There’s a video on YouTube about “virtual backlots”, or the use of green-screens for outdoor shots. I assume this saves a grip on location fees. However, the video featured a shot of “virtual San Francisco” that was just ridiculous:

Here’s what I see wrong:

• The’s a NY-style subway entrance. In Nob Hill.
• The streets are way too wide.
• Where are all the other skyscrapers besides the Transamerica?
• Bay Bridge looks like it’s running from Marin to Treasure Island!
• What’s St. Peter’s Church doing in Chinatown?

What else can you spot?

You might remember a little over a year ago, Evil Pete announced his engagement to Claire. Well, this past Saturday, the two got hitched!

They had a beautiful ceremony in Santa Barbara and a crazy fun reception where Surfer Pete got TANKED (defend yourself all you want, Surfer, but I’ve got photos of you bear-hugging Claire off the ground). I’ll let Evil recap after he gets back from his honeymoon in Costa Rica.

Congratulations, you two!

I’m sure many of you have already contributed to Haitian relief efforts since you’re all generous peeps, but if you haven’t gotten around to it yet, here are some options:

• UNICEF: The Proper Scoundrels Charity of Choice™.
• Doctors Without Borders: One of my favorite charities.
• Yele: Wyclef Jean’s charity. Texting “YELE” to 501501 donates $5, withdrawn from your phone bill. So simpo!

More options here. However, I want to discourage donating to the American Red Cross since they’ve got a bad rep for mismanagement, using funds for fat salaries, etc. Maybe Evil Pete has some thoughts since he’s in the nonprofit sector?

This has been a Proper Scoundrels public service announcement.

If you couldn’t tell by my rage comic, I was pretty pissed about Nike screwing up my order. So pissed, in fact, I decided to write a letter:

Subject: Unsatisfied Customer, Nike Online Store

Dear Nike Executives,

I am writing in regards to a negative shopping experience I had with Nike.com. On December 12, 2009, I ordered a pair of Nike Air Max 1, size 9, from your online store. I was very excited since this style and size has been consistently out of stock. When I received my order on December 18, 2009, the package contained a pair of Nike Air MVP in
size 11.5, despite the packing slip showing the correct order. I contacted customer service for an exchange, but was informed the Air Max 1, size 9, was no longer in stock.

I am very disappointed that because of mistakes made on your behalf, I can no longer purchase what should have been delivered to me in the first place. I have also had to spend time and effort contacting your customer service, packaging the wrong shoes, bringing them to the post office, and waiting for my credit card to be refunded.

I wanted to make you all aware of the inefficiencies in your order fulfillment department to avoid similar issues in the future. I have been a loyal Nike customer for years and have owned dozens of pairs of your shoes and a large number of your apparel–and will continue to purchase Nike products. However, this situation has left a bad taste in my mouth and soured my impression of your brand.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Sherwin Fong

The response after the jump.

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Beer reviews… they’re back!

Polygamy Porter, 4% ABV
Utah Brewers Cooperative
Park City, Utah

You read about the drama I went through bringing this beer back from Utah. I’m sure the question in everyone’s mind is… was it worth it?

First, a bit about the beer:
The color is pretty light–closer to a brown ale. Pours nicely with a smooth head. Aroma has a slight nuttiness with a tiny hint of roast. Feels thin and watery with mild carbonation. Clean nutty taste with very low hops.

Presumably due to state laws that require beers to be less than 4%, Polygamy Porter feels too watered down to be a true porter. That’s not necessarily a bad thing: it makes for a great session beer. The label reads, “Why Have Just One,” probably because you really do need more than one to do the trick.

If you’re looking for a complex porter you can savor, this ain’t it. It competes well against mass-produced beer, but lacks the taste and complexity you find in micro-brews. Easy to drink, however. Not to mention, an awesome name.