Here we are again in the calm before the storm. Very little seems to be happening in the usually turbulent world of Apple Computer, as all the players are presumably scrambling around doing the holiday thing. There are trees to be trimmed, gifts to be wrapped, cookies to be baked, and, for the truly late, cards to be written and sent. (Guess what the AtAT staff's going to be doing tonight?) Hence, we're experiencing a lull in the action that's a Christmastime tradition here at AtAT-- between all this holiday activity and Macworld Expo coming up in two weeks, we're sitting in the middle of one of those information droughts that has most Mac news sites posting almost nothing but product release notices and fluff pieces. It's tranquil, like the falling snow... but that doesn't mean we have to like it.

Yes, we thrive on drama, and we get antsy when things aren't churning down in Cupertino. Luckily, we've got the disastrous state of our holiday shopping to keep us occupied. See, most of the friends and family on our list live in remote, far-flung corners of the earth (for example, Chicago) and so we have to ship almost all of our gifts from Boston. That means our deadline is considerably earlier than Christmas Eve. (Ah, for the good old days when we could pick up some last-minute presents at The Alley, which was open on Christmas day...) Luckily, shopping for the Mac users on our list is easier than ever these days, what with all these new-fangled games available. The "New Apple" claims to be psyched about Mac games, and we're really starting to believe it-- they've even got a high-profile Game Page on their web site, which we found courtesy of the MacGamer's Ledge.

There's a lot going on in the world of Mac games right now, and Apple's done a commendable job of staying on top of it all. Watch the Halo demo in QuickTime, read how to simulate Apple's campus in SimCity 3000, and visit links to all kinds of upcoming mayhem like Unreal Tournament and Aliens Vs. Predator. And if you're looking for gift ideas, there are plenty listed on Apple's page. (Who wants to get us a copy of Star Wars: Episode I Racer?) Yessiree, games are great stocking stuffers, and a nice way to burn off a little nervous energy as well. So while you're waiting for something dramatic to happen at One Infinite Loop, make your own drama: buy some games and experience a little bloodshed. (And if you head down to the local mall at this frenzied time of year to buy them, we guarantee you'll see real bloodshed before you even get in the door...)