Baptism

PANAMA CITY, FLA – On the banks of West Bay in Panama City, Fla, two miles from where the now tattered building in which 1st Squadron, 153rd Cavalry Regiment is headquartered, 1st Lt. Shaun S. Fitzgerald opened a new chapter in his life by being baptized on October 17, 2018.

“I was just baptized by Chaplain Williams with the 1-153rd Cav,” said Fitzgerald still wet from the bay. “Once Chaplain Williams learned of all the frustrations I had with trying to get baptized, he offered to do it here.”

“This was my first military baptism as a military chaplain,” said Chaplain (Capt.) Jacob S. Williams. “So it was special to me.”

Fitzgerald and Williams are members of members of 1st Squadron, 153rd Cavalry Regiment and have served in the unit together for about five years. During that time, they have developed a special relationship.

“I’ve know him for a couple of years now,” said Williams. “I’ve developed a relationship with him we joke around a lot and we have a good time together, but I felt like it was a good opportunity to get this done before we leave this place.”

“I wanted to have somebody, who is a religious figure that actually means something to me, baptize me,” said Fitzgerald. “Being a military chaplain is a little bit different than any other type of chaplain because as a chaplain he is there in the austere environments with us and he puts himself into really vulnerable situations as he supports our Soldiers first hand and not just with religious means, but with any other type of problems they have.”

Fitzgerald and Chaplain Williams are currently activated in support of Hurricane Michael Relief efforts.

“I didn’t want to take away from what we were doing here, but I thought it was kind of symbolic that there is all this devastation going around yet the opportunity presented itself,” said Fitzgerald. “This is my fifth hurricane I’ve been activated for and you get to see the worse in people and you also see the best of people. And I always try to focus on the best things.”

“I thought it was interesting that it was during this hurricane response,” said Williams. In the midst of all this heartache we can find this moment of peace through this ceremony.”

Silent Hill cosplays

So I wanted to do a Pyramid Head cosplay for myself and have my girlfriend go as one of the nurses. So for nearly two months I worked to create these two creatures.

I started with a 36' by 48' red cardboard display board (the kind you see at science fairs). I chose red because my two options were white, or red at my local store. I figured red would be easier to cover, and if it did end up chipping some or peeling it wouldn't throw off the look too much. I wish I still had the photos of my early work because it's almost impossible to understand the simple starting platform it all came from.

The first step was to get a shape. I needed three triangles, one for each side of the head, and one to create the back of the helmet. I knew 48 inches was the smallest and for my frame unfortunately, the largest I could go while still getting that look. I worked around getting the angle just right. I can't recall the number that worked, but once I got the first cut, I just used the first cut as a template for the second cut, and done. Now I had to fill the back with the third piece. This was extremely difficult to get right. You could make two pieces as others have done, but I didn't have a clamp soft enough to hold the two I already had, and I'm thankful I didn't try because I spent a good hour just trying to hold it up. I had to do this twice. I messed up once, thinking I could just use the back as a template. I somehow ended up with a piece too small to fill the gap. So I used that piece to create one I knew would be too large, and then shaved it to fit.

This sounds simple, but by the end, just getting it to a point where it was ready to be stuck together took almost four hours by itself. I used painter's tape to hold the form as I went to town on the entire structure with a hot-glue gun. I knew the end product would cover up and make the glue look good so I just filled any edge with glue that I could.  It dried well, and was surprisingly sturdy.

The next step was to cut out eyelets. I am a big fan of being able to see, so I cut massive eyelets which would cause me issues later. I now I had a simple head created.

I knew I wanted to create armor looking plates, like they were welded together, so I used EVA foam strips, cut them into rectangles and spray-painted them black with black textured outdoor Rustolleum. I will admit I also screwed up on the side piping, I should have made it come out on its own, but I just took a pvc pipe and painted it black, and glued it on. Crap work on my part. Now with the EVA strips painted I put a coat of black across the head. With the first coat of everything dry I glued the EVA parts around the edges to do two things. 1) Cover up the carboard sides 2) Create plate like look. Worked great. The foam with glue looked like welded metal. I took bolts and screws and glued them on and it finished the look I wanted. I took copper paint to add to the look, I knew painting wasn't done yet, but wanted to get the base to look solid first.

The next step here that gave me a headache was covering the eyelets. Remember I said I cut them large, I figured I could get a thick screen material that was one way and put that across and it would be dark enough. Wrong, I double layered it and it was still very easy to see through. I had to think of some way to address this, I also needed to add a base trim, more coats of paint, and worse, it wasn't level, I needed a counter weight!

Here is the attempt at the helmet to this point.

 To solve the weight issue, I took real copper water pipes and painted them black. I used them on the back to create the industrial look, and they worked well. Their weight was perfect and kept the helmet centered. I put two more coats of paint on, and began to add brown and red to put in that old blood and rust look. I also cut two strips of cardboard for the trimming and put them along the bottom. I Then took a dremel to shave them to fit right.

I was really upset with how it was looking. Also, I found out that when wearing it the back was showing my hair, and I have short cut hair meaning my head was peaking out. To solve this I ended up taking another piece of cardboard and increasing the length creating a plan like look hanging off the back. I literally screwed it on which helped give it a good look. I also got another dark sheer material which I used to line the inside.

I then decided that shoulder cuts did not look right when I wore it, instead of giving up on the project like I wanted to at this point, I did something similar to what I did to the back. I created armor plate covers.

I needed a break from the head. So I went to work on both his apron and on the nurse outfit. For the apron I bought two white aprons from amazon, a short and a long. The long would be used for the back and the front would be used to cover the front. For the nurse outfit I found a supplier of simple nurse uniforms for nursing graduation and bought a white one. All three items would get three soakings in hot coffee to create an aged look. I also added the first wave of paint coloration on my apron to start creating that grit look. Liking what I saw I took a butane lighter to the edges of both outfits. I then proceeded to mark it with charcoal, paint in both brown, red, black and copper. I used red mixed with brown for old blood, and used special effects blood for fresh smears.

Next was to begin working on the head of the Nurse. I thought at first I would just wrap my girlfriend in bandages and then paint the bandages, but I wanted something that could be kept and reused and have the same look. So I went with plaster. Buying three rolls of thin cut plaster, I then took a plastic bag which I used to cover my girlfriend's head as I dipped the strips in water. I created the base of the mask by putting a X across her face and then simple wrapped her head in haphazard laps to create that bandage look. Carefully pulling the semi dry mask off her face, we placed the mask on a foam head and allowed it to dry over night.

Using a base of black acrylic paint I created dark edges where blood would be added and lots of black around the eyelets to help conceal the eyes when it was finished. I used red mixed with brown to start creating a dried blood look and placed that in areas that I then blackened. I used more black on a brush with light drags to create burn like marks across the plaster. I did attempt to burn the plaster with a lighter, it did not work very well and took too long, so paint was the only way.

 I then bought special effects blood that is made to dry looking wet. I filled in the opening with this gel and made the eyelets darker with red. I let my girlfriend continue to paint and add blood as she wanted since she would be the one wearing it. She added more black, more red, and had fun adding blood across it all.

Now I had to return to the pyramid head. I decided to blast it all with more coats of paint, focused on adding small rust detail with brown and copper. I then took random combinations of red/brown/black and smeared it across the areas with my hands. I then took the special effects blood from the nurse above and just allowed it to be poured across it at random.

I was much happier with it at this point.

Now we needed to add the finishing touches to it all. We took out outfits and using cheap halloween blood in a squirt bottle, we blasted the outfits with blood splatters. I bought a cheap fake spear, and using the bronze paint and blood repainted it from grey to brown. My girlfriend used a halloween hypodermic needle with a glow stick in the middle for her weapon. She also added a nurse hat to the top, she aged it the same method as we did the tops and aprons.

To give our own skin the ghastly look, we used white body paint, a water activated makeup set to make our bodies pale. I soaked one hand in blood and felt good about it. And that's it!

The Convention

I had a great time at the convention last Saturday (8/20/2016) and got the opportunity to meet some amazing local talent. I did not participate in the costume contest this year since my costume was not ready and I refused to attend without a complete outfit; however, I did show off my personal chest reactor (see pics below for proof).

 

Walking in, it started off with a bang. Thankfully I was worth more alive, and more so, was able to escape.

  Soon after my escape, I ran into a member from the Northern Army seeking to eradicate zombies. His pup was somewhat, stoic, but claimed I was infected. No worries, I'm a billionaire, playboy, philanthropist, I was walking fine within the hour.
His efforts can be seen here:
 www.facebook.com/Army-Group-North-Cosplay

Oddly enough remnants of INGEN were found in the area. Some poor creature decided the front wheel of the abandoned vehicle was a safe location for a nest. Oh, if only Grant could see us now. The vehicle along with an unseen Mystery Machine van are all works from a Justin Webb who can be viewed here:

www.etsy.com/shop/CosplayincShop

 My journey taught me not all demons are horrible, some are just photogenic.

 Evading zombies, demons, and bounty hunters I met E.M. Smith, author of The Shadow of Olympus after a short talk, I acquired the book and received a nice hand written note inside. You can't really be an author without reading, and I look forward to reading his book. It can be purchased here:

https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Olympus-Book-Lowellsville-Chronicles/dp/1478741775

 Then soon after I met T.S. Barnett, author of the series Under the Devil's Wing which as she said in her own words was her attempt to create a character with no redeemable qualities (so, me?), I am excited to see how she went about her work, and you know, seeing her dressed up as Mad Max helped a lot. You can follow her on twitter at @TS_Barnett or Instagram: tsbarnowl. Her website is located here: 

tsbarnett.com

Another author I had the distinct pleasure of meeting is Jeremy Laszlo, author of multiple books but more notably to me the series Left Alive, and he has a van covered in zombies! His lovely wife also creates coloring books of intricate detail, both were great company and I spent a bit at their booth, having fun discussing writing and publishing options.  His work can been seen and purchased on his Facebook profile located here:

www.facebook.com/bloodandbrotherhood

or

www.jeremylaszlo.com

 Another example of custom pieces you could pick up at the convention is this handcrafted wood box. Inside the light source is a tea light (or so you think). It'll accompany me on many of my future writing adventures.

 I got to see some incredible work in regards to Steampunk and decor, the gentleman obviously spends a lot of time and effort into creating unique weapons and accessories. I was unable to picture or purchase any major end items; however, above are two examples of small items his partner creates. Being a writer of horror, it was an easy pick for me. 

His work can be viewed and purchased at:

blackflamcreations.com 

 Dr. Maw greeting an astroidmech droid.

 What can I say? Harley Quinn has a soft spot for guys with Arch Reactors in their chest.

Here is another great example of the amazing work that people dedicate themselves to. The kind lady at Pagemaster Studio takes beloved books and creates 3D standing memorials to their source material.... from the source material itself! Her work can be seen here:

www.facebook.com/PagemasterStudio

Another great worker who I now regret not getting any photos of (either of him or his work) is the owner, maker and mad scientist behind DemonCrafts. What really pulled me towards his work was a steampunk style, self contained, solar panel box. You can link your devices to it, and keep your outfit running all day, and in style! But looking at his other work, he has a great line of affordable leather armor and accessories. He allowed me to try out one of his shoulder pieces and examine in depth his pistol belt which he had crafted. Patrick "Demon" Taylor also does custom ordered work, so he doesn't know it yet, but he'll utilized for many of my own personal endeavors!

His work can be seen here:

www.DemonCrafts.com

or

www.facebook.com/DemonCrafts 

Then there is the story of my (temporary) arrest. Gotham Police Department had caught onto my evil doings and arrested my female compatriot and myself. Of course, unbeknownst to them, I am an amazing escape artist and Arkam Asylum could not contain me for long. Comic CONvics is a great fun way to raise money. Basically you place a bounty on anyone, and the police go out and arrest them. They are then taken in to be photographed for a mugshot. Proceeds all go to the Ronald McDonald House. Their work can be seen here:
  www.facebook.com/Comic-Convicts

 

The Dangerous Nomad

  The sun was a bright yolk yellow, missing it's usual white glow, as if something in the air tainted its color. The dusty dirt put off its own bright shine back, rocks left exposed were scorched black on the exposed side, submissive to the heat. Everything hid from the sun in the day. What plants tried to grow, wilted under the constant beating from the rays.
 The Land Cruiser rocked as the tires met asphalt again from its journey off the beaten path. With the lack of operating A/C the owner conducted surgery, and had removed all the windows except for the windshield itself. The inside was stripped bare, either from the owner or from theft no one could tell. The driver, an emaciated man, skin black as oil with a bare head that formed perfect droplets of sweat to run down into his stained white wife-beater. His cooked smile was broken by both the deep chapped lips and the yellow unaligned teeth when he parted his lips, which was often, as he did not share the shame his western counterparts had for crooked teeth.
 Nick sat in back seat, the buckle was broken, so he kept his arm on the back rest for both comfort and support on the bumpy roads. Under his dark hair he wore his aviators reflected every image that went speeding by, elongated, and stretched but never to be seen again. His light, white button up shirt was beginning to become wet from the few moments the vehicle slowed and the movement's breeze would stop. He had expected heat, and did not wear an undershirt. His cargo shorts, though appropriate, were beginning to feel hot as well. His socks began to collect sweat around the ankles of his low hiking boots. Even the stumble from not shaving for two days was beginning to feel too much for the heat.
 The driver saw him in the rear view mirror.
 "Hot, yes sir?"
 "Yeah, a little."
 "You are lucky," the driver said making a point with one finger, "it just passed the hottest part, sir."
 "Lovely." Nick looked out the side window.
 The sweats beaded off every passing face, whose  bodies hide in the limited shade which is thrown by the haphazardly built buildings around them. The inhabitants, having nothing better to do, were content to remain seated waiting for the heat to subside, or the khat to kick in. The only real commerce the people actively partook in was the consumption of a narcotic in the form of a leaf called khat. The people, like those in the surroundings countries, would purchase the leaves in the early morning and spend the entire day chewing khat in mouths full so that by night, the cocaine like effects made the towns more lively. Continuing on, the only sign the people were in fact, not drones assigned to be stationary, were the occasional children that ran to the street, their hand up in front of their mouths, going back and forth like raising a bottle. The accepted sign of begging westerners for water.
 The driver yelled at the a pair of boys who came too close to being hit by him.
 "The children, you must be careful," he said against accenting his words with his finger, "they will beg and rob you while asking for more."
 "I'm sure." He truly did believe the driver. Nick had been a few places in world, and in each armpit he went to, children were notorious thieves. His younger years spent in Afghanistan, it wasn't uncommon for kind American soldiers to give out candy without realizing one was stealing the contents of his pockets. Slovakia was by far the worse, the children would literally pack up on a westerner in the wrong place, sometimes resulting in the death of the westerner.
 As they drove they passed men in fatigues, each carrying weapons that looked as brittle and worn as the fingers that held them. As they came closer and closer to the center of the city, more and more men in uniforms littered the street like the trash that littered the rest of the country. In singles and pairs they stood or walked the heated streets. Ants, ants that walked high and tall, ready to defend their little hill.
 The vehicle stopped outside of a horseshoe structure. Three stories tall, the Langle Hotel was the nicest building standing and in operation. There was the abandoned Ivanovitch Trade Union building that was 6 stories, and aesthetically nicer, but vacant. The building was spotted with areas where a/c units hung out from windows, and others where windows stood open to the daily heat like open sores.
 Nick handed the driver a roll of cash, American, and worth more than the actual service asked. Nick climbed out of the car as the driver counted his cash in the driver's seat. Nick dragged a small backpack carrying his only other two change of clothes. With the bag slung over one shoulder he headed into the Langle Hotel.
 The lobby was divided into two dedicated sections which bled together. The hotel's reception desk on the left, and the bar on the right. It was dark, and cool inside. Large fans spun along the ceiling, the wiring exposed as if not fully installed yet. The bar was a modern Casablanca, patrons from around the world, friend and foe sat side by side. They chatted, whispered, and arranged all matter of works. A pair of reporters sat in one corner, their cameras still strung around their necks. A listless smoke cluttered the air, yet no one smoked inside.
 A man rose from a side table, white, older, in a sport coat, jeans, and soft silk shirt. He waved to Nick. Paul Rayburn had 5 years on Nick, but he looked like he had a full ten. His face was lean, and long, his hair was combed back, but it naturally stuck up like he'd been shocked, and the silver that grew from the center of his head made it seem all the more comical.
 Nick and Paul both smiled, and each smile came from warmth of a familiar face long not seen. They grabbed hands in a shake but pulled each other into a tight embrace.
 "Have a seat with me Nick, I hope the flight wasn't too bad."
 "Oh no, only a single stop in Germany, but the drive in was another story." Nick sat in the rough wooden chair, leaning back and setting one foot up upon his other knee.
 "Most would just it's a third world, but in the city isn't too bad."
 "Smoother, but more uniforms than I expected." Nick looked around the room. "More diversity than I expected too, that's for sure."
 "Lots of trade goes through here, lots of eyes. But, that brings with it a lot of trouble, lots of trouble."
 Nick had read some of the articles that Paul had sent him before coming. Last year there was a bombing and shooting. Followed in six months was a suicide bombing. Just as the western countries were beginning to shut off travel, an American contract worker sent here to help set up power lines was kidnapped, ransomed, and decapitated.
 "So I've read."
 "And where there's trouble there's work, well for guys like us."
 "So what is the work? You said personal protection."
 "It's exactly that." Paul had this habit of looking away as he took in a raspy breath before telling the hard truth. "There's a wealthy American family here, the husband is here competing for the railways. Losing might I say that too. He has his wife and daughter here. With all the..." Paul waved his hand through the air as he would to shoo away a fly "things happening, he wants his family protected. The simple fact is Nick, things are getting hostile, and being a westerner here, I wouldn't blame him. Cute wife, sweet daughter. Once he wraps up his work," he said nodding in his own agreement "they should be leaving."
 "When do you think they'll leave?"
 "If I were him, tomorrow. But with his business wrapped up here," he said again waving his hand through the air as in the imaginary insect had returned, "probably in the next 6 months."






.........................................................................~...........................................................................................
Thank you for sticking with me on this long over due post. As I mentioned before I went through a rough patch. I have been gone from the United States for several long months and I am preparing to return. With that I have had to change massive parts of my life back in the U.S. and arrange for my arrival on my own, with this of course my writings slowed down.
I recently also have come to the conclusion that I will need to seek a new editor as the deadline I was given for Enigma in the Stars was missed and I refuse to delay that book any longer than absolutely necessary.
Of course I come with good news as well. Aside from my rapidly approaching return, my writings have continued. The excerpt above is from a third story idea which came to along with my travels. I thought about just writing it privately and refining later but decided it was a great chance to post here.
For those of you interested in meeting the writer or just similar interests, I will be attending the Pensacola ComicCon, August 20th.
For those more interested in the active lifestyle, I will also be attending the CrackerBox Spartan Race in December. I hope to see some of you there!

December 7, 1941 and Today

James M. Fitzgerald was on the USS Henley 74 years ago. The Henley was credited with shooting down the first Zero in WWII that morning and it was one of only three ships that made it out of the harbor. The Chief volunteered for subs upon his return to Pearl. He then spent three years on war patrol in the Pacific. One of the “boats” he served on as Chief Engineer was the famous USS Bowfin, now on display at the Pearl Harbor memorial in Hawaii. 

I never got to meet my grandfather, I heard about him all the time, and the great adventures he was on in the Pacific. He was one of those heroes you get to hear about, always want to meet, but somewhere in the deep immature mind of a child realize, you never really will get to. He's the guy who Americans want to idolize, a winner The American who when out numbered, on a crippled submarine, and ordered the submarine to head directly towards a Japanese battleship, and won. 

My grandfather, and thousands of troops like him, woke up on that infamous morning not expecting anything in particular. But as fate would have it, they were cast into the fray of a war that had consumed every corner of the globe. American boys would be sent to lands far away on two separate fronts, and it would take the American people a miserable and frightening 4 years before they would get to see their loved ones return, if they would get to see them return. The war would claim over 60 million lives by the time it would end in 1945.

Why do we remember Pearl Harbor? Pearl Harbor was a lonely military outpost on a chain of islands, the islands not a state for 21 more years. A military attack, a surprise, but no more than any other attack. An attack that seems so distant now, and overshadowed by our more recent history against new enemies striking at the heartland. 

We remember Pearl Harbor, because like the attack on the Twin Towers, life for America would be forever different. But there is something else we must always hold dear to the remembrance of  Pearl Harbor. America had been suffering, a great economic distress still plagued her, and despite the news of horrors from Europe, America could not motivate herself for a war on the behalf of a people on the other side of the world. But with a single event, America awoke. America rallied to her friends, and the economic giant took off. A military that was behind the technological curve boomed, industries were established with such sufficiency that massive bombers were turned out not in days, but in hours. A people who had no heart for anything beyond their door were now conserving and donating and pledging their lives to causes in two theaters of war. 

America made a decision, she could have recoiled, lifted the embargo she had placed on Japan, stopped supplying the Australians and British, and licked her wounds from a crippling naval defeat. But instead, America rose, there was no political correctness about calling the evils in Europe any more, and Americans set out to eradicate evil. 

Pearl Harbor is remembered for many reasons, but ultimately it is because no matter the generation, or how far separated the people may become of her government and political decisions, they are still Americans. There still beats the heart of the dragon that once arose, and could arise again, the heart of winners still beat. 

To be a Gentleman in the 21st Century

We have heard that chivalry is dead. Well, good, chivalry has nothing to do with being a gentleman and everything to do with being a knight. Last I checked, we weren't still lancing each other off of horses to prove points, we have tanks now for that. But what we can take from chivalry, is the expectation and ideal mannerisms of a knight. Of course, for our century this needs to be add to. 

So what makes a gentleman? Generally speaking, we can all identify men who are gentlemen, but not necessarily what all attributes to being a gentleman. Being polite is only the tip of the iceberg. We all know someone who is polite, but we wouldn't necessarily call them a gentleman.  

1. Treat everyone you meet with decency and respect. Sounds simple, and granted, we expect this. However, let's address that we are all humans and judge one another. You can try and claim you do not, but you would be lying to yourself. It is a healthy and natural way for us to prepare for situations, and sometimes we may be wrong, and that's why this is first. Decency is simply treating someone with dignity. And this is the source of our "golden rule" which I will not insult you by explaining, but instead remind you this is because no matter who you or they are, we all are facing the struggle of life. From this, we naturally show respect, in fact respect is within the definition of decency. Now do not confuse this with people earning your respect. In that regards each person is different, and few in life will earn your respect. Treating individuals with respect, regardless of situation, will always put you ahead in the situation. Life experiences will show you that the person who remains respectful in all situations, is often viewed in a better light, regardless of if the person is wrong or not.
2. Be knowledgeable, and be informed. Simply put, you cannot treat everyone with decency and respect if you are not somewhat knowledgeable and informed. We will encounter people of different beliefs and cultures. You do not need to conform to their culture or belief, but you should know how to interact with people. This is not to say you must know all the time of all people and cultures, but instead if you know you'll be in that situation you should make an effort to inform yourself and grow as a person in knowledge. The most common complaint, world wide, about tourists is the tourists' failure to learn even basic methods of communication. If you have ever been to a theme park, you will know how this can be extremely frustrating for both parties. But being knowledgeable is far greater than that. Growing in knowledge is self improvement. If you are ever stagnant in learning, you are wrong. This is not to say you must attend high levels of education. Not at all. Today's society is in an information dump, vast amount of information is available at your fingertips. Global events, science, culture, art, history, is all one click away.  
3. Associate yourself with those you wish to be associated with. Sounds simple and easy to skip over, right? You'd be surprised you are already violating this. Before I go any further in explaining this, I am not saying to leave a friend behind, a gentleman doesn't do that. But what a gentleman does do is always improve his surroundings, people included. We all have that one friend, he's not a bad guy, but he makes mistakes or has a reputation. This friend is known, and people see it immediately. When you are with him, you are associated with everything he does regardless of how you act or look. This is normal, this is society and it is a learned reaction which historically, has proven to be correct therefore, there is no reason for society to change this (remember the Subway guy?). So you can be the guy who influences your friends. Peer pressure is an amazing force. Not everyone will change, and it is those who refuse your help, or worse, influence you who must be turned away. 
4. Understand your woman represents you in many ways. This is almost exactly like associating yourself with those you wish to be associated with. The exception is this which is key, people know how you treat her in private no matter how private you think you are. Women talk, and they often will use a  hyperbole, but people will know. It is unfortunate that most of the men reading this know at least one woman who was abused physically by a man in their life. It is unfortunate that everyone reading this will know of a woman who had experience infidelity. A simple analogy to understand how we as gentlemen must act with our women is this, and it is regardless of the religious context: Eve came from Adam's rib, not from his feet to be subservient and walked upon, and not from his skull to be above and superior. She came from his rib to be equal, and to always be under his arm and protected.
5. Be honest, and at times, be blunt. Honesty is an amazing quality, and one I believe is better refined by age and experience. It is hard to admit you are wrong or made a mistake. That's fine, but make that effort, and people will appreciate this much more. Being blunt must be used sparingly. There are times when sugar coating a harsh reality does more damage than good. We don't like to hurt people, emotionally and that includes guys, your friends even if you don't want to admit it. Sometimes, you have to just say the truth as it is. As a gentleman they will appreciate it, and hopefully understand you are merely a messenger.  
6. Hold your word as sacred and your action as a legacy. This is extremely hard to do in today's society where we are multitasking and constantly on the go. But there is no reason to be. If you tell someone you will do something, ensure it is done, and ensure it is done at the time you state it will be done at. This ties in with honesty as well, if you must tell someone the occurrence of events or relay a message, ensure it is correct. What you say is the initial presentation of your character, first impressions are hard to break. Your actions, however; will define you and determine the height of your character.
7. Sculpt your mind, and your body. Again this is not to say you must attend high levels of education or spend hours in the gym. A gentleman however does take care of himself. Mind, body, and soul. Take care of what you put in your body, again the first presentation of yourself will be physical and you can help that by maintaining a natural, clean appearance. You should always strive to go into the public looking your best. The old saying, dress as if you are going to meet your future wife. Your mind is you and aside from always seeking new information as we discussed, you can change what will alter your mind. Remaining in a clear state of mind is preferred, not necessary, but the effects of alcohol and drugs on the brain are well known. I am not telling you to never partake (depending on the laws), but moderation is key. You should seek to expand your experiences as well, and a key part to sculpting your mind. I would say, do at least one really amazing thing you will always remember. Some skydive, some drag race, some serve in the military, some climb mountains, the options are endless. It makes you a better person, gives you life experiences, and makes you more interesting on a personal and intellectual level to converse with.
8. Your possessions do not define you, but they show your value. And no, I do not mean your monetary value. You do not need to own a nice car, house, or anything. But, what you do own, should be taken care of. We all know that guy who has a beat up car, and the car is always falling to pieces, and we start to wonder why he does not maintain it a little better. But, we also all know that guy who owns an old car, and never has an issue with it. If you own it, it is your responsibility to take care of it, and even more so, if you are responsible for it, you must do the same. Once again, this sounds like common sense, but can you think of someone who has an apartment that is a mess, maybe with damage that does not get repaired?  Of course you do, and that is because of the mentality that "it's not mine, so why bother?" Because it is your responsibility. We also know that guy who rents, and basically has a better bachelors pad than those of us who own. We idealize our elders who were able to maintain their equipment and property for decades for a reason. This all ties in with sculpt your mind and body and with an old Cavalry saying, "maintain your rifle, your horse, your stable, and yourself."
9.  Stand your ground, but admit your short falls. This goes hand in hand with honesty again. It is hard. We all have our opinions and our emotions and beliefs. The majority of the time, stand fast, hold your ground, stand for what you believe in with a passion. But, if the facts exist, admit you are wrong, consolidate, and come back better.