The Ryan Thomas Collection

What a day Wednesday turned out to be, both in politics and pop culture. News released and prime time TV proved to hit all angles with Madonna’s divorce, a Presidential debate and Project Runway designers.

It is official. Madonna and Guy Ritchie are getting a divorce. Eight years ago, Madonna and Guy Ritchie tied the knot leading to eight years of marriage which included the arrival of their son Rocco and last year’s adoption of David, an Malawian orphan. The court battle with Malawian government gave favor to Madonna and the adoption was confirmed after a one year trial. Whether or not the divorce changes anything in the eyes of Malawian government is unknown.

The divorce comes with little surprise, as rumors have been hitting gossip pages for months about the topic. Gossip continued to hit the press concerning the two spending little time together and living in separate cities, whilst the Madonna camp continued to deny the news. However, listening to Madonna’s latest album, “Hard Candy” there are a few tracks that make one wonder if this was actually longer in the making than just the A-Rod scenario that fueled rumors months back. Listening to “Miles Away” upon the album’s release, my immediate response was problems between the couple. It sounds almost too explicit as she sings:

You always love me more, miles away
I hear it in your voice, we’re miles away
You’re not afraid to tell me, miles away
I guess we’re at our best when we’re miles away

So far away (Repeat 7x)

When no one’s around then I have you here
I begin to see the picture, it becomes so clear
You always have the biggest heart,
When we’re six thousand miles apart

There is little doubt that six thousand miles, which happens to be the approximate distance between Los Angeles and London, represents the two difference in lifestyles between these two individuals. Whether it be their careers that got in the way, the constant media attention or simply a fading love that divided this couple, the music tells a story onto itself. The “Devil Wouldn’t Recognize You” is another of the less dance focused tracks that has a introspective tone to it. This is another track that may have alluded to today’s announcement, particularly with such lines as:

It’s like over and over you’re pushing me
Right down to the floor
I should just walk away.
Over and over I keep on coming back for more
I play into your fantasy
Now that it’s over
You can ride on me right through your smile
I’ve seen behind your eyes
Now it’s over, the more intoxicating my mind

The family camp has asked the media for privacy in regards to the matter, as both sides attempt to settle the divorce outside of court. Things to be decided include custody of their children and the wealth accumulated through their marriage. The prenups must have been strong, but Madonna has recently signed a huge entertainment deal, and had three successful, revenue generating tours since their marriage. Here’s hoping this divorce settlement does not go to the courts and replicate that of Paul McCartney’s situation earlier this year.

Switching gears, Obama and McCain participated in the third and final Presidential debate of the election season. This final debate proved to be the most intriguing of the three, with both candidates appearing more engaged and ready for action. McCain, behind in all the polls, took the offensive, with Obama needing only to maintain his advantage by being even keeled.

The questions in this debate focused on domestic issues only, bringing up the economy, health insurance, education and abortion. The abortion question was answered in different manners, with McCain simply saying he is pro-life and accusing Obama of supporting partial birth abortion in the Illinois senate. Obama went a bit more in depth with his response, depicting his support of pro-choice, but explaining that the decision should be left to a woman to discuss with health care providers, family and religious figures. Obama’s response to partial birth abortions claimed that he supports the procedure only when a woman’s health is in danger.

Whether it be economic, energy or health insurance policy, Obama clearly points out elements of each of his plans. Details are given and elements of the plan sound more clear cut than McCain’s responses. In responding, McCain seemed to often grab at random buzz words, mixing them up into rather fluffy answers that answered the question, but lacked the same detail Obama provided. Overall, McCain seemed a bit snarky and evil, with his devilish smirks. Obama remained calm and collected, even when the Ayers issue arose.

In the end, too much time was spent discussing the negative campaigning each party is doing. Each candidate accomplished what they needed too, but it didn’t feel like there was enough accomplished to sway polls in a real dramatic way.

Lastly, the day ended with the finale of Project Runway’s fifth season (SPOILER ALERT). For the first season, all three contestants were women, each with very different styles. Hitting Bryant Park, the audience was presented with a fashion show, which featured a former America’s Next Top Model, if you watched closely. In a season that was far less entertaining than those prior, the final three contestants had three very different personalities, all which could be seen in the three very different lines of clothing displayed on the runway.

Unfortunately, Jennifer Lopez, who was to be the guest judge, could not make the fashion show due to a foot injury. Questionable? Yes, but it left room for Tim Gunn to step in and finally make a judgement call. Long overdue. It was well worth it to see the sense of fear Kenley had when she found out, because she had consistently given poor Tim a hard time each and every time he tried to help her. It seems as though her fear was justified, as she was the first eliminated. Consistently called a copycat, her designs lost to more original material. Kenley’s poor attitude and being incapable of receiving criticism sent her home. One most wonder if any buyer or design house will want to take on her big personality after watching this season. God knows I would not want to manage her.

Leeanne was named the winner of Project Runway. Leeanne’s designs throughout the competition seemed to be here and there. A quiet elegance, her designs brought her to the top. Her final line was inspired by ocean waves, and a mute color palette which consisted of a light blue, tan and white. Nina Garcia pointed out that the line had diversity including shorts, pants, skirts and dresses were all shown. This diversity is true, but the diversity of color and finesse that Korto presented in her line was more impressive. Throughout the season, Korto had displayed great creativity and style. Incorporating her African heritage, Korto infused color with experienced workmanship almost consistently, every week. Korto should have won, but thankfully Kenley did not.

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