I like to 'splode stuff

As you know, I have a new machine in my life, and we're extremely happy together. I've been doing all sort of things with it, including making a movie (I don't want to give too much away, but it involves Simon. And a voiceover.). I'm quite excited about it. So is Simon.

Anyway, I'm not writing today to talk about the awesomeness of the iMac software package. I'm here to discuss a little thing called Maelstrom.

Yes, Maelstrom. It's a simple little asteroids game with alien enemy ships, wayward spacecraft, comets, black holes, scary flying spiky balls and all kinds of great weaponry and extremely fun sounds.

I spent an appalling number of hours playing Maelstrom in my early college years. For a time, the sum of my addictions could be found right there in my bedroom: cigarettes, coffee and sweet, sweet Maelstrom action. It really was nearly impossible to tear myself away from it to study. Or go to class.

Then my computer died, and I had no choice but to go cold turkey. Yes, it hurt, but somehow I managed to do without blowing up asteroids, enemy ships and evil spiky balls for several years ... until last night.

There I was, staring at the screen, minding my own business, when a voice spoke to me: "Remember Maelstrom (strom, strom) Samantha (antha, antha)? Download it. Must download it. Now (now, now)."

And so I downloaded it, for I believe in following my heart, and the voices in my head. Mere seconds later, I was staring my old vice in the face, remembering all the elements, configuring the key commands just how I like them -- God did it feel good.

(The game has a full-screen option, by the way, and I'm sure you can imagine how thoroughly awesome it looks on my 20-inch monitor.)

Anyway, more than two hours later, there I was, glued to my chair, keyboard clutched in my lap, like no time had passed. Perhaps I'll be able to take a more, um, moderate approach to things this time around. Yes, perhaps.