Just as predicted, more and more ivory-tower sharks are gathering for the taxpayer bloodlet…er…stimulus. But what choice do they have? Even Harvard’s had to cut back:

Even holiday parties for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences have been scaled back.

On Thursday, Harvard deans and administrators will gather in the faculty room in University Hall for one bash instead of two, normally held off-site. No spouses or other guests. Only wine, beer, soda; no hard liquor.

But the festivities will not entirely lose their glow. Harvard being Harvard, the faculty room is plush — adorned with crystal chandeliers, Oriental carpets, and marble busts and oil paintings of Harvard’s presidents and famous alumni. The mint-green walls are accented with Greek columns. Revelers will feast on puff pastries, canapes, and other hors d’oeuvres as a student plays seasonal music from the grand piano in the corner.