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While sorting through the economic crisis t-shirt submissions, we’ve been arguing like members of Congress. So, we’ve narrowed the field to six candidates and decided to hold a referendum. Leave your vote in the comments—one vote per person. (We’ve invested heavily in technology to prevent t-shirt contest voter fraud.) The winner gets a $125 bailout.
a. “Bernanke Say Relax”
–Rob
b. “D’ow!”
–Terence Mcginnis
c. “Go Directly to Bailout: Collect $700 Billion Dollars”
–Alan Evans
d. “How Now Down Dow?”
–Josh Smith
e. “Congratulations on Your Recent Bank Purchase”
–Anko
f. “US Laws of Economic Mathematics: $700 Billion – 401(k) = $700 Billion”
–Eli Gorin
The polls will be open through Wednesday night. Stand up and be counted.
Comments (235)
Comment
- Follow mental_floss
Anko gets my vote:
e. “Congratulations on Your Recent Bank Purchase”
Funny stuff! Congrats to the finalists.
posted by Ken on 10-27-2008 at 10:18 am
D’ow!
So simple. So great!
posted by Maggie on 10-27-2008 at 10:19 am
a. “Bernanke Say Relax”
definitely
posted by paul on 10-27-2008 at 10:22 am
D’ow! – My thoughts exactly
posted by DennisP on 10-27-2008 at 10:23 am
Bernanke Say Relax
I’d even buy that.
posted by M.J. on 10-27-2008 at 10:24 am
I have to say A!
posted by Kande on 10-27-2008 at 10:25 am
c. “Go Directly to Bailout: Collect $700 Billion Dollars”
posted by andy on 10-27-2008 at 10:26 am
After a tough race between B & D, “D’ow” won my vote.
posted by joanna on 10-27-2008 at 10:28 am
Definitely a
posted by Fruppi on 10-27-2008 at 10:36 am
I like the monopoly reference. Works on several levels.
C
reCAPTCHA: NOGOLD checking
posted by KJ on 10-27-2008 at 10:36 am
e. definitely.
posted by tina on 10-27-2008 at 10:36 am
b. “D’ow!”
posted by TC on 10-27-2008 at 10:39 am
Bernanke Says Relax. No doubts.
posted by erin on 10-27-2008 at 10:40 am
E. for sure
posted by allison on 10-27-2008 at 10:41 am
E!!
posted by Christina on 10-27-2008 at 10:44 am
c. “Go Directly to Bailout: Collect $700 Billion Dollars”
With a cute Monopoly-esque illustration, I’d definitely buy it!
posted by Eve on 10-27-2008 at 10:44 am
b. “D’ow!”
posted by Melanie on 10-27-2008 at 10:45 am
e. “Congratulations on Your Recent Bank Purchase”
posted by Sara on 10-27-2008 at 10:47 am
They were all good, but E made me laugh out loud. Great job Anko!
posted by Jen on 10-27-2008 at 10:50 am
a
posted by tess on 10-27-2008 at 10:52 am
E.
i like anko’s
posted by Brad on 10-27-2008 at 10:58 am
b.
posted by Laura on 10-27-2008 at 11:02 am
a. “Bernanke Say Relax”
posted by Angeline on 10-27-2008 at 11:04 am
Definitely C
posted by Sarah on 10-27-2008 at 11:06 am
a. Bernanke Say Relax
posted by LP on 10-27-2008 at 11:07 am
e. “Congratulations on Your Recent Bank Purchase”
posted by KIB on 10-27-2008 at 11:13 am
D’ow!
posted by Brian on 10-27-2008 at 11:13 am
E :)
reCaptcha – lovemaking of
posted by Deb on 10-27-2008 at 11:15 am
Congratulations on Your Recent Bank Purchase
posted by Richard on 10-27-2008 at 11:16 am
B!
posted by Kelly on 10-27-2008 at 11:18 am
I like d.) “How Now Down Dow?”
posted by MW on 10-27-2008 at 11:18 am
D
posted by ggirl on 10-27-2008 at 11:19 am
They’re all good. I couldn’t choose.
I’d just like a cariciture of Alan Greenspan as an ostrich pulling his head out of Ayn Rand’s necrotic ass.
(This per his recent revelation that, gee, maybe the market does need some regulating.)
posted by BassMan on 10-27-2008 at 11:21 am
Since I work in the mortgage industry, can I be a super delegate for the vote? A. would be my 1st choice, but b. would be the vice president.
posted by Marty on 10-27-2008 at 11:21 am
D please.
posted by Julia on 10-27-2008 at 11:25 am
They’re all great, but I have to go with A. It’s brilliant.
posted by Jenn on 10-27-2008 at 11:26 am
E from Anko.
Not only is it funny – it’s true. Nailed it quite nicely.
posted by gwdmaine on 10-27-2008 at 11:27 am
Keep it simple stoopid ;)
B.) D’ow!
posted by russ! on 10-27-2008 at 11:29 am
D’ow!
posted by Gibbs on 10-27-2008 at 11:34 am
d. How Now Down Dow?
posted by Nicole on 10-27-2008 at 11:42 am
E, definitely! It fits the best with other, current flossy shirts, IMO.
posted by Amy D on 10-27-2008 at 11:43 am
c. “Go Directly to Bailout: Collect $700 Billion Dollars”
posted by Hypatia on 10-27-2008 at 11:44 am
B – short, to the point, and perfectly fitting
posted by Amy on 10-27-2008 at 11:44 am
C
posted by deuxditz on 10-27-2008 at 11:45 am
I vote for “E”- “Congratulations on your recent bank purchase”. It’s pithy and fun.
posted by Harold Dickinson on 10-27-2008 at 11:48 am
D’OW
Simple yet effective, catchy!!
posted by Jesse Ridley on 10-27-2008 at 11:48 am
C
posted by bethany on 10-27-2008 at 11:48 am
A is so hip. The others sound like something a little cheesier.
I vote a.
posted by FMchubs on 10-27-2008 at 11:52 am
E
posted by jill on 10-27-2008 at 11:55 am
A
posted by Jeremy on 10-27-2008 at 11:59 am
E fo sho.
Definitely the most consistent with “when life gives you scurvy, make lemonade” type humor.
posted by Joel on 10-27-2008 at 11:59 am
B, by far and away.
posted by Sara on 10-27-2008 at 11:59 am
“Bernanke Say Relax”
posted by Casey on 10-27-2008 at 12:04 pm
A!
posted by Becca on 10-27-2008 at 12:06 pm
Monopoly FTW – Go directly to bailout – collect $700 billion dollars
I can see the design in my head right now of the board.. this has GOT to win! I need this shirt!!
posted by Bri on 10-27-2008 at 12:07 pm
e. “Congratulations on Your Recent Bank Purchase”
posted by Jenna on 10-27-2008 at 12:11 pm
Bernanke says relax
posted by H on 10-27-2008 at 12:14 pm
A
although i like D too.
posted by WarTiger on 10-27-2008 at 12:15 pm
E…all the way!
posted by Spaz on 10-27-2008 at 12:15 pm
e.
Smart, simple and funny, without relying too heavily on pop culture refrences.
posted by Becki on 10-27-2008 at 12:16 pm
A
posted by Matt on 10-27-2008 at 12:17 pm
T-shirt A!!
posted by Jennifer on 10-27-2008 at 12:20 pm
E
posted by Jeremy on 10-27-2008 at 12:22 pm
e. “Congratulations on your new bank purchase”
posted by Julie on 10-27-2008 at 12:25 pm
c. “Go Directly to Bailout: Collect $700 Billion Dollars”
posted by Justin on 10-27-2008 at 12:26 pm
These are all really, really good, but gonna have to go w/ Bernanke says relax
posted by Kevin H on 10-27-2008 at 12:33 pm
Love C! I think that E and B, while funny, would be harder to ‘get’ instantly in an illustration. And honestly, when I buy a T-shirt I want to be able to wear it for a while: the bailout will remain a part of public memory for longer.
posted by Jessica on 10-27-2008 at 12:33 pm
d’ow
posted by scott on 10-27-2008 at 12:45 pm
E. Congratulations on your recent bank purchase.
posted by Biogirl on 10-27-2008 at 12:49 pm
b. and c.
posted by Caroline on 10-27-2008 at 12:50 pm
B
posted by SarahM on 10-27-2008 at 12:53 pm
I vote for d’ow…so simple.
posted by Dave on 10-27-2008 at 12:55 pm
D’ow.
What else needs to be said?
posted by Regis on 10-27-2008 at 12:58 pm
c
posted by makenzie on 10-27-2008 at 1:01 pm
no f’s? That one is totally best
F F F!!!
posted by Caitlin on 10-27-2008 at 1:07 pm
b. D’ow – no question.
posted by Mike on 10-27-2008 at 1:08 pm
b. “D’ow!” Classic.
posted by Nick Gates on 10-27-2008 at 1:08 pm
Congratulations on your recent bank purchase
posted by shanise822 on 10-27-2008 at 1:09 pm
a. “Bernanke Say Relax”
posted by maggie on 10-27-2008 at 1:11 pm
D’ow, it is.
posted by Jan on 10-27-2008 at 1:14 pm
b. “D’ow!” really good
posted by Bob on 10-27-2008 at 1:17 pm
D’ow for me.
posted by Bill Franklin on 10-27-2008 at 1:18 pm
D’OW is awesome, creative and thought provoking!
posted by Lisa on 10-27-2008 at 1:20 pm
b. “D’ow!”
good stuff
posted by Bobble on 10-27-2008 at 1:20 pm
It’s D’ow! AND it’s D’oooooh!
posted by Davel the Artboy on 10-27-2008 at 1:20 pm
“Brevity is the soul of wit.” . . . B says it all!
posted by Fred Mulfinger on 10-27-2008 at 1:20 pm
B.
posted by msjulian on 10-27-2008 at 1:21 pm
B. D’ow, definitely. Some others are also clever, but this would look awesome on a shirt.
posted by Dave on 10-27-2008 at 1:22 pm
Forget “Where’s the Beef?” I found the Pork – $700 Billion Bailout
posted by Barney on 10-27-2008 at 1:23 pm
b. “D’ow!”
–Terence Mcginnis
posted by Nancy on 10-27-2008 at 1:23 pm
e. definitely e.
posted by Russ on 10-27-2008 at 1:24 pm
C
posted by Lindsay F on 10-27-2008 at 1:25 pm
My vote is for D’ow!
posted by Suzanne Stolz on 10-27-2008 at 1:27 pm
B D’OW says it for me!
posted by Rollman on 10-27-2008 at 1:27 pm
d’ow
posted by monika on 10-27-2008 at 1:28 pm
$700 Billion Bank Bailout – Most Expensive Toilet Cleaner Ever
posted by barney on 10-27-2008 at 1:32 pm
They are all great.
I vote for “D”
posted by Joanna on 10-27-2008 at 1:32 pm
b. D’ow yeah, it hurts !
posted by L on 10-27-2008 at 1:34 pm
Forget “Where’s the Beef?”, I found the Pork – $700 Billon Bank Bailout
posted by barney on 10-27-2008 at 1:35 pm
My vote: b. “D’ow!”
posted by bibliophile81 on 10-27-2008 at 1:39 pm
b. D’ow!
Genius.
posted by Gretchen on 10-27-2008 at 1:43 pm
Hard to choose between B & D for me… but my final answer is for:
B. D’ow!
…funny stuff!
posted by Pam on 10-27-2008 at 1:46 pm
I vote for b…d’ow
posted by Renee on 10-27-2008 at 1:51 pm
D’ow
posted by Dennis on 10-27-2008 at 1:52 pm
A. Bernanke Says Relax
posted by Ryan on 10-27-2008 at 1:55 pm
D’ow!
:)
posted by Stephanie on 10-27-2008 at 1:57 pm
B is awesome
posted by Jessica on 10-27-2008 at 1:59 pm
b. D’ow! Clever & amusing.
posted by Debby on 10-27-2008 at 2:03 pm
C
posted by J on 10-27-2008 at 2:06 pm
B. Says it all!!
posted by Sara on 10-27-2008 at 2:07 pm
b. “D’ow!”
ooooooooowwwwwwwwwww
posted by Lisa on 10-27-2008 at 2:19 pm
I guess they thought mine was a bit too grim – “We’re gonna party like its 1929!”
B
posted by C on 10-27-2008 at 2:20 pm
“C” gets my vote!
posted by Nathan on 10-27-2008 at 2:20 pm
“Bernanke say Relax” made me laugh out loud; A gets my vote.
posted by Megan on 10-27-2008 at 2:21 pm
HAS to be B. – D’ow!!!
posted by Matthew Ulm on 10-27-2008 at 2:25 pm
D’ow
posted by Gina on 10-27-2008 at 2:26 pm
C.
posted by KT on 10-27-2008 at 2:32 pm
I vote “a” – brilliant!
posted by Rebecca on 10-27-2008 at 2:33 pm
D’ow! Rocks! The 30 that make up the DOW will be laughing off their socks.
posted by Gail on 10-27-2008 at 2:33 pm
D’ow! gets my vote. It really says it all.
posted by Pam on 10-27-2008 at 2:34 pm
D’ow!
Short and sweet.
posted by Linda on 10-27-2008 at 2:34 pm
b. D’ow
so witty and I like a quick read
posted by Laura McDaniel on 10-27-2008 at 2:36 pm
A, very clever!
posted by Rachel on 10-27-2008 at 2:36 pm
a or d. They’re GENIUS and yet, not quite over my head!
posted by Kelly J on 10-27-2008 at 2:37 pm
D’ow. Billiant
posted by Gail on 10-27-2008 at 2:38 pm
D’ow! totally D’ow!
posted by Nick on 10-27-2008 at 2:38 pm
b far out
posted by alex on 10-27-2008 at 2:39 pm
D’ow!
Although, “We’re gonna party like it’s 1929″ made me laugh, too
posted by Rico on 10-27-2008 at 2:39 pm
D’ow
posted by Meems on 10-27-2008 at 2:42 pm
“D’ow!”
the first one went over my head…can anyone dissect it for me?
posted by septer on 10-27-2008 at 2:42 pm
E…definitely the best one
posted by Suzanne on 10-27-2008 at 2:43 pm
Letter B “D’ow!”
Without a D’ow t!
posted by Paul on 10-27-2008 at 2:47 pm
B. “D’ow”
Simply put
posted by JC on 10-27-2008 at 3:03 pm
E is awesome goddamn
posted by hitler on 10-27-2008 at 3:05 pm
D’ow! Fabulous at many levels.
posted by Cory on 10-27-2008 at 3:16 pm
“D’ow” simple and to the point!
posted by Greg on 10-27-2008 at 3:17 pm
E.
I always wanted to own a bank!
posted by The Spectre on 10-27-2008 at 3:19 pm
E, that for sure. Well done, A!!!
posted by linda lester on 10-27-2008 at 3:20 pm
C
posted by Gina on 10-27-2008 at 3:22 pm
C
posted by Gina on 10-27-2008 at 3:22 pm
“D’ow” – B – SIMPLY the best – who doesn’t get it!
posted by Barbara Cox on 10-27-2008 at 3:22 pm
d. “How Now Down Dow?”
posted by Adrienne on 10-27-2008 at 3:24 pm
C please!
posted by jenny on 10-27-2008 at 3:34 pm
picture this
photo of palin
“Gotcha Economics”
posted by Janet on 10-27-2008 at 3:36 pm
ANKO (E).
posted by brenda on 10-27-2008 at 3:43 pm
wow! So simple
I vote for “D’ow”
posted by jack B. Schriber on 10-27-2008 at 3:50 pm
D’ow Wow!
posted by jack B. Schriber on 10-27-2008 at 3:53 pm
E
posted by Emily on 10-27-2008 at 3:57 pm
I vote for “Congratulations on your recent bank purchase.”
posted by MizJ on 10-27-2008 at 3:58 pm
A
posted by Jayhawk on 10-27-2008 at 3:59 pm
C, definitely.
posted by ESJ on 10-27-2008 at 4:00 pm
“D’ow, has my vote. Simple and clever
posted by jack on 10-27-2008 at 4:03 pm
b
recaptch = Thanksgiving power (It’s like the slogan for a new turkey flavored superhero :)
posted by Laura on 10-27-2008 at 4:05 pm
B -D’OW! LESS IS MORE
posted by Fred on 10-27-2008 at 4:06 pm
C
posted by Lily on 10-27-2008 at 4:06 pm
e
posted by spc on 10-27-2008 at 4:07 pm
e.
posted by Sarah on 10-27-2008 at 4:10 pm
a
posted by nikki on 10-27-2008 at 4:11 pm
B
posted by Brian on 10-27-2008 at 4:11 pm
definately E
but C was so close in the running I had my own personal ‘04 Florida debacle… darn hanging chads!
posted by Kathryn on 10-27-2008 at 4:11 pm
D’ow!
(Can you say “ouch”?)
posted by Tony on 10-27-2008 at 4:17 pm
D!!!!
posted by Rebecca on 10-27-2008 at 4:30 pm
D’ow!
posted by Heaz on 10-27-2008 at 4:45 pm
D’ow – everything our government is not: short, to the point, and absolutely honest and forthright.
posted by Bambi on 10-27-2008 at 4:59 pm
B.
Simple,like me.
Ok,Ok I am a simpleton,but that is close.
posted by Mike on 10-27-2008 at 5:03 pm
E, for sure
posted by kelly on 10-27-2008 at 5:13 pm
a
tough decision, but i think a is my favorite.
posted by sorcha on 10-27-2008 at 5:20 pm
B Bs the best!
posted by Jeanne on 10-27-2008 at 5:22 pm
D’ow simple but true.
posted by Steven on 10-27-2008 at 5:30 pm
B!
posted by david on 10-27-2008 at 5:34 pm
D’ow – I feel your pain.
posted by Steve on 10-27-2008 at 5:34 pm
D’ow – short, honest, to the point
posted by bambi on 10-27-2008 at 5:45 pm
C
posted by Elizabeth on 10-27-2008 at 6:00 pm
a. “Bernanke Say Relax”
For Sure
posted by Ash on 10-27-2008 at 6:01 pm
I like it!
posted by Tracie Ambrose on 10-27-2008 at 6:06 pm
D’ow! cool!
posted by lynne on 10-27-2008 at 6:09 pm
C
posted by Claire on 10-27-2008 at 6:15 pm
D’OW
posted by Deb on 10-27-2008 at 6:23 pm
A. A. A thousand times A. I swear unto the appropriate gods and/or goddesses that I will buy one of those if it’s in the correct font and size.
posted by George on 10-27-2008 at 6:29 pm
C
posted by taylor on 10-27-2008 at 6:53 pm
D’ow! I get it.
posted by gba on 10-27-2008 at 7:29 pm
E
posted by patty on 10-27-2008 at 7:35 pm
Anko’s E: “Congratulations on your new bank purchase”
posted by OrangutanK on 10-27-2008 at 7:49 pm
Dow! I like it
posted by Kenneth on 10-27-2008 at 7:59 pm
B
posted by kati on 10-27-2008 at 8:02 pm
D’ow! all the way :D That is great :D
posted by velocibadgergirl on 10-27-2008 at 8:25 pm
Go Directly to Bailout!
posted by Madi on 10-27-2008 at 8:39 pm
b. D’ow
Definately. =)
posted by bg on 10-27-2008 at 8:40 pm
D’ow!
Simple yet clever. A joke that you could get instantly.
posted by Colin on 10-27-2008 at 8:45 pm
D’ow!
Perfect!
posted by teacher incognito on 10-27-2008 at 8:56 pm
b. D’ow
posted by Yoni on 10-27-2008 at 9:15 pm
Totally C!
posted by Korin on 10-27-2008 at 9:16 pm
D’ow! That about sums it up!
posted by getspunky on 10-27-2008 at 9:25 pm
d. “How Now Down Dow?”
posted by Stuart on 10-27-2008 at 9:30 pm
I vote c. “Go Directly to Bailout: Collect $700 Billion Dollars”
Though it looks like it’s not as popular as others… I dare say that Monopoly’s been a lot more famous for a longer time that the Simpsons….
posted by Christi on 10-27-2008 at 9:32 pm
D’ow
posted by Sue on 10-27-2008 at 9:49 pm
D’ow!
posted by Derek on 10-27-2008 at 10:16 pm
How Now Dow Down
posted by Merinda Brayfield on 10-27-2008 at 10:19 pm
D’ow!
posted by laura danger on 10-27-2008 at 10:23 pm
b. D’ow
posted by Meg on 10-27-2008 at 10:46 pm
B Short, sweet and OUCH, dead on
posted by jude on 10-27-2008 at 10:48 pm
B. D’ow
posted by kleinrider on 10-27-2008 at 11:12 pm
D: How Now Down Dow.
posted by Patrick J. on 10-27-2008 at 11:27 pm
Bernanke say relax.
posted by heather on 10-27-2008 at 11:28 pm
A! A thousand times A! (or, just once. whatever.)
posted by Beth on 10-28-2008 at 2:02 am
Definitely ‘b’. So simple yet brilliant.
posted by Deacon on 10-28-2008 at 2:51 am
a. “Bernanke Say Relax”
–Rob
By far my favorite!
posted by Michigan Mom on 10-28-2008 at 5:15 am
A–Bernanke Say Relax!
posted by Ryan on 10-28-2008 at 6:51 am
b.
posted by dsitz on 10-28-2008 at 7:28 am
D’ow
posted by Vikki on 10-28-2008 at 7:36 am
D’ow.
simple, yet classic
recaptcha- trophy kept
posted by hannah on 10-28-2008 at 7:58 am
A, all the way!
posted by Karen on 10-28-2008 at 8:06 am
D’ow! Pithy and comprehensive.
posted by Pauline Amodio on 10-28-2008 at 9:00 am
gotta go w/ the heavy satire. anko gets my vote for “Congratulations on your recent bank purchase”
posted by sherrilee on 10-28-2008 at 9:13 am
The most succinct summation of Wall Street’s meltdown that I could possibly imagine:
“D’ow!”
–Terence Mcginnis
posted by A. C. Nellis on 10-28-2008 at 9:16 am
Go Directly to Bailout: Collect $700 Billion Dollars”
posted by downchez on 10-28-2008 at 9:19 am
A all the way!
posted by Meghan on 10-28-2008 at 9:25 am
A – Bernake Say Relax
posted by Double A Ron on 10-28-2008 at 11:12 am
How Now Down Dow!!!!!!
posted by courtney on 10-28-2008 at 12:21 pm
E
My reCaptcha was ‘Titley deluge’
posted by Matt on 10-28-2008 at 12:22 pm
A. “Bernanke Say Relax”
posted by Kelly on 10-28-2008 at 12:34 pm
b. thats the ticket
posted by alex on 10-28-2008 at 12:58 pm
E
posted by Fireball on 10-28-2008 at 1:23 pm
B
posted by pbm on 10-28-2008 at 2:12 pm
C – Go Directly to Bailout: Collect $700 Billion Dollars
posted by Dawn on 10-28-2008 at 4:05 pm
“D’ow!”
posted by Melissa on 10-28-2008 at 4:30 pm
D’ow says it all!
posted by john on 10-28-2008 at 4:59 pm
D.ow
posted by John on 10-28-2008 at 8:30 pm
B. D’OW!
GOOD ONE…
posted by Derek S. on 10-29-2008 at 10:14 am
D’ow! Sums it up.
posted by Frank on 10-29-2008 at 1:42 pm
D’ow!
posted by Anne on 10-29-2008 at 6:15 pm
D’ow – Simply superior
posted by Robert on 10-31-2008 at 8:43 am
A. No contest.
posted by hullnoates on 10-31-2008 at 10:15 pm
It has just got to be “D’ow!”
–Terence Mcginnis
Way to go Terence!
posted by Rhonda on 11-1-2008 at 11:19 am
D
posted by Matt on 11-1-2008 at 4:44 pm