Caitlin+T's+OpEd+Article

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**Keeping it Classy** **by Caitlin Trude** Classy – which according to the oh-so reliable Urban Dictionary can be described as “a) very stylish and elegant, b) not crude or disgusting or dirty or depressing, or c) a deeper, more meaningful word for 'cool'.” For girls, Audrey Hepburn seems to be the epitome of classiness (although I was thoroughly bored by “Breakfast at Tiffany's”). For all the lads out there...a little James Bond, perhaps? Or even various Hugh Grant roles. As I type the word “classy” into Google, I see one image of Miley Cyrus prancing, er, I mean //performing// in a green leotard, Snooki with the God-knows-what that lives atop her head, and Ke$ha just being Ke$ha. Not that I don't enjoy some Tik Tok every now and then, but you see where I'm going.  Whatever happened to the pinky-up teacup, jazz-music-listening, door-open-holding, minding-your-manners, utilizing-elevated-language classiness that used to exist? These days, it seems “cool” to make your profile picture one of you and your bff posing in the bathroom with fish-faces and skimpy clothing (no offense to anyone who does this). Since when was it deemed “cool” to speed down the highway screaming “Out of the way, grandpa!” out the open window to the elderly man in bug ahead of you? And if standard English is now written in the form of “OMG did u lyk totes c dat LOL?”, I clearly missed the memo. Thus, I've taken the liberty to compose the list of Classy-fied Criteria: [|العاب تلبيس عرايس] [|يوتيوب] [|قبة] [|قراقوش] [|افلام مغربية] [|افلام مغربية 2013] [|filme marocain]
 * 1) Be sincere. Like the internet, don't put anything out there that you wouldn't say directly to someone's face.
 * 2) Classy language. No swearing profusely, and when updating your Facebook status, remember that your boss (or better yet, your grandmother) might be monitering you. Also, spell out your words when texting. No one likes to decipher codes. Replacing “you” with “u” is fine when avoiding sending a double-text. Verbal usage of the words “On the contrary...” and “pardon” are a plus.
 * 3) Follow the Honor Code. I'm sure it exists.
 * 4) “It does not matter where you are going or how quickly you need to be there. One always has time to hold a door open for someone else. This not only applies to women and the elderly but also to encounters with just about anyone.”
 * 5) Cheese and grapes (“Ratatouille” anyone?). The most elegant dining will consist of cheese and grapes, I promise.
 * 6) Something that seems common amongst sophomore boys is suddenly becoming louder during conversations, putting emphasis on the things we'd rather not hear. Don't do it! You'll only look ridiculous.
 * 7) If your iPod music is louder than my talking voice, we have a problem. I'd rather not listen to how Willow Smith likes to whip her hair or how it's “Friday, FRIDAY”! Keep in mind the volume of the bass in your car.
 * 8) Don't fold under pressure. Keep your “cool” (“Westside Story” anyone?). Smooth and sophisticated.
 * 9) I know the media can make it look sophisticated and whatnot, but don't drink and smoke. It's much easier to be classy when you're alive.
 * 10) And if you're going for the whole James Bond-image, remember that classy men don't look back at explosions.

More criteria to come, but for now, keep it classy =P

*Disclaimer: I do not lift my pinky when enjoying a nice beverage *