This time the Nevada desert will not be big enough, so the attempt will take place over an even larger expanse of flat ground at Hakskeen Pan in the Northern Cape in South Africa, perhaps next year.

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In 1983, with demand for its rice cookers flat, Wang, partner Pan Ning and a few other cadres cast around for a new product to manufacture.

CNN: ASIANOW - TIME Asia | China: Blazing Refrigerators

When the pan is very hot, use tongs to lower in each scallop, flat side down.

NPR: Recipes: 'The Herbal Kitchen'