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: Retail sales fell in July, according to business executives responding to the Texas Retail Outlook Survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
The sales index moved down from 7 to -3.6, its first negative reading since May 2011. Inventories rose.
Labor market indicators reflected slightly less hiring and longer workweeks. The employment index edged down from 13.3 in June to 12.3 in July. The hours worked index climbed to 4.5 after being negative last month.
Perceptions of general business conditions worsened in July. The general business activity index turned negative for the first time in 10 months, falling 10 points to -6.5. The company outlook index also fell into negative territory, slipping to -5.6after a reading of 0.7 last month. Thirteen percent of respondents noted their company’s outlook had improved from the prior month, compared with 18 percent who reported their outlook had worsened.
Retail prices fell, but wage growth held steady. The selling prices index declined from 6.5 to -0.7, its first negative readingsince July 2010. The wages and benefits index came in at a reading of 5.8, similar to June. The great majority of respondents continued to note no change in labor costs.
Indexes of future retail sector activity remained in positive territory in July. Perceptions of future economic conditions stayed positive and have been stable for the last three months. The index of future general business activity moved down about two points, while the index of future company outlook held steady.
The Texas Retail Outlook Survey (TROS) is a component of the TSSOS that uses information only from respondents in the retail and wholesale sectors.
The Dallas Fed conducts the Texas Service Sector Outlook Survey monthly to obtain a timely assessment of the state’s service sector activity. Data were collected July 17–25, and 221 Texas business executives responded to the survey. Firms are asked whether revenue, employment, prices, general business activity and other indicators increased, decreased or remained unchanged over the previous month.
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: 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. Spoiler alert: The answer is never pizza.Texas Comes North to Poach Business; and more.
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