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Poll: Almost half in U.S. creationist
MECCA, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Millions of pilgrims have gathered in Saudi Arabia for the annual ritual of the Hajj, the pilgrimage every Muslim is supposed to make at least once.
The pilgrims are to spend Sunday praying at Mount Arafat where Mohammed gave his final sermon, the Financial Times reported. Monday is Eid Al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, when pilgrims throw stones at rock pillars representing the devil.
The increasing number of people -- about 2.5 million this year -- creates huge logistical and security problems.
Prince Nayef bin Adel Aziz, the Interior Minister, told the Financial Times that about 100,000 police officers are on duty.
"We have heard of no special threat, but we must prepare ourselves and assume anything could happen," he said. "Terrorism is not over, but we are capable of facing any security threat or emergency.''
Safety is a big problem. Two years ago, 362 people were crushed to death during a stampede, and in 1990 a tunnel collapse killed 1,426.
Saudi Arabia has spent about $1 billion on improvements, including fireproof tents, new levels on bridges and enlarging the Grand Mosque.
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WILMINGTON, Del., June 3 (UPI) --
A group investigating the disappearance of Amelia Earhart concluded she died on an uninhabited Pacific island where her plane made an emergency landing in 1937.
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SAN FRANCISCO, June 3 (UPI) --
"Grey's Anatomy" creator Shonda Rhimes, was honored at the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Media Awards in San Francisco, the organization said.
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If you're in the market for a car or truck it might make more sense to consider a new vehicle this year rather than a used one.
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LAKE PARK, Fla., June 3 (UPI) --
A Florida man says he wants to install a 341-foot flagpole at the car dealership he owns in memory of the Sept. 11, 2001, victims and first-responders.
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