
- Robert: Hey Ross, Vietnam is a
- Ross Mahoney: Robert it looks like a

