Cast iron skillet

So my parents were nice enough to buy me a set of cast iron skillets. My father then in formed me that in order for them not to rust you need to 'season' them. His instructions were to put some oil or shortening on them, then out them upside down in the oven and let them stay there for about 3 hours. I asked him how hot it should be and he said "I dunno...as hot as your oven will go?"

So I followed his instructions...

..and learned that our smoke alarm is REALLY loud and was thankful that no one lives below us and we aren't connected by walls to any other residents.

Also, my skillets still rusted :'(