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— The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 7.0 percent in March, marking the seventh consecutive month of decline. March’s unemployment rate was down from 7.1 percent in February, and from 8.0 percent a year ago. Texas’ unemployment rate is significantly below the national unemployment rate of 8.2 percent.
Brownsville-Harlingen and McAllen-Edinburg-Mission tied for the state’s highest unemployment rate at 10.7 percent. Midland enjoyed the state’s lowest unemployment rate at 3.7 percent.
Texas added 10,900 jobs in March, marking the 20th consecutive month of growth in the state’s total nonfarm employment, which now stands at 10,741,700 positions.
Texas added 245,700 jobs over the year for an annual job growth rate of 2.3 percent. Private sector employers in Texas added 8,000 jobs over the month, totaling 300,600 private sector job gains over the year for an annual growth rate of 3.5 percent.
“The Texas economy continues to show strength,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) chairman Tom Pauken in a prepared statement. “We've remained below the national unemployment rate for 63 straight months, and Texas continues to show private sector job growth.”
Eight of the 11 major industries in Texas added jobs over the month. Leisure and Hospitality led the way with the addition of 6,000 jobs. Over the past year, this industry has added 49,900 jobs for an annual growth rate of 4.8 percent.
“The prospects for Texas job seekers continue to improve,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton in a statement. “We encourage those still searching for employment or affected by layoffs to contact a local Workforce Solutions Office to take full advantage of the services they offer.”
Texas’ Manufacturing industry added 2,900 jobs in March for a total of 23,700 jobs gained over the year, and an annual growth rate of 2.9 percent.
“Employment in Mining and Logging rose by 2,000 jobs in March, continuing that industry’s expansion over the last 29 months,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar in a statement. “TWC stands ready to assist job seekers in capitalizing on the opportunities available across our diverse industries.”
The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest March unemployment rate in the state at 3.7 percent. The Odessa MSA came in second at 4.4 percent, and the Amarillo MSA third at 4.8 percent (not seasonally adjusted).
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.
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