ooblick

ooblick
 /oo'blik/, 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.