Start a fire with a can of coke and a chocolate bar

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Though implausible sounding, it's possible to use the bottom of a can of soda (if you're American) or pop (if you're Canadian) as a focusing mirror to start a fire.

The idea is straightforward. You'll need an aluminum soda can and something to polish it with. In most anecdotes, the polishing material is a chocolate bar. This does apparently work, although if you happen to have toothpaste or another kind of polishing compound, you'll be in business faster.

Chocolate and coke are always cited, presumably because they also provide calories that could be useful in a survival situation, and therefore might be things you'd have with you in the woods. (Chocolate: OK. Coke? Maybe not.)

Take the can, drink the coke, and turn the can upside down. Smear a small bit of chocolate on the concave bottom of the can. Using the candy wrapper, or a piece of cloth, polish the bottom diligently until it is shiny and reflective. Youshould be able to see your own distorted reflection in the can easily when you're done. It could take anywhere between 10 minutes and an hour, depending on who you listen to.

Set yourself up in a position where you can reflect sunlight onto a surface. Holding the can in one hand, reflect some light onto the other hand, and finesse where the hot spot is by moving the can closer or farther from your hand.

Now use that knowledge to focus the sun onto dry tinder or a piece of paper. When the material begins to smoke, try blowing gently, if necessary, to encourage the fire to catch.

This method was confirmed by the TV show Mythbusters (Season 4, Episode 45).