It's not entirely clear what the requirements to join are, other than (often, but not always) being an Ivy League alum and paying about a grand a year. Basically it seems to require one to be sort of pompous and self-obsessed, so that doesn't sound too difficult.

New York's grown-up fraternities, which also include the Harvard, Montauk, University, Century, Lotos and National Arts Clubs, need members like them to stay alive. Twenty blocks south, the National Arts Club—founded in 1898—is housed in a classic brownstone on the southern edge of Gramercy Park. The bohemian answer to the Yale Club... of the 2,000 National Arts Club paying members, 190 of them are under 35. [One pays] an annual dues of $650 plus a one time initiation fee of $400.

I think I was the only sucker who paid dues to the Accompanied Library; they asked for $500 a year but after much deliberation gave it to me for $250.

So last night, conversation at one point turned to Brooke. She was supposed to be there—but apparently she told someone that "I can't support anything at the National Arts Club."

Still bitter! Guess those "rent issues" or whatever were pretty dispiriting. Plus, she also had some board troubles; art dealer Gavin Brown had been on the advisory board, but we think that also went south.

But Brooke has bounced back from the troubles! She recently befriended hip hop producer Damon Dash, who is married to designer Rachel Roy. We hear he has been instrumental in helping the Accompanied Library to acquire some capacious offices downtown.

[Photo: Gregorio Binuya/Getty Images]