Restoring the lost art of Manliness

   So in my meanderings across the wide world of the internet, I stumbled across one of the finest websites I've seen in a long time, http://artofmanliness.com/ . The site describes, with articles, photos, and charm, exactly how to "be a man". Now, I'm not talking about a gelled hair, gold chain wearing "Jersey Shore" type of man. Nor am I talking about a Rambo style muscled up bruiser type of man. No, this site is a step-by-step tutorial on how to be a real man; a well spoken, well groomed, erudite gentleman of an old school caliber. Think Cary Grant at his finest. Think Ernest Hemingway, minus the debauchery. Think Theodore Roosevelt, in his rough riding, bear hunting, pre-presidential days. This site explains, with amazingly well written articles, how to shoot a gun, cook a 4 course meal, dress with style for a first interview, and every other skill a true man's man should know.
   Perusing the website and finding myself more fascinated with each click, I began to think of how watered down our modern society's idea of "manliness" is. All too often, Hollywood and television portray a false perception of what a true man is; bulging muscles, trendy t-shirts, and flagrant profanity towards all who offend him. We've lost sight of what truly defines manhood, which the site describes as "Style, articulation, and intelligence". I could not agree more. When I think of the most "manly" examples in the fire service, I think of a true firefighter; someone who can crack a solid core door open with a Haligan in 3 seconds flat, but who is also the loving father of several kids who want to grow up to be just like him. You know the type; the ones who open doors for ladies, are the life of every party, and can hold a reasoned discourse on the benefits of initial fire attack with a deuce and a half vs. multiple smaller handlines for hours.
  So here's my challenge, men- be an example, not just in the firehouse, but in your daily lives. Look good in a suit. Learn to shave with a straight razor. Discover the difference between a single malt and a blended Scotch. Grow a mustache. Study Aristotle's treatise on reasoned debate. Live long, live well, and live like a man's man!