French Man Faces Difficult Decision: Lottery Winnings or Welfare?

December 11, 2008

FRENCHMAN DONATES LOTTERY WINNINGS TO CHARITY

CLERMONT-FERRAND -- In the middle of France, there is a small city surrounded by extinct volcanoes.  This city is Clermont-Ferrand and it is well known for a sub-par soccer team, a cathedral built entirely of volcanic rock, the home of Michelin Tires, and, most importantly, its philanthropic citizens...or not.

Jean-Claude Van Baum, 56, recently won £12,000,000 in the Euro Millions lottery, and gave the money to charity.  

No, J.C. isn't independently wealthy, he just held reservations since the winnings could have jeopardized his welfare proceeds that he has been receiving regularly since 1973.  It was in that year, at age 21, that Van Baum starred in his first pornographic film.  Ever since, he has collected unemployment benefits from the government equal to 83% of that paycheck and he was weary of watching that windfall disappear.

A RadishBlog.com translator explained J.C.'s remarks concerning the move:  "I spit on handouts like lotteries.  The French struggle is chic and trendy unlike being rich Americans."

Editor's Note:  The Gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame is ironically made of purely black, volcanic rock, which is a stark contrast to the white often associated with the heavens.  Perhaps this stands as a reminder for just where Clermont-Ferrand is: the armpit of France...the very unshaven armpit.