CAN you write an Economist picture caption? The excellent standard of entries in our previous competitions suggests that many of you can. Here's a new chance for you to see your wit in print.

The photograph above will accompany an article in the United States section in this week's issue. In most countries firms hiring new staff are not allowed to discriminate against disabled candidates, or those of a particular race. Yet very few places make it illegal for an employer to prefer attractive employees over unattractive ones. That may be changing—America's Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently opened an investigation into a chain of coffee houses known for its pretty female staff. Is it time for national laws that demand equal rights for ugly people?

As before, it's up to you to provide the caption: please leave your suggestions in the comments thread below. The captions should be as short and snappy as possible, and ideally no more than about 30 characters long. The best contribution will appear beneath the picture in this week's print edition, which is published on Friday morning. Entries close at midnight London time on Wednesday evening, so you've got a little more than 48 hours. The winner can truthfully claim to have written (at least a few words) for The Economist. Over to you.

Update: The competition is now closed, and the winner has been announced.