De-regulate, masturbate, bail-out. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Frankie and Johnny were sweethearts, but Fannie and Freddie got a sweeter deal.

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And so, IndyMac goes down, perhaps the first of the coming Alt-A variety loan failures.

Investopedia: A classification of mortgages where the risk profile falls between prime and subprime. The borrowers behind these mortgages will typically have clean credit histories, but the mortgage itself will generally have some issues that increase its risk profile. These issues include higher loan-to-value and debt-to-income ratios or inadequate documentation of the borrower's income.

These types of loans are attractive to lenders because the rates are higher than rates on prime classified mortgages, but they are still backed by borrowers with stronger credit ratings than subprime borrowers. However, with the higher rates comes additional risk for lenders because there is a lack of documentation - including limited proof of the borrower's income.

Q: How do you buy a unicorn? A: With invisible money.
Q: How do you buy 2 unicorns? A: Declare the first unicorn as a marquee asset on your CapitalOne card application.