[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:
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.