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: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality fined Belvan Corporation in Crocket County $119,360 for air violations, and Apache Corporation in Wheeler County $11,200 for records violations.
The fines were included in penalties totaling $860,718 against 92 regulated entities for violations of state environmental regulations.
The fine of $119,360 against Belvan Corporation in Crockett County is for air violations stemming from emissions events in June through December of 2009. During this time frame, the company failed to prevent releases, in excess of allowable quantities, of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide. Also, the company failed to report these releases to the commission as required by TCEQ rules.
The fine of $111,200 assessed against Apache Corporation in Wheeler County is for numerous records violations, failure to notify the TCEQ about start-up activities, and failure to implement required monitoring.
Agreed orders were issued for the following enforcement categories: 16 air quality, three Edwards Aquifer, one industrial hazardous waste, four industrial waste discharge, one licensed irrigator, two multi-media, one municipal solid waste, 13 municipal waste discharge, 12 petroleum storage tank, two public water system, six utilities, one water operator certification, and one water quality.
Penalties were also assessed in one petroleum storage tank case and one municipal solid waste case, following hearings at the State Office of Administrative Hearings.
There were seven field citations. In addition, default orders were issued for the following categories: one air, one Edwards Aquifer, one industrial waste discharge, one municipal solid waste, eight petroleum storage tank, two public water system, and three water quality and two water right. A default and shut down order was issued in one petroleum storage tank case.
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: 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;American Airlines, US Airways to name post-merger leadership within weeks; Texas power cushion seen at lowest level in a decade; Media outlets reflect Houston's diversity; and more.
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