'Grey's Anatomy': 'If/Then' Episode Explores Alternative Universe (PHOTOS)

Alex Karev... is that you? Bailey... with braids? Can you imagine Meredith Grey, without being dark and twisty?

Always a show that pushes the boundaries (remember the musical episode?), on Feb. 2, "Grey's Anatomy" will air an alternative universe episode, as Meredith fantasizes about how life may have been different if her mother remained alive, sane and employed at Seattle Grace.

Meredith is happy, cheery and engaged to Alex Karev. She never hooked up with McDreamy, which meant that Dereck eventually worked things out with his wife Addison. "Private Practice" star Kate Walsh returns for the AU episode, titled "If/Then."

And the biggest shock? Bailey never became the Nazi, and instead, she stayed the same meek person that she was when she was an intern.

In other "Grey's" news, series' stars Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo will have their contracts expire at the end of this season.

Dempsey recently told TV Guide in December that he would continue working on "Grey's" if he could also still take part in his "real passion," car racing, and some new movie roles.

Pompeo, Dempsey's on-screen wife, will also see her contract expire at the end of Season 8. "I would never turn up my nose at 'Grey's,'" she said in October of her future on the show. "If I hear from the fans that they want us to keep going, then I would continue because we owe them everything."

Take a sneak peek at the "If/Then" episode below. Which reality do you prefer?

As Meredith puts Zola to bed and falls asleep, she begins to wonder -- what if her mother had never had Alzheimer's and she'd had loving, supportive parents? The reverberations of a happy Meredith Grey change the world of Seattle Grace as we know it. What if she had never met Derek in that bar and he had never separated from Addison? What if Callie and Owen had become a couple long before she met Arizona? And what if Bailey never evolved from the meek intern she once was? "Grey's Anatomy" airs THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2 (9:00-10:02 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

As Meredith puts Zola to bed and falls asleep, she begins to wonder -- what if her mother had never had Alzheimer's and she'd had loving, supportive parents? The reverberations of a happy Meredith Grey change the world of Seattle Grace as we know it. What if she had never met Derek in that bar and he had never separated from Addison? What if Callie and Owen had become a couple long before she met Arizona? And what if Bailey never evolved from the meek intern she once was? "Grey's Anatomy" airs THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2 (9:00-10:02 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

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As Meredith puts Zola to bed and falls asleep, she begins to wonder -- what if her mother had never had Alzheimer's and she'd had loving, supportive parents? The reverberations of a happy Meredith Grey change the world of Seattle Grace as we know it. What if she had never met Derek in that bar and he had never separated from Addison? What if Callie and Owen had become a couple long before she met Arizona? And what if Bailey never evolved from the meek intern she once was? "Grey's Anatomy" airs THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2 (9:00-10:02 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/14/greys-anatomy-if-then-episode-alternative-universe-meredith-alex_n_1206513.html

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US restores diplomatic ties with Myanmar (Americablog)

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Make a Simple Smartphone Dock Out of Two Binder Clips [MacGyver Tip]

The endlessly versatile binder clip is one of our favorite tools for MacGyver-like inventions, and reader David writes in one of his favorite creations: a 5-second smartphone dock.

We've shared one binder clip smartphone dock before, but unlike that model, this doesn't require any bending, clipping, or any other kind of DIY skills. All you need is two binder clips and a piece of paper. Clip them onto the paper, throw your phone in between the tabs and you're good to go. It works great for keeping an eye on the time, playing music, or (as David notes) getting a good steady photo from your phone's camera.This may not work with bigger, thicker phones, but you could always see if a bigger size binder clip would fit your phone if you have a monstrosity like the HTC Thunderbolt. Thanks, David!

From the Tips Box is where we round up our favorite reader submitted tips. Got a tip of your own to share? Email it to tips at lifehacker.com, or share it on our tips page.

DIY Cell Phone Camera Stand | Flickr

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/IPgrIJgsDTQ/make-a-simple-smartphone-dock-out-of-two-binder-clips

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Penguins star Crosby resumes skating

Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby skates during practice in Sunrise, Fla., Friday, Jan. 13, 2012. Crosby skated with his teammates for the first time in more than a month on Friday but still has no idea when he'll be cleared to practice, let alone see action in a game. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby skates during practice in Sunrise, Fla., Friday, Jan. 13, 2012. Crosby skated with his teammates for the first time in more than a month on Friday but still has no idea when he'll be cleared to practice, let alone see action in a game. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby, right, and teammate Tyler Kennedy practice in Sunrise, Fla., Friday, Jan. 13, 2012. Crosby skated with his teammates for the first time in more than a month on Friday but still has no idea when he'll be cleared to practice, let alone see action in a game. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby tosses a puck during practice in Sunrise, Fla., Friday, Jan. 13, 2012. Crosby skated with his teammates for the first time in more than a month on Friday but still has no idea when he'll be cleared to practice, let alone see action in a game. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby skates during practice in Sunrise, Fla., Friday, Jan. 13, 2012. Crosby skated with his teammates for the first time in more than a month on Friday but still has no idea when he'll be cleared to practice, let alone see action in a game. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby is shown during practice in Sunrise, Fla., Friday, Jan. 13, 2012. Crosby skated with his teammates for the first time in more than a month on Friday but still has no idea when he'll be cleared to practice, let alone see action in a game. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) ? Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby skated Friday for the first time in more than a month, and his teammates left little doubt they're behind their captain as he continues to recover from a recurrence of concussion-like symptoms.

The Penguins taped a "C'' on each of their practice jerseys in tribute to Crosby, who hasn't played since Dec. 5 after the symptoms that kept him sidelined for nearly a year returned.

Crosby joined the rest of the team on the ice for the final 30 minutes of a morning skate before Friday night's game against the Florida Panthers, shooting a few pucks and making a few passes.

While Crosby called his return a "positive," he's still uncertain when he'll be cleared to practice, let alone play.

"The symptoms are getting a lot better, but I wouldn't say (I'm) symptom free," Crosby said.

The 24-year-old Crosby suffered similar symptoms last January and missed more than 10 months. He returned in spectacular fashion on Nov. 21, scoring a pair of goals against the New York Islanders. He tallied 12 points in eight games before the symptoms returned after a 3-1 loss to Boston.

The Penguins have struggled to find the net without their captain, managing just six goals during their current six-game losing streak, a slide that's dropped a team considered a Stanley Cup contender two months ago into the bottom half of the Eastern Conference.

Doctors have cleared Crosby for "light exertion," and he was clearly out of breath when he addressed reporters shortly after leaving the ice. While acknowledging skating is "better than being on a bike" there are restraints on what he can do.

Crosby admitted to having dizziness and balance problems, though the bigger issue remains how his body reacts when he's moving.

"The motion stuff has kind of been the issue from the time before and going through it a bit now," he said. "The good thing is I have a pretty good handle on it."

Though the injury-ravaged Penguins have looked dismal over the last few weeks, Crosby shot down any discussion that the silence surrounding his condition ? he hadn't spoken to the media in a month ? was causing a rift in the dressing room.

"I've been around hockey long enough to know this stuff goes on when you're losing," Crosby said. "I don't think we'd be talking about it if we'd won five straight."

Crosby was a constant presence around the team during training camp and joined the Penguins on each road trip before his return just before Thanksgiving. He hasn't been quite as visible during his current rehab but doesn't think he's alienating his teammates.

"I understand my responsibility," he said. "I've been doing this long enough if there's information to give that's part of my role. I think if there's no information to be given then I'm not going to give any. I'm not going to make something up and I'm not going to cause distraction or create distraction as a part of that."

Unlike last year, when Crosby sustained two obvious shots to the head, this time there was no single play that caused the symptoms to return. He has applauded the league's effort to crack down on dangerous plays.

"They can only do so much at the end of the day it's up to us as players," Crosby said. "It's a quick game. Things can happen ... they have done a lot of good things to prevent it from happening."

Still, it hasn't stopped some of the league's elite players from dealing with concussions this season. Philadelphia defenseman Chris Pronger is out for the year with concussions, while Pittsburgh defenseman Kris Letang hasn't played since late-November after sustaining a head shot. Letang has been cleared to workout and appears to be ahead of Crosby in terms of rehabilitation.

Crosby hasn't ruled out returning this season and vowed to remain with his teammates even if that means watching instead of playing.

"You always want to be around them, when you're losing too, you want to be there and go through it," he said. "It's good for me to be around the guys and hopefully support them and they can see that I'm getting closer and closer."

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/apdefault/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-01-13-HKN-Penguins-Crosby/id-7705628470714419b5e907fdbd93fd5a

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OnStar announces 'closed' API, developers welcome to apply

Tonight OnStar's pulled back the curtain just a tad, revealing it'll soon allow pre-approved third parties to build "apps" atop its platform. While the closed API won't launch until later, at CES the telematics service announced its first partner: RelayRides -- a peer-to-peer car sharing service that enables OnStar owners to rent their cars. Access to the API allows those renting using RelayRides' app to remotely unlock reserved cars, all from their smartphone. It'll be one of many to go live in 2012, so devs with a knack for the next big thing ought to peep the PR after the break

Gallery: RelayRides

Continue reading OnStar announces 'closed' API, developers welcome to apply

OnStar announces 'closed' API, developers welcome to apply originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/onstar-announces-closed-api-developers-welcome-to-apply/

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Mayor tackles Reading poverty crisis

READING, Pa. -

Just days after Vaughn Spencer was inaugurated as Reading's newest mayor, residents could be seen stopping him as he went into City Hall, asking for help solving everyday problems.

Spencer stopped to chat, smiled, shook hands, and assured that he would follow up.

But concerns of residents will surely have to be added to the long list of already mounting challenges like poverty, crime, attracting businesses, and creating jobs.

Struggling in this reality is Felicity Lord, who lives on McKnight Street in Reading. She was laid off just days before Christmas.

She said, if given the chance, she knows exactly what she would tell Mayor Spencer.

"They need better paying jobs, something you can live on," said Lord.

"I understand the frustration," said Spencer, "because the economy is bad and jobs are really tight."

Spencer said the city will play a bigger role in creating jobs.

He said 10 jobs could be created by having the city take over recycling, instead of paying a private company.

"We saw that we could be able to do the recycling for less than we were paying to contract it out," said Spencer.

Spencer also wants to create a city department to handle information technology services for the Parking Authority, the Water Authority and the Reading School District.

Spencer is also pushing to create a department to handle towing.

For all these newly-created departments, employees would be needed, and Spencer explained those jobs would go to Reading residents.

"We're going to continue to look at what we're contracting out, and to see whether it can be done in house, and with the possibility of creating jobs," said Spencer.

When Spencer was asked what goes through his mind when he looks at the city of Reading, he responded without hesitation, "I see a beautiful city."

And that's exactly what Spencer is hoping investors see.

But many entrepreneurs have complained that opening a business in Reading is a red tape nightmare.

"From what I'm hearing, our process is too long compared to other cities," said Spencer.

Spencer said he is interested in creating a "one-stop shop" permitting process for business owners, which would be a streamlined version of the current permitting process. He refused to say by how much he would trim the process, but he did explain that he didn't want to rush the system, which would just create problems in the long run.

"And at the same time, by shortening the process, are we doing our due diligence in what we need to do?" asked Spencer.

But no matter how streamlined the process, the mayor says convincing companies to invest in a what has been labeled a dangerous city will be tough.

Spencer explained that he plans to work with the police and target crime-ridden neighborhoods.

"I'm going to be visiting those neighborhoods, knocking on doors," said Spencer.

The mayor's initiatives will have to be approved by city council, but many are hoping this will lead the city out of financial turmoil.

Source: http://www.wfmz.com/news/Mayor-tackles-Reading-poverty-crisis/-/121458/7732824/-/9deai8/-/index.html

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Gene Deitch's 'The Hobbit' Short Film Surfaces Online Nearly 50 Years On (VIDEO)

You've probably never heard of Gene Deitch, but you were likely exposed to his work at a young age. The Czech illustrator produced episodes for the "Tom and Jerry" and "Popeye" throughout the 60s, during a time where the productions were being partially outsourced to Prague. Deitch's films for the series have been called the worst of the lot, but Deitch attributes that to his Czech style, which "had nothing in common with these gag-driven cartoons."

Now, we have an animation that's sure to get Deitch some attention from diehard fans of another series. Deitch's 1966, 12-minute "Hobbit" short film, illustrated by fellow Czech illustrator Adolf Born, has surfaced on YouTube after almost 50 years in the vaults. The short was originally supposed to be a feature-length film, according to Deitch's blog, and would have been the first full-length "Hobbit" film, he claims. The convoluted series of events that led to it not being made into a full-length film are best explained in Deitch's own words. We leave you with this -- before you judge the liberties this 12-minute version takes, note this disclaimer from Deitch:

For those who are criticizing the liberties I took with it in this "Ashcan" version [a copy made for purposes like trademark, and not intended for the general public], need to put it into a time perspective. I came out of Hollywood at a time when it was normal to rewrite any book that was made into a movie. It was only four years later, when I began to do Weston Woods films for Mort Schindel, that i learned to respect the integrity of books I adapted. Even UPA's Gerald McBoing Boing dismissed Dr. Seuss' drawing style. Only their adaptation of Bemelmans' Madeline held true to a book's style. If I were to do THE HOBBIT today, I would obviously have a totally different mind-set!

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/11/gene-deitch-the-hobbit_n_1198864.html

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