This Just In: New on the Net

Apparently, US service people aren’t allowed to have any booze when deployed in a combat zone. But according to the German defense ministry, a million liters of alcohol—mostly beer—have been sent to its soldiers fighting in Afghanistan. Now that’s what I call supporting the troops! Anyway, here’s the news:

• Will Obama appoint a "Car Czar?" Given the importance of the domestic auto industry, it’s not a bad idea. And while I’m not a fan of Thomas Friedman—life sure is easy when your wife is loaded—I liked his idea about letting Steve Jobs run GM. But why not let Jobs supervise the whole show? Nowadays, cars are basically just rolling computers anyway. Detroit News
• Here’s a headline for you: "GM Asks Employees to Beg Congress for Money." It’s accurate, and as a fan of the General, I have to say it hurts a little. But how about looking at the bright side? "Ain’t too proud to beg" actually has a pretty nice ring to it. I can see the ad spots already… Wired
• Tesla, the company struggling to prove its Roadster isn’t vaporware, left Detroit a month ago. But guess which company is getting ready to set up show in the Motor City? Yup, arch-rival and recent court foe Fisker. Will it have better luck? New York Times
• The market sucks, everybody is worried about losing their jobs, and its stock is in the toilet, but the Blue Oval is coming out swinging with a bevy of new models. Given the hot little rides it already sells across the pond, Henry’s company could hit the ground running. Motor Authority