If you visited a Home Depot today, thank a San Antonian — its predecessor, Handy Dan, first pioneered the modern big-box home improvement store concept. | Photo via Donna Provencher, SATXtoday
San Antonio may be the home of many cool people, like comedian Carol Burnett and “Gilmore Girls” actor Jared Padelecki, but did you know it’s also the birthplace of some of the world’s most amazing inventions?
Here are just a few of the most groundbreaking concepts invented in the Alamo City.
Personal computers
The Datapoint 2200 was created in 1970 by San Antonio company Computer Terminal Corp. Effectively the first PC that could fit on a desktop, it combined memory up to 8 kilobytes with a keyboard, processor, and screen — and was created just south of the San Antonio airport by NASA engineers Austin Oliver “Gus” Roche and Jon Philip “Phil” Ray.
Aerobics
Yes, the term “aerobics” and its underlying principles were developed right here in the Alamo City. While stationed at Lackland Air Force Base, Dr. Kenneth Cooper launched a new wave in fitness when he wrote the book “Aerobics” in 1968, coining the term and the concept.
Dementia-Friendly Gardening Workshop | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | San Antonio Botanical Garden | Price of admission | Designed for people living with dementia and their caregivers, this dementia-friendly gardening class is an opportunity to learn and make new connections.
Thursday, Sept. 4
Night Of The Living Tone-Deaf Karaoke | 10 p.m. | The Mix | Price of purchase | No experience, no matter — come and raise your voice at karaoke night hosted by DJ Eternal.
Friday, Sept. 5
Fotoseptiembre - Celebrating Latino Culture and Community | 6-9 p.m. | Centro Cultural Aztlan | Free | It’s Hispanic Heritage Month — visit the opening ceremony of this exhibit during Fiestas Patrias to see photos documenting San Antonio’s Latino community’s history and daily experiences.
Saturday, Sept. 6
Texas State Bobcats at UTSA | 2:30 p.m. | Alamodome | $23+ | Witness the age-old I-35 rivalry as you see the Roadrunners take on the Bobcats in an iconic match-up.
Sunday, Sept. 7
Locals Day | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Briscoe Western Art Museum | Free | Bexar County residents get free admission + there’s a scavenger hunt and education series specially planned on Locals Day.
Monday, Sept. 8
The Gang’s All Here: Curtain Talks and Cocktails | 7 p.m. | Tobin Center for the Performing Arts | $10 | Enjoy cocktails and learn about the optimism of Hollywood’s Golden Age in this fascinating lecture about films of the era.
Central at Commerce, a $91 million new East Side apartment concept, is poised to be evaluated by the Historic and Design Review Commission on Wednesday, Sept. 17. The seven-story brick and stone building offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments will “complement the neighborhood’s character,” according to design firm Evolve Architects. (San Antonio Business Journal)
Fun Fact
Scientist Maryame El Moutamid from San Antonio’s Southwest Research Institute just discovered a new moon orbiting Uranus — the 29th known moon of the planet. At the edge of the planet’s inner ring, it’s thought to be around six miles in diameter. (San Antonio Culture Map)
Festival
It’s World Heritage Festival week at San Antonio’s UNESCO-designated historic missions — and this year, Spanish or indigenous descendants of the missions’ dwellers will be leading several tours. The festival runs today through Sunday, Sept. 7, and most of its events are free and open to the public. (San Antonio Express-News)
Eat
Did you knowPatty’s Taco House — famous for its caldos, fajitas, and epic breakfast tacos — is celebrating 40 years in San Antonio this year? That’s longer than the Alamodome. (MySA)
Trending
Former San Antonio Spurs break dancer Salvador Salangsang has launched a whole new career as a Cirque du Soleil star. He is currently playing Trickster in ‘Auana, a tribute to Hawaiian culture, in Waikiki, Hawaii, and credits the Spurs for a “high-energy environment” that prepared him for “performing in front of really big crowds.” (San Antonio Culture Map)
Community
San Antonio Parks and Recreation rolled out a slew of September offerings in a schedule posted to X this week. From free family swim events to tennis clinics to fall dance classes, there are free activities available for all ages this month. Plus, volunteer coaching opportunities for youth leagues are available.
Feel Good
San Antonio-based nonprofit The Ferrari Kid is providing celebrity red-carpet experiences to local kids battling serious illnesses. From a Ferrari pickup to a paparazzi-studded appearance at a locale chosen by the child, the experience is designed to help kids navigate difficult times. Its upcoming annual fundraising gala will be held in November. (KSAT)
Sports
Host Jeff Garcia and AP Sports writer Raul Dominguez analyze Vassell’s potential impact, while exploring Victor Wembanyama’s game-changing abilities and Keldon Johnson’s crucial role. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the San Antonio Spurs with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Biz
“Straightforward, transparent, and low stress.” That’s how one business described our self-service ad portal. No sales pressure. No hidden fees. Just you, your message, and the tools to get it out there — your way. Get started.
Job
Hey San Antonio — we’re hiring. Looking for a seasoned sales closer to join our squad. Perks? 401k match, uncapped commissions, amazing culture. Let’s make moves. Apply here for our Sales Executive position.
Yowzers. We thought for a moment it was spooky season already when Texas Parks and Wildlife showcased this Hickory Horned Devil caterpillar. Yes, he can be found in and around San Antonio, and yes, he is spiky and can grow to 6 inches in length — but don’t worry, this lovable little guy is totally harmless.
Your go-to item for upping fall runs and workouts: a top-selling weighted strength training vest. Choose from six pounds up to 30 pounds and add the weighted vest to runs, classes, or gym sessions to enhance calorie burning, improve your core, and increase muscle gains.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Earlier this week, we asked what your favorite book-buying one-stop shop was. Here are the results:
52.9% said they tend to shop at small local bookstores
29.4% think used bookstores are the way to go
8.8% prefer to visit large in-person retailers like Barnes & Noble
8.8% prefer ordering books online
The Wrap
The Wrap
You know one more thing that was supposedly invented in San Antonio that didn’t make the list? Chili con carne.
Grab some of my favorite chili con carne at Garcia’s Mexican Food on Fredericksburg Road. You can write me a thank-you note later because it is bound to revolutionize your life.
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