One thing that I noticed when I just re-read the post - the reason your Zippo didnt' work was because the flint was out.

Did you consider using the BlastMatch or the matches to ignite the wick in the Zippo? It would have given you a longer lasting flame than just the matches alone. In effect, you could use the Zippo as you would a candle.
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"The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled."
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