#cigarette lighters

North Korean involvement in Putin's war against Ukraine has been a disaster – for the North Koreans. Mykhailo Makaruk of Ukraine's 8th Special Operations Regiment told Radio Free Asia (RFA) about his encounters with North Korean forces.

In the video above, he describes them as acting like "zombies" who use outdated human wave tactics which result in them getting easily mowed down by artillery and drones.

It's clear that Putin is simply using the North Koreans as canon fodder.

In a related article from RFA, Sgt. Makaruk talks about how poorly Russia has equipped the North Koreans.

North Korean soldiers are fighting with deteriorated supplies and outdated weapons and may have been carrying no food rations during their recent combat operations in Russia’s Kursk region, a Ukrainian special operations sergeant told Radio Free Asia. [ ... ] “They have no military food in their bags. They have some grenades but it’s not even the Soviet type,” Makaruk said in an interview with RFA on Friday that was conducted in English. “It’s bullshit grenades. And they have lower level military medicine kits.” [ ... ]

Makaruk said the North Koreans appear to have Soviet standards for training, and all of their equipment –- including Kalashnikov AK-47 rifles -– seem to have been provided by the Russians. That included smaller items, such as Russian cigarettes as well as multiple lighters that they may have been collecting as souvenirs or for use as barter currency, he said. [ ... ]

He said he also found ID cards that labeled the North Korean troops as “non-combat soldiers” who were carrying out “civilian occupations.” The Ukrainian military has previously said that North Korean soldiers are using fake ID cards with Russian-style names to hide their identities.

So the North Koreans are insufficiently armed, undernourished, collecting Russian cigarette lighters to use as barter, and are given fake IDs. That sounds about right for Russia's military!

According to South Korea's Dong-a Ilbo, regarded as the country's equivalent of the New York Times, relatives of North Korean troops killed in military action in Russia essentially have to keep the deaths secret.

“The authorities gave me a casualty notice for my younger brother, who served in a North Korean special forces unit deployed to Russia. They emphasized not to speak about this to anyone, and made us place a fingerprint on the document.” The U.S.-based Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported on Monday that North Korean authorities had delivered casualty notices for soldiers deployed to Russia to their families, while instructing them not to disclose the information. “After signing the ‘non-disclosure agreement,’ they returned home sobbing over the loss of their loved one,” RFA said, citing a family member from South Pyongan Province.

On Monday, President Zelenskyy reported losses of almost a batallion of Russian and North Korean troops fighting in Kursk oblast. Via The Kyiv Independent.

President Volodymyr Zelensky reported significant losses among Russian and North Korean forces during recent clashes in Russia's southern Kursk region. "In battles yesterday and today near a single village, Makhnovka, in Kursk region, the Russian army lost up to a battalion of North Korean infantry soldiers and Russian paratroops," Zelensky said in his evening address on Jan. 4, citing information from Ukraine's top commander.

So how is North Korean leader Kim Jong-un responding to this ongoing disaster? He's banning hot dogs (and a related dish called hot dog soup) as well as divorce.

Kim Jong-Un 'bans North Koreans from eating hot dog soup' 🌭 🍜

BONUS TRACK: Haven't posted one of these for a while. It's the daily tally of enemy (i.e. Russian) losses compiled by the Armed Forces of Ukraine (Збройні Сили України or ЗСУ for short).

As of 07 January 2025, the ЗСУ estimates a total of 800,010 casualties of Russian forces since the full scale invasion began on 24 February 2022. Presumably that includes foreigners fighting for Putin – like the North Koreans.

FYI: 800,010 is more than four US states and DC. It's a bit under the population of San Fransisco.

Why? Because people like to kill themselves in style.

These pocket-sized tools for igniting a flame are more than just functional—they are cultural icons, artistic statements, and valuable collectibles. Over the years, cigarette lighters have evolved from simple functional devices into exquisite works of craftsmanship, often featuring intricate designs, rare materials, and innovative mechanisms. Whether you are a smoker, a collector, or someone who appreciates vintage accessories, they hold a unique place in history and personal style.

The Evolution 

The concept of a portable flame dates back to the early 19th century when the first mechanical lighters were introduced. These early devices, often referred to as "strike lighters," used a flint and steel mechanism similar to a match. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that they became a mainstream commodity.

One of the most significant breakthroughs came in the 1930s with the invention of the Zippo lighter. George G. Blaisdell revolutionized the market by creating a windproof, refillable lighter with a distinctive hinged lid and metal case. Zippo lighters quickly became popular among soldiers during World War II, further cementing their place in history. Around the same time, European brands such as Dunhill, Ronson, and Cartier introduced luxurious, high-end lighters that catered to elite customers.

By the mid-20th century, disposable lighters entered the market, with BIC leading the way. These inexpensive, mass-produced lighters became a household staple, offering convenience without the need for refueling or replacing parts. Despite the rise of disposable lighters, classic refillable lighters remain prized for their quality and collectibility.

Types of Cigarette Lighters

Flint Wheel Lighters – These lighters, like Zippos, use a small wheel to strike a flint, igniting a wick soaked in lighter fluid. They are known for their durability and ability to work in windy conditions.

Piezoelectric Lighters – Found in many modern butane lighters, these use a quartz crystal to generate a spark, igniting the gas without the need for flint.

Torch Lighters – Also known as jet flame lighters, these produce a strong, wind-resistant blue flame, often used for cigars.

Electronic Lighters – Battery-operated and flameless, these lighters use electric arcs or heated coils to ignite materials.

Table Lighters – Larger and more decorative, these are often found in vintage collections and were popular in the mid-20th century as elegant home accessories.

The Appeal of Collectible Lighters

For collectors, cigarette lighters offer a fascinating mix of history, artistry, and mechanical innovation. Some of the most sought-after lighters include:

Vintage Zippos – With their military history and countless unique designs, Zippo lighters from different decades are highly collectible.

Luxury Lighters – Brands like Cartier, Dunhill, and S.T. Dupont produce high-end lighters crafted from gold, silver, and other precious materials.

Novelty and Promotional Lighters – Many companies have produced unique lighters featuring corporate logos, movie themes, and pop culture references.

Rare Antique Lighters – Early 20th-century lighters with intricate mechanisms and hand-crafted details often fetch high prices at auctions.

Caring for and Maintaining

Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of a cigarette lighter, whether it is a vintage Zippo or a luxury butane model. For refillable lighters, regular refueling with the correct lighter fluid, replacing flints or wicks when necessary, and keeping the ignition mechanism clean ensure smooth operation. Butane lighters should be purged of old gas before refilling to prevent clogs. Additionally, antique and luxury lighters should be stored in dry conditions to prevent corrosion or tarnishing.

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