Originally it stood on the site of one of the most recognized structures in the US as a result of a family squabble. Beginning as two separate 'businesses', a connection was to be made between them supposedly named after a 'proud' bird. What is it, what is typographically unusual about its name, and of which famous 'duo' is one named after it?

starNumberA399

I'm stumped. But I think the typographical oddity is that it has no vowels. Like the "Sphynx". (Just a guess). Aug 05 06, 10:17 AM

gdec1

the Waldorf=Astoria Louise Boldt had been instrumental in making that hotel attractive and socially acceptable to wealthy women. This characteristic probably was a major factor in asking George Boldt to become proprietor of the new Waldorf Hotel in New York. Boldt continued to own the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia. William Astor's construction of a hotel next to his aunt's home furthered and strengthened his feud with her. But with Boldt's help, John Astor persuaded his aunt to move uptown. John Astor then built the Astor Hotel and leased it to Boldt. Initially foreseen as two separate entities, Boldt had planned the new structure so that it could be connected to the old by means that became known as Peacock Alley. To symbolize the connection, in more recent times the official name of the combined hotel was given an equals sign. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldorf-Astoria_Hotel Aug 05 06, 12:17 PM

peasypod

Ooohhh gdec, well done but the full banana doesn't come out til I get the famous duo. Aug 05 06, 4:19 PM

lanfranco

You're not referring to Statler and Waldorf from "The Muppet Show," are you? Personally, I was particularly fond of "The Swedish Chef." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statler_&_Waldorf Aug 05 06, 4:52 PM

peasypod

But of course I am, m'dear. And I have a soft spot for Kermit's nephew, Robin.. Aug 05 06, 5:08 PM