Today's news roundup

Lots of good little tidbits out of Mecca today.

King Abdullah, the "custodian of the two holy mosques" made a passionate plea for unity among Muslims.  Great idea, except when you read a post on how some pilrgims are "more equal" than others. 

Turns out that the barbers in Mina - the guys at the side of the road who can shave your head in under 10 minutes - are making some nice coin.  Not bad, considering it's something pilgrims could do for free on their own.  Or with this.

Women, too are breaking barriers, now in the catering industry during the Hajj time.  Nice article, but it doesn't mention that they're mostly migrant workers.

On covering the Hajj:  Yes, it's now becoming a spectacle. 

And finally, think getting to Mecca is hard?  Trying doing it this way.