8:45 ET - I think we are finally about to get started here. We just had an in-arena announcement about safety regulations and whatnot on the big screen, not sure if it was shown on TV or not, but it featured impersonators of famous types like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley.

Completely, off-topic, but since they showed her I have to say - I am so glad Marilyn Monroe lived when she did, because she never would have lasted in today's climate. I just heard that Britney Spears shaved her head. Mazel Tov, Britney.

Anyway, everyone talks about Marilyn Monroe as the epitome of the dream woman, but if she lived today she'd totally end up hanging out with Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. That just makes me sad.

8:47: Ok, the opening tip is now!

Arenas took (and missed) the first shot. I will say this. I advocated him for MVP, but even if he doesn't win, I still bet he takes the most shots.

8:52 - Nothing of note so far - there is Gilbert's first points. A bunch of turnovers so far, which is nothing new to the All-Star game because everyone tries to do something fancy. I tell you what would be interesting - if the All-Star game featured NBA players against the And-1 Mix Tape tour - now those guys know how to be flashy. Kobe Bryant just threw down a monster jam, followed by a sweet alley-oop to Dwyane Wade on the other end, for the two loudest reactions so far. It's 14-11 West as they go to the first timeout.

8:58 - They just showed Prince in the stands. Whenever I see him (I know this joke has been made before), all I can think about is how in the 80's, he used to be considered the eccentric one between himself and Michael Jackson. I mean, he didn't even have a name for awhile. And now he is just another rock star. Is that weird to anyone else?

9:02 - Carmelo Anthony in the game, and he just hit his first shot. I have to say, despite his involvement in the brawl, he deserves to be here. His draftmate, LeBron James, just tried to alley-oop it to himself off the backboard. I love that play. You only see it in the All-Star game, but I always feel like it would work in a regular game as well. Am I alone on that?

9:10 - Many substitutions have happened so far, and still no Joe. Hey Eddie Jordan, help a blog out will ya?

9:11 - Carmelo Anthony just had two straight baskets for the West - he is another who could definitely win MVP of this game. I always feel like unless it's someone like Jordan, it's always someone who has something to prove (hence my Arenas pick). Melo certainly has amends to make after the debacle at Madison Square, so perhaps he looks at this as a way to atone some. End of the first quarter, and your score is 39-31 West in the lead.