Fireworks in a Can and/or laughing so hard it became a core exercise

 For what is becoming an annual tradition, we went up to Matt and Helen's to celebrate a birthday and the 4th of July. Derek suggested that this year we do fireworks and initially I was very skeptical because of this graphic:

Does the picture appear to be
fiery poops or what?

Anyway, Matt took matters into his own hands and instead of homebrewing our own fireworks, he went out an purchased a Can of Fireworks.

A Can of Fireworks

This Can had several notable features. One of them is the product name: "Living the Dream." 

Another notable feature was one single wick sticking out of the top of the Can. A lone wick, just up there, hinting but really offering no clues as to the mystery of what would happen when lit. 

Apparently earlier that day at the firework stand, Matt asked the guy how precisely to ignite the Can without blowing oneself up. 

The guy said, "just light the wick."

Matt said, "That's all? Just light this one (short-ass) wick?"

The guy said nodded his head.

To be sure about it, Matt asked once or twice more, but the firework stand guy did not change his story. We were to light the single little wick sticking out of the top.

At nightfall, we took the Can outside and debated about where to put it. Someone suggested right on the patio but given this video making the rounds we decided to stick it further away on the other side of the pool. 

In hindsight, it still may not have been quite far enough away. 

I laughed so hard my stomach hurt. This thing would unleash an impressive spectacular of fireworks, then it would appear to be over.... only to start up again. And again. And again. It was sorcery.

Anyway, the whole thing was stupendous, including the rest of the weekend :-)