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
Texas Business reports: FORT WORTH—Judge Sean H. Lane of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York granted approval of a series of first day motions filed by the AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines, Inc. and AMR Eagle Holding Corporation to help facilitate American's and American Eagle's continued normal business operations throughout the reorganization process.
The company reported that, as expected, American and American Eagle continued normal operations yesterday, with flights, reservations, baggage handling, customer service and other functions operating as usual.
“American continues to make progress on our path to a successful future,” said Tom Horton, chief executive of AMR and American Airlines. “The court's immediate approval of key motions ensures that customers around the world can continue to rely on American and American Eagle for safe, reliable and convenient air travel. As American's employees have continued to demonstrate, we are committed to our customers and we are confident in our future.”
American received authorization to, among other things:
Provide employee wages, health care coverage, vacation, and other benefits, without interruption;
Honor tickets and reservations, and provide refunds and exchanges as usual;
Fully maintain AAdvantage frequent flyer and other customer service programs, and ensure all AAdvantage miles and elite status earned by members remain secure and intact;
Continue payments under existing fuel supply contracts;
Assume interline, clearinghouse, Airline Reporting Corporation (ARC) and similar agreements; and
Continue to use existing cash management systems and maintain existing bank accounts.
Tuesday, AMR and certain of its U.S.-based subsidiaries filed to reorganize under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The case number for AMR is 11-15463, and the case number for American Airlines is 11-15464.
AMR's lead counsel is Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP and its financial advisor is Rothschild, Inc.
American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection carrier serve 260 airports in more than 50 countries and territories with, on average, more than 3,300 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft.
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: 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; Chinese investors checking out Texas, Austin; Texas makes bounce house operators carry liability coverage, but not plants like West Fertilizer;and more.