• iPad 2: Wife Says No, but Apple Says Yes

    // Gradly // Apple, blog, Funny, iPad, Rants & Raves, Rumors No Responses

    There are many reasons one would give when returning an iPad 2. However, telling Apple it was because of a spouse is probably not an answer often heard. Until now.

    According to MacRumors, Apple is paying close attention to all iPad 2 returns during the first few weeks to make sure there are no major production defects. This policy has led to an amusing story that we thought was entertaining enough to share.

    The story comes by way of an individual close to Apple:

    [Apple’s] focus this week has been to troubleshoot all the iPad 2s that customers are returning to the stores. One iPad came back with a post it note on it that said “Wife said no.” It was escalated as something funny, and two of the VPs got wind of it. They sent the guy an iPad 2 with a note on it that said “Apple said yes.“

    We’re guessing a free iPad satisfied any objection the customer’s wife might have had.

  • The Hobbit Movie Begins Shooting

    // Gradly // blog, Movies, News, Rants & Raves No Responses

    The two new Hobbit movies are finally on their way. following months of delays caused by funding problems, a row over actors’ wages and surgery for its director. Filming is taking place at Stone Street Studios, Wellington, and on location around New Zealand, directed by Peter Jackson, who also directed the hit Lord of the Rings trilogy. Though New Zealand unions threatened to strike over wages, but Jackson fought back with a promise to take filming to Eastern Europe, which would mean “a long, dry big-budget movie drought in this country,” according to Jackson. After this, New Zealand’s government changed wage laws and passed tax breaks to ensure filming stayed in the country. The book will be presented in two films, the first set to be released in late 2012.

    Also, New Line, and MGM have released the movies official Facebook page.

    Cast Listings:

    Martin Freeman takes the title role as Bilbo Baggins and Ian McKellen returns in the role of Gandalf the Grey. The Dwarves are played by Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakenshield), Ken Stott (Balin), Graham McTavish (Dwalin), William Kircher (Bifur)James Nesbitt (Bofur), Stephen Hunter (Bombur), Rob Kazinsky (Fili), Aidan Turner (Kili), Peter Hambleton (Gloin), John Callen (Oin), Jed Brophy (Nori), Mark Hadlow (Dori) and Adam Brown (Ori). Reprising their roles from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy are Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Andy Serkis as Gollum and Elijah Woodas Frodo. Jeffrey Thomas and Mike Mizrahi also join the cast as Dwarf Kings Thror and Thrain, respectively. Further casting announcements are expected.

    Plot Synopsis:

    The Hobbit follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.

    Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever … Gollum.

    Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

    [More at BBC News]

  • New Creepy Trailer for Darren Bousman’s 11-11-11 Thriller Movie

    // Gradly // blog, Horror, Movies, News, Rants & Raves No Responses

    A new creepy trailer for Darren Lynn Bousman‘s upcoming 11-11-11 Thriller Movie. 11-11-11 Movie stars Timothy Gibbs, Michael Landes, Wendy Glenn, Lluis Soler, Ángela Rosal, Brendan Price, Salomé Jimenez, Benjamin Cook, and Montse Alcoverro.

    Synopsis:

    After the tragic death of his wife and child, famed American author Joseph Crone travels from the United States to Barcelona, Spain, to reunite with his estranged brother, Samuel, and dying father, Richard. However, fate has a different plan for Joseph as his life becomes plagued with strange happenings and the constant sightings of the number 11. Curiosity quickly turns to obsession, and Joseph soon realizes that this number holds a horrific meaning not only to himself but possibly to all of religion. Isolated in a foreign country with only the support of his companion, Sadie, Joseph soon realizes that 11/11/11 is more than just a date; it’s a WARNING!

  • Apple Sues Amazon over ‘App Store’ Trademark

    // Gradly // Apple, blog, News, Rants & Raves No Responses

    Apple filed a lawsuit against Amazon on March 18th over their use of the “App Store” trademark according to some reports by Bloomberg. Amazon has been using the term “App Store” since January as the name for their developer portal. Amazon is also launching an Android web-based App Store.

    Amazon.com since January has started to solicit developers for a future mobile software download service, Apple said. Amazon.com has used “Amazon Appstore Developer Portal” and “Amazon Appstore” in connection with this service, according to the complaint.

    The lawsuit also covers some “unspecified damages” and Amazon is yet to comment on the lawsuit. For those interested in the case, the official title is Apple v. Amazon.com, 11-1327, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California.

    Apple, of course, created their mobile application store in 2008 called the “App Store.” Apple also has had the “Mac App Store” term since October 2010, with the store launching January 6, 2011.