In its efforts to make the 787 Dreamliner more fuel-efficient, the Boeing Co. has designed systems that use electrical power instead of hydraulics to do things like de-ice the jet (http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/07/06/04/100bus_787001.cfm).

That means the 787 will generate 1.5 megawatts, enough to power a small town — or that one windowless room in Tommy Chong’s basement.

Yacht charter operators in Whatcom County report brisk business, particularly with sailboats because of high fuel prices (http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/07/06/04/100bus_charter001.cfm).

With all those sailors on the water, The Buzz expects a critical shortage of Captain Morgan rum, Gordon’s gin and limes.

We also predict a dramatic upswing in the number of fed-up wives muttering, “Get me off this @#!#@#! boat!”