I must say I do not get the sad and strange news from France with all the rioting:

Unrest has gripped areas with large African and Arab communities since the deaths of two youths in the rundown Paris suburb of Clichy-sous-Bois, who were accidentally electrocuted at an electricity sub-station after reportedly fleeing police. Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy's oft-cited description of urban vandals as "rabble" (racaille) a few days before the riots began is said by many to have fuelled tensions. Reports of a police tear gas grenade hitting a mosque during the riots further inflamed feelings. Despite the controversy over Mr Sarkozy's remarks, a CSA opinion poll published in Le Parisien at the weekend showed him with a nationwide approval rating of 57%.

The BBC has some fantastic numerology going: "A night of rioting in France has left 1,408 vehicles burnt out and resulted in 395 arrests - the highest tolls yet in 11 nights of unrest..." Do they have accountants following the reporters to get the 1,408 number correct? Does it include sidecar motorcycles and bicycles, too? And why is this being characterized as yutes not assimilating? Aren't there yute riots every few years in France...but only in France - never Belgium or Spain or Italy? Clearly I am too dimwitted and distant to have a clue.