(passport)
My ten year passport expired (already?).
These days you do the whole renewal on-line, and some kind of government backed A.I. critiques your application.
Mostly this is straightforward. however the “recent photo” – plain background, look straight ahead, no hats (seriously?), no shadows, glasses…
My first effort, rejected by robot response, was admittedly a little uneven the illumination, but my eyes were open. The AI however did not agree.
I take greater care with the lighting for photo 2, and stare grimly with almost comically wide eyes.
“Your photograph is unlikely to be accepted because: Your eyes are closed. The glare from your glasses is too severe. Your mouth is open.”
“Do you wish to proceed anyway?”
“Why do you wish to proceed anyway?”
Because my eyes are wide open. I’m not wearing glasses and behind my moustache, my mouth is gritted shut.
I do not actually expect these to be acceptable answers, however, passport AI gives an electronic shrug and accepts my money and photo.
I can now travel anywhere for another ten years, but only if I enter customs while staring bug-eyed at the officers and camera. It’s a medical condition officer…
Next time on IaDL: We played music didn’t we?
Dalmallyfest the Asylum 