If the ignition cylinder has seized, spraying a small amount of electrical cleaner into the key hole may lubricate it enough to turn.  Be careful not to spray too much into the key hole. A few short squirts should suffice. Once done, insert the key and turn it back and forth gently to work the lubricant in. If this works, you may need to replace the ignition cylinder soon as it gets progressively worse. Debris caught in the ignition can prevent the key from turning, which will prevent the steering wheel from unlocking. Purchase canned air from a local retail or office supply store and insert the straw from the nozzle directly into the key hole. It should only take a few short sprays to clean out any debris. Put on eye protection before spraying canned air into the key hole to prevent debris from getting into your eyes. If there was any debris stuck to the key when you inserted it, it may have gotten caught in the pins of the ignition cylinder. Insert the key completely, then slide it back out. Repeat the process a few times to try to move any debris that may be caught in the cylinder.  If this works, the issue will likely continue to occur until the debris is cleaned out from the ignition cylinder. Use canned air to clean out the lock cylinder if this method worked. If your key won't turn when you insert it into the ignition it may be because the key has been damaged. Rounded or chipped teeth on the key will no longer engage the pins in the ignition cylinder to the depth necessary to spin it. Any of these could result in the key failing to turn in the ignition, which will also prevent the wheel from being unlocked.  You will need a replacement key if the key is too damaged to turn the ignition cylinder. Do not copy a damaged key. A replacement will have to be cut by a dealership that works with vehicles of your make and model.

Summary: Use a small dose of electrical cleaner in the key hole. Spray canned air into the ignition. Gently slide the key in and out a number of times. Ensure the key is not bent or damaged.


This is an ideal process if you want to create a white, aged or mineralized look. You may even be able to create a little bit of rust in some areas. Choose 80-grit sandpaper. Rub away at the surface until the shininess and slickness of the finish is gone. Wipe down the piece to clear away any debris. You may also want to spread a plastic sheet on the ground to protect it from exposure to the chemicals. Wear safety glasses, gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt. Toilet bowl cleaner can be pretty strong stuff. It can ruin your clothes and irritate your skin and eyes if you come in direct contact. Hold the bottle with one hand and move the metal so the liquid pours over the surface of the metal until it is completely coated. Dip a steel wool pad in the cleaner and rub it all over the metal object. Be sure to get any handles or similar areas as well. Apply cleaner as needed until the entire surface is covered. You will be able to actually see the metal aging before your eyes. If you aren't happy with the results, let the metal soak a bit longer. You can use your rubber gloves to help wipe away the cleaner as you rinse. Be sure all of the chemicals are removed and disposed of safely. Dry the metal off before using.

Summary: Find a galvanized or grey metal object. Sand the surface of the metal with a sander or sanding block. Place the metal object in an open or well-ventilated area. Pour an acid toilet bowl cleaner on the metal. Allow the cleaner to sit on the object in a fairly even layer for 30 minutes. Rinse off the metal object.


The best time to raise crepe myrtles is in late fall, winter, or early spring, just after the plant's cold weather dormant season. You can also hold off until fall or winter roll around, provided you live in a region with mild temperatures where the ground does not regularly freeze.  If you wait until fall or winter to plant your crepe myrtles, they won’t begin sprouting leaves until the weather warms up.  Avoid planting crepe myrtles at the tail end of summer. Without the necessary warmth, the tree won’t be able to survive. Crepe myrtles need lots of light to flourish. If possible, choose a location that receives a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. An open stretch near the center of your yard or garden is usually the best place to situate a young crepe myrtle.  Plant your crepe myrtle a sufficient distance away from your home, tall fence lines, and other objects that might cast too much shade. A crepe myrtle can be perfect for filling in sections of landscaping that are too hot or bright for more temperate plants. If the soil you’re growing on is particularly dense or sandy, it may be helpful to mix in a little peat moss or well-rotted manure. These additives help the soil retain key moisture and nutrients. You can also use garden compost or a few handfuls of native plant food, as long as it’s evenly distributed throughout the entire plant bed.  Crepe myrtle has no problem getting by on basic nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous, which are found in most commercial fertilizer mixes. Inconsistent pockets of poorly-mixed fertilizer in the soil can stall the development of healthy roots.

Summary: Plant crepe myrtles late in the year. Pick out a sunny spot for your growing site. Amend dry soil with organic material to make it more hospitable.


Although each battle facility has its own set of rules, the following rules apply to all facilities:  Eggs are not allowed. In addition, the following Legendary Pokémon are ineligible to participate – Mewtwo, Mew, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi and Deoxys. No duplicate items: Pokémon registered for a challenge cannot be holding two of the same item. For example, if you have a Pikachu and Electrike in your team, they both cannot be holding a Magnet. As long as this rule is observed, all items are allowed. No money or experience (Exp.) points will be awarded after a battle. Also, any Pokémon encountered in a facility will not be recorded in the Pokédex, even if you have never seen it before. The use of your Bag and any items included are prohibited during battle. Give your Pokémon any necessary items before beginning a challenge. Because the Battle Frontier is a dynamic area with different facilities and battling rules, you need to ensure that you have Pokémon specially trained for each facility. They need to have the proper Natures and moves, as well as any helpful Abilities. It is also advantageous to have your Pokémon EV trained. Find out more about EV training here: How to EV Train your Pokémon In order to face the Frontier Brain of a facility, you will need to achieve certain winning streaks. Depending on the facility, this may entail winning battles consecutively, or clearing a set amount of rooms or floors for each challenge. Because keeping a winning streak alive is a daunting task, it may take a while before you can encounter a Frontier Brain for either the Silver or Gold Symbol challenge. Don’t give up! Should you earn all 7 Gold Symbols, your Trainer card will go up in rank. BP are awarded after each challenge, and the amount awarded will depend on the facility and how well you battle. These BP can be exchanged at the Exchange Service Corner for items, vitamins, or Secret Base decorations. Use your BP to purchase helpful items that will aid you in your challenges.
Summary: Know the Rules. Make sure your Pokémon are sufficiently prepared and trained. Persevere. Use your Battle Points (BP) wisely.