But like certain other exclusive clubs, Club 250K has an inner sanctum, a special club within the club, the champagne room of socioeconomic status.

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Its favourable demographic trends mean its fiscal day of reckoning is further off than Europe's and the dollar's reserve-currency status provides manoeuvring room.

ECONOMIST: The economy

Harley owners receive rider-friendly hotel services, automatic upgrade to elite status upon enrollment, and discounted room rates.

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Jennifer Oz LeRoy marches into her Manhattan office and, rhinestone-studded cell phone in hand, demands a status report on a doorman who has been rude to patrons at the Russian Tea Room.

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Across the room, a striking Lorenzo Lotto portrait shows a middle-class family proudly displaying an Anatolian carpet, an expensive status symbol.

ECONOMIST: Venice and the East