Duke Ellington: The jazz, the stamp, and the quarter

What do you think of when you think of Duke Ellington?

Some will instantly hear any number of jazz music selections created by this great musician and performer. Other may reflect on the Presidential Medal of Freedom he received in 1969, or the Legion of Honor from France (both are the highest honors that a civilian can receive from the respective countries). Then there are those that will remember that he was part of the second generation of African Americans to be born free of slavery.

Each of these things are powerful memories, with a history and impact for all those that pay attention. In Washington D.C. they have set about trying to capture all those facts, and countless numbers more, by commemorating Duke Ellington, born Edward Kennedy Ellington in 1899 (34 years after the end of slavery), on an American quarter. As each of the 50 states have emblazened an image representing the State on quarters, D. C. has now joined with its own image of its famous and beloved hometown son.

Ellington, named Duke for his appearance and mannerisms in youth that denoted nobility, was born in Washington D.C. and had President Teddy Roosevelt watch him play baseball as a child. His talent at the piano, in jazz, and with his bands allowed him to play for White and Black audiences - which was virtually unheard of in the 1920 and on. Duke was a groundbreaking, amazing man - proof that color cannot bind music even in a segregated nation.

Duke Ellington is the first and only African American to be featured on a official, functional, U.S. coin by himself. Commemorative coins, like those sold since the election of President Obama, are not valid currency. This too is a piece of history worthy of such a great American. It goes well with the fact that in 1986 Ellington was place on a 22 cent U.S. stamp and his special citation of the Pulitzer Prize.

You may not have heard about this anywhere else, but you should have. It's just one more reason that the world was lucky to have had Duke Ellington in it. It's another reason that every African American should always hold their heads high, not just during Black History Month.

What is the best city and for what?

**This can also be found at Food & Wine Blog, where I am a contributing author.**

Here is a question that has various answers depending on your goals. When you travel do you prefer relaxation and quiet or nightlife and excitement? It’s a tough question, and I’m sure it has many aspects. If you are a single man, like me, you may well prefer traveling to where there is nightlife and very good restaurants. If you are a married individual, escaping the kids for a weekend, you may just want a very quiet and tame experience soaking in the Jacuzzi listening to Vivaldi.

Both are very good things, if that’s what you want. But how can you tell? Nothing is worse, whether on a business trip or personal time, than going to a place and finding out it’s the opposite of what you had hoped for. I’ve found it completely annoying, I’m sure you may agree. Well, in an effort to alleviate those occasions where possible Travelandleisure.com and CNN did a comparison of 25 cities across America.

The list rates the cities on various aspects including nightclubs, happy hour, singles, affordability, peace and quiet, cleanliness, safety, and of course dining among a huge list of other items. The lists were comprised by 60,000 votes (more votes than most Presidential polls quantify) and include the thoughts of locals as well as visitors to each city.

So what is the result? If you want a fun business trip you need to head out to Chicago (personally all business trips I have had there have been abysmal), New Orleans, San Francisco and New York in that order.

For a family trip look for Orlando, Washington D.C., and San Diego. Romance more the idea? Then head out to Honolulu, Charleston, or San Francisco.

But here are a few points I found of interest. Best Pizza was listed as Chicago as #1. I just can’t see that but as I’ve noted I am biased and from the Bronx. The friendliest city would be Charleston (I knew that wouldn’t be NYC). And the top 5 best place for those of us that are single are: Austin, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Miami and New York. Who would have guessed Austin was the place to be.

I’m sure there are many other surprises and items of interest for every type of traveler out there. Take a look and see what works best for you. Let me know if they missed anything on the list and what city you think has the best of it.