Apple Computer is firing on all cylinders these days, but of all the things contributing to its success, hardly anyone mentions its chain of retail stores. The stores are as important to Apple as the iPod or OS X when it comes to driving the public's extraordinary interest in the resurgent company -- though it's hard to say which is more important, because they're interrelated.

What is it about the stores? I, for one, view the stores as most people view singles bars. I go in there, really without any intention, but if the mood is right, I might get lucky and go home with something that night. It's a place where Apple users go to socialize and interact with one another. It our cult headquarters--where we come as one to worship Steve and the beautiful products he has given us. It's our sanctuary.

To the norm, i.e. my wife, they just don't get it. But how could they? My great-grandfather used to go to 'church' on a nightly basis. One day, an aunt of mine, followed him to church, only to realize his church was serving draft beer and fine liquor. Summing up, it's where we go to get away, where we can be with each other, and where we might get to take something home.

Living here in NJ also means that I have two stores with a 15 minute ride and another two stores within 45 minutes. See, NJ has so much more to offer than nuclear waste and the Sopranos; it's an Apple Haven.