I'd popped popcorn in a microwave, using an air popper, and using that pie-tin-like-JiffyPop-silver-golf-ball-thing. However, I'd never popped popcorn on the stove.

When I finally did so, I used a pot with a glass lid, so I was able to watch it. How cool! It was so exciting that a friend said, "You hang off the side of bridges held by rubberbands and zoom around in little planes ....and you think THIS is a big deal?!?!?"

What can I say?