Buying silence

As the Boeing Co. and federal regulators struggle to solve problems with the Dreamliner's batteries, we've heard barely a peep out of Congress on the issue.

It just goes to show the power of the pen -- more specifically, pens that are used to write checks to members of Congress.

Downward facing see-through dog: Lululemon has stopped selling its popular black yoga pants because the sheer material revealed too much of the person wearing the garment.

The yoga pants were yanked from store shelves, but you might see them being worn by certain Everett baristas.

The Dude abides: The Washington State Liquor Control Board on Tuesday introduced the firm that will help it figure out how to license and regulate the newly legalized marijuana industry.

So what do we call the new pot czar? Some suggestions: Joint Chief of Staff, Pot Poobah, Hemp Head, Blunt Boss, Ganja Guru, Marijuana Maharaja, Maryjane Mentor, Weed Wonk, or just plain Dude.

-- Jon Bauer and Mark Carlson, Herald staff