Traditional female Islamic dress (the Hijab?- Is that what it is called?) reminds me a little of tight skirts, high heels and corsets for this reason: O.K., it hides rather than accentuates the figure but it also restricts activity. Political, do modest Islamic women participate in sports? Do they learn to swim? Do they build houses? Ride horses? Go fishing? Play tennis? Ride bikes? Didn't the Prophet say that women should be the partners not the posessions of men? I have no particular quarrel with the concept of modesty but the idea that women's activities, individuality and aspirations would be restricted by a dress code- that is appalling to me.

My vote for feminin beauty is Sigourney Weaver in the first "Alien" movie: beautiful, smart and TOUGH!