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clocky

Alas, irritating clock keeps on ticking

One of the world's most annoying gadgets is now available in--wait for it--chrome!

You may remember that not too long ago, we told you about the Enso Clock, which wakes users with soothing Zendo-like sounds and may be the least annoying alarm clock ever.

Well, the Clocky from Nanda Home is pretty much the opposite--a clock that actually jumps off your nightstand and wheels around beeping until you get up and chase it down. The pushy little Clocky gives you one chance to drag your sleepy self out from under the comforter, then it plays hardball. This is clearly … Read more

'Clocky' Valentine: Unclear on the concept

Some of us who are averse to alarm clocks believe that the "Clocky" is an invention from hell. This, you'll recall, is the dastardly device that rolls around the room blaring its alarm until you get out of bed and track it down.

Well now it's trying to pawn itself off as--get this--a Valentine's Day gift, in a special raspberry edition. "There's nothing that says 'I love you' more than our mobile alarm clock," Nando Home gushes in its press release. Let's see a show of hands: How many people think … Read more

A more civilized way to wake up: wind chimes

Forget "Clocky," the "Sonic Bomb," and the flying alarm clock. The last thing we need in the morning is something that shatters our eardrums or requires us to chase it around the room to shut the damn thing off.

At our advanced age, any of these could easily shorten our lives with coronary issues. A far more civilized way to awaken is the gentle tones of a "Wind Chime Alarm Clock" and, naturally, its continuous snooze functions. (Our definition of the snooze button: Unplug clock, go back to sleep.)

But if you must get … Read more

Alarm clock blues

It's 6:20 a.m. "Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Slam." Sleep in peace for 9 more minutes, then repeat.

There has to be a more humane way to wake up. My snoozing habits drive my husband crazy, and unexpected power outages have ruined my morning ritual more than once.

I tried waking up to Howard Stern's radio show years ago, figuring that it'd definitely wake me up because the stuff he says would never naturally make its way into my early-morning dreams. When it eventually did, I went back to the traditional jarring beeps. … Read more