Thought of the day...

( Mae West quote, cut for discretion )

I have always admired Mae West. She was who she was and didn't apologize or make excuses. On of my other favorite quotes: "When I'm good, I'm very good. But when I'm bad, I'm better." She lived her life the way she wanted, in a time when it was downright dangerous for a woman to do so. Especially since she was a woman who chose to acknowledge and revel in her sexuality.

I look at Mae West – her strength, her control over her life – and I am constantly amazed that so many people idolize Marilyn Monroe instead of Mae West. Marilyn was undeniably beautiful, but she was never strong. Her relationships may have been with the most powerful, influential men of the time but it's obvious that she's just a trophy – especially where JFK is concerned.

The difference: Marilyn Monroe needed men. Mae West had all the men she needed.

You know, I look back on the old Hollywood icons: Mae West, Lucille Ball, Katharine Hepburn, Maureen O'Hara … how the hell did we go from that to idolizing the drunken, "ooops! I forgot my panties" pop-culture stars of today? And most importantly why do we – especially those of us who happen to be women – allow it to continue? And most importantly how do we - specially those of us who happen to be women - affect change in this?

Edited to say what I really meant...