General

"What is it then to be properly educated? It is learning to apply our natural preconceptions to the right things according to Nature, and beyond that to separate the things that lie within our power from those that don't." - Epictetus, Discourses, 1.22.9-10a … [Read more...] about Thought of the Day

Is everything bigger in Texas? The San Jacinto monument was built from 1936-1939, in honor of all those who fought for Texas’ independence from Mexico. It was designed by architect Alfred C. Finn, engineer Robert J. Cummins, and Jesse H. Jones and is the world’s tallest war memorial. It measures 567.31 feet tall which is 15 feet taller than the Washington Monument! … [Read more...] about Texas History

"People seek retreats for themselves in the country, by the sea, or in the mountains. You are very much in the habit of yearning for those same things. But this is entirely the trait of a base person, when you can, at any moment; find such a retreat in yourself. For nowhere can you find a more peaceful and less busy retreat than in your own soul." - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 4.3.1 … [Read more...] about Thought of the Day

Rodeo The first rodeo ever held was in Pecos, Texas in 1883. Women would ride broncs and bulls and rope steers. They also competed in many races including fancy roping and riding. “In all of these contests, they often competed against men and won.” World War I almost killed the Rodeo, but three men brought it back to East Texas. In 1929 the Rodeo Association of America (RAA) was introduced. “By 1939, rodeos attracted twice as many spectators as auto racing and baseball.” Rodeos are still a … [Read more...] about Texas History

"For there are two rules to keep at the ready- that there is nothing good or bad outside my own reasoned choice, and that we shouldn't try to lead events but to follow them." - Epictetus, Discourses, 3.10.18 … [Read more...] about Thought of the Day

How Texas got its name “The story goes that the word “Texas” itself comes from the Caddo word for friends.” The Caddo was a Native American Tribe that dominated East Texas. Because Texas comes from the word friend, friendship is the official motto of the state of Texas and the official slogan of Texas is “the friendly state.” “The Origin Of The Word 'Texas' May Be Rooted In Something Other Than Friendship.” Texas Standard, 30 May 2019, … [Read more...] about Texas History

"Today I escaped from the crush of circumstances, or better put, I threw them out, for the crush wasn't from outside me but in my own assumptions." - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 9.13 … [Read more...] about Thought of the Day

Oil Natural gas and oil are the most valuable minerals produced in Texas. On Jan. 10, 1901,the Great Gusher erupted in Spindletop, near Beaumont, by mining engineer, Captain A. F. Lucas. Since this discovery, Texas oil boomed especially in West Texas! “Become a TSHA Member and Join Our Mission to Promote the Unique and Rich History of Texas.” History of Oil Discoveries in Texas | Texas Almanac, texasalmanac.com/topics/business/history-oil-discoveries-texas. … [Read more...] about Texas History

"You are not your body and hair-style, but your capacity for choosing well. If your choices are beautiful, so too will you be." - Epictetus, Discourses, 3.1.39b-40a … [Read more...] about Thought of the Day

Music Did you know that Austin, Texas is called the Live Music Capitol of the World? This is because of how many concerts and music festivals the city hosts every year. It is said that on any given night there are about 100 shows going on. Austin is also home to some of the largest music events and festivals in the world featuring all genres of music. “Live Music Capital of the World.” Austin Relocation Guide, 5 May 2020, austinrelocationguide.com/live-music-capital-of-the-world/. … [Read more...] about Texas History