That's sick

It's a judgment call that every parent has to make at some point: Is my kid too sick to go to school?

And if the answer is "yes," parents face still more questions, including: Will makeup hide that red rash on his neck from the school nurse?

Flavors of the month: Starbucks announced four new flavored versions of its Via instant coffee that will be introduced in its coffee shops this fall.

Since it's Starbucks, The Buzz guesses the flavors will be as follows: Charred, Charred to a Crisp, Charred Beyond Recognition, and Sugar-Laden Concoction Always Ordered by That Obnoxious Woman in Accounting.

Grading on a curve: Two federal agencies are proposing a grading system for new vehicles that would give each a letter grade for fuel economy and tailpipe emissions. For example, electric cars would get an A+, the Toyota Camry would earn a B, an F-150 pickup would rate a C+ or C, while the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti would get a D.

The Buzz is all for fuel efficiency and cleaner air, but we're not looking forward to reading the bumper stickers of self-satisfied car owners that boast, "My Car is an Honor Student at Al Gore U."