Speeches: Glenn Greenwald [my reply] and TPM are two places to go for links and analysis of the Obama and Cheney speeches. Cheney has been promoting executive power since the 1970s; unlike the Bush years, he now finds being out in the open the way to go. And, FU to Republicans who hope for some restraint to salvage their chances for the future.
As to Obama, GG's tone today is suggestive -- some nice words, some bad words, but actions will speak the loudest. Did we really expect more? Is there not enough there to move forward with? Of course, we need to at worse make it the "centrist" position with proper pressure against him when necessary. And, as GG's updates note in particular, there are some dangerous "flexible nice sounding policy over rule of law" tenor to Obama's sentiments that still rests on perilous principles.
Sexist Ad on Playboy Channel: I admit that at times I am not uh appropriately horrified by some of the stuff posted over at Feministing. Take this ad. It has a Playboy logo at the end of it. If it was played on regular television, sure, it would be tasteless. But, if you are going to play it on Playboy (or perhaps Spike TV), it would appeal to the demographic of the channel. Reminds me of a Seinfeld episode where George mixed eating a big messy sandwich with sex.
Baseball/Television: The Bad NY Mets are back. I didn't realize watching baseball was supposed to be depressing. I guess it's sort of like the value of pain for your soul.
Meanwhile, now and again, I catch parts of Reba and The Wizards of Waverly Place (allegedly taking place in lower Manhattan). Both have charm, the former rather funny and poignant at times though it is somewhat hit and miss. Good ensemble cast. They have a certain skillfully playfulness (Reba having shades of Roseanne too with somewhat less of an edge at times) that seems to be lacking from many shows these days.
Though WWP is clearly geared for teens, it is that playfulness that appeals. As with True Jackson, the show still retains its mojo contra (all too often these days) iCarly.