by Vera H-C Chan

In the old days, they were called fans, groupies, maybe even cult followers or stalkers. Now they're all social networkers. World Wrestling Entertainment officially released the WWE Universe, its one-stop grappling shop with blogs, videos, profiles, and every sweaty little detail about pro wrestlers and the people who heart them.

From the safety of their keyboards, Tech Crunch mocked the launch as a lonely hearts club-in-disguise for wrestlers, but Daily Variety reports that these wrestlers—or entertainers, as the bosses prefer they be called—have already herded more than 200,000 members before this week's public debut.

The numbers are no surprise, considering WWE's huge online popularity (as seen in daily searches for "wwe rumors," competition updates, and favorites like Maria, Ashley, and Lita). The empire, which celebrated its 800th episode Monday, likely hopes that Universe will smack down Facebook and MySpace from siphoning its fan base, although all that online love hasn't helped stock prices any.

As for which "entertainers" will be blogging, so far Matt Hardy promises a "DOUBLE dose of Mattitude" and diva Trish Status has delivered on some "Stratusfaction" updates. Chances of juicy insider gossip seem possible, like diva Victoria's first blog which mentioned three wrestlers who were "recently released" (i.e., laid off). Victoria, though, didn't do much more than philosophize about their departures: "The longer I'm in this business, this less of a surprise it is when a Superstar either is fired or quits." Sounds like everyone needs one big social networking hug.

by Claudine Zap

Before MP3 players, DVR, and Blu-Ray. Before live streaming and downloads, there were cassette tapes, an analog magnetic tape system for recording, listening, and mixing together your favorite tracks to share and play in your Walkman or boombox.

Think of it as a tiny reel-to-reel. The iPod of the '80s was last spotted at your neighbor's garage sale, the back of your friend's closet, and the "for sale" table at indie band concerts. Wait, what? That's right, cassette tapes are so out, they're in.

According to Splice Today, for underground bands, cassettes are the new, cool vinyl: "They perfectly suit thrifty DIY labels and musicians trying to maintain a lo-fi aesthetic, as well as the more artistically inclined."

While audio went digital, the lowly cassette was down but not out. In fact, we checked to see the buzz on tapes and found a bump in searches in the last week for "music cassette tapes" (+110%), "blank cassette tapes" (+210%), "books on cassette tapes" (+900%), and the sad but definitely true "cassette tapes problems damage" (+400%).

Say what you will about digital recording, you haven't really proved your love for a good tune until you've spent hours re-spooling a cassette that was eaten by your tape player.

If you already have every version of the iPod that's made, maybe it's time to go back in audio time. Given that it's a very DIY holiday this year, a mixed tape could be the perfect retro gift. You can even decorate the jewel box cover yourself.

We look forward to the re-discovery of the 8 Track.

by Claudine Zap

Here is what's buzzing.

1. Luke Worrall  (+23,707%). You know it's official when your Facebook status changes. According to his page, Luke Worrall, male model, is engaged to Kelly Osbourne.
2. Janet Napolitano  (+1,225%). The democratic governor of Arizona is a front-runner for the Secretary of Homeland Security job in Obama's administration.
3. Ankylosaurus (+243%). The oldest dinosaur footprints in Bolivia were uncovered by a farmer who had always wondered about those funny looking dents by his house.
4. Most fuel efficient 2009 cars (+194%). It's easy to be green, if you go with a German car. According to the latest Forbes list, Germans lead with the most fuel-efficient vehicles.
5. All inclusive resorts (+125%). Here's a wallet-friendly vacation idea that some are searching on. Good news for vacationers wanting to travel on the cheap,  the budget-conscious holiday concept has gone upscale.