After a harrowing holiday travel experience that left me momentarily stranded in the San Francisco airport, I've returned to LA. Following a generous amount of hugging and kissing of my consoles, then spending far too much time updating my PlayStation 3 firmware, I got some hands-on time with the Gran Turismo HD Concept demo. Somehow, my enjoyment of the Gran Turismo series has skyrocketed, which I'll chalk up to the free download. My roommate and I have spent hours trying to best eachother's lap times, a heated battle that will last throughout the weekend.

I'm also planning to fired up Marvel Ultimate Alliance for some in-house multiplayer action, some Guitar Hero II expert level play and a few hours with the Sega Ages Gunstar Heroes Treasure Box. I'm trying my best to be a well-rounded gamer.

So what's on your agenda this New Year's Eve weekend? Don't be shy about dropping us info on your NYE plans, too. I will probably be hitting up the Flaming Lips/Gnarls Barkely show on the 31st, followed by some heavy drinking to ring in 2007. Michael McWhertor

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