Houston, you have an opportunity.

The National Basketball Association has announced Houston will be hosting the NBA All Star Game in 2013. This is Houston’s second hosting gig in the last couple of years.

A lot of folks, particularly those who care little about basketball, will dismiss the All Star Weekend festivities altogether, “I don’t like NBA Basketball, I don’t care if Lebron James is in town. WHO CARES?!”

This is a ignorant point of view.

Case in point, in 2006 the Society  for the Performing Arts missed out on what I feel was a golden opportunity to counter program against the All Star Game. That weekend, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was in town. I shouldn’t have to connect the dots here. I envisioned an evening of great dance at Jones Hall with NBA Players’ Wives hosted by Oprah Winfrey. NOTE: In 2006, Oprah was in town for the All Star festivities.

Why didn’t this happen? Well, no one paid attention. No one had the vision to take advantage of the NBA All Star Game as a viable opportunity.

This should not happen in 2013.

Now, I am not suggesting you can just call up the NBA, and become and All Star Weekend partner. In fact, I’d put your chance of success at less than 5%. However, you don’t need to be a partner to plan and execute a successful tie-in event. There will be thousands of people in Houston that weekend. Of that many, only a few will be attending the official NBA All Star Game events.

Events like the NBA All Star Game offer an incredible opportunity for a city to present itself to a new audiences, many of them first time visitors to Houston. And while many of them are here for the parties and celebrities, just as many are here to have a good time.

That said, I’m going to bounce some ideas around in my head, get back to you on how your organizations can get involved in the NBA All Star Game hoopla.

In the meantime, you have  year Houston, let’s make this the best NBA All Star Game Weekend EVER!

One Loop to bring them all and in the darkness bind them. . .

There is a popular notion in Houston that everything you can need or want can be found inside the loop. On paper, this is very accurate. All of the main elements of great cities (museums, arts, dining and entertainment) in Houston reside within the cement borders of the 610 Loop. Outside the Loop, between 610 and Beltway 8, is the vast wasteland of Houston’s oft-maligned urban sprawl. Whether you’re on I-10, 59, 45 or 288, the scene from the freeway outside the Loop is a bleak, miserable landscape lit by the glow of billboards and the blinking neon lights of strip clubs.

However, there is one thing that makes Inside the Loop one of the most miserable places in Houston. I call them them the Lupinati. People who think they are superior to everyone else in Houston simply because they live inside the Loop. People whose snobbish attitude more closely resembles the common stereotype of our much derided neighbors from the north in Dallas. People who exhibit disdain for anything they attribute to a suburban lifestyle. They are people who cling to an Inner Loop lifestyle like Gollum clings to his Precious in the Lord of the Rings.

I became familiar with the Lupinati agenda shortly after moving back to Houston from Fort Worth in 2000. I took a job at Duke Energy, and found myself working with a number of people who lived inside the Loop. At that time, I was still living with my parents in Sugar Land. I was often teased, and generally considered an outsider. All because of my zip code. Apparently the best Houstonians live in zip codes with a pair of sevens and zeroes.

Then, in 2004, I moved inside the Loop into the charming little burrough of Eastwood. It didn’t take me long before I was assimilated into the Lupinati collective. I started mocking the suburbs. Sugar Land, a place of many great memories, was beneath me. Driving out to see my parents became a chore. I had become a patronizing Inner Loop asshole, and acolyte of the Lupinati.

Then two things happened. The first was the continued development of Sugar Land Town Square. With each trip out to the Land of Sugar, it grew and Grew and GREW. A tiny city with dining and entertainment options, it was an urban oasis tucked away far from the 610 Loop. What I admired most about it was its laid back atmosphere. All around me were easy going, happy people having a leisurely night on the town. I had forgotten how relaxing going out could be.

Then, a good friend of mine moved northwest into the suburb of Champions Forest in Spring, TX. Visits to Champions Forest include my very own guest suite and the poolside luxury of the Italian Water Gardens. Soaking in the Italian Water Gardens, I was content, relaxed. As it turns out, it’s actually really nice getting away from the Loop. Invigorating, even.

The Lupinati create a pressure inside the Loop you don’t feel until you take yourself far from the borders of 610. They do a fine job of making many of us believe what makes Houston cool and cosmopolitan. They tell you where and when to go, and who to go there with. Essentially, they have hijacked Houston’s style to be whatever they deem worthy. The unfortunate side effect of this control is great people are turned into complete asses. This hurts Houston overcall because this city’s greatest asset has always been its people.

The worst part of all this is the Lupinati, like any secret society, are hard to identify. I know some of you are reading this right now thinking I am talking about you. I’M NOT! You’re just one of many victims of their insidious influence.

This isn’t a post asking everyone to move out to the suburbs to lead a happier life. There is no doubt the Inner Loop has a good number of wonderful things. However, the people inside the Loop are becoming increasingly obnoxious and are ruining some of the more charming aspects of what makes Houston wonderful.

Houston is not a city that can be ruled by a bunch of self righteous pretenders. For in every scene you are a somebody, there are 1o more where you are a nobody. Houston rewards the jack of all trades, master of none approach when it comes to socializing. The Lupinati strive to lock all of this stature away in the cement tomb of the 610 Loop.

We have to stop allowing them to get away with it.

Also out now: The Artist, a black and white love letter to early Hollywood that’s shot like a silent film: richly scored, grandly acted, and almost totally devoid of dialogue. For all its conceptual gimmickry, it’s one of the most honest and engaging love stories in quite a while. It’s inexplicably rated PG-13 for what the MPAA calls “a disturbing image and a crude gesture,” but don’t let that deter you. (Hell, they gave The Dark Knight a PG-13, too.) This is a great romantic drama that’s definitely worth your time.

Dan’s Picks are made my Daniel Carlson. Daniel Carlson is the managing editor of Pajiba, a TV blogger for the Houston Press, and a member of the Houston Film Critics Society and the Online Film Critics Society.

George Clooney stars as a man struggling to reconnect with his daughters after his injured wife slips into a coma, and while that sounds like nothing more than melodrama, Alexander Payne’s deft direction keeps the story grounded in small, amazing moments of humor and pathos. Clooney’s performance is fantastic and moving, and he’s surrounded by a wonderful cast, including Shailene Woodley as his oldest daughter. The film is currently playing at the Landmark River Oaks. (Rated R.)

Dan’s Picks are made my Daniel Carlson. Daniel Carlson is the managing editor of Pajiba, a TV blogger for the Houston Press, and a member of the Houston Film Critics Society and the Online Film Critics Society.

“Conversation about the weather is the last refuge of the unimaginative.”

If this rings true, then Houston is filled with a bunch of unimaginative dullards. Lately, I have taken to poking fun at all the hysterics surround the annual turn from summer to fall.

However, we’re now in the midst of the second major cool dip in two weeks. The problem? Well, both of the cold dips have been met with celebration and awe. Yet, both have been closely followed by swift returns to warmer temperatures.

All this silliness surrounding the weather has made me realize most people in this city have little to no understanding of the crazy beast that is Houston weather. The good news is it’s a pretty simple concept to wrap your head around.

Weather Changes Fast in Houston

It happens every year. After four to five months of unbearable heat yields an irrational giddiness when the first breath of cooler weather flies in from the North. However, it’s generally followed by a quick warm up, clearly illustrated by the image above.

This really applies to all times of the year. Weather here is fickle friend. As the saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather in Houston, wait a minute, it’ll change.” Fortunately, the solution to this problem is simple.

Look at the Forecast – DAILY

There is a reason Channel 13 turns to their weather team every 7 minutes, because that is vital information for any Houstonian to know on any given day. We have weather that starts out in the 80′s when you wake up in the morning, only to drop to the low 40′s that afternoon. If you don’t know this before you leave the house, your morning outfit of summery bliss is going to turn you into a popsicle of misery by the afternoon.

You’ve got a smart phone, use its weather app or download something with more bells and whistles like the Weather Channel’s app.

I get a lot of use out the Hourly and 10 day forecasts. And I LOVE the Map. It’s the perfect tool for a Houstonian needing to keep up with the crazy Houston weather.

@urbanhoustonian Houstonians are secretly cheering for the #Cardinals because they want the #Astros to win the first Texas World Series.

I immediately received 11 retweets, 12 @replies and 8 new followers. While I’m not going to break my arm patting myself on the back, it was definitely one of the most interesting experiences I’ve had on Twitter to date.

Then I started thinking about the Astros, this World Series, and how it makes me feel as a Houston sports fan.

The 2011 World Series gives an Astros fan a lot of food for thought.

Nolan Ryan vs. Lance Berkman

Nolan Ryan and Lance Berkman are easily two of the most beloved players ever to wear and Astros jersey. They were also both involved in two of the most unfortunate events to happen to Houston’s baseball franchise. Nolan Ryan’s departure from the Astros is still  a hard thing for local baseball fans to think about. That he may win a World Series with the Texas Rangers applies a fresh coat of salt in that wound. Lance Berkman was one of the leaders of the Astros first and only World Series team. His departure was part of a swift and painful demise of the once proud franchise. That he could win a World Series ring with a hated division rival, only makes the misery that is being a Houston Astros fan today more depressing.

Old Rival vs. New Rival

This World Series is a match up of two teams that are or will be the Astros most hated rivalry. The Astros are slated to be sold to Jim Crane. The sale also involves a possible Astros move from the National League Central to the American League West. Last night’s Game 6 was a perfect example of why I don’t want to leave the National League. While it may not have the glamour (read: Red Sox and Yankees) of the American League, the National League just plays more exciting baseball.

On the other hand, moving into the AL West would give us a chance to build a great rivalry with the Texas Rangers. The Cardinals are going to cease to irk me as much when LaRussa leaves and/or Pujols retires or moves on to another team. The Rangers bring a Texas-sized opportunity for fun and excitement we just haven’t had as Astros fans. Outside of the Braves and Cardinals, there really isn’t anyone we get charged up for. Besides, we could finally rid ourselves of all those Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs fans that descend upon Minute Maid Park every year.

Houston vs. Dallas

The #1 sentiment that came out of that tweet was that it was no secret Houstonians were cheering for the Cardinals. While I generally roll my eyes at the whole Houston vs. Dallas debate, it’s seething beneath the surface in this year’s World Series. I also think there are purists who simply cheer the National League team, even it is the hated Cardinals. A World Series title is the last major championship to be won by a Texas professional sports team. The Cowboys have their Super Bowl, the Mavericks completed the Texas Triangle with their recent NBA Championship, and the Stars have their Stanley Cup.

Houston is YEARS away from competing for another World Series. The move to the American League will probably lengthen that timeline. The Rangers, whether they win tonight or not, are going to be in prime position to compete for the next couple of years. The odds are not in the Astros favor. Still, making three World Series in a row is not easy. Tonight could the Rangers last good chance at a World Series win.

Who do you cheer for?

The Astros lost Nolan Ryan many years ago. He now belongs to the Rangers. Berkman will enter the Hall of Fame in an Astros jersey. I think I want the Astros to stay in the National League, but if the move to the American League is a done deal, then we need to inject a good bit of venom into the tree of rivalry between the Astros and the Rangers. What better way than to cheer WILDLY for the Cardinals tonight? I’ve said before, Texans are not obligated to cheer for the only Texas team in any sports match-up.

I’m also going to say the Cardinals feel like those scrappy Astros teams from 2004-2005. They were BIG underdogs coming into this series, and last night’s comeback felt like that Jeff Kent walk off in 2004.

Lots of great movies on offer in November at the Landmark River Oaks. First up: The Skin I Live In, from director Pedro Almodovar. It’s a dark drama with elements of body horror, revolving around a plastic surgeon (Antonio Banderas) willing to go to excessive lengths to create a new kind of skin. The movie isn’t going to be for everyone (if surgical terror isn’t your thing, you should probably skip this one), and I encourage you not to read any reviews before seeing it for fear of having the plot spoiled even further. But Almodovar is always worth watching.

Next up: some awesome weekend midnight selections. On Nov. 4 and 5, the theater will be screening Giorgio Moroder’s 1984 version of Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, which sets the 1927 classic against modern pop songs from artists like Freddie Mercury and Adam Ant. (Really.) The instant meme The Room returns on Nov. 11 and 12 (see it with friends after many drinks), and the fantastic Dr. Strangelove plays on Nov. 18 and 19. Finally, over Thanksgiving weekend, you can check out midnight showings of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, one of the few franchise titles that’s actually a good movie all on its own. (Others: Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country and J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek.) It’s a solid space adventure, plus you get Ricardo Montalban’s surprisingly tight chest.

The Skin I Live In and The Room are rated R. Metropolis is unrated. Dr. Strangelove was re-rated PG in 2004. Star Trek II is rated PG.

Dan’s Picks are made my Daniel Carlson. Daniel Carlson is the managing editor of Pajiba, a TV blogger for the Houston Press, and a member of the Houston Film Critics Society and the Online Film Critics Society.

The Bowl is a true mark of Houston’s ability to get things done. Back in 2006, the NCAA was about to revoke Houston’s bowl license due to a lack of support and success of the Houston Bowl. (aka the galleryfurniture.com and EV1.net Bowls) Bob McNair, owner of the Houston Texans, stepped in and the Texas Bowl was born.

Reliant Stadium has always been the Bowl’s greatest asset. There are only a handful of bowls in the country that can boast Super Bowl caliber facilities. And while Jerryworld has set a new standard in football stadiums, Reliant continues to be one of the best places to watch football in America.

This past year, the Texas Bowl became the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas. Yeah, that’s a mouthful. However, it’s a great moment for the Bowl. Last year, there were two collegiate bowls without corporate sponsors; the Texas Bowl and the New Mexico Bowl. It  is a testament to the quality of the operation we have here in Houston that the Bowl has been able to be successful without the benefit of a corporate sponsor this long.

Ignoring the name, having a national corporate sponsor means a bigger payout for the teams involved. Bigger payouts means better teams, better teams mean a bigger, better Bowl.

The Texas Bowl built a very strong reputation as a hospitable and enjoyable experience for the teams, their families and fans. Ron Zook, head coach of Illinois, even went so far last year to say Houston put on a better bowl week than the Rose Bowl, the bowl TCU won last year! GO FROGS!

The name has changed, but the reputation stays the same. We will continue to host one of the best bowl experiences in the country, and continue to garner the attention of schools across the country.

However, the future of the Bowl will ultimately depend on Houstonians. If you look at any of the bowls across the country, you’ll find local support (i.e. ticket sales) is the main ingredient to their success. Here in Houston, we have been able to gradually build our local ticket sales year to year, but they must continue to grow if the Bowl is going to become one of the biggest bowl games in the country.

I will also mention the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas donates a portion of the proceeds to the DePelchin Children’s Center. In the past five years, the Bowl has raised over $400,000 for Houston’s largest, most comprehensive provider of mental health, prevention and early intervention, and foster care and adoption services. This does not include the incredible amount of free marketing and advertising DePelchin receives as a Bowl partner.

I’m adding the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas to Annual Houston because I don’t think it had reached its full potential. As more people support the Bowl, the better the chance of getting better teams and more national attention. Like I said above, Houston has an incredible management team in place, it just needs more support to ascend to the upper echelon of collegiate bowl games.

Even better, I’m going to give you the heads up on an amazing ticket offer for this year’s game. I have the great honor to chair the Sideline Soiree. The Sideline Soiree is a new way to enjoy the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas. For $75, you get a ticket to the Bowl in the exclusive Reliant Stadium Director’s Club, plus open bar (through halftime) and a delicious brunch buffet. Even better, this year’s Bowl kicks off at 11:00AM on Saturday, December 31. There won’t be a better way to kick off your New Year’s Eve Festivities than the Sideline Soiree. Buy your tickets today by calling 832-667-2210. There are a limited number of tickets available, and they will most definitely sell out quickly.

Still Time to Fire Kubiak

There wasn’t a whole lot to get upset about during yesterday’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Anyone who thought the Texans has a good shot at winning are the same kind  of people dreaming of a Houston Super Bowl win during the preseason.

I wrote three weeks ago the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills were two shining examples of how teams built similarly to the Texans have seen faster turnarounds and success because they are better coached teams. Today, I’m adding the San Franciso 49ers to the list of reasons the Texans should fire Kubiak. Jim Harbaugh is a better NFL coach than Gary Kubiak a mere six games into his NFL career. SIX GAMES! What makes this worse is Harbaugh has a 5-1 record with a quarterback that is widely considered below average. Mike Singletary probably deserves a good amount of credit for turning around the 49ers, but Harbaugh is clearly doing something right in San Francisco.

Kubiak? Well, he’s looking at his third consecutive 3-3 season, and the second consecutive season of landing at that mark after starting 3-1. There is absolutely NO REASON this team should be in this position.

Fire. Kubiak.

Another Rangers World Series

The Texas Rangers are playing in their second consecutive World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Chronicle says this is an Astros fan’s worst nightmare. I’ve written before about the rivalry between Houston and Dallas sports teams, and the lack of any real evidence of the existence of true rivalries between their NFL, NBA and MLB teams.

This could drastically change if the rumors of an Astros move into the Rangers’ division are true. Until then, there is no good reason to cheer against the Rangers in this World Series. The only thing the Astros lose in a Rangers championship is the chance to be the first Texas team to win the World Series.

There is also the argument that true Astros fans should cheer for the Cardinals. Lance Berkman, a former Astros fan favorite, is enjoying a resurgence as an outfielder in St. Louis. Some, myself included, would not mind seeing him get a ring, even if it was with the Cardinals.

In any case, I’m cheering the Rangers happily, without any concern for the fact they play in Dallas. If that is your only reason for cheering against the Rangers, then I think you’re an idiot.

RIP Dan Wheldon

I’m not a huge motor racing fan, and probably couldn’t name enough drivers to fill one hand. However, I did know of Dan Wheldon, and shocked and saddened by his passing yesterday in a 15-car crash at a race in Las Vegas. He won two Indianapolis 500′s in his career, and probably would have won more had his career not been cut short yesterday.

I haven’t been able to bring myself to watch the crash, and likely won’t. The fact Wheldon is a few months younger than me has left me unsettled. It’s a sad day for racing and sports in general. My prayers go out to his loved ones and team members.