funny news flash

[Svartalf]

Former French president Jacques Chirac hospitalized 'for health reasons' LOL

[Calilasseia]

Well, whilst Chirac's health reasons in question probably aren't funny, the manner of reportage definitely is. Leaving aside the obvious exceptions, viz:

[1] Healthcare professionals and support staff who work there;
[2] Friends and relatives of existing patients visiting;
[3] Suppliers of essential goods for the running of the institution;

the only time most of us go to a hospital, is because we're suffering from a serious medical condition and are seeking urgent attention thereto. Consequently, what one has to ask at this juncture, is either:

[1] Have French news media persons become afflicted by the same ailments of vacuity as their American counterparts?
[2] Is the actual health condition of ex-politicians some sort of state secret in France?
[3] Doesn't there exist a construction in the French language equivalent to the English "for as yet unspecified medical reasons"?

[mistermack]

Could have been for death reasons?

Or for political reasons ? (North Korea)

Or for his own safety? (Prince Charles, ought to be)

[Svartalf]

I've stopped wishing chirac ill since I learned he's afflicted with Alzheimer's, I could not wish him worse.
But the manner of reporting sure made me laugh... like there could be any other motives for rushing him to a hospital.

Official motive is for a general health check, he's expected to stay there for about a week and his general state is not considered worrysome.
Now, they could be lying through their teeth, but the fact he's in a public hospital rather than a military one (as his status could warrant) makes me believe that's true.

[Svartalf]

the only time most of us go to a hospital, is because we're suffering from a serious medical condition and are seeking urgent attention thereto. Consequently, what one has to ask at this juncture, is either:

[1] Have French news media persons become afflicted by the same ailments of vacuity as their American counterparts?
[2] Is the actual health condition of ex-politicians some sort of state secret in France?
[3] Doesn't there exist a construction in the French language equivalent to the English "for as yet unspecified medical reasons"?

1) I suspect so, especially when real information is either lacking, or, on the contrary, rehashed to death
2) to a certain extent... Miterrand 's fight with cancer that was over 3 lustres old was disclosed only shortly before his death, and after he had essentially stepped down from office, leaving Josspin to try and win the presidency
3) the French language is capable of such a construction, the people in charge of writing news notices, not so much... even the most educated of French people, professional politicians coming from our most distinguished school show a shocking lack of mastery of the language.

[Brian Peacock]

Zoot alors!

[Svartalf]

<pictures Brian as a cow wearing a zoot suit>

[Brian Peacock]

Stop hacking my webcam.