General

"Were you to live three thousand years, or even a countless multiple of that, keep in mind that no one ever loses a life other than the one they are living and no one ever lives a life, other than the one they are losing. The longest and the shortest life, then, amount to the same, for the present moment lasts the same for all and is all anyone possesses. No one can lose either the past or the future, for how can someone be deprived of what's not theirs?" -Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 2.14 … [Read more...] about Thought of the Day

Where did Dr. Pepper originate? Did you know that Dr. Pepper originated in Waco, Texas? Charles Alderton spent his career making medicine for the people of Waco, and in his spare time he loved to make and serve carbonated drinks at the soda fountain. Dr. Pepper gained so much popularity people started to order the syrup from Alderton’s pharmacy. Because of increased demand he expanded, and eventually opened what would become the Dr. Pepper company. Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise … [Read more...] about Texas History

5 Steps to take following the death of a loved one Make decisions about the handling of the body.If your loved one was an organ donor, or you have the authority to make the decisions, it is crucial to notify the hospital or authorities immediately. You also need to arrange for handling of the body. If you know what funeral home you want to handle the disposition of the body, notify them immediately. If the decedent made a burial plan or had a funeral trust, you may find it among the … [Read more...] about The Mendel Law Firm, L.P. – AVVO Guides

"Zeno would also say that nothing is more hostile to a firm grasp on knowledge than self-deception." - Diogenes Laertius, Lives of the Eminent Philosophers, 7.23 … [Read more...] about Thought of the Day

What happens if my spouse and I both die at the same time in Texas? Common Estate Planning for Married CouplesIt is common for married couples to create reciprocal estate plans that leave all probate assets to the surviving spouse. They may also hold their non-probate property as joint tenants with rights of survivorship and name each other as the beneficiaries of retirement accounts, individual retirement accounts, and life insurance policies. When one spouse dies, all assets are passed down … [Read more...] about The Mendel Law Firm L.P. – AVVO Guides

'Whenever you find yourself blaming providence, turn it around in your mind and you will see that what has happened is in keeping with reason." - Epictetus, Discourse, 3.17.1 … [Read more...] about Thought of the Day

“Austin's Colony was the first and largest Anglo-American settlement in Mexican Texas and was established by Stephen F. Austin in 1821.” The main business of the Austin colony was to distribute land among the settlers and the introduction of new settlers. As the founder, Stephen F. Austin was the principal coordinator and administrator of the colony. From 1821-1831 Stephen introduced around 2,000 families to the state of Texas. “Austin's Colony Records.” The Texas General Land Office, George … [Read more...] about Texas History – When was the First Colony Established in Texas?

5 Things to Know about a “No-Contest” Clause Last Will and Testament BasicsA Last Will and Testament is a legal document that lets you make specific or general gifts of your estate assets to be distributed after your death. The primary incentive for leaving behind a Will is to let you control this distribution of your estate, rather than letting someone else (the State) decide how your assets are distributed.What is Probate?After your death, your estate will need to go through the legal … [Read more...] about The Mendel Law Firm L.P. – AVVO Guides

"From good people you learn good, but if you mingle with the bad you'll destroy such soul as you had." - Musonius Rufus, Quoting Theognis of Megara, Lectures, 11.53.21-22 … [Read more...] about Thought of the Day

The official flag of The Republic of Texas was adopted on January 25, 1839. The colors chosen for the Texas flag were red for courage, blue for loyalty, and white for purity and liberty, the same as the United States flag. “While Dr. Charles B. Stewart is credited with drawing an early image of the Lone Star Flag, no one knows who actually designed Texas’ flag. His drawing was used when legislation adopting the flag was enacted, but the flag’s designer remains a mystery.” “5 Interesting Texas … [Read more...] about Texas History – Who Designed the Texas State Flag?