Recipe: Breakfast Mac

BREAKFAST MAC

Serves 4

1/2 pound dried elbow pasta

1/2 pound sliced bacon

2 cups Mac Sauce (see recipe)

2 cups grated extra-sharp, aged cheddar

1/2 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 large eggs

Freshly ground black pepper

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until a little less than al dente. Drain, rinse and drain again.

2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

3. Cook the bacon in a frying pan over high heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove extra grease by patting the strips with a paper towel, then cut into bite-size pieces.

4. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, add the sauce

5. Spoon mac and cheese into 4 individual, 5-inch-diameter ovenproof bowls. Sprinkle the panko evenly on top of each bowl. Bake until bubbly, 10 to 15 minutes.and cheese; cook over medium heat, stirring until cheese is barely melted, about 3 minutes. Stir in bacon. Slowly stir in pasta; continue cooking, stirring continuously, until hot, another 5 minutes.

6. Meanwhile, fry the eggs: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Crack 2 eggs into pan, cover, and let cook undisturbed 3 to 4 minutes, until whites are completely opaque, and the yolks are still nice and bright. Slide the eggs onto a plate and repeat with the remaining tablespoon of butter and eggs.

7. Remove macs from the oven. Slide a fried egg on top of each. Top with black pepper and serve immediately.

-- Reprinted with permission from "The Mac + Cheese Cookbook: 50 Simple Recipes from Homeroom, America's Favorite Mac and Cheese Restaurant," by Allison Arevalo and Erin Wade, copyright 2013. Published by Ten Speed Press, a division of Random House.



SOURCE: www.mercurynews.com

N.Korea unveils 'secure, homemade' smartphone

North Korea, one of the most isolated and censored societies on the planet, has unveiled what it says is a domestically-produced smartphone.

Industry analysts say the "Arirang", built around Google's Android OS, is likely manufactured in neighbouring China, however.

The existence of the phone, named after a famous Korean folk song, came to light during a factory inspection by North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un at the weekend.

During the tour, Kim was given a detailed briefing on the "performance, quality and packing of the Arirang hand phone," Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

Some analysts suggest the "Arirang" is aimed at getting North Koreans to use an officially-approved phone that can be properly monitored.

While Internet access is virtually non-existent in North Korea, which comes bottom of any media freedom survey, the country is not a complete IT desert.

Cell phones were introduced in 2008 through a joint venture with the Egyptian telecom firm Orascom, which says there are now two million users in North Korea.

A domestic Intranet was launched in 2002 and some state bodies have their own websites.

It is a natural progression for an impoverished country desperate for investment, but in North Korea the economic imperative is always weighed against the potential for social disruption.

Subscribers to the sole cell phone system provider, Koryolink, can call each other, but not outside the country.

The Intranet is similarly cut off from the rest of the world, allowing its very limited number of users to exchange state-approved information and little more.

Access to the full-blown Internet is for the super-elite only, meaning a few hundred people or maybe 1,000 at most.

For all the regime's efforts, the information barrier erected around North Korea has, in recent years, begun to lose some of its prophylactic power.

Smuggled Chinese mobile phones allow people near the border to connect with Chinese servers and make international calls, while re-wired TVs allow access to outside broadcasting.

The KCNA report on Kim's factory visit noted that the young leader praised the "Arirang's" developers for coming up with a product that "provides the best convenience to the users while strictly guaranteeing security".

KCNA photos of the factory visit show workers with the finished phones, inspecting, testing and packing them. There are no pictures of an actual assembly line.

"Despite KCNA's reporting that the handsets are made at the factory, they are probably made to order by a Chinese manufacturer and shipped to the factory where they are inspected before going on sale," said Martyn Williams, who runs the North Korea Tech website.

Steven Millward on the Tech In Asia website reached the same conclusion.

"Possibly, the whole smartphone is made in China, and only the final boxing is done in the rather sparse plant that Kim Jong-Un toured," Millward said.

In February, a picture of Kim Jong-Un with a smartphone triggered fevered speculation about which brand was favoured by the leader of one of the world's most repressive nations.

After ruling out an Apple iPhone or a Galaxy from South Korea's Samsung, the consensus was an HTC phone made in Taiwan.



SOURCE: YAHOO.COM

Iran Captures FIBA Asia 2013 Championship Crown

Yahoo! PH Sports/Czeasar Dancel (NPPA Images) - Iranian players celebrate after beating the Philippines in the gold medal match of the FIBA Asia Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Iran proved too much for an undermanned Gilas Pilipinas side, using its height and experience to run away with an 85-71  victory and capture the gold medal in the 27th FIBA Asia Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Without the injured Marcus Douthit, the Filipinos had trouble containing seven-foot-two Hamed Hadadi, Iran's NBA veteran who frolicked in the paint and scored a game-high 27 points to go along with 16 rebounds.

It's the third FIBA Asia title for Iran, which ruled this event in 2007 and 2009. The loss denied the Philippines a chance to win its first Asian crown since 1985. Iran, Gilas and Korea all qualified for the FIBA  Basketball World Cup to be held next year in Spain

Aside from the silver medal, the Philippines received some consolation after point guard Jayson Castro was named to the tournament's mythical team, along with Korea's Kim Mingoo, Chinese Taipei's Lin Chih Chieh, Iran's Oshin Sahakian, and Hadadi.

The Main Man: With Gilas Pilipinas walking wounded in the absence of Douthit, towering Iranian center Hadadi was simply too much, notably in the second half.

Waived by the Phoenix Suns in late June this year, the 7-foot-2 behemoth towered over his Filipino rivals with a game-high 29 points, 18 coming in the final 20 minutes, on top of 16 rebounds, two blocks and as many assists in 29 minutes of dominant play.

Proving he’s still the most intimidating inside presence in Asia, Hadadi–as expected–was named the tournament's most valuable player.

Honorable Mentions: Versatile Samad Nikkhah Bahrami, crafty playmaker Mahdi Kamrany and do-it-all Oshin Sahakian showed there’s more to Iran than just their prized center.

The 6-foot-6 Bahrami bucked a foul-plagued outing with 19 markers, most of them in the second half, plus seven assists while the 5-foot-11 Kamrany displayed an all-around outing of 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

Not to be outshone was the 6-foot-7 Sahakian, who finished with a double-double outing of 12 points and as many rebounds, enough to earn for himself the tourney’s Best Power Forward award.

Game Turning Point: Kamrany’s buzzer-beating triple at the end of the third canto proved to the beginning of the Nationals’ end in the thrilling match.

After Jimmy Alapag canned two freebies that pulled Gilas within 53-59, the Iranians made the most out of the 5.8 seconds left in the third canto, hurriedly relaying the leather to a wide-open Kamrany, who coolly sank a right corner triple that restored their lead to nine.

It was all Iran after that. Hamed Afagh translated a lousy inbound pass by Larry Fonacier into an easy lay-in then Hamed Hadadi buckled down to work by scoring six of the team’s next eight points that put in full control going to the final 5:08 of play.

They Said It:

Iran coach Memi Becirovic: “Today’s game was the toughest game for us because we know 20,000 fans are behind the Philippine team. They played very good and they fight every time.”

Iran center Hamed Hadadi: “They missed their center Marcus (Douthit) but still they played very well. I think the best team we played were the Philippines.”

Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes: “Unfortunately, it ended the way it did. Still, if somebody told me last month that on August 11 we would have silver medals around our necks, we’ll be very, very happy. Ecstatic in fact. We came and achieved what we set out to achieve. Obviously, we wanted to win that gold but in the end, especially without Marcus, it was too difficult for us. I’m very, very proud of my players. They fought tooth and nail.”


Gilas Pilipinas guard Jayson William: “‘Yung goal namin, na-achieve namin (of making it to the FIBA World Cup in Spain). Pasalamat rin kami na nakaharap namin sila sa finals para sa experience.” 


SOURCE: ph.yahoo.com

NBA 2013-14 schedule's 10 games to watch

For all of the Los Angeles Lakers' storied history, Dwight Howard's return to L.A. will be a new experience for the franchise and its fans.

Dwight Howard hasn't had many nice things to say about the Lakers since his departure. (AP)Magic Johnson, Jerry West and James Worthy played their entire careers with the Lakers. So far, Kobe Bryant has done the same. Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar retired as Lakers. Shaquille O'Neal was traded. 

But Howard? He became the first elite free agent in the 16-time NBA champions' history to leave town when he signed a four-year, $88 million max contract this summer with the Houston Rockets.

When Howard returns to Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Feb. 19, expect boos to rain down from all corners of Staples Center. Howard spent just one season in L.A., but the way he left might have made a bigger impression than anything he did on the court.

Howard's return to L.A. leads Yahoo! Sports' top-10 games for the 2013-2014 NBA season.

1. Dwight Howard returns to L.A. to face the Lakers, Feb. 19

Howard described his lone season with the Lakers as a "nightmare." He clashed with Kobe Bryant, played for two coaches named Mike in Brown and D'Antoni, didn't like D'Antoni's offensive system and didn't feel he received the proper respect for his return from back surgery.

After losing Bryant to an Achilles injury late in the season, the Howard-led Lakers were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs. By departing to Houston to join the Rockets, who are led by James Harden, Howard turned down the opportunity to be the face of the Lakers once Bryant retires.

2. Kobe Bryant returns from injury for the Lakers, TBD

Bryant suffered a torn Achilles tendon injury April 12 against Golden State that caused him to miss the postseason for the first time in his career. He says his recovery is ahead of schedule; it's even possible he could return on opening night.

All eyes will be on Bryant whenever he gets back on the court. While six to nine months is the normal recovery time for such an injury, Bryant, 35, will be fighting Father Time. 

But if there is an athlete that could accomplish such a feat, Bryant is the one.

3. Derrick Rose returns to the Chicago Bulls, Oct. 29

The Bulls hope to see the Rose of old in their season opener. Prior to his knee injury, Rose was arguably the best point guard in the NBA. During the season he was sidelined, Rose worked strongly on his jump shot and his runner with his off-hand, which will likely make him a better shooter.

The big question: Will the athleticism that made Rose special also return? 

If Rose can get back to being himself – or an improved version of himself – the Bulls immediately become an Eastern Conference title defender that the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers should worry about. After such a long layoff and plenty of criticism in his hometown of Chicago, Rose has pressure to return as good as ever. 

4. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett return to Boston, Jan. 26

Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce left behind a lot of good memories in Boston. (Getty Images)Pierce had spent all 15 seasons of his NBA career in Boston before he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets this summer. Garnett came to Boston in 2007 and promptly helped Pierce and the Celtics win a championship.

This time, however, Pierce and Garnett will be in the visitors' locker room. 

Pierce, who will one day have his No. 34 jersey hanging from the Boston Garden rafters, will likely be emotional as the Celtics faithful give him a heartfelt, loud and lengthy standing ovation. Garnett also should be well received.

5. Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers returns to face the Celtics, Dec. 11

Rivers spent nine seasons as the coach of the Celtics, winning one championship with them in two Finals appearances, before controversially exiting this summer to coach the Clippers. 

The Celtics say Rivers wanted out of rebuilding process. Rivers, however, has said the Celtics were open to him leaving if they could get a draft pick for him. 

What do the Celtics fans believe? Their opinion will be heard when Rivers is introduced prior to the announcing of the Clippers' starting lineup. 

6. Brooklyn Nets at New York Knicks, Jan. 20

Any Knicks-Nets game is going to be intense, emotional and fun to watch. But the first one in Madison Square Garden this season will be even more special to attend: It will be the first time the Nets visit MSG with ex-Knick Jason Kidd as head coach and Pierce and Garnett in uniform. 

New York appeared to be the better team last season in this strengthening rivalry and has added tall shooter Andrea Bargnani. But after the Nets acquired Pierce and Garnett, there is legitimate debate about which team in the Big Apple is truly the best.

Barclays Center is one of the world's best venues, but there will be no greater stage than at the famed Garden. 

7. Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers, Nov. 27

Will LeBron James want to try to deliver a championship to Cleveland? (USA Today Sports)Speculation about LeBron James' possible free agency next summer will swell when the former Cavaliers star returns to Cleveland for the first time. Three years ago, it was laughable to think the Akron, Ohio, native would ever return to Cleveland after he left for the Heat. Angry Cavaliers fans burned James' jersey, cursed him and threw objects at a big sign near the downtown arena that showcased his image. 

Time, however, has healed much of these wounds. The up-and-coming Cavaliers now have the talent to be an attractive destination for James, should he decide to leave.

Cleveland's roster now includes the NBA's widely regarded top young point guard in Kyrie Irving, center Andrew Bynum, No. 1 draft pick Anthony Bennett, forward Tristan Thompson and forward-center Anderson Varejao. Even Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert has tried to make nice. Heat president Pat Riley will certainly have some say and influence in the end. Stay tuned.

8. New York Knicks at Los Angeles Lakers, March 25

Will Carmelo Anthony's lone trip to face the Lakers at Staples Center serve as a precursor for him signing with the Lakers next summer?

Anthony will be a free agent at the end of the season. Yes, he was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., is tight with Knicks owner James Dolan and appears to enjoy playing for the Knicks. But 'Melo is also a good friend of Bryant's, spends much of his offseason in his L.A. home and has been playing pickup ball this summer at the Clippers' facility. Oh, and his wife, LaLa, is an actress. 

But if Bryant is close to retiring, arguably the best pure scorer to fill his void would be Anthony. Anthony recently told TMZ he doubts he'll leave New York for the Lakers, but if Bryant gives a strong sales pitch? It could get interesting.

9. San Antonio Spurs at Miami Heat, Jan. 26

American Airlines Arena in Miami certainly has horrible memories for the Spurs, who blew a 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals by losing Games 6 and 7 there. 

And if they need any other reminders, the Heat now have a big mural on the arena that celebrates their titles in 2004, 2012 and 2013.

10. Miami Heat at Indiana Pacers, Dec. 10

The Pacers took the Heat to a Game 7 in last season's Eastern Conference finals, and could again emerge as the two-time defending champions' toughest competition in the conference. 

The Heat's roster hasn't changed much, minus Mike Miller leaving and the addition of Greg Oden. The Pacers are expected to be much improved after adding forward Luis Scola, guard C.J. Watson, forward Chris Copeland and intriguing rookie forward Solomon Hill. All-Star swingman Paul George is expected to move to shooting guard with the return of injured forward Danny Granger. With guard Lance Stephenson moving back to the bench, the bitter Pacers are much deeper, bigger and possibly more talented than James and the aging Heat.

Each of the meetings between the Heat and Pacers will loom large in the battle for home-court advantage in the playoffs.

SOURCE: Yahoo.com

The xx – Islands Lyrics

I don't have to leave anymore
What I have is right here
Spend my nights and days before
Searching the world for what's right here

Underneath and unexplored
Islands and cities I have looked
Here I saw
Something I couldn't over look

I am yours now
So now I don't ever have to leave
I've been found out
So now I'll never explore

See what I've done
That bridge is on fire
Going back to where I've been
I'm froze by desire
No need to leave

Where would I be
If this were to go under
That's a risk I'd take
I'm froze by desire
As if a choice I'd make

I am yours now
So now I don't ever have to leave
I've been found out
So now I'll never explore
[x2]

So now I'll never explore

 

Usain Bolt on cruise control in 100-meter heat at world championships

After Day 1 in Moscow, Usain Bolt is on track to recapture the 100-meter gold medal he lost at the last world championships. 

Even if a false start in Bolt's heat was reminiscent of the one that disqualified him in the 2011 final, it was the runner next to him who was sent packing Saturday. On the second attempt, Bolt cruised to a time of 10.07 seconds. Americans Mike Rodgers (9.98) and Justin Gatlin (9.99) had the top times.

In the men's 10,000, double Olympic long-distance champion Mo Farah fought off Ibrahim Jeilan over the last 150 meters, winning in 27 minutes, 21.72 seconds. Jeilan was timed in 27:22.23.

Defending champion Edna Kiplagat won the women's marathon in 2 hours, 25 minutes, 44 seconds. She beat Valeria Straneo by 14 seconds. In sweltering heat only 46 of 70 entrants finished.

In the decathlon, Olympic champion Ashton Eaton led after five events -- 4,502-4,493 over U.S. teammate Gunnar Nixon.

SOURCE: Mercury News

FIBA ASIA CHAMPIONSHIP 2013 Final Ranking

Final ranking

Rank	Team	Record	FIBA World Ranking
			Before	After	Change
	Iran	9–0	20
	Philippines	7–2	45
	Korea	7–2	33
4th	Chinese Taipei	6–3	42
5th	China	6–3	11
6th	Qatar	5–3	36
7th	Jordan	4–5	30
8th	Kazakhstan	3–6	47
9th	Japan	3–4	35
10th	Hong Kong	1–6	71
11th	India	2–6	58
12th	Bahrain	2–6	75
13th	Saudi Arabia	1–3	69
14th	Thailand	1–4	85
15th	Malaysia	0–4	69

SOURCE: Wikipedia

FIBA Asia Championship 2013: South Korea takes 3rd

South Korea beat Chinese Taipei 75-57 in the bronze medal game at the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship in Manila on Sunday, claiming the third bid from the continent for the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Iran and the Philippines had qualified for the World Cup on Saturday by winning their semifinal matches. Iran and the Philippines will play for the FIBA Asia title on Sunday.

Korea claimed its second straight FIBA Asia bronze and its 24th medal in 26 appearances in the tournament. The nation will be making its seventh World Cup appearance in Spain next summer. Korea has never medaled at the World level. Korea last qualified for the Worlds in 1998. It last won a game at the World Cup in 1994.

Chinese Taipei could still make the World Cup if it is granted one of the four wild card berths FIBA doles out as the tournament approaches. Historically, however, three of the four bids go to European nations. China -- which Chinese Taipei beat in the quarterfinals -- is ranked No. 11 in the world and may be seen as a stronger option than Taipei, which is ranked No. 42 in the world.

Tournaments to select World Cup contenders from Europe, the Americas and Africa will happen this summer, as well. The total count of teams that have already qualified for the 32-team team is seven: Korea, Iran, the Philippines, host Spain, Olympic champion United States, Australia and New Zealand.

SOURCE: SB Nation