Simplicity Is Key Often enough, the simple things in life are the ones that get taken for granted; the ones thoughtlessly brushed aside, the small, discrete objects that get used time after time but never receive the recognition they rightfully deserve. Countless objects fall into this category, however, only one object can open the doors for all the others — the key. The key that I've chosen to write about not only opens doors, but it starts fires, frees horses, unlocks miles of road, and turns wheels. My car key is more than just a key. My car key is a symbol of freedom, and a beacon of pride. Dangling from the maroon and gold "ASU" lanyard, the easy to recognize triangular key rests in its place between two other smaller keys. The black rubber body is a firm, containing a non-slip coating. The decade old design incorporates the distinct "MITSUBISHI" lettering across the top; each indented letter contains traces of grime and grease. The oblong hole through the top center of the key's bow cradles a silver key ring. A long silver blade protrudes from the black symmetrical body of the key, filled with the same grime and grease. The two main grooves are worn, but maintain their original characteristics. They retain a sharp and direct path down the length of the blade. The ignition barrel of the married car has taken its toll on the key. The once shiny silver surface, now a glittering gold; the nickel plating worn away, exposing the brass base beneath. The once sharp edges of the six teeth, now worn and rounded. The exact number of times the key has been turned is an unknown, but the slight twist in the blade indicates it being highly used. The oldest known lock was found by archeologists in the Khorsabad palace ruins near Nineveh, an ancient Assyrian city on the eastern bank of the Tigris River. Estimated to be 4,000 years old, it was an early predecessor to the modern pin and tumbler type locks, and was a common Egyptian lock for the time. The lock worked using a large wooden bolt to secure a door, which had a slot with several holes in its upper surface. The holes were filled with wooden dowels that prevented the bolt from being lifted. The first all-metal lock and key appeared between the years 870 and 900 (estimated), and are attributed to the English craftsmen. Wealthy Romans often kept their valuables in secure boxes within their households, and they wore the keys as rings on their fingers. The practice had two benefits: keeping the key ready at all times, and as a status symbol, inferring the wearer had valuables to protect. But, without a car, the car key is rendered useless. Since the earliest cars, a key has been needed to direct energized power to the sparking system in order to propel the car. However, 1949 was the first year Chrysler implemented an ignition barrel design where the car starts by turning the ignition key slightly beyond the 'ignition on' position. Then when released, the key automatically returns to 'ignition on' position allowing for normal driving use. This particular key belongs to a silver 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX. The rare all wheel drive turbo model was first produced in 1989 by Diamond Star Motors. Marketed as a midrange two door sports coupe, the Eclipse held its own in the US and European markets becoming popular tuner cars. The 4g63 engine is easy to work on and easy to modify without breaking the bank, resulting in the high popularity. In 1995, the Eclipse model received a facelift, marking the start of the second generation coupe. This model was featured in the hit 2001 film "The Fast and the Furious." This key is found in Happy Valley, Oregon; a middle class, slightly wealthier portion of Portland, where most families can own and drive multiple automobiles. The home protecting the key is a medium sized, two story American style house. A hooked rack on the first floor near the kitchen hung the key where the colorful lanyard set it apart from the other key sets