A growing number of airline fees, extinction of half the world’s primate population, a high unemployment rate, risks of a recession, Brett Favre’s return to the NFL…what is the world coming to? No one can say really. One can only speculate.

Here’s my prediction of what the future will look like in 20 years:

Airplane charges according to weight.
That’s right. Airlines have found a way to instate fees for anything we bring or consume in flight. The only thing left to charge is, well, ourselves. Sure we pay the fare, but we have to also have to account for what we take on board with us—including our body mass. Soon enough, American and United will have scales set up at the check-in counters for weighing each passenger. Either cut the carbs or pay up. Your choice.

More humans. Less animals. Newer species.
Apparently nearly fifty percent of primates in the world will become extinct in the future. Studies also show that human population is growing exponentially each year. With that in mind, look forward to people replacing animals and consequently a glitch in the food chain. Humans becoming cannibals? It could happen. Another possibility: newer species will evolve to replace the older ones. Perhaps we’ll see more ‘Montauk Monsters’ infiltrating our land.

New TV.
Now that a famous American Idol exec has left the program, there’s no future for the show. TV shows come and go, and this one’s no exception. Prospective ideas for new programs include Cannibal, an original NBC “dramedy” (think Silence of the Lambs meets Scrubs); and Best in Flight, a competition to see who can get through airport security and on the plane in the fastest time with the least amount of fees.

Virtual College.

More expensive lifestyles mean more expensive education. Who knows if we'll be able to afford our children's secondary schooling. As long as we have enhanced internet access, we can provide their college education for free.

Apple.
There’s no question that Apple, Inc. is taking over the world. First the iPod; then the MacBook; now the iPhone. The future’s looking bright for Mr. Jobs.

Brett Favre.
In 20 years, Brett Favre will still be playing for the NFL once scientists discover a drug that can prolong life.