Out of 26 million Texans, you may have an idea to change the world. You may have had several ideas to change the world. But only a tiny minority of you pushed through the U.S. Patent office from application to successful patent. We've seen Texans change the world many times over. Jack Kilby did it with Texas Instruments in 1958 with the integrated circuit, causing the start of the digital revolution, which, in part, is why you can read these words over your electronic device.
Over the last few years, Texas Business has brought its feature: Texas Business Patent of the Day. This list is of the ones that were either extremely clever, odd or strange. One thing becomes apparent from these patents and the patent that runs daily in Texas Business—Texans have a unique mind set.
Though the history of the Corn Dog is disputed, the State Fair of Texas claims to have introduced the Corny Dog sometime between 1938 and 1942. As a paean to that invention that now sits in the freezer section of every grocery store in the southwest, here are the fried foods the State Fair of Texas has introduced, or tried to introduce, in the last seven years.
Dead Texas musicians live on every time you hear their songs. Their songs play everywhere, so the dead Texas musicians appear to be immortal. Here's the short list.
Don't get caught up with John Wayne religion. For one thing, he's not Texan. He's in some fine movies involving Texas, most notably The Searchers, but none of his movies can make the best cut of Texas movies. Here's the short list.
Unsung Texas Business Journalists Mention that one is a reporter, and there's a spark of interest. Mention that one is a business news reporter, and watch the eyes glaze over. Except to the players, business and economic journalists are unappreciated. While many wish to become sports reporters when they grow up, most do not realize that business journalists cover the Real Game. Mention that reporter covers business, and watch the eyes glaze over. A toast to these below on the short list and the numerous unnamed ones slogging away. Full Story » TexasBusiness.com
Best Texas Mexican Food: The Short List No, we're not going to debate the difference between Tex-Mex, Mex-Tex, Mexican and Texican food. Just know these establishments are the pinnacle of Texas Mexican fare. No brag, just fact. Full Story » TexasBusiness.com
Best Texas Burgers Texas Burgers. . While a hamburger is merely sustenance and gratification for a meal, the memory a good Texas burger can give rise to Homeric odes. The short list. Full Story » TexasBusiness.com
TexasBusiness.com notes this story by Sara Foley of the Corpus Christi Caller Times: The future of Corpus Christi’s bayfront may be spelled out in a stack of brightly colored papers in the New York office of Projects for Public Spaces, a consulting firm with experience creating destination parks.
Texas rice farmers hopeful for end to Cuba embargo TexasBusiness.com notes this story by Tim Eaton of the Houston Chronicle: EGYPT, Texas — Tributes to Fidel Castro, statues of Che Guevara and photographs of Elian Gonzalez might not line the streets of this rice-growing town, but make no mistake about it: The farmers here are pro-Cuba.Full Story »
Southwest Adds Nerd Bird Flight TexasBusiness.com notes the story by Ann Tatko-Peterson of the San Jose Mercury News: Billing the new flight as the "Nerd Bird," Southwest Airlines will offer two daily round-trips between San Jose and Austin beginning Nov. 7. Full Story »
Food Service Industry
Entrepreneur couple finds niche making cheesecakes TexasBusiness.com notes this story by Amy Nicole Smith of the McAllen Monitor: Manuel Cavazos admits he used to be more at home grilling a large slab of meat outdoors than measuring the perfect amount of vanilla for a New York-style cheesecake.Full Story »
TexasBusiness.com reports:Production of the Tacoma pickup truck began last month at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas Inc. The $100 million investment boosts total investment to $1.4 billion.
Container Store, Whole Foods aim for conscious capitalism TexasBusiness.com notes this story by Maria Halkias of the Dallas Morning News: The first couple of times Rob Holmes met with Kip Tindell about putting the Container Store on the market in 2007 he couldn't get away fast enough from the co-founder of the chain of 50 organization stores. Full Story »
The Texas News Scrawl is a handy reference to stories Texas Business recommends from other news sources. Some of the stories that Texas Business currently suggests include: Pipeline ruling strengthens Texas private property rights; Texas Bowl seeks new title sponsor; Insult to Injury: Texas Workers’ Comp System Denies, Delays Medical Help; American Airlines continues to shed jobs; Chemical Safety Board shut out of West probe by ATF; America’s greatest threat: Unsafe work conditions; The West News proves the value of a great weekly newspaper in a community torn up with grief and chaos; and more.
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