I can dish it 'cause I know how to take it

I never know what to title my blogs. Generally, don't expect the title to have too much to do with what is in the actual entry, because by the time I have finished deliberating over the title, it is most likely that I have changed my mind on the subject. Ok, so now that that whole title thing is out of the way, who is ready for the wisdom that is that of Anna?

So consensus has rang that I shall blog on how I will single handedly bring back the term "rad." Now I say single handedly, but that isn't honestly possible. Language spreads through use. I say something you like the sounds of, you say it to someone else who likes the sounds of it, and that person says it to someone else who likes the sounds of it, and that person says it to someone else who likes the sounds of it, and... well, you get the picture, and then someday it makes it to the global scale... well, English speaking people scale. So though I may use the term rad multiple times a day, I will need you to start using it as well. If I could meet every English speaking person to convince them why rad is the most rad thing you could say, then I would need your help so desperately.

I, however, am hoping that you all are not willing to follow me blindly in this endeavor. I am a firm supporter of free thinking Please take some time and allow me to help you understand the deeper meaning behind the word rad and the meanings and usage.

We shall first turn to the definitions wizards Merriam and Webster [as found here] to see their thoughts on the subject.

Now this is very informative to someone who isn't quite as cool as me. But it is interesting to learn that 1982 is the generalized date of its birth as an actually word with this usage into the English language. However, we must delve deeper. By following what the nice internet folk at the Merriam-Websters website have set up we come to the conclusion that when used in slang, "radical" is a synonym for "cool" or "excellent". Now by following the trail created by looking up the definition of "cool" we are directed towards "excellent," "All right," and "Fashionably Hip." I can agree with all of this to some degree.

As I have explored [Urban Dictionary] for you I am more pleased with their definitions as they are more suited to my tastes. It is general agreement that rad is meant to be higher praise than "cool," "sweet," "awesome," etc... I tend to agree.

My favorite point is in the second definition found at urban dictionary.

"Being rad is like being cool without having to work for it. It's like a natural coolness."

So now my mission for you is to use rad at least once a day. Just get in the habit of using it and then more and more people will as well. The more it gets worked back into the English language the better. So go for it. Try it. You would pretty much make my day!

Song of the moment: Only Hope - Switchfoot, New Way to be Human [lyrics]
[Now this song is played at the end of A Walk to Remember. It is also very popular as a Mandy Moore song, in my oppinion Switchfoor is ten times better. The song is very touching, a hint sad, and I feel like pretty is too vague and adjective to use, but it is also very suiting. So, enjoy.]

TAI Song of the Moment: Sleeping With Giants (Lifetime) - Santi [video] [lyrics]
[Off their sophomore album, The Academy Is... gives us this one. I love the progression of feeling through this song. And as with most all TAI, lyrically you are left thinking. It is very easy for me to relate to what is being said in almost all TAI. So I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, cause it is totally rad.]

All righty kids! That's all I got for you tonight!
Peace, Love, and Cherry Coke
Anna

HOMEWORK: Let me know your answer to this question and I'll get back to you with mine next time!

If you were a vegetable, what sort of animal would you want to be eaten by?