The Popcorn Problem

   I have become slightly concerned with my inability to make popcorn.  Although we have the recipe and the popcorn seeds, we have to make and cook the popcorn ourselves.  Even though I follow the recipe EXACTLY, four outcomes seem to happen:

1. The popcorn gets burned
2. The bag AND the popcorn explode
3. A combination of the first two 
4. The popcorn barely gets cooked at all

   You're probably wondering why when the bag explodes, it doesn't burn.  Well, I manage to be watching the popcorn before it gets REALLY burned.  

   Anyway, I've done some experimenting, and have come to the conclusion that there appears to be a "magic" amount of seeds, a little over a third (no exact measurement for it) and a "magic" position the bag must lay in order to have decent popcorn.  Even then, not all of the seeds get popped.

   There is one other small let down.  I seem to be the only one of my family with this problem.  Rather than finding this situation embarrassing, I find it frustrating.  I mean, come on;  I want my popcorn, not a crusty, shriveled excuse for food.