i used to LOVE madonna when i was in highschool. i gained a lot of strength from her. reading about her and her career, i learned that being gay was okay, and even possibly something special. she gave me the strength to come out at the age of 14. now that im older and jaded i know she is a disfunctional but intelligent manipulator who likes to be the center of attention. i still admire her iron will and remarkable descipline. as for her work, very much a mixed bag. her debut, "madonna", is her (IMO) best album. i also like to dance (like at clubs/discos) so she inspired me there too. David