Inspired by the iconic look of time bombs in old movies, software engineer Michael Krumpus set out to build an alarm clock that would make his mornings more action-packed. When the alarm goes off in defuse mode, the clock starts a 10-second countdown; the correct wire, which is randomly assigned each day, has to be cut or pulled out to stop the detonation, or the clock will “explode” with noise and flashing LEDs.
Krumpus says he noticed hundreds of hits from Homeland Security personnel on his website, but the clock is completely harmless. It’s now available as a $33 kit for tinkerers who have trouble waking up.
