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: AUSTIN—HID Global, a worldwide leader in secure identity solutions, began construction of its operations center in Austin, Texas.
Texas Business reports: WACO—At their spring meeting today, the Baylor University board of regents approved construction of phase one of a new on-campus track and field stadium and voted to move forward in developing the design for the proposed new School of Business building.
Texas Business reports: HARLINGEN, Texas—Construction is expected to begin early next year on the new La Paloma Power Plant, to be located in the Harlingen Industrial Park in Harlingen, Texas located along the US-Mexico border near the Gulf of Mexico, in deep South Texas.
Texas Business reports: HOUSTON—The Port of Houston Authority selected Satterfield & Pontikes Construction (S&P) for a 10-acre repaving project in Terminal 5 at the Barbours Cut Terminal in La Porte.
AUSTIN — Cross-breed a family business in Houston with an Austinite’s ethos, and here’s what you get: a bunch of steel plates stacked in a field between Ben White Boulevard and Interstate 35.
Texas Business reports: Satterfield & Pontikes Construction (S&P) recently completed construction of a new Border Patrol Station for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Kingsville, Texas.
Texas Business reports: AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas System board of regents recently considered a $334 million plan to build a medical school at The University of Texas at Austin.
Texas Business reports: VICTORIA, Texas—The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded $2.3 million to the state of Texas for construction of a community safe room in the city of Victoria in Victoria County, Texas.
Texas Business reports: Texas factory activity was flat in April, according to business executives responding to the Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey.
Texas Business reports: FORT WORTH--The TCU Board of Trustees approved the design plans of a $45 million renovation to Daniel-Meyer Coliseum with the project receiving a lead commitment of $10 million from Ed and Rae Schollmaier.
Texas Business reports: DALLAS—Satterfield & Pontikes Construction won a $93 million contract to construct two new campuses for the Lewisville Independent School District.
Texas Business reports: EL PASO—The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District awarded a $648 million contract January 29 to Clark McCarthy Healthcare Partners II for the construction of the Fort Bliss Replacement Hospital.
Texas Business reports: STEPHENVILLE, Texas—Construction at the O.A. Grant Humanities Building is scheduled to begin this April, subject to approval of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Texas Business reports: CORPUS CHRISTI—Corpus Christi residents turned out in force to celebrate the groundbreaking of Schlitterbahn's newest Waterpark and Resort.
Texas Business reports: DALLAS—The Sam Rayburn Student Center on the campus of Texas A&M University in Commerce will receive a needed expansion of facilities as Satterfield & Pontikes Construction (S&P) adds 29,000 square feet to accommodate the growing student population.
Texas Business reports: DENTON—Satterfield & Pontikes Construction (S&P) has been selected as the general contractor for the first phase of expansion and renovation of the Denton County Jail.
Texas Business reports: A Tennessee firm won an $8 million contract to build a San Antonio equipment maintenance facility for the military, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
Texas Business reports: DALLAS—The George W. Bush Presidential Center publicly announced the date for its invitation-only dedication ceremony on Thursday, April 25, and its public opening on May 1, 2013.
Texas Business reports: A San Antonio firm won a $75 million construction contract at a Texas air force base, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
Texas Business reports: HOUSTON— Willbros Group Inc. announced that two units of its Utility T&D segment have been awarded transmission construction projects in Texas.
Texas Business reports: COLLEGE STATION—Manhattan-Vaughn Construction has been selected as the construction partner for the redevelopment of Kyle Field at Texas A&M University.
Texas Business reports: HOUSTON—The Nora’s Gift Foundation selected Satterfield & Pontikes Construction (S&P) to build the new Nora’s Home hospitality facility near the Texas Medical Center in Houston.
Texas Business reports: DALLAS—Walmart awarded a $9.2 million contract to Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Inc. to build a new Sam’s Club in Abilene, Texas.
Texas Business reports: COLLEGE STATION—The Texas A&M University System adopted a competitive sealed bid requirement on all major construction projects throughout the A&M System.
Texas Business reports: FORT HOOD—A groundbreaking ceremony for a new Candlewood Suites hotel on Fort Hood will take place at 10 a.m. Nov. 15 on 761st Tank Battalion Avenue adjacent to Bldg. 194, Phantom Warrior Center.
Texas Business reports: HOUSTON—The Texas Transportation Commission approved the Texas Department of Transportation’s selection of a developer for the expansion of SH 99, or Grand Parkway. Zachry-Odebrecht Parkway Builders will design, develop and construct the next phase of the 184-mile outer beltway traversing the seven-county Houston metropolitan area laying the groundwork for Texans to have yet another option for traveling around the city.
Texas Business reports: HOUSTON—Standard Equipment Company (SEC) Energy Products & Services awarded a $13 million contract to Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Inc. to build four new buildings at SEC’s corporate headquarters complex in northwest Houston.
Texas Business reports: With a turn of the shovel, Phase 1 construction began on the new Texas A&M Equine Complex. At a total cost of $80 million when completed, the new complex provides a home for equine science education, research and outreach.
Texas Business reports: DALLAS—The Dallas Business Unit of Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, Inc. (S&P) began construction of a new Walmart Supercenter south of downtown Dallas on Ledbetter Drive at R.L. Thornton Freeway. The 185,000-square-foot facility is scheduled to be complete in late summer, 2013.
Texas Business reports: AUSTIN—The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a design-build contract to the joint venture of Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Inc. (S&P) in Austin and AMG Contractors LLC in San Antonio for the construction of Operations Readiness Training Complex facilities at Fort Hood, Texas.
Texas Business reports: Five Wichita Falls firms will share an $81 million contract to provide construction services to the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Department of Defense announced.
Texas Business reports: DALLAS—Satterfield & Pontikes Construction (S&P) completed construction of the new Ann Richards Middle School for the Dallas Independent School District.
Texas Business reports: A San Antonio firm won a $17 million contract to build a military commissary in Louisiana, the U.S. Department of Defense announced.
Texas Business reports: HOUSTON—Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, Inc. (S&P) recently completed construction of Neff-White Relief Elementary School for the Houston Independent School District.
Texas Business reports: HOUSTON—Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, Inc. (S&P) recently completed construction of the new Jack T. Trotter Academic & Sciences Building on the campus of Episcopal High School in Bellaire.
Texas Business reports: The Texas Department of Transportation awarded a $1.12 million grant to a UT Arlington civil engineering professor to determine the durability of recycled materials for use in road construction.
Texas Business reports: A San Antonio firm won a $38.5 million contract for a Fort Hood “readiness” complex, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
Texas Business reports: RICHARDSON, Texas—As world-class athletes compete for gold, silver and bronze medals at the Summer Olympics in London, construction began on the Richardson Gymnastics Center, slated for completion in January 2013.
Texas Business reports: DALLAS—Walmart has awarded a contract to Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Inc. (S&P) to deliver a Neighborhood Market in Colleyville, Texas.
Texas Business reports: SAN MARCOS—The Texas State University System selected Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Inc. (S&P) to perform as the construction manager at risk for the psychology building renovation project on the San Marcos campus.
Texas Business reports: WACO—Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin is now with the Washington Redskins, but his play over the last season continues to shift land values and real estate projects in the city of Waco. The Baylor University Board of Regents voted unanimously to move forward with construction of the University's $250 million football stadium complex, pending a favorable final vote by Waco's City Council on Aug. 7.
Texas Business reports: A Texas firm won a $50.5 million contract to build an air force dormitory in San Antonio, the U.S. Department of Defense announced.
Texas Business reports: HOUSTON—Sterling Construction Company Inc. announced that its subsidiary, Texas Sterling Construction Co., was apparent low bidder on Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) US 380 Project, with a bid of $39 million.
Texas Business reports: HOUSTON—Goodman Manufacturing Company awarded a contract to Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Inc. (S&P) for expansion and renovation of Goodman’s testing laboratory in Houston.
Texas Business reports: AUSTIN - State officials gave final approval to approximately $1.9 billion in additional transportation funds to communities across the state.
Texas Business reports: SAN ANTONIO—Poised to become the place where Olympic dreams are made the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) recently broke ground on a multi-million dollar Fencing and International Sports Center.
Texas Business reports: A Gatesville firm won a $50.2 million contract to pave roads or parking lots at Fort Hood, the U.S. Department of Defense announced.
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: 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; Chinese investors checking out Texas, Austin;and more.
American Dollar Exchange Rate
