Enlarge graphic by: Becca Aaronson

Interactive map shows per capita revenue from mixed beverage taxes.

A sizable chunk of the state's general revenue — $635 million — in 2010 came from the mixed beverage tax. Texans drank 1.1 gallons of distilled spirits (liquor) each in 2010, which at 1.5 ounces a shot equals 94 mixed drinks a year. Check out our interactive map to see where Texans are going out for drinks.

Enlarge graphic by: Matt Stiles

The 2010 political campaigns are over, but looking back at the fundraising and spending that financed them is now fully possible thanks to records made public by the Texas Ethics Commission after Tuesday’s filing deadline.

Enlarge graphic by: Matt Stiles

Texas Gubernatorial Term Lengths: 1846-2011

Most people know that Gov. Rick Perry, inaugurated to a third term Tuesday, has served longer than any other chief executive in Texas history. What's remarkable, though, is just how much longer than the state's previous governors — even those who've served during the modern era.

Enlarge graphic by: Becca Aaronson

Word cloud of Rick Perry's prepared remarks for his inauguration as Governor.

Texans heard from two familiar pols today: Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst. We turned their prepared remarks into word clouds to help visualize the tone and rhetoric of their inaugural speeches at the Capitol.

Enlarge graphic by: Wordle.net

Our new transcripts of House and Senate floor proceedings, which we're planning to continue all session, give everyone the ability to search what elected officials say — but also to visualize their words.

Enlarge graphic by: Wordle.net

House and Senate bills filed from 11/8-1/4.

A new word cloud visualizes the bills filed so far according to their Texas Legislative Council assigned categories. After education, which accounts for more than a quarter of the bills, the top categories are elections, criminal procedure, vehicles and traffic, and taxation.