ooblick

/ooblik/ , n. [from the Dr. Seuss title Bartholomew and the Oobleck ; the
spelling oobleck is still current in the mainstream] A bizarre semi-liquid
sludge made from cornstarch and water. Enjoyed among hackers who make
batches during playtime at parties for its amusing and extremely
non-Newtonian behavior; it pours and splatters, but resists rapid motion
like a solid and will even crack when hit by a hammer. Often found near
lasers. Here is a field-tested ooblick recipe contributed by GLS: 1 cup
cornstarch 1 cup baking soda 3/4 cup water N drops of food coloring This
recipe isn't quite as non-Newtonian as a pure cornstarch ooblick, but has an
appropriately slimy feel. Some, however, insist that the notion of an
ooblick recipe is far too mechanical, and that it is best to add the water
in small increments so that the various mixed states the cornstarch goes
through as it becomes ooblick can be grokked in fullness by many hands. For
optional ingredients of this experience, see the Ceremonial Chemicals
section of Appendix B.

