The 2011 MLB All-Star Game begins at 8 PM Eastern, or at least the "festivities" do.

Here's an open discussion thread to keep you amused and engaged during the game.

I predict that the American League wins the game 5-2.

When I was a kid, I took the All-Star Game very seriously and was always pro-American League, since the teams I followed most closely were the Twins and Royals. As I've gotten older the game means less to me now personally. I actually went through a phase a few years ago when I didn't care about it at all and was actually quite negative about it, although that level of cynicism has passed, replaced with a more "it's a fun lark" attitude.

I enjoy watching the pitchers more than anything in these sorts of contests. This is another thing that has changed for me. I was more interested in hitting displays when I was young, but appreciate pitching and defense far more than I used to...although I still enjoy a good home run, of course.