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 today approved penalties totaling $1,347,522 against 90 regulated entities for violations of state environmental regulations.
Included in the total was a fine of $242,900 against BP Products North America Inc. of Galveston County for a routine records review and investigation conducted March 17 and 24, 2010 and Oct. 11, 2010.
Also included in the total was a fine of $130,575 against TOTAL Petrochemicals USA Inc. in Jefferson County for various air violations, as a result of investigations conducted Sept. 2008 and Jan. 2009.
Of that amount, $32,644 will be contributed to a Supplemental Environmental Project to the Texas Association of Resource Conservation and Development Clean School Buses Program. Also $32,643 will be contributed to a SEP to the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission’s West Port Arthur Home Energy Efficiency Program.
Agreed orders were issued for the following enforcement categories: Two agricultural, 30 air quality, three Edwards Aquifer, three industrial or hazardous waste, five industrial waste discharge, five multimedia, two municipal solid waste, eight municipal waste discharge, 11 petroleum storage tank, nine public water system, two utilities, two water quality, and one water right.
Penalties were also assessed in one municipal solid waste case, following hearings at the State Office of Administrative Hearings.
In addition, default orders were issued for the following categories: One multimedia, two petroleum storage tank, and one water quality. There were two petroleum storage tank enforcement default and shutdown orders.
The Texas News Scrawl is a handy reference to storiesTexas Business recommends from other news sources. Some of the stories that Texas Business currently suggests include: Texas becomes one of 23 states to use electronic insurance proof; Emcor agrees to $455 million deal for Texas company;Volkswagen to open dealership in Waco; American Airlines To Add More Seats To 737s, MD-80s; Police officer says helicopter from gun range endangering his cattle; Contractors get OK to build new Beaumont Army Medical Center;Midland looks to join spaceport race; UTEP’s solar-powered house to compete internationally; State Farm to shutter El Paso call center; Dallas-Based Media Company Sold In $1.5 Billion Deal Austin's film catering gurus learn how to make do in a changing industry and more.
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