Up or Down?

Two economists of well-known ability
Broke out into open hostility;
Whether high or low prices
Were less welcome vices,
And which carried more probability.  

Fair Play in the Gulf and on the Field

BP's like a good English goalie,
Who may let matters dribble by slowly,
But they're such jolly chaps,
That they'll help you, perhaps,
To even the tally up wholly.

Thanks to Sam Costanzo for this footballing analogy.

Overheard at the European Central Bank

"This bailout we've not had much luck at,
And it's us Greeks are running amuck at,
So we'll just watch, this week,
The World Cup en Afrique,
Which at least the Americans suck at."

The Times Catch Up with Mr. Hugh

A Cassandra, alone and aloof,
Said: "The Euro is done - here's the proof:
Cold logic determines
The Greeks and the Germans
Can't cohabit under one roof."  

Thanks to Edward Hugh for his unwavering grip on reality.

Brutish Petroleum

BP is a comp'ny most hated
For this oily mess they've created,
But it won't be the worst
If our national thirst
For petroleum stays unabated.  

Overheard in the Oval Office

"The sight of the Gulf with this slick in it,
Hits my stomach so hard it may sicken it,
So please get me the name
Of the ass who's to blame
At BP, so that I can be kickin' it."

Overheard at a BP Board Meeting

"Well gents, I hain't got the stomach
To see 'ow far our share price will plummeck
So let's shear off the top
And siphon this glop
Before it seeps up the Potomac."

Rating Agency Hearing

"Triple-A," admits Warren Buffett,
"Is a term one may rightfully scoff at,
But as owner of Moody's,
I'll tell you the beauty's
Their business plan still turns a profit."

It's All Relative

The US isn't having its best year,
But the world hasn't ceased to invest here;
Since Europe is weaker,
A typical seeker
Of safety may feel not as stressed here.