When Miss Venezuela Stefania Fernandez, 18, was crowned Miss Universe, she got so excited she could barely keep the crown on her head. It’s the second year in a row that a Venezuelan has won the tiara, and the sixth win since the pageant began. So why all the wins? Because in Venezuela, beauty pageants are kind of like a national sport. After the jump, the insane details of this pageant-obsessed culture.

The recession is to blame for everything going wrong right now—the rise in foreclosures, the increase in unemployment and the sharp decline in the number of people who want size DD breasts. Plastic surgery numbers are steadily slipping here in the U.S. Americans, who once spent $12 billion a year on cosmetic surgery, are now tightening their budget according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. There’s been a 62% decrease in plastic surgery from 2007-2008. Consumers are hesitating now more than ever before to commit to having the pricey elective procedures done. Doctors in Orange County, Calif., the silicone capital of the world, have reported a 30 to 40 percent decline in business. And breast implant manufacturer Mentor Corp.‘s sales have decreased 5 percent during the three months ending Sept. 26 compared to the same period last year. But one country isn’t experiencing a decrease in their numbers. Find out which one, after the jump.

A Venezuelan TV Channel is pulling The Simpsons off the air after being barraged with complaints that the show is not appropriate for children. Jeez. Don’t have a cow, man! According to the station manager, “The Simpsons worked very well — so much so that it had the highest levels of viewership for that morning timetable in the history of the channel.” However, despite its popularity, their viewers’ morality grievances have made the station cut the show’s successful run short.  So, what’s airing in the 11am time slot instead? Baywatch: Hawaii.  Doh! [MSNBC]