Party in the Front, Recession in the Back

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The New York Times observes a distinctly Hollywood way of dealing with the lean times: Cut back on the stuff no one can see, but keep spending to keep up appearances. So fashionable ladies still hang out in Barneys, but only to buy lipstick. And hair salons and tanning salons are packed, but clothing stores are empty. Worst of all, rumor has it that Paramount served Whole Foods hummus at the Star Trek premiere afterparty—but that last, it seems, is only vicious gossip. [NYT]