I Got a Charge out of this

David L. Mackie of Fondue, Oklahoma, is our kind of guy. Pictured above is his recently-isssued VISA card through Capital One ("what's in YOUR wallet?") The photo is not of David L. Mackie, of course. Eagle-eyed readers will recognize the likeness of drunken actor Nick Nolte from his 2004 mug shot.

Capital One, showing the rapt attention to detail that has helped plunge our nation and the world to the very precipice of economic catastrophe, has decided that they have more people in the bank than tasks to complete, so they now allow their charge card holders to submit their own doggone photo. Mackie sent along the booking shot from one of the many nights when alcohol and poor personal hygiene combined to enshroud the Nolte countenance with a certain manic quality. And the bank accepted it and proudly printed it on the card! And then someone ratted it out and the bank had to offer Mackie 50 semolians to give the card up, lest Mr Nolte and/or his career become embarrassed. Like he shouldn't be turning red over wearing that shirt out on the street.

Your humble correspondent, back in the days when Peggy and I lived at the lavish Glenmont Apartments in Towson, noticed that the security guards at the pool there gave but the most desultory glance at the pool ID cards issued to tenants. I pasted a picture of Mr. Pee Wee Herman over mine, re-laminated it, and used it successfully the rest of that summer.

No one ever looked at it; no one said a word. Peggy was the only person who laughed at it. Still, it's the thought that counts. Well played, Mr. Mackie!