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
I still snicker, but I fear a dangerous time has crept upon us.
From Lubbock we have county judge Tom Head (not an attorney) who asks for a tax increase to fund an armed rebellion if President Obama is reelected.
Yes, it seems laughable.
From Austin, we have a governor who ran for the Republican nominee for president who has suggested that secession from the union is a viable option.
Yes, it seems ludicrous.
Again from Lubbock, we have a $3.5 million chapel named for the sitting Texas Tech chancellor on the campus of a state school.
Yes, it seems absurd.
We have a $750,000 Jumbotron screen being installed at a public school’s football field in Carthage when Texas public school teachers lost their jobs by the thousands this year.
Yes, it seems ridiculous.
In fact, the football budgets of the state appear robust compared to the rest of the public school system that is being allowed to flounder and fail.
Yes, that seems silly.
It’s been a long time coming. We allowed it with our move many years ago to move from a government and economy based on markets, evidence and analysis to diverting funds and resources to faith-based decisions and tribal loyalty.
We can’t afford to continue spoon feeding our pride this propaganda about how great and good we are. Our economic lives depend on strategy and tactics, not propaganda. And strategy and tactics live or die on education, study, training and data.
We must push aside well-intentioned but irrevocably destructive actions that stir our worst instincts.
Otherwise, Texas will continue to dwindle to a joke. We, however, will not laugh.
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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