That’s the author’s description. Actually it’s not that funny, but still and interesting approach to helping inform consumers on how find and reduce poor quality (energy waste) in electronic devices. SFGate reports:

Levine’s bill, which now goes to the Senate after its 44-33 vote in the Assembly, would require electronic devices be labeled to tell consumers how much energy is used when the device is in standby mode. Although the amount of energy consumed by the devices can be small, cumulatively it can ratchet up household energy bills.

At a press conference before the Assembly vote, Levine had a large table festooned with electronic devices — cell phones, Play Station controls, a toothbrush, Tivo, a stereo system. Cloves of garlic were scattered among the devices.

The stereo system consumed 46 watts just plugged in but the amount of energy electronic devices use in standby varies sharply.

[…]

Supporters of his bill, AB1970, say that vampire appliances cost the average household about $200 annually and consumers should make an informed choice when they purchase one.

Opponents, led by the Consumer Electronics Association, the American Electronic Association and the Electronic Industries Alliance counter that the labels would confuse consumers and stigmatize popular high tech products.