We're in a recession? When did this happen? The NBER hasn't said anything, and the definition that most economists use includes two consecutive quarters where GDP does not grow. The GDP for last quarter grew by 0.6%. The GDP hasn't been released for the quarter that just ended, and won't be until May.

I think the stimulus plan will work for the most part, but the end result will be higher inflation than what we are experiencing now. The economy, like always, will balance itself out sometime.

I honestly don't see what made Gears such a highly acclaimed game, graphics aside. The "brilliant" cover system is often troublesome with the A button doing too much. To me, Rainbow Six Vegas has a better cover system, largely due to having a button dedicated to cover and nothing else.

With all its flaws, Gears did not deserve or earn any of the awards it received outside of graphics technology. In my opinion, it, along with Gears 2, are nothing more than tech demos, showcasing Epic's new graphics improvements and rehashing the same old boring gameplay. It seems to be all flash and no substance.

As for Killzone 2 and MGS4, I will play and enjoy them regardless of what they are scored here. I believe MGS4 will be a shoo-in for GoTY contender, as will Spore and Grand Theft Auto IV. If Starcraft 2 comes out this year, I think it will sweep GoTY from many places.