In their previous lives, these hotels were banks, brothels, and more.

From The Archive
When it comes to buying canned vegetables, we usually find the same handful of choices: peas, beans, corn, carrots, beets, tomatoes. Why don’t we see broccoli or green peppers in a handy-dandy can?
When these shows got retooled, their names got changed, too.
Our conversation with the indie rocker turned Portlandia star, who's working on a new album and really good at ping-pong.
Most movies are easy to make. Then there are these monuments to the determination of their directors, casts, and crews.
The American Dialect Society waits until the year is completely finished before holding its vote for the word of the year, a lively event, now in its 24th year, that was held last night. Here are some of the words that were up for discussion.
Charles Schulz’s widow, Jean, did a Q&A with Redditors, and spent hours giving thoughtful, detailed answers to fan questions about her husband and the comic strip that has become a pop culture mainstay.
Arguably Wilde’s most famous and well-known work, the play The Importance of Being Earnest, has spawned plenty of big screen adaptations (and more than a few versions have gone the radio, television, and opera route), but it’s far from the only Wilde work
How many of these shows do you remember, or maybe still watch every year?
Greyhound has been busing Americans around for a century. It's hard to believe that after all these years, the company is still riding high.
A lot goes into making a delicious wine.
Actor, director, and occasional presidential candidate Tom Laughlin passed away last week at the age of 82. Laughlin will probably be remembered most for the film Billy Jack, which he wrote, directed, and co-starred in.
Perhaps something in our Historical Gift Guide will sound like the perfect present for the person in your life who has everything—everything except a 69-carat diamond, an eagle made of beer can tabs, and fire.
Cindy Lou Who proved that being cute won't stop the Grinch from stealing your Christmas tree. Luckily, Santa's posse has other strategies up their fuzzy red sleeves.
Not everyone thinks ‘tis the season to be jolly. These 11 litigious people almost certainly ended up on Santa’s naughty list, if not the judge’s.
Wonderful libraries are everywhere, each one home to a unique collection of the world’s knowledge and history. The collections in these libraries, though, top the charts. Grab a bib, English majors—you’re about to drool.
Flying a flag at half-staff has become a well-recognized symbol of national grieving, but where did this tradition originate, and how does the decision to lower the flag work?
The concept of the “Happy Hour” isn’t merely a marketing strategy, and the history of hitting the sauce at half price has a surprisingly strong—if not varied—connection to American history.
First impressions mean everything, and most of the time, they start with a handshake. Here’s what you need to know to make the locals happy on your next business trip.
It's been a long road to the big screen for the beloved DC comics character.
When should a baby panda first learn to walk? How early is too early for otters to start swimming? When can infant tigers try out their skills in the water? Zoos know. Here are the milestones zoo babies must hit before crowds get a peek.