What is Slightly-Mad Science?

Science: Knowledge of the physical world gained through observation and experimentation.

Mad Science: Same as above, but you don't stick to the path set by academia - you're a rogue that does any kinda experimentation you want, heedless of the consequences.

Slightly-Mad Science: Same as the first two, but you're not out to hurt anybody...you're just slightly crazy, not utterly mad.  No holding nations for ransom, either.

Who is the Slightly-Mad Scientist?

A crazy nerd named Jamie, who for some reason, thinks he can entertain people with his scientific antics.  Oh, and he also does science demonstrations at an elementary school...less dangerous ones, though.

If you have science-related questions, or are an educator and would like a copy of a video for use in the classroom, you can e-mail the Slightly-Mad Scientist or visit him on his MySpace Page.

You can e-mail the Slightly-Mad Scientist, visit him on his MySpace Page, or help with his "lab fees" by donating below:

Current Videos (newest first)

To view video: click the video host of your choice under the picture.

Magnesium and the Attack of the Memes!

Magnesium is one of the most commonly used structural metals, being light and strong. It's necessary for living cells. And was used in early flash photography. But what you really want to know, is it splodey? Let's find out!! Oh, and there are also special appearances by "Chris Crocker" and the "Cookie Monster" (both impersonations done badly by me) as they drag you kicking and screaming through a few Internet Memes of 2007.
You can refer to WebElements for more on Magnesium. Or just use Google, silly.

Special thanks goes out to Martyrd for the use of "Blue and Black" in this video, and to Andrew for being an excellent camera-using minion.

Potential Energy - Slightly-Mad Science

Vote for this video in the Phylm Contest!

This Demo is Dangerously-Stupid. Don't try this at home.
Potential Energy: PE=mgh. The energy stored by moving a mass to a height above the surface of the earth, which turns into Kinetic Energy when dropped due to the force of Gravity.
That's all well and good, but can you BREAK STUFF with it? SURE! At Slightly-Mad Science, we love breaking stuff!

Music for this episode courtesy of Hatecore Inc's "Wish You Were Dead."

High Voltage Antique - Slightly-Mad Science

I recently obtained a "Violet Wand" (not to be confused with a "Violent Wand" which is what Harry Potter fans use when you make fun of them).
It was made over 80 years ago, and still works. It's a nice example of applied physics, and ALSO how some will try to scam you into buying quack medical devices claiming to cure almost every known disease. Perfect for Slightly-Mad Science.
Time for some antique high voltage!

For more information regarding Violet Wands:
Wikipedia on Violet Wands
Museum of Quackery on Violet Wands
People that actually still believe this stuff works

Links regarding quack medicine:
Quackwatch
Respectful Insolence: Your Friday Dose of Woo
Quack Medicine

How to Slightly-Mad Wrap A Gift (prank video)

Frequently, I choose evil and devious ways to wrap gifts. It's a prank, but at least the gift I give them is worth the effort. Think if it as "creative gift wrapping through applied chemistry!" Make sure your intended "victim" has a decent sense of humor, and is not prone to extreme violence.

Mac CRT + 15,000 Volts = Death Ray?

It was originally part of my "Will It Burn: Mac/PC" video, but I decided to hold onto it as a separate video. Zapping it with 15KV from a neon transformer doesn't result in a death ray (dang), but still looks pretty cool. For more information about Cathode Ray Tubes (used for all older TV's/Monitors) Go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathode_ray_tube http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/tv3.htm

The Physics of Breaking Stuff! 

Silly Chop-Socky Physics Demonstration! Technique, Training, Focus, Power. All are important when trying to break boards bare-handed. However, there are also important physics concepts that explain why the boards are broken. "Slag" courtesy of "A Childs First Funeral" (http://www.myspace.com/achildsfirstfuneral)

Breakin' Flamin' Boards and the Leidenfrost Effect!

I break 3 boards that have been set on fire with Acetone and Lighter-Fluid. Why? A novel way to demonstrate the Leidenfrost Effect for Slightly-Mad Science! Music courtesy of Endrone http:www.myspace.com/endrone and used with permission. This version is specifically for the "Phylm" contest. UPDATE: This video won!  Hooray for cash prizes!

Breakin' Flamin' Boards! (Short Version)

This is the "short attention-span" version for promotional purposes. 

 
Dangers Of Electricity: Slightly-Mad Science

Ever want to try some electrical mad-science at home? Be warned, there are some dangers involved. 'Splodey hot-dogs are the least of them. Demo includes both household electricity and a high voltage transformer.

Lightning Hands! Slightly-Mad Science

Using a neon transformer, a resistor (to reduce the current), and layers of insulated gloves, I made electric arcs jump between my fingers. It's going to be part of the new intro for Slightly-Mad Science episodes. Oh, and don't try this at home.

Will It Blend Parody -Mac PC-Will It Burn : Slightly-Mad Science

This is a slightly-mad science parody of Blendtec's popular webseries: "Will it Blend?" (http://www.willitblend.com/). My take is "Will it Burn?" It asks the question many ask, but with a twist. Which is better, the Mac or the PC? I figure more than enough people tangle with the typical issues regarding that. I wanna see how well they handle high voltage (15,000 volt transformer) and fire!

Plasma Light Bulb 900 Watts Forced Failure

Using 15KV 60ma of electricity, a smaller lightbulb will light up like a little storm. The lightbulb's glass will eventually fail, with the electricity burning a hole through the glass. Pretty dramatic effect, too.

Valentine's Jacob's Ladder And Fire 15,000 Volts Of Electricity

Trying silly shapes with arcs...and since it was just after Valentine's Day...What the heck? I'd play the Doors "light my fire" in the background, but then the RIAA would shoot me (duck). I'd consider miniaturizing this and putting it in a Valentine's Day card, but then my wife would shoot me (duck again). As romantic as chocolates and a candlelit dinner? Perhaps not, but there's something to be said for putting a little mad science into your holidays.

Plasma Light Bulb 900 Watts: Slightly-Mad Science

Turning a 300 watt light bulb into a plasma ball with 900 watts of electricity.

Plasma Light Bulb 200 Watt Limit: Slightly-Mad Science

Turning a light bulb into a plasma ball. To limit the amount of electricity that goes into the transformer, there's a 200 watt light bulb in the circuit.

Jacob's Ladder Demo - 3 Foot Tall

Made a box for a neon transformer shown earlier (15Kv 60ma). Added couplings to the top of the box, so I can swap out electrodes anytime. The 3 foot electrodes shown will be used to demonstrate electricity for a 5th grade class.