the buzz log

Searches for "gas prices," "cheap gas," and "local gas prices" are charting record-breaking ascents in the Buzz. That's no big surprise. But those queries aren't the only ways folks are using the Internet to outsmart (or understand) exorbitant prices at the pump. Here's a rundown of some of the fastest-moving and most notable "gas" queries we've seen lately...

• "Gas scooters"—rather than filling the tank of a four-door sedan, some drivers are considering a lighter, zippier ride.

• "GasBuddy"—this webpage collects information on gas prices in the U.S. and Canada from more than 180 local sites. Type in your zip code and find out what the stations near you are charging.

• "Best gas mileage cars"—the Prius? The Mini Cooper? The Civic Hybrid? Let the Web guide you to a more fuel-efficient vehicle.

• "Current world gas prices"—you think $4 a gallon is bad? Try getting behind the wheel in Hong Kong or Copenhagen.

• "Locking gas caps"—though rampant gas theft has yet to materialize as feared, auto parts makers and retailers are reporting runs on gas caps that lock. In Search, lookups are spiking for "siphoning gas," as well.

• "Water in gas"—is it really possible to convert your car to a "water hybrid"? Some news sources think so.

• "Brown's gas"—according to BrownsGas.com, "Brown's Gas is a technology in which water can be "burned" as fuel." We don't claim to understand how this works, but searchers have certainly boosted traffic to many of the sites that do.

• "Gas price history"—unfortunately, it's been nothing but up-up-up for U.S. gas prices over the past years. If only we could party like it's 1999.

• "Gas-saving devices"—not all fuel-reduction gadgets are created equal. Judging by some of the results of this search, it's wise to do a little research before plunking your hard-earned bucks down on any old gizmo claiming to save you gas.

• "Gas-powered bicycles"—like "gas scooters," this query seeks alternate modes of getting about in a cheaper fashion. Vroom!