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: VANCOUVER, WA— Northwest Pipe Company, a provider of engineered welded steel pipe products, was selected to provide 45,950 feet of 84 inch and 113,600 feet of 96 inch cement mortar lined and polyurethane coated welded steel pipe for three sections of Lake Texoma Outfall to Wylie Water Treatment Plant Raw Water Pipeline Project.
The pipeline will restore North Texas Municipal Water District's raw water supply which has been shut down since zebra mussels were found in Lake Texoma.
The pipeline will transport raw water from Lake Texoma directly to NTMWD's existing Lake Lavon water treatment facility and will ensure NTMWD's member cities have an adequate supply of water.
“We are excited to be part of ensuring water supplies to NTMWD's member cities," said Northwest Pipe Company executive Gary Stokes in a prepared statement. “The Lake Texoma Pipeline is going to have a significant positive impact on residents and provide viable water supplies to the area for years to come.”
The 34,000 ton project will represent approximately $69 million in revenues for the company.
Production will begin in August 2012 and go through the middle of 2013.
“Northwest Pipe Company is delighted to be a participant in this major pipeline delivery system,” said Northwest Pipe chief executive Rich Roman in a statement. “The project is a significant part of our plans for 2012-2013.”
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: 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; bSpaceX’s Grasshopper leaping to NM spaceport;and more.