While the Linux 2.6.24 kernel isn't out in time for the holidays, Linus Torvalds has just released the Linux 2.6.24-rc6 kernel. The most important work since
2.6.24-rc5 includes Serial ATA fixes for ACPI events (libata-acpi) and new watchdog drivers, but for the most part this release is made up of small fixes. The Linux 2.6.24 final release is expected in early January. The 2.6.24-rc6 announcement can be read at
LKML.