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: HOUSTON—Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Inc. recently completed construction of a new Park and Ride facility at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Victory Lakes campus in League City.
With commuter buses now running, the facility is providing express commuter bus service between League City and Galveston Island for UTMB employees and patients and also is open to everyone on the island and mainland.
The $4 million Park and Ride facility for Gulf Coast Center MHMR Connect Transit provides a 1,872-square-foot terminal building and parking for more than 400 cars.
The terminal building parallels the appearance of the adjacent UTMB Specialty Care Center. Along with its raised-seam barrel roof, the terminal building integrates five different exterior wall finishes, including brick, stone and metal panels, to produce the contemporary look.
PGAL provided architectural and design services for the project. The Goodman Corporation and the Office of Facilities Planning & Construction for UTMB-Galveston provided management support.
Additional project work included utilities installation, signage, fencing, sanitary and storm sewer systems, landscaping, and parking lot lighting as well as construction of a 16-inch water line and a 44-foot-wide commercial driveway.
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