Calling all shakers!

I am on a qwest to learn how to make the perfect martini. Last night I was out for a birthday party. We visited "The Chapel", an old church that has since been converted into a kick ass bar specializing in delicious martinis. While the cantaloupe and coconut martinis were amazing, the classic dirty gin martini was the best. While sipping on it I was reminded how much I love me a good martini. A good thing? Probably not. Now that I've entered my late 20s, it seems a good life skill would be making and drinking martinis. So c'mon, share your knowledge!