PEACEFUL ENOUGH FOR A MONK: The Boulder-based company behind The Zen Alarm Clock, a peaceful chiming device that rouses sleepers with a gentle gong, has expanded business to include Zen doorbells, phone bells and this Digital Zen Alarm Clock. Here the Buddhist monk-sounding chime is encased in hardwood for an effect that’s more contemporary than its earthy predecessor. The digital version sells for $100 to $120 at now-zen.com
VERY COOL: At-home cooks are increasingly going gourmet, meaning they continue to want bigger and better kitchens. GE has responded to the trend with its Monogram professional bottom-freezer refrigerator, available in 36-inch and 72-inch models. This giant of an appliance includes two fresh-food compartments and two freezers. Appliance Factory Outlet stores and The Great Indoors stock the GE Monogram series. Prices start around $6,800 and climb to about $14,500.
SOLAR SMARTS: The sun has been shining on Jeffrey Lyng, project manager for BioS(h)IP, the University of Colorado’s award-winning entry in the 2005 Solar Decathlon. The house fuses solar power with green construction practices and is being held up as a model for sustainable living. Learn more about the house and the thinking behind it during a workshop at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Visitors Center (15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden). The workshop, “The Solar Decathlon House: An Evening With the National Champions,” runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Admission is $5-$10. Call 303-216-2026 , ext. 150, or e-mail workshops@energyscience.org.
