In Malaysia, dodol-making stirs up tradition and sweet memories

JOHOR BARU, Malaysia (The Star/ANN) — For as long as she can remember, Nur Siti Farhana Aziz has enjoyed eating dodol every Hari Raya. However, the 24-year-old sales adviser had never given much thought to how the sticky-sweet confection was made, until now. She spent hours stirring the thick, gooey mixture over an open fire alongside friends and local residents during a dodol-making event at Stulang Laut Mosque here recently. "It was then I realized that what seemed like a simple festive delica

At Nepal's only hunting reserve, tourism brings no joy

BAGLUNG, Nepal (Kathmandu Post/ANN) — Tourism can lead to economic development through direct and indirect effects. Direct effects include revenue generation and foreign exchange. Indirect effects include local employment and business activities. Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal's only game reserve located 126 kilometers west of the Baglung district headquarters, has drawn hundreds of wealthy tourists, who have spent millions over decades to hunt. Yet, there is no transformation in local livelih

Giant panda Fu Bao returns to Sichuan nature reserve after health scare

BEIJING (China Daily/ANN) -- After more than 100 days of rest, giant panda Fu Bao returned to public display at the Shenshuping base in Wolong National Nature Reserve in southwest Sichuan province, according to the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. In December, she was observed trembling while foraging and was immediately subjected to a physical examination and close monitoring by keepers and veterinarians. After undergoing a series of medical tests, including blood wor