FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Nearly everyone knows by now that the United States is mired in a recession. Unfortunately, the chances of it ending in 2009 are between slim and none, according to The Amazing Kreskin. The noted mentalist, who takes on the challenge of looking at the year ahead for CNN and other national media on an annual basis, recently turned his attention to the economy and a handful of other issues.

“There is an interesting time coming up,” Kreskin said during a recent phone interview from his New Jersey office. “I’m not politically or economically oriented by any means, but I don’t see any light in the recession until 2010. We’re printing money, and I don’t know where it’s coming from. If we keep going with bailouts, this recession could (last longer).”

Because of the soft economy, Kreskin also sees a bit of belt tightening by those who are now frequent fliers. He said, “I think we’ll see a return to travel we haven’t seen since the 1940s — a return to train travel.” As a result, performers will begin accepting bookings on the rail, he added, a practice that ended decades ago.

Clowns will also find a new creative outlet besides the circus by entertaining sick children in public hospitals. Kreskin said, “There’s no need (for the children) to understand different languages. Humor is an important tool.”

Others who need a shoulder to cry on will likely spend less money on professional therapy in the new year. Kreskin, who will turn 74 on Jan. 12, said bartenders will increase in importance as the downtrodden look for a friendly ear and a warm smile to brighten their day.

Although advanced communication technology is here to stay, Kreskin said we might see a return to a better quality of family time in spite of it.

“Cell phones are an important part of a culture, but they are contributing to the breakdown of our culture,” he said. “There are signs (here) of what’s already happening in England by not allowing a cell phone in a restaurant. The last 12-14 years children have not been developing verbally.”

Kreskin blames the slow development on parents who have their ear glued to their cell phone when they should be spending more time talking with their kids.

He added, “I think the center of the home is going to change. It’s going to be the kitchen table, not sitting watching the box — not sitting watching the screen.”

Interaction with the folks living nearby will also be on the rise, Kreskin noted, with front porch conversations increasingly taking place among neighbors.

More small mom and pop businesses should open in the future, he said, and some specialty businesses such as curtain manufacturers and retailers (drapes help save energy) will even thrive in this time of pursestring tightening.

“People can’t afford lawyers today, so there will be less and less divorces,” Kreskin said, adding with a chuckle, “They will resolve things by either working things out or killing each other.”

Leftovers will actually become a delicacy for many in 2009. He said, “Spaghetti is better the second time around because the sauce soaks in.” Shepherd’s pie, a casserole made of meat and potatoes, will find its way onto many tables as well.

The economic slowdown will affect Baldwin County’s tourism industry for the short term, Kreskin suggested. He said, “There’s going to be a period where fewer (snowbirds) come down. When they do come back (in force), they are going to stay for longer terms. There is a transition period and it’s going to slow down. There’s still a need where people go to feel comfortable, not just because of the weather, but because of the setting.” He declined to speculate how summer tourism might be impacted by the downturn in the economy.

Two projections made by Kreskin certainly won’t be welcome by many, particularly those who don’t agree with the U.S. war strategy and anyone living along the Alabama coast.

“The draft will be reinstated out of need,” he said. “There’s going to be heavier work required of younger people.” He noted, however, this will not happen during President Barack Obama’s first term in office.

Kreskin pointed out that some nations require men to spend two years immediately after high school in service to their country. He went on to suggest young men and women delay college for two years in order to spend a little time in the real world so they might better assess future plans, and select their course of study accordingly.

Daring to take a stab at the hit-and-miss practice of tropical weather prognostication, he said, “Something has changed. There was a period in the ‘40s like this. I think (hurricanes) will increase in 2009.”

Another local hot potato Kreskin explored is Fairhope’s downtown public parking garage, originally expected to be open in time for the holiday shopping season until construction slowdowns set in. The delays — some weather related — have become a thorn in the side of downtown merchants and their employees.

Asked if the concrete structure would open in time to help handle the crowd expected for tonight’s New Year’s Eve celebration as later predicted by builders, Kreskin said, “I think they have a sense of time distortion. If they had more weeks in the year, they would be right.”

Kreskin was born in Montclair, N.J., and was fascinated with magic by age 5. His ability to find hidden objects emerged during childhood games. Since then, he has developed his talents to include hypnosis and mind reading.

He is also an accomplished pianist who has performed as a guest artist with symphonies throughout the U.S. and Canada, and showcases his talents as a mentalist at theaters around the country.

Kreskin has made countless appearances on radio and television, including late night shows hosted by Johnny Carson, David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel and Carson Daly. He has also made regular appearances on the “Today Show,” “Live” with Regis Philbin, along with Fox News Channel and ESPN.

He has assisted in various law enforcement investigations, and is the author of more than a dozen books.