dead or alive?

Conflicting reports on arafat's condition. Either way, if peoople are arguing whether you're dead or alive, your prognosis probably doesn't look that great.

My favorite quote thus far comes from CNN, which leaves this gem unexamined:

Arafat's senior adviser, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, dismissed reports that the 75-year-old leader was in a coma, calling them "rumors."

"He is in the intensive care unit, as I said, because he is in need of several very advanced tests in the coming hours and days," Abu Rudeineh said

As far as my knowledge goes, you DO NOT go into the ICU to prepare for 'some tests.' You go there only if you need immediate, constant, and serious attention.