Ranking Girl Scout Cookies From Best to Worst

Girl Scout Cookies have become an American icon, eagerly anticipated each year. While every cookie has its fans, here’s a subjective ranking from the absolute must-haves down to the ones that might linger in the pantry a bit longer.

Thin Mints

The minty freshness combined with a chocolate coating makes Thin Mints irresistible. They’re equally delightful straight out of the box or frozen, offering a crisp, refreshing bite every time.

Samoas/Caramel deLites

With their perfect blend of coconut, caramel, and chocolate drizzled over a crunchy cookie, Samoas offer a tropical escape in every bite. Their chewy and crispy texture combination is a winner for most palates.

Tagalongs/Peanut Butter Patties

The creamy peanut butter filling encased in chocolate brings together two beloved flavors in one delicious bite. Tagalongs strike a delightful balance between sweet and salty, making them a go-to for peanut butter lovers.

Trefoils/Shortbread

These simple yet elegant shortbread cookies are buttery and crumbly, perfect for those who prefer something less sweet. Their classic flavor and texture make Trefoils a timeless choice for a tea-time treat.

Do-si-dos/Peanut Butter Sandwich

Crunchy oatmeal sandwich cookies with a creamy peanut butter filling offer a satisfying texture contrast. They’re hearty and filling, making them a great snack to power you through the day.

Lemon-Ups/Lemonades

With a refreshing burst of lemon, these cookies are perfect for those who enjoy a tangy twist. The sweet glazed bottom adds just the right amount of sweetness to the zesty lemon flavor.

Toffee-tastic

Rich, buttery cookies with bits of toffee embedded within, Toffee-tastic cookies are a delight for those who crave a crunch. However, they might rank lower for those not keen on toffee.

Girl Scout S’mores

Attempting to capture the essence of a campfire classic, these cookies offer a nostalgic taste of chocolate and marshmallow. While delicious, they might not live up to the original s’mores experience for some.

Adventurefuls

A newer addition to the lineup, these indulgent brownie-inspired cookies with caramel-flavored crème and a hint of sea salt aim to please. Their complex flavors are intriguing, though they may not yet have the universal appeal of the classics.

Thanks-A-Lot

Shortbread cookies dipped in fudge and embossed with a message of gratitude, Thanks-A-Lots are heartwarming, yet they may not stand out in the flavor department compared to others on this list.

Rah-Rah Raisins

Oatmeal raisin cookies with Greek yogurt-flavored chunks, Rah-Rah Raisins offer a different take on the traditional oatmeal raisin cookie. While they bring something unique to the table, they might not be the first choice for those with more traditional tastes.

These Are the 10 Happiest Cities in America, What’s Their Secret?

Happiness is more than just a fleeting feeling; it’s about thriving communities, buzzing social life, and serene landscapes. Ever wonder where in the United States these idyllic spots are found? If so, check out 10 of the happiest cities in America, uncovering their secrets to a joy-filled life. Each city boasts its unique charm and secrets to happiness, offering a sneak peek into the lives of the contented souls who call these places home.

Sunshine and Innovation in Fremont

Fremont, California, is not just a part of Silicon Valley’s tech scene; it’s a cultural mosaic where happiness flourishes amidst diversity. The city boasts the beautiful Lake Elizabeth, a perfect spot for family picnics and outdoor activities, contributing to its residents’ well-being. Fremont also hosts the Fremont Festival of the Arts, the largest free street festival west of the Mississippi, providing a platform for artists and communities to celebrate life together.

Community First in Overland Park

Found in Kansas, Overland Park offers a blend of suburban serenity and vibrant community life. The city’s Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, a 12-acre family attraction with over 250 animals and birds, exemplifies its commitment to family-friendly activities. Overland Park’s Botanical Gardens, with walking trails and beautiful thematic gardens, provide a peaceful escape for nature lovers. Such community-centric attractions contribute to the city’s high happiness scores.

Cultural Mosaic of San Jose

San Jose, California, is a bustling city that celebrates its diversity through a wealth of cultural experiences. The San Jose Museum of Art and the annual San Jose Jazz Festival are just a few examples of how the city offers rich cultural experiences to its residents. The presence of tech giants has fostered innovation, but it’s the community gardens, like the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, that offer urban oases for relaxation and connection with nature.

Madison: Where Education Meets Nature

Madison, Wisconsin, balances urban excitement with the tranquility of the great outdoors. The city is renowned for its farmers’ markets, particularly the Dane County Farmers’ Market on Capitol Square, which is the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the U.S. Madison’s extensive bike paths and lake access points, such as those at Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, offer residents endless recreational activities. This combination of educational vigor and natural beauty fosters a unique sense of community and happiness.

Irvine’s Master-Planned Happiness

Irvine, California, a city designed with well-being in mind, features more than 16,000 acres of parks, sports fields, and dedicated open space. The Irvine Spectrum Center, a premier shopping destination, and the Great Park, which hosts a balloon ride offering panoramic views, are just two examples of how Irvine combines urban conveniences with outdoor pleasures. The city’s design emphasizes accessibility and green living, making it an ideal place for residents to thrive and find fulfillment.

Aloha Spirit in Honolulu

Honolulu, Hawaii, offers more than just stunning beaches; it embodies the Aloha Spirit, a philosophy of compassion and peace. The Waikiki Aquarium and the Honolulu Zoo provide family-friendly attractions, while the annual King Kamehameha Floral Parade showcases Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage. Honolulu’s residents enjoy a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, from hiking up Diamond Head to surfing at Waikiki Beach, fostering a deeply ingrained sense of happiness.

The Golden Gate to Happiness: San Francisco

San Francisco, California, is a city where creativity and diversity flourish against the backdrop of iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. The Exploratorium and the vibrant neighborhoods of Mission District and Haight-Ashbury offer immersive cultural experiences. San Francisco’s emphasis on inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation creates a dynamic environment where happiness and creativity thrive.

Pearl City’s Island Serenity

Pearl City in Hawaii exemplifies how a close-knit community and access to natural beauty can cultivate happiness. It offers residents breathtaking views of Pearl Harbor and the surrounding landscapes. The city’s quiet neighborhoods and community focus contribute to a serene lifestyle, complemented by outdoor adventures at places like the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

Columbia’s Community Charm

Columbia, Maryland, is a planned community that prioritizes green spaces and cultural inclusivity. The city’s Merriweather Post Pavilion, an outdoor concert venue, and the Columbia Art Center are hubs for cultural engagement. Its design encourages active living and community connections. Enhancing its already adorned wall of accolades are titles such as “Safest City in Maryland,” “Best Place to Raise a Family in Maryland,” and “Best Place to Live in Maryland,” adding to its prestigious collection of medals.

Scottsdale’s Desert Oasis of Joy

Scottsdale, Arizona, blends natural beauty with upscale living. The city is known for its spa resorts, golf courses, and the Scottsdale Arts District, which hosts a vibrant array of galleries and cultural events. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers over 30,000 acres of protected desert habitat, providing residents and visitors alike with hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities. Scottsdale’s mix of leisure and outdoor adventure makes it an ideal locale for those seeking happiness in the desert.

The World’s Most Mysterious Manuscripts: 15 Unsolvable Puzzles

Throughout history, countless manuscripts have been discovered that baffle researchers and historians with their undeciphered codes, languages, and purposes. These documents are puzzles from the past, shrouded in mystery and offering more questions than answers. Here are 15 of the world’s most enigmatic manuscripts, each a testament to human curiosity and the enduring quest for knowledge.

The Voynich Manuscript

Dating back to the 15th century, this manuscript is filled with unknown symbols, illustrations of nonexistent plants, and celestial diagrams. Despite the efforts of the world’s best cryptographers, its language and purpose remain a mystery.

The Rohonc Codex

Found in Hungary in the 19th century, this codex contains a mysterious script and religious illustrations mixing Christian, Hindu, and Islamic symbols. Its origin, language, and the story it tells are still undeciphered.

The Beale Ciphers

A set of three cipher texts that allegedly reveal the location of one of the largest buried treasures in U.S. history. Only one of the ciphers has been cracked, revealing the treasure’s general location in Virginia, but the other two remain unsolved.

The Book of Soyga

Also known as “Aldaraia,” this 16th-century book on magic and astrology was studied by John Dee, an advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. It contains mysterious tables that no one has been able to decipher.

The Ripley Scrolls

Named after the 15th-century alchemist George Ripley, these scrolls depict complex alchemical processes in symbolic imagery. The full understanding of their meanings and instructions for creating the philosopher’s stone remains elusive.

The Codex Seraphinianus

Created in the 1970s by Italian artist Luigi Serafini, this modern manuscript is written in an imaginary language. It illustrates a surreal world that defies the laws of nature, bridging the gap between art and cipher.

The Popol Vuh

The sacred book of the Maya contains mythological stories and a history of the kings of the Quiché Maya people. While much of it has been translated, some sections remain puzzling due to lost cultural knowledge and symbolism.

The Dresden Codex

One of the few surviving Maya codices, this pre-Columbian book is filled with astronomical tables and predictions. Despite extensive studies, some of its tables and references to Maya gods and rituals are still not fully understood.

The Smithfield Decretals

A medieval manuscript with bizarre and often humorous marginalia depicting animals, hybrid creatures, and scenes of daily medieval life. The reasons behind these illustrations and their connection to the text’s legal decrees are still debated.

The Zohar

This is the foundational work in the literature of Jewish mystical thought known as Kabbalah. Its complex discussions of the nature of God, the universe, and the soul are wrapped in an often intentionally opaque language.

The Tărtăria Tablets

Dated as far back as 5500 BCE, these tablets in Romania feature inscriptions predating known writing systems. Their significance and whether they represent a form of written communication remain unresolved.

The Dzyan Manuscripts

Claimed to be ancient texts on which Madame Blavatsky based her Theosophical teachings, including “The Secret Doctrine.” The existence of these manuscripts is unconfirmed, shrouded in occult mystery and debate.

The Copper Scroll

Part of the Dead Sea Scrolls, this scroll lists over sixty locations where gold and silver are buried. Unlike the other scrolls, which are religious texts, this is a treasure map that has yet to lead to any discoveries.

The Piri Reis Map

A world map was compiled in 1513 by the Ottoman admiral and cartographer Piri Reis. It shows parts of the Americas, Europe, and Africa with remarkable accuracy for its time, leading to speculation about its sources and knowledge of geography.

The Phaistos Disc

Discovered in Crete, this clay disc is imprinted with symbols that form a spiral of unknown meaning, dating back to the second millennium BCE. Attempts to decode it have generated many theories but no consensus, leaving its message a secret held for centuries.