ABHA, 22 December 2006 — “I am lazy,” says a sign that a Saudi teacher devised as a motivational tool for her students, according to a report yesterday in the Okaz daily. The rule she devised is simple: Do your work on time or wear this sign and be escorted classroom-to-classroom to show off your new fashion accessory, which you must wear for the rest of the day. Parents have complained, saying that humiliation is not a good way to motivate students. Perhaps, but the teacher seems to think that the threat of humiliation might get her students to meet their deadlines.
Booze Drinker Ordered to Clean Mosques
TAIF, 22 December 2006 — A judge in this southwestern highland Saudi city sentenced two youngsters to some good old-fashioned community service. One of the young men was ordered to clean 26 mosques in 26 days. Local press reports said the youth was found guilty of drunkenness. (Considering that being a boozehound is punishable under Shariah by public flogging, the judge was being lenient.) Another youth who was caught stealing, was sentenced to 100 hours of community service at a local endowment.