Interesting Facts

Saudi Arabia's religious police confiscated all red roses from shops prior to Valentine's Day. (Yes, Saudi people can sleep more safely in their beds now that this evil flower, well known for its corrupting influence has been hidden from view.   In a six-page statement, the religious police said they were saving women from "deceiving men", who used the day to give the fake impression that they loved a woman while pretending to be a "harmless lamb".  I am looking at the single red rose, given to me by my hubby, in a completely different light now.  I shall have words with my harmless lamb when he comes home tonight.)

A royal decree issued by King Abdullah in 2011, means that from 2012 only female staff will be able to sell women's lingerie in the 4,332 lingerie stores in the kingdom. (The ban on male staff is to be extended to cosmetics shops from July 2012. For years Saudi women had complained about being forced to buy their underwear from men, and they started a Facebook campaign called "Enough Embarrassment." When I think about it, I can't remember ever being served by a man when buying knickers or bras in the UK, or in Germany, I think I would feel awkward too, we don't call them unmentionables for nothing.)