The NY Times called Thursday's back-to-back speeches by Barack Obama and Dick Cheney "real-time philosophical combat." Reacting to Congress' denial of funds for closing Guanatanamo, the president defended his plan to transfer some detainees to U.S. prisons and criticized the Bush administration for making decisions “based upon fear.” Meanwhile, in a speech just miles away but in an alternate universe politically, Cheney defended Bush policies and slammed Obama on national security. The seeming ideological schism, however, masked the fact that Obama has infuriated the left and heartened some on the right—like Karl Rove—for sticking with Bush detention policies he once criticized. Meanwhile, key Republicans want Cheney to keep pumping up the volume.  —JB

Getting upset was the finale theme this week. On ABC's “Dancing With the Stars,” Melissa Rycroft posed a triple threat as a ballerina-trained Dallas Cowboys cheerleader with woman-scorned demographic appeal. But, watercooler bets were on "Sex and the City" star Gilles Marini for his moves. The win though went to impossibly perky gymnast Shawn Johnson. Upset! Three days later on Fox, Adam Lambert and his eyeliner kit seemed destined for the “American Idol” throne, but Kris Allen, that hybrid of dark horse and underdog, snagged the win. Upset! Or not...victory followed past patterns: Any Olympian that makes the DWTS finale wins, and Southerners—except once—rule the “Idol” roost. Results aside, both hogged ratings, spurred Web searches, and got some IOUs exchanged over the watercooler. —VHC

The world's largest living lizard can't pin down its prey, and its bite isn't as strong as a crocodile's. Yet the Komodo dragon's bite may be worse than its...well, than previously thought. Scientists long assumed that deadly bacteria in the lizard's serrated teeth caused the slow demise of its prey (deer-sized animals and occasionally humans). But using MRI, Australian researchers discovered its secret: a "sophisticated combined-arsenal killing apparatus" with glands that release a snake-like venom. The "radical" discovery suggests Komodos descend from Megalania, the biggest venomous critter ever, and puts them in the same company as the Gila monster and the Mexican beaded lizard. The announcement got respect, at least among males under 17 who looked up the Komodo online...at a safe distance.  —MM

“Firearms: Don’t leave home without them” might have been an apt slogan after President Obama and Democrats—so eager to pass a bill restricting credit card rates, fees, and payment periods—let a provision allowing guns in national parks be tagged on. Years of consumer complaints prompted the credit card legislation, but the industry and some news reports assert changes will force card issuers to wring more profits from customers who pay their bills on time. Other perks, like no annual fees, could also disappear. Alternative analysis: These dire predictions are just spin from companies that have no choice but to keep offering incentives. Either way, some of the new rules—which include limitations on marketing to minors—take effect in three months, others next year.   —JB

One of the longest running conflicts in Asia ended this week, as Sri Lankan military forces routed the last of the Tamil Tigers and killed its leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran. At their peak, the secessionist guerrillas controlled a third of the island nation and ran their own courts, banks, and tax system. They also made the terrorist list of 32 nations. President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared a holiday, appealed for unity and promised to resettle 280,000 refugees. But the victory has come at great cost, with worries that humanitarian violations may inspire a new generation of “radicalized” Tamils, some who don't believe the legendary rebel chief is dead despite DNA tests. International observers—including former colonizer Britain—call for a war crimes probe. On the plus side, the victory may qualify Sri Lanka for an IMF bailout. —VHC

The auto industry used to crush environmentally friendly proposals for higher fuel efficiency standards like a Hummer running over a bike. But requiring billions of government dollars just to stay in business has reduced its heft, politically, to that of a Geo Metro. And thus did the auto execs—smiling, even—come to stand in the Rose Garden next to President Obama as he announced an accelerated schedule of increased gas mileage requirements. The executive action will save an estimated—and politically low-cost —900 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the lifetime of more efficient vehicles. That may mean a smaller or more expensive car in your future. The added costs, plus the excess inventory of recently axed dealerships, might make this a good time to buy an auto.   —JB

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Obama this week. During his first go-round as PM, Netanyahu alienated Bill Clinton with his assertive opposition to the Oslo Accords. Now, some describe Netanyahu 2.0 as kinder, gentler, wiser. But as the Financial Times, AP, and Salon assert, Obama's focus on a Palestinian state and halting West Bank settlements—both of which the PM opposes—made it clear that Israel can no longer count on the unconditional support offered by the Bush administration. The two did reach some agreement on the threat from Iran, but a Netanyahu aide's later statement to the press that any focus on a two-state solution is "childish and stupid" probably won't help any perception of progress. —JB

Ten years ago, Amy Mickelson cemented her place in golfing romance lore by withholding news of her labor contractions so that husband Phil could finish the final round of the 1999 U.S. Open. (He lost to Payne Stewart.) Now, Mickelson, the perennial No. 2 golfer behind Tiger Woods, is giving up a shot at the top slot, leaving the tour indefinitely to care for his wife. Amy has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will most likely undergo major surgery. Well-liked on the PGA Tour, the former Phoenix Suns cheerleader had nearly died in childbirth back in 2003. Her condition has rallied the golfing community around her and attracted a lot of online empathy this week, as searches for her soared. Mrs. Mickelson has been called a fighter and, as always, Phil will be at her side.   —JB