General

  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...] about Famous Estates-Champ or Chump? Sam Simon

Football Star Hidden Heading 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 … [Read more...] about Texas Trivia- What Texas Tech star went on to play in two Super Bowls?

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...] about Famous Estates-Champ or Chump? “Buffalo Bill” Cody

McCulloch Hidden Heading 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 … [Read more...] about Texas Trivia- What County is the Geographic Center of Texas?

Who is Paul Newman? If you were asked to describe Paul Newman in as minimal words as possible, how would you summarize him? Some might say, Academy award winning actor and film director. Others might focus on his many national championships as a race car driver. A few might only need three words; blue, eyed, and hunk. It is far less likely that someone would declare, “He’s that guy on the salad dressing bottles!” Yet, one of the largest contributions Paul Newman made to society was starting his … [Read more...] about Famous Estates-Champ or Chump? Paul Newman

Alamo Hidden Heading In the 1953 western film, “The Man from the Alamo” Glenn Ford stars as John Stroud. In the movie, Stroud is chosen to leave the fort in order to warn and protect his family and others of the approaching army led by Santa Anna. When the devastation at the Alamo incurs, the Texan is labeled a coward by all. Determined to avenge his family and restore his honor, Stroud goes on a journey to protect Texas families as they run from a Santa Anna sympathizer. In the end, … [Read more...] about Texas Trivia- Who played the lone survivor of the Alamo in “The Man from the Alamo?”

Estée Lauder's Ecstasy of Achievement “Serenity is pleasant, but it lacks the ecstasy of achievement.” Undoubtedly, Estée Lauder believed in her own words. After all, she was one of the most driven individuals in the history of business. Lauder was said to never take lunch nor to have ever worked a day in her life without selling. Beyond her incomparable drive, Lauder believed fervently in her own self-made beauty empire. Yet, her self-professed consumption in business made her single-minded. … [Read more...] about Famous Estates-Champ or Chump? Estée Lauder

Mickey Rooney's Big Personality Mickey Rooney was an American actor of film, television, Broadway, radio and vaudeville. His career stretched across nearly nine decades and included his part in more than 300 films. From birth to death, Rooney overcame the constant evolution of cinema. He was one of the few to make the jump from silent film to sound and certainly one of the last of his generation to end his career in acting. He was a man who transcended art styles, from Broadway to character … [Read more...] about Famous Estates-Champ or Chump?-Mickey Rooney

Sometimes we must take a step back to thank those who helped us get where we are today. Geraldine A Ferraro is not a particularly well recognized name. Yet, she blazed the trail for famous women in leadership.  Ferraro was the first woman to run for vice president in the United States. While she might not have found victory, she took on the weight of being the first. In many ways this is a triumph all its own. Ferraro believed that “some leaders are born women” and she successfully shifted the … [Read more...] about Famous Estates-Champ or Chump? Geraldine Ferraro