The 560-pound Twitter sign met a fiery end in a Nevada desert
Earlier this year, the 12-foot tall, 560-pound Twitter logo that used to sit atop the company's San Francisco headquarters was auctioned off for $34,000. Now, we know who bought it and what became of the sign: it was blown up in the Nevada desert as part of an elaborate stunt to promote an online marketplace app.
In some ways, "Larry," as the blue Twitter bird was known to former employees, met an end that mirrors the death of the social media platform it once represented: an explosive, expensive spectacle that leaves you wondering what, exactly, was the point of it all.
For Ditchit, a startup hoping to compete with services like Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp, the chance to own — and then blow up — a piece of social media history was a unique opportunity. In the video posted to YouTube, Ditchit attempts to draw some parallels between Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter and its own startup ambitions.
"Elon Musk rebranded Twitter to X to support free expression," the video says. "We're doing the same for local marketplaces." The connection seems tenuous at best, but James Deluca, who oversees Ditchit's PR efforts, says the company's mainstream competitors like OfferUp are "prioritizing profits over the user experience," pointing to high seller fees and other policies that prioritize listings from businesses rather than the "average person who wants to sell in their garage."
Deluca claims the decision to actually blow up the enormous Twitter sign "emerged organically" sometime after Ditchit placed the winning bid. "The initial thought of purchasing the sign was driven by nostalgia," he told Engadget. "Everyone in the office is a tech enthusiast, and we thought it would be cool to own a piece of history."
But any sentimental attachment the company's employees had apparently didn't last long. After paying to move the 12-foot sign from San Francisco to Ditchit's office in Orange County, California, it moved the sign another 250 miles to the desert outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. The company arranged for the controlled explosion to happen at an outdoor "adventure park" that allows visitors to shoot machine guns and drive monster trucks.
Deluca didn't disclose how much the startup spent on the stunt, but said it was "a considerable investment" for the company that launched its app less than a year ago. As part of the effort, Ditchit also rented four Tesla Cybertrucks and hired a 15-person production team to capture the moment from all possible angles. The explosion itself was engineered by a pyrotechnics expert who typically works on film sets. "We wanted to really make a statement and make the scene as dramatic as possible," Deluca said.
Somehow, the explosion isn't quite the end of Larry's story, though. Ditchit says it's selling fragments of the sign it retrieved after the explosion and will list them on its app in a sealed-bid auction beginning today. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Center for American Entrepreneurship, a nonprofit that advocates for startups and lists Meta, Amazon and Google as members of its corporate advisory council.
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Bison Airlighter Introduces Precision Flame and Air-Boost Technology for Faster, Cleaner Fire-Starting in 2025
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For decades, starting a fire has been a balancing act of patience, technique, and a little luck — whether it's for the perfect steak on the grill, a cozy evening by the fireplace, or a campsite gathering under the stars. In 2025, the conversation has shifted toward tools that make this process faster, cleaner, and more controlled. The Bison Airlighter has emerged in these discussions as a modern take on fire-starting, designed to deliver a precise, high-intensity flame while also supplying a blast of air to accelerate ignition. This combination offers a streamlined alternative to matches, lighters, or messy starter fluids, aligning with a growing consumer demand for convenience without sacrificing performance. Explore the full Bison Airlighter and see how it's changing the conversation around fast, controlled fire-starting. SECTION 1: WHY INTEREST IN 'THE FASTEST, EASIEST WAY TO LIGHT A FIRE — GUARANTEED' IS SURGING IN 2025 There has been a noticeable uptick in conversations about faster, cleaner, and more reliable ways to start fires in 2025— both online and around the grill. Social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Reddit's outdoor living communities are full of discussions comparing different fire-starting techniques, from traditional kindling methods to high-tech ignition devices. Google Trends data shows steady growth in searches for phrases like 'best fire starter,' 'fastest way to light a grill,' and 'smokeless campfire lighting,' underscoring a heightened public interest in convenience and control. This interest isn't limited to hardcore outdoor enthusiasts. Urban grillers, weekend campers, and even apartment dwellers with portable fire pits are increasingly seeking tools that make ignition safer and more predictable. Long gone are the days when lighter fluid and matches were the default — modern consumers are looking for gear that's reusable, eco-conscious, and capable of delivering consistent results regardless of conditions. Another factor driving this surge is the influence of content creators in the outdoor cooking space. Popular channels often highlight time-saving tools, showing side-by-side results that make the difference in seconds rather than minutes. The appeal of cutting prep time while still achieving a perfect flame resonates with those who see fire-starting not as a chore, but as part of the overall experience. SECTION 2: BISON AIRLIGHTER'S DESIGN-FIRST RESPONSE TO THESE TRENDS The Bison Airlighter was developed with a clear purpose: to make fire-starting faster, cleaner, and more controlled without sacrificing safety or portability. Its design integrates two core functions — a high-powered flame for ignition and an air-blowing feature to accelerate combustion — into a single handheld device. This combination removes the need for lighter fluid, matches, or multiple tools, appealing to users who value efficiency and precision. The body of the Bison Airlighter is built for durability, using heat-resistant materials that withstand repeated use in a variety of environments. Whether it's lighting charcoal for a backyard barbecue, kindling for a fireplace, or wood for a campsite bonfire, the design is intended to handle a range of fuel types while giving users more control over the ignition process. Equally important is what the Bison Airlighter leaves out. By eliminating chemical accelerants, it reduces the smoke, odor, and residue often associated with fire-starting. This approach not only makes for a cleaner burn but also aligns with the preferences of outdoor cooking enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers who want a safer, more sustainable solution. See why outdoor enthusiasts and backyard chefs are turning to the Bison Airlighter for faster ignition. SECTION 3: MATERIAL SPOTLIGHT – WHAT'S INSIDE THE BISON AIRLIGHTER While most fire-starting tools focus purely on function, the Bison Airlighter takes a materials-first approach that supports both performance and durability. Its core housing is crafted from heat-resistant, high-impact polymers that can withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures without warping or degrading. This ensures the device maintains its structural integrity whether it's used on a backyard patio in summer heat or at a winter campsite in freezing conditions. The internal components feature precision-engineered metal elements designed to direct and sustain the flame while protecting the user's hand from heat transfer. The nozzle design plays a critical role here — it focuses the flame for accuracy while allowing the integrated air-blowing system to feed oxygen directly into the fire, accelerating the burn without scattering embers. Another key consideration in the materials selection is weight. The Bison Airlighter's balance of sturdy construction and lightweight portability makes it easy to handle for extended periods. This is particularly valuable for campers, grill masters, and fireplace users who may need to direct the flame over multiple ignition points. By using materials that combine heat resistance, strength, and ergonomic comfort, the Bison Airlighter is positioned as a long-term, reusable tool in an era where many fire-starting solutions are still disposable. SECTION 4: WHAT REDDIT, PODCASTS & TIKTOK CREATORS ARE SAYING Online conversations in 2025 have turned fire-starting into more than just a practical necessity — it's now part of a lifestyle conversation. On Reddit, camping and grilling communities are filled with posts discussing the most efficient ways to get a flame going without frustration. Many users share side-by-side comparisons of traditional methods versus modern ignition tools, noting how newer devices save time and reduce the need for messy accelerants. TikTok creators have also played a significant role in driving interest in tools like the Bison Airlighter. Short, visually engaging videos show the device lighting charcoal or kindling in seconds, often paired with side-by-side demonstrations of slower methods. These clips tend to focus on real-world scenarios, such as prepping for a family cookout or starting a campfire in challenging weather conditions, which helps viewers see practical value in the technology. Podcasts dedicated to outdoor living, grilling, and survival skills have likewise touched on the growing trend toward controlled, eco-friendly fire-starting tools. Guests often mention that reducing the reliance on lighter fluid not only makes for cleaner cooking but also aligns with broader environmental priorities — a message that resonates with both seasoned enthusiasts and casual backyard grillers. This blend of user-generated content, practical demonstrations, and lifestyle framing is helping shape the public's perception of what makes a fire-starting tool worth investing in. Learn why the Bison Airlighter is becoming a go-to tool for grilling, camping, and home fireplaces. SECTION 5: WHO MIGHT BE DRAWN TO THIS TYPE OF SOLUTION IN 2025 The Bison Airlighter appeals to a broad spectrum of users, from dedicated outdoor enthusiasts to homeowners who simply want an easier way to light a fire. For campers, its combination of flame and air acceleration offers a dependable way to get a fire going quickly, even in damp or windy conditions. Grill masters appreciate its ability to ignite charcoal evenly without resorting to chemical starters that can affect flavor. Backyard entertainers are another audience drawn to this type of tool. For those who host frequent barbecues or outdoor gatherings, speed and reliability matter — guests don't want to wait while someone battles with stubborn coals or damp wood. The Bison Airlighter's portability means it can also transition easily from the grill to a fire pit, keeping the evening moving without interruption. Even those who primarily use indoor fireplaces can find value here. A fast, controlled ignition source eliminates the need for messy fire-starting aids and can make the process safer, particularly when paired with good ventilation practices. For eco-conscious households, the fact that the device reduces reliance on disposable lighters and chemical accelerants adds an extra layer of appeal. Whether the goal is to light a campfire under the stars or get dinner started on a busy weeknight, the Bison Airlighter fits neatly into a lifestyle that values efficiency, control, and versatility. SECTION 6: EMERGING OUTDOOR COOKING & FIRE-STARTING INNOVATION – 2025 MARKET REFLECTIONS The outdoor cooking and fire-starting market in 2025 reflects a clear trend: consumers want tools that combine speed, precision, and sustainability without adding complexity to their routines. This shift is visible across product categories, from portable grills to eco-friendly fuel sources, and it's driving demand for devices like the Bison Airlighter that bridge the gap between traditional techniques and modern technology. One of the strongest market drivers is the movement toward cleaner burns. Home chefs and campers alike are looking to reduce the use of lighter fluid and chemical starters, both for environmental reasons and to avoid unwanted flavors in food. At the same time, consumers expect fire-starting tools to work efficiently in real-world conditions, whether that's a damp forest or a windy patio. This expectation has fueled innovation in flame control, portability, and multipurpose functionality. Another notable factor is the growing influence of online demonstration culture. With so many products vying for attention, tools that can deliver instant, visible results in short videos tend to gain traction quickly. The Bison Airlighter's ability to produce a strong flame and immediate ignition is a natural fit for this type of content, making it more discoverable among audiences seeking practical, results-oriented gear. By aligning with these broader consumer priorities — speed, control, eco-consciousness, and demonstrable performance — the Bison Airlighter sits squarely within the next wave of outdoor living innovations. Discover what makes the Bison Airlighter stand out in the new era of clean, efficient fire-starting. 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SECTION 9: CONTACT Bison – Tools Engineered for Precision and Performance – Tools Engineered for Precision and Performance Email : [email protected] : [email protected] Phone (US): 1-845-477-5049 Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only. The content herein does not constitute safety, fire-starting, or survival advice. The Bison Airlighter is not intended to replace safe fire-handling practices or guarantee successful ignition in all conditions. Individual results may vary based on fuel type, environmental factors, and usage technique. Some links in this release may be promotional in nature and may lead to third-party websites. The publisher or author may receive compensation through affiliate commissions if a purchase is made through these links. This compensation does not affect the price you pay and helps support continued research and content publication. 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