It was posted to the web a week ago, but the Bungie Blog is still the first I’m hearing of a new Bryan Simon song, ‘Master Chief Under My Christmas Tree’. If you’d rather have an audio-only version, you can grab an MP3 from us (2.9 mb).(Louis Wu 21:47:00 UTC)

Pete Cooper stopped by our forum with an update on Operation Chastity, an upcoming Halo live-action fan film. Looks like a website will be live by January, some concept art will be coming soon, and (and this is actually rather surprising) Al Matthews, the man who played Sgt. Apone in the movie ‘Aliens’ (a character who clearly inspired the character of Sgt. Johnson in the Halo universe). All I can say is ‘wow!’ Check out the full details in Pete’s forum post.(Louis Wu 21:42:16 UTC)

Doom dropped us a note to let us know that the 405th Forum has temporarily opened registration (until January 1). If you’re interested in getting involved in a community that builds lots of really cool Halo armor and weapons, this is your chance! Go sign up.(Louis Wu 21:36:22 UTC)

TTL Demagogue popped in to announce that Reclaimer 126 is online – and Ferial is revealed to be something other than what we thought.(Louis Wu 16:30:54 UTC)

Willy, from CE United, stopped by to point out an article he’s written about the Halo Warthog, and how it compares to its earth-bound namesake (and other inspirations). The page background might give you a headache (it did me), but it’s got a lot of info. I’m surprised that there’s not a single Lion King reference.(Louis Wu 16:27:59 UTC)

Seems there are some Far Cry 2 mapmakers with a real love for Halo; some Halo 2 and 3 levels have been rebuilt with an astounding attention to detail. This video flies you through Turf, Burial Grounds, Sandtrap, Narrows (intriguing mancannon solution), and Last Resort, while this one gives you a tour of Headlong, Ascension, The Pit, and Blackout. I have no clue how they play – but MAN, they look accurate. Thanks to Kibbles, over at NeoGAF, for the heads-up.(Louis Wu 14:47:42 UTC)

Raulboy created a cool image for a t-shirt for his brothers – but is happy to make it available to you if you’d like to print up your own. I think it’s fantastic! (Louis Wu 14:19:50 UTC)

To celebrate the holidays, Hawty McBloggy is calling on you to do something creative and Halo-related. Swing by for suggestions (but feel free to come up with something unique) – she’s going to give some cool custom New Years cards to a few participants. Have fun! (Louis Wu 14:18:17 UTC)

Cody Miller pointed out that High Speed Halo is running another tournament on Xbox LIVE – no prizes, no real competition, it’s just plain fun. Swing by and ask questions if you’ve got ’em! The festivities take place on December 28.(Louis Wu 14:17:34 UTC)