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You may purchase large orders (over 24 boxes) 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm.  I would only do this option if you can resist the urge to eat them all at once.  Otherwise, visit

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Girl Scout Council of Greater New York
43 West 23rd Street 6th Floor
New York, NY 10010

Tuesday  12:30PM-4:30PM
Wednesday 2:30PM-6:30PM
Thursday 12:30PM-4:30PM.

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Bring cash or money orders, the boxes cost four dollars each.

If you want to see other options in NY besides Manhattan or other information, visit http://girlscoutsnyc.com/Common/CookiesPopUps.html

Is this the look of yesteryear’s minstrel shows?  No, but like all things in life there are nuances that are not simply black and white.
Beyonce
For L’Officiel Paris 90th anniversary issue, they chose someone of African descent from another country to be on their cover.  They could have easily gotten any of the impeccably dressed Parisian citizens, models, celebrities to grace their magazine.  First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy would have made an interesting story tying fashion, culture, civic duty, politics, and the future of France in this economy.
Beyonce
However, they chose Beyonce which seems to extend their long running appreciation of African Americans especially entertainers.  It is no secret the French held Josephine Baker in high esteem.  She received approximately 1,500 marriage proposals which is a testament to her favor.
Beyonce
Josephine Baker went from performing derogatory blackface characterizations in the US to a beloved star in Europe. Part of the reason, she was so popular there was because she played into the French idea of the savage, wild, seductive African.  They mistook methods of dance and dress as a solicitation, when Africans were merely performing time honored customs.  Some may have genuinely felt colonization “rescued” the Africans from their “primitive” ways.
Beyonce
Likewise Beyonce is well received internationally, especially for her sexuality.  While many fans enjoy her lyrics, I have no doubt there are many that are just as fascinated by her provocative dances.  L’Officiel Paris showcases a sophisticated Beyonce akin to how the French imagined their culture refined Josephine and hoped their culture would subdue their colonies.  Dressing a star in fine wares from Gucci to Victor and Rolf inspired by African prints and styles is wonderful.  However, it is also important to realize the aforementioned subtleties.
Beyonce
This magazine is meant as a tribute to famous Nigerian composer Fela Kuti with the theme of African Queen.  Indeed, we get to see Beyonce’s beauty in different shades and forms.  It can even be said that the spread is representative of the diversity of Africa.
Beyonce
However there is a diversity of African based beauty already in Europe.  Even if they couldn’t find say a Nigerian in Paris, there are definitely other African based peoples from their colonies past and present.
Beyonce
This is where the irony begins. While they may embrace African Americans, there is a resentment, fear, or at the very least not full acceptance of the colonized Blacks amongst quite a number of the White French.  It wasn’t so long ago that a Black was denied entry into Hermes because they didn’t realize it was the American Oprah.
Beyonce
Back to L’Officiel Paris, I am not quite sure how a posing Beyonce is really a tribute to Kuti.  However, it is refreshing to see such a prominent artist identifying with African beauty, charm, and style.
Beyonce
In a statement that was meant to praise Latino culture, the very same songstress said, “I’m just jealous that I wasn’t born Latina.”  Yes, I know she doesn’t mind playing in the sun and is very proud of her Creole culture.  However, some read that tidbit in Latina Magazine as wanting to be something different and as possibly an example of self hatred. Beyonce’s wearing dark brown makeup may remind some of blackface, but it might demonstrate her embrace of the African color spectrum.
Beyonce
But what’s L’Officiel excuse for using blackface-esque looks one year after using it on White male model Arthur Sales in the Hommes edition?  Blackface on anyone included those of African descent is still blackface.  I have a strong suspicion that their ode to blackface is a desperate ploy for attention.  However, I would not be at peace until I stated how I felt.
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Are there hints and shades of both misconceptions and positive qualities attributed here?  Yes.  Is L’Officiel Paris photo shoot art?  Well, it is subjective and evokes emotion whether positive or negative.
Beyonce
Personally, I am more interested in the impact and impression imagery gives in this world of globalization.  Reading video, blog, other social media comments, I realize that we live in world of evil, yet cowardly trolls.  While we can’t please everybody, I still wonder how actions help or hinder seven generations from now.

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We don’t know how safe GE alfalfa is to our systems.  It took many years to reason high fructose corn syrup may not be properly absorbed by the body and most likely causes us to gain more weight than regular white sugar.

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The possible deregulation doesn’t just affect alfalfa.  It affects anything you eat that uses alfalfa in its production like cattle and honey.  The more they consume, the more concentrated the genetically engineered crop is in their system.  The more you consume of this source, the more you have in YOUR system.  This is why we humans have been encouraged to limit our consumption of big bodied and thereby mercury enriched tuna.

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Deregulation concerns me. The US deregulated certain components of finance and you see how well that worked for us.  More specifically to this letter, deregulation of alfalfa will set a precedent that will allow for other crop deregulation similar to the domino effect of what happened in finance.

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Some of you may already have heard this issue.  If you already signed the petition, please call your representative and especially the White House.   Please support, broadcast, and ACT on a solution.

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wealthy

Some people who are more in touch with music videos, shopping, and/or pop culture may not realize they intuit trends.  Hence if you’re willing to spend hundreds on something seen on a video, step back and think.  If you are willing AND able to buy something that will lose its value, consider investing the same (or less) amount in that company’s stock.  You might lose some or all the money you invested, but that’s no biggie since you were willing to spend it on something that eventually would be worthless.  Of course, there is the wonderful possibility that your stock could make you money.

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It is good to diversify little by little when you are starting out.  You don’t want to spread yourself and resources thin while not knowing what to do.  Say you start off with a bank CD (which offers guaranteed, but minimal profit.)  After the bank allows you to withdraw money without penalty or fees, consider using some of the profit for something else.  After that succeeds, you might want to add another dimension to your portfolio.

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I’m usually weary of group think.  Just recently, I overhead a 14 maybe 16 girl tell another to get a cell phone and there’s one that only costs $50 a month.  While a cell phone may or may not be good for this person, I was appalled that this child would tell someone else how to spend their money.  First off, the bill would probably cost more than $50 considering fees and taxes.  Secondly, these two did not look too prosperous, so why should that child incur $600 plus debt a year just to appease the other.

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It’s nice to keep a network of the like-minded, but as people get older they get better at faking wealth, a mind set, status.  Hence, people you thought were doing so well, were not.  Some people are faking it until they make it, but do indeed make it.  Some people look like hippies and are exceedingly wealthy.  While it is nice to be around like minded folks, you may never realize who is who.

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Hence, it is better to be internally strong and diversify your friends.  I have friends that are savers, spenders, investors.  The savers are too afraid to spend or invest but they have their little nest egg.  The spenders don’t believe in rainy days and their optimism has magically kept them afloat thus far.  (If they get in a bind, are willing to change lifestyle, have collateral (even if it is just sentimental,) and doesn’t interfere with my financial goals – I might help them step by step.)  The investors have big returns and losses because they’re not afraid of risk.

“If you kiss on the first date and it’s not right, then there will be no second date.  Sometimes it’s better to hold out and not kiss for a long time.  I am a strong believer in kissing being very intimate, and the minute you kiss, the floodgates open for everything else.”

- Jennifer Lopez

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I don’t know when JLo said this; the earliest quote with a date stamp was 2006.  However, there are pages indicating it was mentioned as early as 2001.  I myself just heard it today, liked it, and since it still applies today – decided to post it.

It’s irrational to expect a guy to magically know exactly what you want.  I have a strong suspicion some people say, “Surprise me” because they want to see what the guy comes up with.  However, his choice in ring is not a reflection of how well he knows you or what he feels for you.  You may have a favorite flavor of ice cream, but on this day in this moment you have an inkling for something else and your once fav is no longer.  Just like he does not know you want something else for ice cream, he won’t know if that’s the engagement ring you want to wear for a lifetime in this moment.
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Dropping hints is not sexy.  Friends can only get you what you exactly want if you tell them directly.  If something was going on at home, you can get all the advice you want – but you should eventually talk directly to your mate.  Here it is for something good and you’re going to relegate it to a third party!?!
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The perfect proposal would involve a place holder like a cheap band, a life saver, heck even a fruit loop will do.  I am leaning toward a paper taped to be like a ring with the words, “Will you marry me”?
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If after receiving the place holder, him saying let’s go shopping, and you responding, “I want to be surprised,” and you get the ring – You better be happy because you asked for a surprise, OR act like you’re happy because you lied.

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When you repeatedly barrage someone to go against how they live, you are letting them know them know directly or subconsciously you don’t like who they are. They will most likely grow to resent you or lie to appease you. Do you really want a relationship with lies and hidden hostilities?

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Now it’s time to ask the tough question. If you could not choose some happy combo – would you rather be unmarried and not have kids biologically from a loving relationship OR be vegan? If living and being with vegan is more important, only date mates that you know are vegan. You will save them, yourself, and possible future children a lot of heartbreak.

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It doesn’t make sense to try to change someone else when it is apparent you want someone else. Why get involved with someone, if you KNOW you will have an issue with them and their relatives slipping YOUR children some animal product? While you may have your principles about being vegan, they too may feel just as strongly about feeding their kids a different way. A lot of people associate food with tradition, community, and emotion. They may feel you are denying THEIR child their heritage. Do you really want YOUR children growing up in a divided household?

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Before any kissing occurs, instead of asking, “What do you do” – “Ask them are you vegan”? In fact when you meet someone, just ask, “Hi, are you vegan”? If they say no or yes, say, “I wanted to get to know more vegans, their opinions, their lifestyle.” If they state no, follow up with “Can you refer me to any?” Never get into an argument with them, just thank them for their time and hopefully referrals.

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Join clubs, organizations, events that might attract the demographic you seek. Be willing to date online, move to another state/country to be with a vegan spouse.

An example of glowing, smooth skin via the author Nicole Lundy.

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The skin is the largest external organ and it protects us from foreign substances that can cause us harm. Moreover, the quality of the skin is easily noticed by people so it is important to keep them soft and smooth. This mindset is very common in women because they are generally more vain compared to men. However, the number of men who are conscious about their skin is increasing, leading to the emergence of skin care products labelled as “For Men”.

best skin

Nowadays, there are many kinds of regimens that claim to be the best skin care regimen, but the best regimen is still the basic. The basic regimen involves cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and applying sunscreens. For every skin regimen step that you will do, be sure to use the products that are compatible with your skin. This will not only assure you of a smooth and supple skin, but also of a problem-free skin. Remember that every person has a specific skin type and this corresponds to a certain product. Beauty companies have created different products to suit different skin types. If you have dry skin, avoid products that contain ingredients that can dry the skin such as alcohol. People with oily skin should avoid ingredients that can block the pores as these can cause breakouts. You do not have that much problems when it comes to choosing the right skin care products when you have normal skin. However, you should still use products for normal skin. A sensitive skin is probably the most difficult skin type to deal with because you may develop allergies if you choose the wrong product. Beauty companies have come up with products for people with sensitive skin so it is not very difficult to pick the right ones for you.

best skin

Cleansing is important because it removes all the dirt from the skin. Exfoliating is also very important because it removes the dead skin cells that can block the pores and cause pimples. Applying moisturizer keeps the skin soft and smooth by locking in moisture in the skin. The last part of the regimen is to apply sunscreen. The rays of the sun can be harmful and it can cause premature skin aging. You should just follow these steps and choose the right products and you can have a healthy and glowing skin.

best skin

2009-2011 Nelani Skincare & Cosmetics LLC

best skin

Makeup Artist and Beauty entrepreneur Nicole Lundy publishes the ‘Flawless Beauty’ bi-weekly e-zine.  Visit www.NeLaniCosmetics.com to learn more about Nicole and sign up for the e-zine.

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It is the most wonderful time of the year for the MTA administration; apparently their annual holiday tradition of raising transit fares while reducing benefits was renewed December 30th.  For example, the already hefty $89 fee for the monthly unlimited metrocard ballooned to $104 when service is being reduced, delayed, or is simply not available.  As The New York Times Blog pointed out, passengers may reconsider buying an unlimited card if the costs outweigh the utility for the rider.

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In addition, we will get the privilege of spending $1.00 for just a new, blank card starting this summer when it costs maybe 2% of that fee.  This new card fee is akin to paying for a movie and then being told you have to pay for a paper ticket fee.  Pretty soon, they will charge passengers for looking at the clock twice.
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The administration is apt to blame the economy, level of ridership, and/or Albany depending on the year.  Albany, the state capital of New York, is representative of the state government dollars the MTA wants to inject into its budget.  However, this money is not magically bequeathed unto the government; it comes from the tax dollars that New Yorkers spend.  These are the same New Yorkers that already pay the MTA for service.  Hence, the MTA’s suggestion is not a reduction on fees, but just a way to make New Yorkers pay indirectly.
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The economy still needs improvement, but even in prosperous years, the MTA is want to increase fares.  Mind you, the MTA doesn’t offer seasonal products that might suffer severe shortfalls in the off periods.  Even homeless people pay to use the system in addition to the bevy of tourists who ride with the MTA.  Hence, it begs me to question, “What were they doing with the money, what are they doing with the money, and what will they be doing”?  I suspect mismanagement of funds and a lack of true innovation is the real cause of the fare hikes.