Did someone say that all the Nuts & Flakes are in California...?

Y'know they might not all be there --- but there do be a bunch of 'em there! Here's the news out of California today

California Considers Requiring Louder Hybrid Cars

C Johnson, Internet News Producer (ABC News 10)

SACRAMENTO, CA - Gov. Schwarzenegger has a bill before him that would study how to make hybrid cars noisier as a safety feature for blind pedestrians and cyclists.

When operating on electric power, hybrid vehicles are very quiet. A University of California study found that volunteers who were blindfolded could hear a gas or diesel-powered car from 36 feet away but didn't hear a Toyota Prius hybrid until it was just 11 feet from them.

One company, Lotus, has developed simulated engine noise technology and used it in Prius trials. The company says the engine noise is nearly inaudible to drivers and passengers.

The legislation would create a committee to study whether to require hybrids to be louder and how it might be accomplished. The governor has not taken a position on the measure.

When I was a mere lad, I recall we used to put pieces of cardboard on our wheels so the spokes would make an engine sound as the wheel went around. Maybe some eager young entrepreneur might want to fashion a "Hybrid engine motor sounding plastic card" to tuck in those quiet little devils. Might get rich and save a blind Californian's life!

I swear to God folks, you just can't make this kind of insanity up!!