But in this era of otherwise conspicuous prosperity, this is a tale of a lesser-known impulse -- not on your front lawn.
But conspicuous this year, alongside the handshakes and camera snapping, were the many guests who had words of wisdom for the governor.
Postwar sculpture being conspicuous this summer, the Neuberger Museum of Art in Purchase, N.Y., has a survey of the career of the sculptor Marisol, who emerged in the 1960's with her carved wood figures and assemblages.
But the pattern is so conspicuous this year that it suggests a widening gap between what holiday moviegoers want ("Happy Feet"!) and what Hollywood awards-strategists need (heavy-hitting drama).
One of the more conspicuous this year was Whitney Houston, whose comeback album, "I Look to You" (Arista), was released on the last day of Grammy eligibility, Aug. 31.
Romney's typically low-key presence in town is more conspicuous this summer, mainly because of the attendant scores of campaign reporters and camera crews, but residents here, like New Yorkers, are deliberately unfazed by the prospect of celebrity or political fame.
He looks as conspicuous in this luvvyish Soho private club as Hugh Grant would at the Walthamstow dog track.
I'm conspicuous with this big camera, and people are curious, especially today when nobody is using cameras like these.
Force India, like most of the cars, has got a very conspicuous nose this season as everyone attempts to recapture the downforce lost by the new exhaust regulations.
