Mukasey Collapses During Speech: Attorney General Michael Mukasey collapsed last night at about 10:20 p.m. while delivering a speech to members of the Federalist Society. Mukasey, 67, was rushed to George Washington University Hospital. About 15 to 20 minutes into his speech about the Bush administration's successes in combating terrorism, Mukasey started slurring his words. Witnesses said the attorney general was noticeably shaking during his speech. Justice Department spokesman Peter Carr said in a statement that the attorney general "is conscious, conversant and alert. His vital statistics are strong and he is in good spirits. He is receiving excellent care and appreciates all of the good wishes and prayers he has received. The doctors will keep him overnight for further observations."
Ante Up: DLA Piper said Wednesday that the firm's 275 income partners would be asked to contribute up to $150,000 each in capital to shore up its balance sheet, The Recorder reports via Law.com. The amount of capital that each income partner will be required to contribute will depend on seniority. The plan will give them a limited stake in the firm's profits and less responsibility for losses than current equity partners.
Leaky Little Boat: It turns out that the mythic Obama machine it composed of humans after all. Top aides to the president-elect had hoped to take a methodical approach in unveiling their new team, The Washington Post reports. But leaks and rumors have disrupted that plan. Obama has not officially announced any Cabinet appointments, but transition officials have reluctantly confirmed that former senator Thomas Daschle (S.D.) will be nominated as secretary of health and human services, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano is the top choice for the Department of Homeland Security, and Eric Holder Jr. is likely to be the attorney general pick.
Takin' It to the Streets: Ten thousand supporters of the radical anti-American Shiite cleric Moktada al-Sadr gathered on Friday to protest the Iraqi government plan to sign a security agreement that would maintain American troops in the country for up to three years, The New York Times reports. Demonstrators hanged an effigy of President George W. Bush from the plinth that once supported the statue of Saddam Hussein that was toppled after Baghdad fell to U.S. troops on April 9, 2003.
Chinese Democracy: Dr Pepper is making good on its promise of free soda now that the long-anticipated -- OK, completely unexpected -- release of Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" is finally a reality after 14 years, The Associated Press reports. The beverage company announced in March that it would give a free soda to everyone in America if the album was released before the close of 2008. Beginning Sunday at 12:01 a.m., coupons for a free 20-ounce soda will be available for 24 hours on Dr Pepper's Web site. They'll be honored until Feb. 28. "Chinese Democracy," infamously delayed since recording began in 1994, also goes on sale Sunday. A little off topic? Sure. But hey, it's Friday. Just a little gift from the BLT.
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