Brimming With Wisdom
National Hat Day is January 15, as if Texans ever needed another reason to don a cowboy hat.
Certainly, everyday wearers know this truism, shared with us by Alice M. Wolf, a member of Navasota Valley Electric Cooperative, as she “finished this sentence” back in November 2021:
“A Texan would never … set his hat down brim down.”
Read more about hats in Cowboy Hatters, April 2016, on our website.
Class Is Not Dismissed
In honor of National Classy Day—January 17—Texas Co-op Power writers and editors note these esteemed Texans:
Luke Savage, a former Texas Christian University pitcher, started the nonprofit Blessed Feet, which has collected thousands of pairs of used baseball cleats for budding baseballers in the U.S. and Dominican Republic.
—Chris Burrows
Simone Biles, who owns the most gymnastics medals, exhibits poise in her willingness to speak out against sexual abuse and advocate for mental health awareness.
—Jéden Clark
The late singer Selena Quintanilla Pérez’s career was brief but impactful, redefining Latin music for a new generation and an expanded audience. Even at her young age, she was involved with charities and humanitarian causes, especially those benefiting Texas children.
—Alex Dal Santo
Mary Kay Ash said about her cosmetics company’s beauty consultants: “Here’s a woman who’s never had any praise at all for anything she’s ever done. Maybe the only applause she’s ever had was when she graduated from high school. She wants recognition. So we praise her for everything good that she does.” The company does good, too—supporting cancer research and survivors of violence.
—Jessica Ridge
Ima Hogg, born in the 19th century, turned her family’s oil money to philanthropy, including the arts and mental health programs.
—Tom Widlowski
Too Much Latitude?
Look at a map too long and weird details emerge.
For example, Portland, Texas, is nearly equidistant from Portland, Maine (1,852 miles), and Portland, Oregon (1,845 miles).
And this: A giant triangle of these Portlands captures more than 30 other states.
Always Boarding
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport opened January 13, 1974, with a flight from Little Rock, Arkansas. Fifty years to the month later, DFW’s 73.4 million annual passengers rank second in the world behind only Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s 93.7 million.
By George
Marshall native George Foreman—of boxing and grilling fame—turns 75 on January 10. He has quite a legacy. All five of his sons and two of his grandsons are also named George.
Since 1995, 35 states increased their limits to 70 mph or higher.
06photo | Dreamstime.com
A Passing Notion
As drivers faced gas shortages and long lines at the pump 50 years ago, President Richard M. Nixon signed an act January 2, 1974, lowering the national speed limit to 55 mph.
That went off the books in 1995, and today Texas boasts the highest speed limit in the country: 85 mph on a stretch of State Highway 130, a toll road between San Antonio and Austin.
