See if you recognize any of these titles that were created thanks to input from Dallas based companies.
1. Duke Nukem 3D
2. Borderlands
3. Doom
4. Call of Duty: Black Opse
Video Games Texas Edition
Texas is best known for its wide open spaces, unique culture, and amazing food, but what about technology? Texas is obviously technology forward as evidenced by the large number of tech companies that call the Lone Star State home such as Dell, Texas Instruments, and AT&T. What is less talked about in terms of technology in Texas is the entertainment side of technology. Take video games for example, the article “Four Video Games You Might Not Realize were Made in Dallas” from The Dallas Observer might surprise you.
Scenic Sunset Texas Edition
Picture this scenario; you’re by the pool on a beautiful summer’s evening, enjoying good food in the company of your friends, when all of a sudden, a group of 5,000 birds flies overhead. That would be a pretty incredible sight wouldn't it? Well now lets take that and adjust it fit the “everything is bigger in Texas” motto. How about seeing between 750,000 and 1,500,000 bats fly above the Colorado River? Now that’s more like it. 
One of Austin’s biggest attractions that you must check out is the bat flight on Congress Avenue. Around sunset between the months of April and October, hundreds of thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue bridge in search of a meal. They are extremely interesting animals that are generally not well understood. For example, we’ve all heard the phrase “blind as a bat”, but believe it or not, bats actually have remarkably good vision.These amazing mammals, and yes they are mammals, not birds, are now a staple of Austin, and by seeing them in action, we can truly appreciate how wonderful they are. 
Tasty Tuesdays!
We are so excited to share that we will be doing Tasty Tuesdays for all our readers to learn about various Texas inspired cooking, grilling, and baking recipes. We will be giving a short sneak peek at some of the types of food we will be covering. Be sure to come back every Tuesday to check out some of the recipes we will be revealing for you all! Find the full article in Texas Monthly. If you love Franklin's BBQ in Austin TX then check out the awesome shirt Aaron Franklin is wearing in Parade's Day in the Life Story
HERE shoptwt.com
SMOKED BRISKET: AARON FRANKLIN ON HOW TO SMOKE THE PERFECT BRISKET
"To cook a worthy brisket at home, Franklin says, “You want an offset smoker—that’s the style with a firebox off to one end.” (If you’re buying your first one, Pitts & Spits, Oklahoma Joe’s, and New Braunfels Smokers are all good manufacturers; count on paying at least $300.) His preferred woods are oak or hickory because “they taste best and burn clean.” Purchase a ten- to twelve-pound brisket—it will feed about a dozen people—that is well-marbled on the interior. Trim the exterior fat to between a fourth and a half an inch and rub the outside generously with kosher salt and coarse black pepper. While the meat is coming to room temperature, put some kindling and paper sprinkled with vegetable oil in the firebox. Once they’re burning steadily, add logs and let the temperature rise to between 225 and 250 degrees (an oven thermometer placed at grate level—very important—works fine). Hoist the brisket onto the grill, with the thicker end toward the fire and the fat cap facing up. Fill a foil loaf pan with water and put it as close as possible to the firebox. Then find a comfortable chair and read War and Peace . During the eight or more hours it will take the meat to cook—allowing 45 to 60 minutes a pound—watch the fire closely. Check the temperature every 20 minutes and adjust the vent, flap, and door to keep the heat even. Replenish the water as needed, do not poke the brisket with a fork, and, Franklin admonishes, “Do not turn it.” When an instant-read thermometer registers 195 to 203 degrees, the brisket is done. It’s best to take it off the heat a little sooner, though, because it will continue to cook. Let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes. Then slice it—fat side up, against the grain—and serve." To read the whole article on juicy brisket - Texas Monthly
HERE shoptwt.com
SMOKED BRISKET: AARON FRANKLIN ON HOW TO SMOKE THE PERFECT BRISKET
"To cook a worthy brisket at home, Franklin says, “You want an offset smoker—that’s the style with a firebox off to one end.” (If you’re buying your first one, Pitts & Spits, Oklahoma Joe’s, and New Braunfels Smokers are all good manufacturers; count on paying at least $300.) His preferred woods are oak or hickory because “they taste best and burn clean.” Purchase a ten- to twelve-pound brisket—it will feed about a dozen people—that is well-marbled on the interior. Trim the exterior fat to between a fourth and a half an inch and rub the outside generously with kosher salt and coarse black pepper. While the meat is coming to room temperature, put some kindling and paper sprinkled with vegetable oil in the firebox. Once they’re burning steadily, add logs and let the temperature rise to between 225 and 250 degrees (an oven thermometer placed at grate level—very important—works fine). Hoist the brisket onto the grill, with the thicker end toward the fire and the fat cap facing up. Fill a foil loaf pan with water and put it as close as possible to the firebox. Then find a comfortable chair and read War and Peace . During the eight or more hours it will take the meat to cook—allowing 45 to 60 minutes a pound—watch the fire closely. Check the temperature every 20 minutes and adjust the vent, flap, and door to keep the heat even. Replenish the water as needed, do not poke the brisket with a fork, and, Franklin admonishes, “Do not turn it.” When an instant-read thermometer registers 195 to 203 degrees, the brisket is done. It’s best to take it off the heat a little sooner, though, because it will continue to cook. Let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes. Then slice it—fat side up, against the grain—and serve." To read the whole article on juicy brisket - Texas Monthly
Hands On Museum
When you think of a museum, what do you picture? Abstract art? Expensive vases? Glass cases? Generally, the museum has a reputation for being a little bit, shall we say, clinical. Yes, there are great works of art and history located within their walls, but they are presented in such a cold and systematic way that the museum as a whole can sometimes hide the magic lurking within the individual exhibits.
For example, when you walk into most museums, the most important rule always seems to be "Don't touch". But what about if you were able to not only touch, but interact with the displays? That would change things. You might even forget that you are in a museum.
This trick of making the visitor believe that they are not in a museum, but in an interactive event, is what sets the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas apart. From the moment you set eyes on the building from the outside, you know that this is not a traditional museum. You walk in, and you are greeted by a boat with recycled bottles built into its frame, and a lobby that has moving sculptures.
There is a lot to do in the museum, with 3 floors dedicated to general admission exhibits, and a floor below the ground floor dedicated to seasonal exhibits. They are even connected with stairs that play notes when you step on them.
The exhibits vary from space based, to animal based, to engineering based, but something that they all have in common is that you can interact with the majority of the things in the exhibit. Would you like to create your own dinosaur, experience a high intensity earthquake, or fly like a bird? You can do all of that and more. You can even see the world's third largest gold nugget. Now you unfortunately really can't touch that one, but with so many things to explore, you might just need to stop by the excellent cafeteria for some fuel in order to be energized to do everything this place has to offer. Who ever said museums were boring?
For example, when you walk into most museums, the most important rule always seems to be "Don't touch". But what about if you were able to not only touch, but interact with the displays? That would change things. You might even forget that you are in a museum.
This trick of making the visitor believe that they are not in a museum, but in an interactive event, is what sets the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas apart. From the moment you set eyes on the building from the outside, you know that this is not a traditional museum. You walk in, and you are greeted by a boat with recycled bottles built into its frame, and a lobby that has moving sculptures.
There is a lot to do in the museum, with 3 floors dedicated to general admission exhibits, and a floor below the ground floor dedicated to seasonal exhibits. They are even connected with stairs that play notes when you step on them.
The exhibits vary from space based, to animal based, to engineering based, but something that they all have in common is that you can interact with the majority of the things in the exhibit. Would you like to create your own dinosaur, experience a high intensity earthquake, or fly like a bird? You can do all of that and more. You can even see the world's third largest gold nugget. Now you unfortunately really can't touch that one, but with so many things to explore, you might just need to stop by the excellent cafeteria for some fuel in order to be energized to do everything this place has to offer. Who ever said museums were boring?
QOTD: What do you think distinguishes Texas culture from the rest of the nation?
What do you think distinguishes Texas culture from the rest of the nation?
Texas is best known to successfully blend cultures that root from Southern tradition, Western and Contemporary style, and Mexican food. Could you even ask for much better? We love Texas because of the diversity that is notable around every corner. Texas has it all! Seeing the combination of all different types of styles is what distinguishes Texas from the rest of the nation. From the amazing food, to the constant changes in fashion, to the growing arts district, to the broad music industry, Texas knows how to take many different cultures and combine them to create that authentic Texas flare and that's why we love it!
Just a couple of things to show you what we are talkin' about!
Texas Skylines:
Texas Food:
(Every good food in Texas is a finger food)
Let us know what you think... Leave a comment on this blog post or tweet us why you love Texas @TexasCultureHub We would love to hear your thoughts.
Texas is best known to successfully blend cultures that root from Southern tradition, Western and Contemporary style, and Mexican food. Could you even ask for much better? We love Texas because of the diversity that is notable around every corner. Texas has it all! Seeing the combination of all different types of styles is what distinguishes Texas from the rest of the nation. From the amazing food, to the constant changes in fashion, to the growing arts district, to the broad music industry, Texas knows how to take many different cultures and combine them to create that authentic Texas flare and that's why we love it!
Just a couple of things to show you what we are talkin' about!
Texas Skylines:
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| Texas landscape |
 |
| Austin skyline |
Texas Food:
(Every good food in Texas is a finger food)
 |
| Texas BBQ |
 |
| Tex Mex |
Let us know what you think... Leave a comment on this blog post or tweet us why you love Texas @TexasCultureHub We would love to hear your thoughts.
Marfa Monday: Marfa's Mysterious Lights
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| Marfa |
It's Monday, that means Marfa facts and attractions are in our midst. Marfa is such a quirky unique town it's almost hard to not to find it completely compelling. Marfa is best know for the mysterious lights that draw in people from around the area and even from around the country. The question is: "What are they?", "Where do they come from?" Many people would think they are just car lights, aircraft lights, possibly ranch lights... Some even speculate they are sprites or another explainable light source. There are tons of different theories that overrun the internet but the lights that add to Marfa's unique thumbprint are truly amazing and add a special attraction to the area. The lights in this town are so important to the people that inhibit the area that they actually have an annual Marfa Lights Festival every September. If you are interested in reading up on this anomaly check out the various theories here.
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| The mysterious Marfa Lights |
50 Sure Signs That Texas is Actually Utopia
Information from: http://www.buzzfeed.com/summeranne/50-sure-signs-that-texas-is-actually-utopia
Every Texan knows Texas looks like this...
Every Texan knows Texas looks like this...
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| Source: robotcosmonaut.tumblr.com |
- The stars at night are big and bright. (Beauty of Texas' night skys)
- Clear eyes, full hearts. (Friday Night Lights - Texas Football)
- Beyonce (Houston, TX made)
- Breakfast Tacos (Everywhere all the time)
- Barton Springs (ATX)
- The most authentic country and folk music (Screw Nashville - TX Country is where it is at)
- Basketball (SA Spurs, H'town Rockets & D Mavericks)
- Kolaches (not just in West while cruis'n 35)
- Marfa, TX (Marfa Lights, Cobra Rock Boot Company, and more)
- Dr. Pepper (Dr. Pepper floats are the best)
- Whataburger (Yes, please)
- Austin City Limits
- The State Fair of Texas
- Houston Astros (Throw back uniforms are legit)
- Texas Ruby Red Grapefruit (burns calories)
- Wildflowers (Bluebonnets)
- Rock n Roll - Then & Now (Buddy Holly to current ATX/Denton scene)
- Impressively bearded dudes are never short on supply (Keep Denton Beard)
- Bats (Check out ATX Bridge at night)
- Bush Girls
- LIST GOES ON >> http://www.buzzfeed.com/summeranne/50-sure-signs-that-texas-is-actually-utopia
Intro to Marfa
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| Welcome to Marfa: Home of the Hipsters |
Come back to read up on Marfa every Monday for Marfa Monday!
Kolache Heaven
West, Texas is a small town of around 2,800 that has recently made international headlines due to the fertilizer plant explosion this past April. With such an extreme event shaking the small town to its foundation, visiting the Czech Stop in West was a hope filled trip that showed the strength and perseverance of the town.Three months after the blast, the Czech Stop was as busy as ever, with lines spanning the width of the store, and with friendly staff serving some of the best pastries this great state has to offer. People from all around Texas, and even from other states, stop in West specifically for the goods that the Czech Stop has to offer. With kolaches to die for, ranging from sweet to savory, and other decadent treats such as pies, and even peanut brittle, this is a stop you must make if you drive past West on the highway. After you stop here, a trip to your local doughnut shop will seem like taking a spin on the teacups after you've ridden the largest roller coaster in the park. There really is nothing like it, and it just adds to the charm of the place that you can top off on gas while you get your treats. It's a true Texas landmark, and it's in a town that is even more amazing than its pastries.
Texas Designer Style
With summer in full effect, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by
the heat. With 100-degree weather common throughout a large portion of Texas,
it’s not difficult to find your brain playing tricks on you in the immense heat.
If your car happens to break down in Valentine, Texas this summer, and you find
yourself walking towards the nearest service station, don’t freak out when you
see a Prada store in the middle of the desert. No, you are not hallucinating.
Situated
some 26 miles outside of Marfa, Texas, this building is a sculpture that was
created to resemble a Prada store. Seemingly located next to nothing of any
significance whatsoever, this landmark’s ridiculous nature makes it a must see
if you are travelling to Marfa. Just remember to pack some extra water.
What's Bigger in Texas?
Everyone always says everything is Bigger in Texas...is it true? We are gonna take a look at 10 things that are undeniably bigger in Texas thanks to http://www.buzzfeed.com/bennyjohnson/things-that-are-definitely-bigger-in-texas
Check out the link for all 55 things that are
bigger in Texas.
10. Professional Football is Bigger in Texas
9. Music Festivals are Bigger in Texas
8. Fish are Bigger in Texas
7. Modern Architecture is Bigger in Texas
6. Irony is Bigger in Texas
5. Dance Halls are Bigger in Texas
4. Margaritas are Bigger in Texas
3. Temperatures are Bigger in Texas
2. Sunsets are Bigger in Texas
1. BBQ is Bigger in Texas
The Different Sides of Texas
Where are you from? This is possibly one of the most
difficult questions that someone can ask you as an American, or more
specifically, as a Texan. Some will go into long, drawn out explanations about
their heritage, and describe every part that comes together to make up their
personal identity. Others will
simply say that they’re from a certain U.S. state. Texans however have another,
more precise way to describe themselves. As Texans know, residents of Texas are
Texans, but not all Texans are the same. This clip from the film Bernie quite bluntly describes the
differences in Texas in a way that most Texans understand, but most non-Texans struggle to comprehend. Lets just say that not all of us are from East
Texas. Some of us actually drive Mercedes', much to the dismay of the People’s
Republic of Austin.
It's All Good
.jpg) |
| Outside the cafe admiring the view |
The All Good Cafe in Deep Ellum (2934 Main Street, Deep Ellum, Dallas TX) was an overall great experience. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner at this location with a variety of menu options that ranges from peppered bacon to Big Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes, to Chile Verde Pork Stuffed Sopapillas. The service was amazing with most, if not all the waiters and waitresses were laid back, hip and undeniably trendy.
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| Austin made its mark in a cafe all the way in Deep Ellum |
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| The ceiling from our seats |
The ceiling was covered with various colorful origami swans hanging from the ceiling. It gave the place a nice unique flare because it is seldom seen in the average corner cafe. It would make sense because average is not in the vocabulary of the All Good Cafe!
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| The O's Thunderdog |
We ended up meeting one of the employees, Taylor Young who is part of the two-man-band called The O's. This band definitely has a pleasantly unusual sound all their own that even The Dallas Observer can attest to. They had the band's song "Outlaw" featured as number 4 in "Ten Best Texas Country Songs of 2013 (so far)." We love their authentic style of music and their spin on Texas Country!
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| Post cards from around the world |
The cafe had a collage of post cards from places around the world displayed near the front. It is always very cool to see all the different places and various affects they have on the laid back environment. Even at the busiest points of the lunch hour the All Good Cafe holds business down as well as keeping that trendy relaxed vibe. But of course the food that the All Good Cafe serves was amazing and far from the generic bland menu of a regular cafe. All the produce that they purchase for preparing the plates are locally grown. One of their primary providers is the Dallas Farmer's Market.
Just Trendy Good Food
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| Local Texas produce at Whole Foods in ATX |
Austin, Denton, Deep Ellum…just to mention a few, Texas has become a hot spot for
indie inspired restaurants, cafes and coffee shops that let off the coolest
vibes that can only be found in the heart of Texas. Local, fresh, trendy, are
just a few adjectives that bring these specific places to life! We hope you all
are able to check out these one-of-a-kind places and try our food recommendations.
A quint, bustling café that is perfect for brunch. The
atmosphere was refreshingly modern and comfortable with a right-at-home vibe
throughout the cafe. The food was simply amazing and deliciously unique. This
café is an absolute must when traveling to Austin or when you are new to the
area. Truly an Austin-ish cafe, it lives up to owning South Congress with their
name and the wonderful experience it provides.
What we had:
-Carrot Cake French
Toast
carrot cake, cinnamon vanilla egg batter, cream
cheese-pecan syrup, seasonal fresh fruit
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| Carrot Cake French Toast and fruit |
This cafe is clearly Austin inspired with an interesting decor that add personality to the location. Their fresh flare isn't only found in their interior decorating, it is also in the food! With fresh produce that is purchased from the Dallas Farmer's Market, the food is local and pleasantly fresh.
What we had:
-Chile Verde Pork Stuffed Sopapilla
Slow-Roast Pork Chile Verde stuffed in a Sopapilla, topped with lettuce, pico de gallo and cheddar cheese
.jpg) |
| All Good Cafe |
The atmosphere was extremely laid back and undeniably Texas!
Trudy’s is where the Tex truly meets the Mex with food that is flavorful and
cultural. Even the wall art that enhanced Trudy’s atmosphere matched the unique
vibes that flow freely on the streets of ATX. Nothing like a true Texas vibe that made this experience at this restaurant a great one.
What we had:
-Stuffed Avocados
The famous original! A fried, breaded avocado stuffed with spiced chicken and cheese. Topped with suiza sauce and more cheese. Served with Spanish rice and refried black beans.
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| Stuffed Avocado, rice and black beans |
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| Our Trudy's menu |
With fresh baked goods sold near the register and the unique
wall art covering the walls it is almost nearly impossible to leave this coffee
shop, especially with the hip music that places throughout the whole room. Some of the clever pieces of decor made the coffee shop experience a pleasure with a few little laughs. Overall Jupiter House Coffee is by far one of my favorite local coffee shops because of the relaxed artsy atmosphere and the coffee was great of course.
What we had:
Zucchini bread
Iced chai latte
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| The unique wall art displayed at Jupiter House Coffee |
Chocolate muffin
Black coffee
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| Classic black coffee and chocolate muffin |
.jpg) |
| Be Kind To The Hipsters |
Food Trucks
Have you ever tried deciding on a
restaurant to go eat at with friends, only to have WWIII break out on what kind
of food to have that day? Well, if you’re tired of battling it out, and you
happen to be in Dallas, you should check out the food truck scene at KlydeWarren Park, and at the Dallas Arts District. 
Food trucks are great
alternatives to traditional restaurants since they tend to be more unique in
terms of menu choices, and they are generally located in groups, so every one
of your friends can order something that’s to their liking. We went to Klyde
Warren Park to take a look at the growing Dallas food truck scene, and we were
impressed by what we found. Klyde Warren Park is located in downtown Dallas,
across from the Dallas Museum of Art. It hosts multiple food trucks, with food
ranging from ice cream, to sushi, to burgers. We ordered a burger from Relish,
and we sat down at some tables by the trucks to enjoy our meal while we
listened to live music that was being performed in front of us on a small
stage. The park was very clean, the food was excellent (you have to get the truffle fries), and
overall atmosphere was extremely laid back, urban, and family friendly. So if
you are ever in the mood for sushi, ice cream, a burger, or all three, Dallas
food trucks are the way to go. 
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