How to Pop a Bag

To create an instant attention getting noise, all you need is a paper bag. Whether you want to frighten off a wild animal or recapture the attention of a roomful of unruly teens, a loud pop from a paper bag can have great effect.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Choose a small, sack-lunch size paper bag. Smaller, greeting-card size bags won't make as loud a noise and the oversize grocery bags are difficult to work with. Fast food bags also work well for this trick.
2. Grasp the bag by the top edges. In one quick motion, force air into it by shaking it open with force. If the bag doesn't completely open, reach inside and fully open the bag by hand.
3. Gather the mouth of the bag together in one hand, always keeping at least two inches of the top edge above your hand. This prevents the bag from slipping so you get a tight seal.
4. Bring the bag to your lips, unclenching your hand slightly. This opens an air hole.
5. Blow into the bag until it's full of air. Clench your hand tightly to prevent the air from escaping. Hold the bag in front of your abdomen, well away from your face and ears.
6. Turn your wrist so the bag is between your two hands. Slam the palm of your other hand forcefully into the bag and watch everyone around you jump as it explodes.

Tips & Warnings

• Brace yourself for the noise, as it will be very loud--especially in a small or bare room. If at all possible, ear plugs are a good idea.
• Never pop a bag close to a person's ear. You can seriously damage a person's eardrum in this fashion.