Pauline Phillips died yesterday at the age of 94, though the name that you probably know her by is Dear Abby! Pauline began her column in 1956 by literally calling up the editor at the San Francisco Chronicle and telling him that she could write a better advice column than the paper's current columnist. She provided some writing samples and was hired that day. Her Dear Abby column went on to become the most widely-syndicated newspaper column in the world, and she also ended up hosting a radio show for about 12 years. She was known for her sassy, to-the-point style and extreme sense of self-confidence. As a very interesting side note, Dear Abby had a twin sister who was also an advice columnist, known by the name of Ann Landers. Apparently the two were at odds against each other quite often, though both were extremely successful: they became the most widely read and quoted women in the world, according to Life Magazine. Dear Abby (and Ann Landers!), you are my Badass Chick of the Day!

If you have any suggestions for Badass Chick of the Day, please email me: loren@elvisduran.com or tweet me: @lorenraye - I love your ideas!