It's not just a movie; it's a goop too

Arizona Daily Wildcat

Once upon a time, scientists were attempting to make plastic explosives; they instead created Silly Putty. Silly Putty was fun for a couple of generations of easily amused kids, but then came the Baby Busters. Jaded younguns in the early '90s demanded a cooler goo-based toy. Nickelodeon's Gak was the answer. Better colors, more gooey, with that ever-important ikky feel. But how long can a toy that looks like snot be cool?

Not long. Call this "Gak: The Next Generation." Disney and Mattel would prefer you call it Flubber.

The basic rules of Silly Putty physics still apply. If one pulls slowly on Flubber it can extend across a room, but if one pulls on it with a swift jerk, the Flubber separates cleanly, accompanied by a ripping-android-flesh sound. (Or so one imagines.)

Wildcat photographer and resident ceramics expert Robert Becker explains, "The thing about Flubber is that it breaks along a single plane. Therefore, it has very little tensile strength."

Okay.

Here's a fun trick: Warm the Flubber up by kneading it for a few minutes. Once the Flubber is good and malleable, stick one dime-sized spot of Flubber to the ceiling. Watch as the unanchored Flubber flows downward, coiling into a spiral on the floor (remember that carpet warning).

Now that you know how to make a Flubber string, you can make a Flubber lasso. Or a Flubber bracelet. Or you can drape a neighboring desk in reams and reams of Flubber string. If left overnight, the string of Flubber will harden into a rubber-band-like substance. A fork can be tied to the Flubber string, if you so desire.

And it bounces, too! Smush Flubber up into a ball, throw at any flat surface, and it will come right back in your face. Make up a new game with your friends: Flubber Ball.

This semi-solid substance comes in blue, pink, green and purple. The colors have a slightly sparkly sheen.

As for the scent, that's the downside. Flubber smells like chemically-treated bait mixed with rancid SweeTarts. The smell does not leave hands easily. The package warns against bringing carpet, hair or clothing into contact with Flubber; it also mentions "Dry cleaning will not remove Flubber."

Tom Collins, resident news editor, unwittingly put this to the test by falling asleep in a blob of Flubber left laying around. Results of attempts to clean his pants will be forthcoming.

However, Copy Chief Ann Chihak warns, "Flubber leaves its mark." She sounds like she knows what she's talking about.

Flubber has an esoteric side, as well. Mr. Becker found the face of Jesus in his Flubber. Where else can you find that kind of spiritual comfort for a retail value of $4.99?