Celebrities paint the town green on New Year’s Eve

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Ah, remember the good old days? Warren Beatty called up Jack Nicholson and they hatched a plan to ring in the New Year with plenty of booze, broads and cigarettes. The only money that exchanged hands probably paid for cocktail onions and swizzle sticks.

Nowadays, celebrities don’t get off the couch on Dec. 31 without the lure of a paycheck. Come Monday night, it’s reported that Paris and Nicky Hilton will be paid $500,000 just to stand around and pout at LAX club in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Ashlee Simpson and her beau Pete Wentz will make $150,000 to host festivities at the Shore Club in Miami. Then, there’s Pam Anderson pocketing over $100,000 to show off her assets at Pure in Vegas. (Last year, Brit pulled in $350,000 for her stint as guest of honor at Pure. See, left)

I’m not sure whom I pity more: the celebs who pimp themselves out like blow-up dolls on the last night of the year. Or the people who pay upwards of $100 to be a guest at these parties and catch a glimpse of Paris’ ankle. Clearly, the lineup I mentioned bears little distinction when compared with great actors. But these days, getting paid to hawk water or speak at a charity event or wear a designer gown is common practice. The declasse trend gives new meaning to the term, ‘Auld Lang Syne.’

Photo credits: Beatty, Getty Images; Britney, WireImage