When music CDs became popular in the late 80s, many predicted the demise of vinyl records. Then came digital downloads, which seemed sure to be the final nail in the coffin. But then something funny happened: people began buying records again. Between 2005 and 2008 sales increased by more than 80%, with nearly 1.9 million records sold in 2008 alone.

If you’re still a vinyl freak or just want to take a trip down nostalgia lane, check out Rolling Stone’s recent list of the best record stores in the U.S. Two of my personal favorites made the list: Dusty Groove in Chicago and the Electric Fetus in Minneapolis.   

I like to think I’m a bit of a know-it-all, especially when it comes to news and current events, but I was thrown for a bit of a loop when I recently played the Newseum’s interactive news game, NewsMania.  Give it a spin and see how smart you are. 

Love or hate Microsoft, it’s hard to get away from the company’s software. While most of us make do with Internet Explorer as our default web browser, a growing number of users are switching to Chrome or Firefox. Microsoft hopes to reverse that trend with IE9. Check out what some of the critics are saying about the beta version of the browser at the Huffington Post.

Last but not least, a bit of hilarity. I believe the BBC version of “The Office” is pure genuis and the gold standard for “mockumentary” style comedy. I love Steve Carrell, but he’s no Ricky Gervais. Check out Ricky’s bone-headed character, David Brent, giving a motivational speech.

Have a great weekend.

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About Josh
A proud graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, Josh is the Editor-in-Chief of this blog and regularly contributes Friday Fun Links, RJS news and interesting technology notes. Prior to joining RJS, Josh worked at the Ronald McDonald House in Minneapolis. Outside of work, Josh enjoys the outdoors, fantasy football, classic movies, baseball and wine.