Freakonomics | Strange Side Effects of the Recession

Desperate times

Ryanair passengers might have to pay for the privilege of using a tiny bathroom.

We’ve all seen the stories about unemployment, saving money, companies doing huge layoffs and low consumer confidence. These and many other stories are the predictable fallout of a struggling economy.

However, today I came across a few stories that fall outside the lines.

Toilet tender

I have written previously about U.S. Airways policy of charging for blankets and pillows. That seemingly ridiculous fee pales in comparison to the idea being tossed around by an airline in the United Kingdom.

Ryanair is considering charging passengers 1 pound (a bit less than $1.50) to use the toilet on the plane. As you can imagine, this proposal has not been met with much approval.

Fertile industry

Science, technology and the recession have come together to create an interesting phenomenon. More young women are donating their eggs to fertility clinics.

Donating eggs can fetch up to $10,000 in some cases. Many cash-strapped women who also feel good about helping a couple have a baby are taking advantage of this as they struggle to pay bills.

Children: not legal tender

In perhaps the most bizarre money-saving story I’ve seen, a woman in Louisiana traded two children for a $1,500 bird. A couple advertised their cockatoo for sale, and a woman who was caring for a friend’s children offered them up as trade. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Freakonomics | Strange Side Effects of the Recession"