“I read the news today, oh boy ...” (Mid-November Edition)

This past week, Governor Chris Christie warned that tax hikes are coming to New Jersey. Has Christie always been a closet Democrat or has Hurricane Sandy left him with little choice? Also featured are Obama's plans to increase welfare spending, in addition to Congressman Paul Ryan's warning to the President, all brought here by the folks at Pajamas Media.

Meanwhile, elsewhere on planet Earth:

• NYC Mayor Bloomberg may have put a limit on soft drink servings at fast food joints, but will he do the same for alcohol after this gets out? (AP)

• And speaking of limits on soda, here's one that defies all limits, as Japan is introduced to a new variety of Pepsi with fat-blocking ingredients. (Forbes)

• In the wake of the political elections here in the States, from across the pond comes word that the annual World's Biggest Liar competition is underway (AP)

• And speaking of politics, is Governor Christie of New Jersey getting more attention than he can handle? Hurricane Sandy, Saturday Night Live, and now, Twinkies??? (AP)

• Finally, and speaking of Sandy, there may be people in New Jersey and Long Island still without power, but they managed to save some pelicans who were caught up in the fury. Who doesn't love pelicans? (Reuters)

And that's all the news that fits. As the week goes on, and the traffic out of town gets even worse, stay tuned, and stay in touch.