Having lived in Morocco nearly two decades, this is not only one of my favorite songs, but contains stunning dramatic 2009 views of Morocco. It appears the video was filmed in a riad in Fez.
Having lived in Morocco nearly two decades, this is not only one of my favorite songs, but contains stunning dramatic 2009 views of Morocco. It appears the video was filmed in a riad in Fez.
According to multiple sources on the internet, a New Mexico garage owner became tired of repeated break-insto steal tools and supplies from his place of business.
So he came up with a new idea. He let it be known that his new Mexican liion would attack anyone seen climbing his fence, or breaking in.
Thieves saw his “lion” from a distance, and immediately fled the scene!
–Madame Monet
These clever state motto slogans came from The Beachcomber.
This year, the fifth international Gross National Happiness Conference was held in Brazil. The world’s first Conference was held in the Himalyan kingdom of Bhutan, where the ruler of that small country once declared, “Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product.” The second conference was held in Nova Scotia, the third in Thailand, and the fourth again in Bhutan. The conferences are always held in late November.
According to happiness research, once physical needs for shelter and food are met at a basic level, the following items become much more important in determining our happiness:
–Basic economic security,and good health
–Meaningful work, and a good work-life balance
–A sense of control over one’s life and employment, and the freedom to do what one chooses in life
–Friends and relatives one can count on, a supportive social network, and trust in one’s neighbors
–Lack of governmental corruption, and trust in one’s neighbors
–Behaving generously by choice
Denmark and Costa Rica are the happiest countries, followed closely by Finland, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Bhutan is currently rated 13th; Brazil is 9th; and the United States is 111th.
Economist John Helliwell of the University of British Columbia, one of the world’s leading happiness researchers, was a speaker at the conference. In the past, Helliwell has said that isolation from the community is on the increase, and adds that relatinships are more important to happiness than material wealth. Also, even minor changes in trust toward management in the workplace can significantly increase happiness.
John DeGraaf, author of Affluenza, and a speaker at the fifth conference, argues that, “Shorter working hours—especially in rich countries—are key to happiness, health and long-term sustainability. Indeed, it is clear that the United States, with among the longest working hours in the industrial world, scores far below northern European nations in calculations of leisure time, longevity and overall health, while having an ecological footprint nearly twice as large—and these facts can be seen to be clearly related.”
This recipe, which requires no cooking,comes from England, but it is amazing similar to American Key Lime Pie.
Ingredients:
2 cups crushed Butter Biscuits of any kind (Henry Biscuits, or Graham Crackers)
5 Tbsp. of freshly-squeezed lemon juice (slightly tart) or T. (less tart) , to taste
3 Tbsp. of sifted powdered sugar (omit with Graham crackers)
1/4 tsp. extra-fine salt (omit with Graham crackers)
2/3 cup of melted butter
1 egg
1 tin sweetened, condensed milk
PREPARATION:
1. Crush biscuits into crumbs. In a large mixing bowl, add powdered sugar and salt; mix well.
2. Melt butter, and mix well with crumb mixture. Press into pie dish. (This makes a thick crust in a pie dish, and a thinner crust in a square or rectangular dish.)
2. Blend together sweetened consdensed milk, lemon juice, and egg, using wire whisk.
3. Pour onto biscuit mixture, and chill in fridge.
ENJOY!
Variation with Cream Topping:
Whip together 1 cup of whipping cream, 1/2 tsp. vanilla, a pinch of salt, and 2 Tbsp. sifted powdered sugar. Spread over lemon mixture.

Sai Hoi Ho Painting Owned by Mary Mimouna, in Marrakesh, Morocco (not for sale)
I purchased the painting above in Stanley Park, in Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada, in the summer of 1980. The artist was selling some of his oil paintings in the park. He was probably in his 50’s at that point, and seemed like a nice gentleman. I think I paid about $50 in the park at that time.
“Mr. Ho was born in Canton, China in 1926. He moved to Hong Kong in 1949. He became interested in painting in his early twenties when a few friends would journey to the countrysides in Hong Kong for painting excursions. He remained a self-taught amateur artist for twenty years while working as an editor for an art magazine. During these years he also travelled to southern Africa, South East Asia, Australia, and the Polynesian Islands.”
“In the late 1960’s, Mr. Ho decided to become a professional artist. He opened his own art gallery in Hong Kong that carried his paintings exclusively. He had also held exhibitions in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
In 1974, Mr. Ho immigrated to Canada with his wife and two sons and has lived in Vancouver ever since. He chose to stay in British Columbia because of its natural beauty. He makes frequent trips to various B.C. locations for personal enjoyment as well as to create new works of art.”
“In addition to painting, Mr.Ho is a classical music lover and a devoted tennis player.”
Mr. Ho’s latest known address (also found on the back of Carol’s painting) was: Sai Hoi Ho, 1564 Coquitlam Ave, Port Coquitlam, B.C. Canada V3B 5N1. However, a friend in Vancouver was unable to locate him for me in the current phone book (2009). If anyone out there has more current information, please do post it in the comments section below.
The above information about the artist was found by Carol Myers on the back of a painting her sister purchased in Stanley Park, in May of 1999. Carol (currently in Chicago, Illinois) sent me a photo of the painting (currently in Arkansas):

Sai Hoi Ho Painting Owned by Carol Meyers: cagmyers@ameritech.net
Carol explains, “My sister bought a Sai Hoi Ho painting of a Lily Pond in Stanley Park, in May of 1999. Since she is recently deceased, there is a very slight possibility the family will sell the painting (currently in Arkansas). We are attempting to determine what she paid and its value at this time.” Carol can be contacted at: cagmyers@ameritech.net.
Mr. John Tymich, of Mission, British Colombia, also has three paintings of Mr. Ho’s(shown below) he is thinking of selling. John can be contacted at: shotgun.rider@hotmail.com.

Sai Hoi Ho Painting 1 Owned by John Tymich: shotgun.rider@hotmail.com
John says, “I bought these paintings in the early 80’s. I can’t find any info about this mystery man. These paintings are amazing. All I know is that he did some work in the Gastown area of Vancouver, British Colombia, in the late 70’s and early 80’s. I’d love to find out the value, and where he is on the web.”

Sai Hoi Ho Painting 3 Owned by John Tymich: shotgun.rider@hotmail.com

Sai Hoi Ho Painting 2 Owned by John Tymich: shotgun.rider@hotmail.com
A man named Geordie Gregg is interested in finding out more about the artist, and possibly in purchasing some of his work.
“Hello, years ago my parents purchased a Sai Hoi Ho painting also from Stanley Park, Vancouver, B.C. I’m trying to find out more information about this artist. Do you know if there is a place or website where one can view more of his work? I look forward to your thoughts. Thank you very much. Cheers – Geordie Gregg 416-994-3434″
A woman named Marie T. in Québec, Canada is also interested in finding out more about this artist, and possibly in purchasing more of his paintings. She has linked herself to: Auberge du Sault-à-la-Puce, 8365 Ave. Royale, Chateau Richer, Qc GOA INO (418) 824-5659 (or toll-free number 1-866-424-5659). Marie T. can be contacted at: alapuce@total.net.
“I bought four paintings in Stanley Park probably in 1988. I would be interested in buying some others. I would like to see pictures, and your prices. –Marie-T.”
Someone named Sar is interested selling one of Mr. Ho’s paintings, and in purchasing others of his. Sar can be contacted at: sarosea@gmail.com.
“I have a painting by Sai Hoi Ho. It’s in browns- a sampan on water with a touch of orange/red. It’s beautiful but I would like to sell it if anyone’s interested. it’s beautifully framed. I am having to downsize or I would never let it go. Also bought it in Stanley Park. would like to find a display of more of his paintings. –Sar.”
A man named John C. is an art dealer with Oregon City Auction, in Oregon City (outside of Portland). It is located at 1702 Washington Street, Oregon City, OR 97045. The telephone number is (503) 657-4470. This email contact is listed on the site: jcody@oregoncityauction.com. John says:
“Hello, I was also searching for Sai Ho artwork and it brought me to this site. They are really great pieces of work. I live outside of Portland, Oregon. I am interested in finding out more about his art also. Thank you–John.”
–If anyone else out there cares to send me more photos of Sai Hoi Ho’s paintings, and their contact details, I will be more than happy to add them into this post for others to find. If anyone has any more current information on the artist, I would appreciate that information to be able to add it in here, as well. I can be reached at: wpm1955 at gmail dot com. –Mary Mimouna

Advent is the season in the Christian Church immediately preceding the celebration of Christmas. Advent calendars were introduced by German Lutherans. In the early 1800’s the Lutherans marked off the 24 days of the advent season by drawing a chalk line on their door each day. Some families would light a candle each morning, or hang a small religious picture on the wall each day.

The first known Advent calendar was hand-made in 1851, while the first printed Advent calendars appeared in Hamburg, Germany, in 1902 or 1903.

These days, most Advent calendars are aimed at children, since it is children who most eagerly anticipate Christmas. This belies the quesiton, “How many more days until Christmas?” The Advent calendar answers this question every day. As I child, I used to anticipate opening the doors every day with delight.

Advent calendars are made out of two pieces of cardboard, one laid on top of the other. Twenty-four little doors are cut in the top piece, each door marked with a number from one, to twenty-four. Starting on the first day of December, a door is opened each day, starting with number twenty-four, and counting down to one, until Christmas arrives on the twenty-fifth of December.

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