Is There An Upside To A Down Economy?

For those confused by the stock market, there are simpler indicators of an improved economy. According to a restaurant advisory consultant, large piles of garbage behind restaurants mean people are eating out again. According to a chief economist, people wear bright colors when they’re confident. Because men’s ties are an inexpensive way to change a wardrobe, men wear pink or fuchsia ties. According to a market research analyst, because jeans are relatively inexpensive, they’re one of the first things customers buy. Obviously, men in restaurants wearing pink or fuchsia ties with jeans would indicate a strong economy.

Economically challenged U.S. cities are using parking fines to help balance budgets. New York City made approximately $600 million in parking ticket revenue in 2008 – about 50% more than in 2002 – requiring the hiring of 200 new citation officers. Atlanta outsourced its parking enforcement to a private company. Instead of Atlanta’s usual $2 million in fines, the company promised the city $5.5 million. Washington, D.C. has put cameras on street sweepers to take pictures of cars parked in their path, hoping to earn an extra $2 million annually. It seems ticketing has become a “fine art”.

Business at bordellos in Berlin – where prostitution is legal – is down in the down economy. Locals aren’t spending as much and fewer potential customers are coming to Berlin on business. Nevertheless, “Maison d’Envie” (House of Desire) has found a way to improve its business. Customers who support the area’s popular green movement by not coming to the bordello by car get a 5-euro ($7.50) discount. To qualify for the discount, customers must show the receptionist a bicycle padlock key or proof they’d used public transportation. Because walking can’t be proven, there is no discount for walkers – but this hasn’t caused a “walkout”.

Snails, however, seem recession proof in 2009’s economy. In Bulgaria, the European Union’s poorest country, snail farmers can’t keep up with the demand. Although France and Italy are their biggest customers, there are orders from Germany, Austria and the Netherlands. Japan wants fattened snails; Dubai wants the new, orange, carotene snails; and orders for baby snails will likely reach 1 billion. About 900 tons of snails and snail products will be exported in 2009 - 6 times more than in 2008. Presently Bulgaria has 50 snail farms, but 300 more are expected to open in 2010. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy improves at a snail’s pace.