Named after television character: Former Smith now totally Awesome

EUGENE, Ore. -- An Oregon man has had an Awesome name change.

Douglas Allen Smith Jr. said he changed his name to Captain Awesome last month because he was inspired by the nickname of a character on the NBC television show "Chuck" -- Dr. Devon "Captain Awesome" Woodcomb.

The unemployed Eugene cabinet installer said he found it funny Woodcomb's father gave him that nickname because a "poor nickname builds good character."

The former Mr. Smith said he faced a Lane County judge who questioned his seriousness. The judge who granted the request made him swear he wasn't changing his name for fraudulent reasons.

Awesome said the judge also allowed him to sign his name as a right arrow, a smiley face and a left arrow.

He said his bank, however, has refused to accept the signature because it could be forged too easily.