WAEstate

Who Was Nelson Mandela? According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the word Apartheid, translated in English means, “apartness.” By this definition, and in the hearts of many, anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist, President Nelson Mandela was the great unifier of South Africa. He dedicated his life to fighting against the apartheid policy. This policy sanctioned racial segregation and political and economic discrimination against nonwhites in his country. It was a long … [Read more...]

Who is Jane Fonda? Actor Bradley Whitford once said, “Infuse your life with action. Don’t wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope. Make you own love.” Jane Fonda is nothing if not a woman of action. Undoubtedly, the renowned actress, writer, and political activist has had her share of missteps through the years. Nonetheless, her willingness to consistently reinvent herself and to try something new, when she believes in it, is commendable. Fonda once … [Read more...]

The six flags of Texas refer to more than just every Texan’s favorite amusement park. Throughout the history of the state, six nations have held sovereignty over some or all of the territory of Texas. Each had its own respective flag or flags but the first to fly was the kingdom of Spain’s! From 1519 to 1821, Spain raised two different flags over Texas. This is because a new Spanish flag was adopted by King Charles III in 1690. This is actually a pattern throughout the state’s history. The … [Read more...]

Who Was Paul Walker? Paul Walker was an internationally famous American actor. He began his career guest-starring in several television shows such as The Young and the Restless and Touched by an Angel.  Walker gained prominence with breakout roles in coming-of-age and teen films such as She’s All That and Varsity Blues.  In 2001, Walker gained international fame for his portrayal of Brian O’Conner in the street racing action film The Fast and the Furious. He would reprise the role in five of … [Read more...]

            It depends on which movie! Clark Gable played Devereaux Burke in the 1952 classic western about the annexation of Texas. Then, in 1996, a movie by the same name but entirely different plot was released. The later film starred Chris Cooper as the county sheriff Sam Deeds. Sam finds himself exploring a murder that is directly linked to the previous legendary sheriff in town who just so happens to also be Sam’s estranged father, Buddy Deeds. Buddy is played by the one and only Matthew … [Read more...]

  Who Was Sam Simon? What do the hit shows, Taxi, Cheers, and The Simpsons all have in common? Each was worked on by the witty mind of Sam Simon. Simon contributed to many popular works in his time; Yet, his biggest claim to fame is by and far his role as the co-creator of The Simpsons. The Simpsons is the longest running animated series in television history.  He finally left the show in 1993 to work on The George Carlin Show and The Drew Carey Show. During this time, Simon also began to … [Read more...]

Texas Tech two-way football star, E.J. Holub is renowned for being the only player to start two Super Bowls on both offense and defense! Holub was a linebacker and center known to play both positions throughout a single game. The Texans snagged the football legend in the first round of the draft and it certainly payed off. While a part of the Texans for 10 seasons, Holub played three different positions and made cheer worthy plays in two Super Bowls, winning the second in 1970. His jersey … [Read more...]

Buffalo Bill, Fact or Fantastical? There has always been a unique captivation with the Wild West. From watching favorite rugged stars, like John Wayne, in Hollywood westerns to dressing up like cowboys on Halloween, there is a certain fantastical delight surrounding this era of our history. The life of the pioneers was certainly exciting. However, it is the sensationalized interpretations of showmen and dime novel writers that produced the fearless cowboys we have come to know and adore. There … [Read more...]

McCulloch County is located in the smack dab middle of Texas! While there’s debate about the official location of the geographic center of Texas, small town Brady holds the title. This is signified on a stone monument in front of their courthouse. In fact, the geographical center of Texas is located in northeastern McCulloch County at 31°21' north latitude and 99°14' west longitude, sixteen miles northeast of Brady. This puts the official center of Texas somewhere between Brady and Brownwood … [Read more...]