That sounds eerily familiar.

Consider this: that blackened tuber isn't waste, it's biochar. The potato-left-in-the-microwave scenario has led some to speculate about giant microwave ovens zapping agricultural waste into carbon, enhancing soil fertility and sequestering atmospheric carbon.

So what we're really looking at is kitchen-sink geoengineering, a la Blast.

I had a roommate who did the same thing with chestnuts in a microwave. Did not smell anywhere near as nice as your flambéed tubers. Never leave anyone unattended who is more familiar with Homer (The Odyssey) than with Home Depot.

As a friend keeps reminding me, you gotta be smarter than the equipment.