Jewcy Zeitgeist: Unemployment On The Rise, Tom Cruise Speaks Out About Jett Travolta, and Sarah Palin Exploited By The Media

Here are today’s top stories in no particular order:

• Sarah Palin has accused Tina Fey and Katie Curic of exploiting her in the public arena. During an interview with conservative radio host John Ziegler, Palin remarked that she felt over scrutinized by the media and that someone like Caroline Kennedy is getting better treatment because of a potential "class issue."

• Both Israel and Hamas have rejected the U.N.’s plea for a ceasefire as the fighting in Gaza continues.

• The New York Times is reporting that unemployment has soared to a 16-year high, with the rate of jobless Americans jumping from 6.8% in November to 7.2% in December.

• NASA scientists predict a potential doomsday catastrophe caused by ominous solar storms. Man, and it isn’t even 2012 yet.

• Tom Cruise discussed Jett Travolta’s tragic death on an episode of The View, which aired today. Cruise called Jett’s passing "horrific," and went on to defend Scientology’s views on conventional medicine.

• Somali Pirates have freed a Saudi supertanker for a sweet $3 million ransom. The tanker, which was carrying $100 million worth of crude oil, was the largest ship hijacked by pirates. Arrrrr!

• A salmonella outbreak in 42 states has caused one death and has affected 400 others.