The factory that cranks out Miss Venezuelas is cutting production:

The local “Miss Venezuela” organization — which has landed the South American nation more international pageant titles than any other country — announced on Wednesday it had slashed the number of national competitors to 20 from 30.

“I’ve asked Osmel to be a bit stricter choosing 20 girls, so we only have the best,” Riviera added, referring to local beauty “czar” Osmel Sousa, who prepares the competitors.

At least they won’t be cutting the budget for dresses or plastic surgery for the 20 who are still lucky enough to make the cut (pun kind of intended).  But for the ten who will soon find themselves unemployed, life will now consist of sleeping on the oily streets of Caracas, unless perhaps some of you dear readers and Fashion Meets Finance types would like to take one or two in.  Hugo Chavez isn’t interested in helping, either; from what we hear, he’s more interested in trying to get in Courtney Love’s pants, so I guess it’s true that all dictators are insane.

Won’t somebody think of the models?