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: An Austin firm won a $37.8 million order for design and construction of a solar power center for U.S. Marines, the U.S. Department of Defense announced.
URS-IAP LLC of Austin received a $37,891,918 firm-fixed-price task order under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract for design and construction of Marine Corps energy initiative at various locations at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a United States military training facility in North Carolina with 14 miles of beaches.
It is used as a an area for base's 14 miles (23 km) of beaches make it a major area for amphibious assault training.
The work to be performed provides for the design and construction of photovoltaic canopies and ground arrays that will provide approximately 5.37 mega-watts of electricity.
Photovoltaic solar power canopy systems use transparent modules and provide the same benefits of architectural canopies. The system generates its own electricity.
The task order also contains one unexercised option which, if exercised, would increase cumulative task order value to $45,398,369.
Work will be performed in Jacksonville, North Carolina and is expected to be completed by September 2012.
Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
Two proposals were received for this task order.
The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic of Norfolk, Virginia handled the contracting activity.
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.