You remember those “snakes in a can of peanuts” novelty items from years back? They’ve been around forever–the basic premise is you offer some nuts to an unsuspecting victim and when they open the can three tightly sprung, leopard-skin “snakes” leap out, scaring the poor schlub who falls dead of a heart attack. Classic humor.

You can’t find the cans of nuts anymore. Well, maybe you can, but I’m not willing to try very hard. So during one lunch a few days back I went over to the mall and visited Spencer Gifts. The 12-year-old working the counter was eager to prove he knew what I was talking about and gleefully led me to my targeted prize.  With an upcoming “Levity Effect” presentation, I was hopeful to spring my retro-joke on an audience member.  I paid 8 bucks for the smallish can of “Fancy Salted Mixed Nuts” anxiously awaiting the reaction of whatever innocent co-worker I decided would be the guinea pig.

I got to my desk, quietly tore open the packaging and then cheerfully announced, “I brought some mixed nuts from lunch, if anybody wants any, come on over.” A younger, Gen Y type worker responded to the invite and immediately came over and took the can. I braced myself for the explosion of fear, shock, and subsequent howler monkey laughter.  Errr, right. Didn’t happen. Check the video below and see what pops out of the can.

snake-can3

They sure don’t make them like they used to.

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