What I Learned From: Coming To America

Queens Is The Ideal Place For Love

"But where in New York can one find a woman with grace, elegance, taste and culture? A woman suitable for a king." ... "Queens!"

    Where else can you meet women who quip these gems? “I'm not interested in a man unless he drives a BMW,” “Hey, baby, I'm almost single. My husband's on death row,” or my personal favorite: “I was Joan of Arc in my former life. (lights hand on fire.)”



Forget The Bar, Church Is The Place To Meet Potential Mates

   
    This is where Akeem meets Lisa McDowell, his dream girl. Church also includes great live bands like Randy Watson and Sexual Chocolate.


The Most Accurate History Is From The Barbershop

    Apparently, Joe Louis was 137 when he fought Rocky Marciano. I also didn’t know Martin Luther King Jr. and Frank Sinatra hung out in this barbershop.



"Will you just taste the soup?", "All right, I'll taste the soup. Where's the spoon?", "Ah-ha!"

 Walking On Rose Petals Is The Only Way To Travel

    If King Jaffe Joffer ruler of Zamunda can do it? Why can’t we?



Destination Wedding to Africa Is A Great Idea

    You'll get a expert Wedding Singer with choreographed dancers!

She's your Queen-to-be. A Queen-to-be forever. A Queen who'll do whatever his highness desires. She's your Queen-to-be. A vision of perfection. An object of affection to quench your royal fire. Completely free from infection. To be used at your discretion. Waiting only for your direction. Your Queen-to-be.

Forget Mickie D’s and Head Over To McDowell's

    "I'm McDowell's. They got the Golden Arches, mine is the Golden Arcs. They got the Big Mac, I got the Big Mick. We both got two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onions, but their buns have sesame seeds. My buns have no seeds."



"Is It Just Me, Or Does Every Woman in New York Have A Severe Emotional Problem?"

   

    I resent this quote but it's kind of true! Remember the ladies at the bar? And just look at the rep at the telegraph spot!

"As long as you're asking, why not go for a cool million?" "You do not think that would be too much?"  "Naah."

Renouncing Your Throne or Having Arguments On The Train May Not Be The Best Idea

    People are mad noisy in New York. Please try not to air out your business on public transportation.

"Man: So what do you think? [talking to woman] Woman: Go on, honey. Take a chance!"



Who Cares if Your Prince is a Goat Herder

    The boy has got his own money, I mean the boy has got his own MONEY!



Finally, Use Soul Glo To Maintain Those Juicy Locks

    Just let it shine through...



Eww. Get's me every time!



What I Learned From: Breakfast At Tiffany's

“Did I Tell You How Divinely and Utterly Happy I Am?”

 Use this sentence at least once a week. Either say it to yourself as a affirmation or just a general statement said in any conversion.

“Personally, I Think It Would Be Tacky To Wear Diamonds Before I’m 40.”

An essential style note from NY’s classiest call girl. Aim for pearls or silver.

Holly Golightly is the biggest fashionista to ever hit the screen. Little Black Dresses everywhere say thank you.

Men sometimes act like either “rats, super-rats, mice.”

Ms. Golighly sure didn’t have any luck with men until she met Paul Varjack and this was the 60s. I can’t begin to explain the NY men of today!  



The “Mean Reds” are the worse than the old “Blues.”





“You’re afraid and you don’t know what you’re afraid of.” The only cure is a trip to Tiffany’s!

 
Nothing Bad Can Happen To You Inside Of Tiffany's.

 


It may be pricy but staring into the cool crisp glass displays overseeing diamonds, pearls, gold, silver, platinum, and every other gem a girl’s heart desire is sure to either cheer you up or depress the hell out of you because you aren’t taking anything home.


Swinging House Parties Are The Best

Women crying at the party, Rusty Trawler, endless dancing, and possibly the best time of the 1960s happen inside of Holly’s apartment Poor Mr. Yunioshi couldn't take it!

Do Not Accept Drinks From Disapproving Gentlemen




Especially not disapproving gentlemen who are kept by other ladies. What right does he have to judge you!?



“A Girl Can’t Read That Sort Of Thing Without Her Lipstick” 

Important events happen at a moment's notice so a Holly must always have her “face” on when reading letters! But for us real girls, it's always nice to look your best.

Love Doesn’t Put You In Cage

 
It’s okay for people to belong to other people because whether you like it or not we all wish for that movie cliché of kissing in the rain.

Sandwich Snacks: What I Learned From: The Godfather

In All Matters, Make 'Em An Offer They Can't Refuse

 

Now, don’t follow The Godfather exactly! These boys had a WHOLE different approach to “business offers” but you can find the best solution and put it on the table.



Have A Trusted Consigliere

Tom Hagen was not only a brother to the Corleone family but the intelligent advisor and lawyer. When in times in need, you should have a someone like that in your life.

It's Not Personal, It's Business

Doesn’t matter what happens outside because you have to deal with the most horrific people in all aspects. Try not to burn bridges with undesirable people. Let the negotiations do the talking.

Never Tell Anybody Outside The Family What You're Thinking

 

Oh, Sonny Boy! Talk is cheap. Only trust those few with your concerns – the enemy doesn’t need to know anything!



Keep Your Friends Close, But Your Enemies Closer

 

This is probably one of the greatest pieces of advise ever stated in films. Always keep your eyes open because who can you really trust?


A Man Who Doesn't Spend Time With His Family Can Never Be A Real Man

Don Vito ran the mafia but he still had time to come home to his family for good meal. Now that’s dedication for good morale!


Finally, Don't Piss Off The Wrong People.

You'll always end up with the horse's head in your bed (Enough Said)

Sandwich Snacks: What I Learned From: The Cosby Show

 

1) Wear Ugly Sweaters

  

 

Mr. Cosby always had the most unique fashion sense. These sweaters say “I’m smart, educated, and a doctor. And yes...I got myself a fine wife, so I really don’t have to dress all that well”



2) Fishes Deserve Proper Funerals

Rudy’s fish kicks the bucket so everyone dresses up in full church clothing for Lamont’s funeral. Unfortunately, Rudy gets bored and wants to watch TV. Everyone deserves such a classy service in the toilet.



3) Never Judge Someone By Their Name Even If It Is “Cockroach”

Cockroach was Theo’s best bud. He was dependable, fun, and eventually became Martin’s friend on his TV show years later.



4) Don’t Wear Unplugged Headphones As A Disguise

Theo thought he’d look pretty good with a pierced ear but when it becomes infected he has to tell his dad. One of my favorite scenes is when Cosby says below:

Cliff: Son?
Theo: Yeah, Dad?
Cliff: There's no music coming through the headset. You still bopping to what's left of your brain?"


5) Finally, Leave The DYI To Martha Stewart And Just Buy Retail

Oh Denise, you tried your best but that shirt is busted! Poor Theo isn’t impressing the girl for his big date.

 *Side note* We all realize that Denise was a hipster before anyone thought it was cool, correct?

I know the term “hipster” is from the 1940s but home girl was FLY!