Oeil of the tiger

We take a break this morning from my French language and culture discussions to report on a breaking news story from France: what was first reported to be a tiger is stalking the outskirts of Paris -- and no one knows where it came from.

Sighted first near Disneyland Paris, sending cat bait Mickey and Minnie scurrying for cover, Inspector Clouseau has been tracking it westward, meaning that by the time you read this, it could be climbing the Eiffel Tower.

The BBC is now saying it's not a tiger at all, but some other grand chat, although Le Monde is still calling it un tigre, perhaps to avoid using the unfortunate phrase grande chatte. (And if I have to explain that to you...best not to ask.)

In any event, it's a welcome diversion from France's other problems: the re-emergence of Sarkozy, crippling unemployment, and the ability of the dough-faced president to attract glamorous women. Bonne chance avec votre tigre, mes amis!