Irritable Engineer

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Annie and Willie's Prayer

Annie and Willie's Prayer~

My Mom used to read this to me every Christmas eve...until I left the nest...Funny how I could forget this for so many years...

'Twas the eve before Christmas. "Good night," had been said,
And Annie and Willie had crept into bed;
There were tears on their pillows, and tears in their eyes,
And each little bosom was heaving with sighs,
For tonight their stern father's command had been given
That they should retire precisely at seven
Instead of at eight-for they troubled him more
With questions unheard of than ever before:
He had told them he thought this delusion a sin,
No such creature as "Santa Claus" ever had been.
And he hoped, after this, he should never more hear
How he scrambled down chimneys with presents each year.
And this was the reason that two little heads
So restlessly tossed on their soft, downy beds.

Eight, nine, and the clock on the steeple tolled ten,
Not a word bad been spoken by either till then,
When Willie's sad face from the blanket did peep,
And whispered, 'Dear Annie, is 'ou fast as'eep?"
"Why no, brother Willie," a sweet voice replies,
"I've long tried in vain, but I can't shut my eyes,
For somehow it makes me so sorry because
Dear papa has said there is no 'Santa Claus.'
Now we know there is, and it can't be denied,
For he came every year before mamma died;
But, then, I've been thinking that she used to pray,
And God would hear everything mamma would say,
And maybe she asked him to send Santa Claus here
With that sackful of presents he brought every year."
"Well, why tan't we p'ay dest as mamma did den,
And ask Dod to send him with p'esents aden?"
"I've been thinking so too," and without a word more
Four little bare feet bounded out on the floor,
And four little knees the soft carpet pressed,
And two tiny hands were clasped close to each breast.

"Now, Willie, you know we must firmly believe
That the presents we ask for we're sure to receive;
You must wait very still till I say the 'Amen,'
And by that you will know that your turn has come then."
"Dear Jesus, look down on my brother and me,
And grant us the favor we are asking of thee.
I want a wax dolly, a teaset, and ring,
And an ebony workbox that shuts with a spring.
Bless papa, dear Jesus, and cause him to see
That Santa Claus loves us as much as does he;
Don't let him get fretful and angry again
At dear brother Willie and Annie. Amen."
'Please, Desus, 'et Santa Taus turn down tonight,
And b'ing us some p'esents before it is light,
I want he should div' me a nice 'ittie s'ed,
With bright sbinin' 'unners, and all painted red;
A box full of tandy, a book, and a toy,
Amen, and then, Desus, I'll be a dood boy."

Their prayers being ended, they raised up their heads,
With hearts light and cheerful, again sought their beds.
Tley were lost soon in slumber, both peaceful and deep,
And with fairies in dreamland were roaming in sleep.

Eight, nine, and the little French clock had struck ten,
Ere the father had thought of his children again:
He seems now to hear Annie's half-suppressed sighs,
And to see the big tears stand in Willie's blue eyes.
'I was harsh with my darlings," he mentally said,
'And should not have sent them so early to bed;
But then I was troubled; my feelings found vent,
For bank stock today has gone down ten per cent!

But of course they've forgotten their troubles ere this,
And that I denied them the thrice-asked-for kiss:
But, just to make sure, I'll go up to their door,
For I never spoke harsh to my darlings before."
So saying, he softly ascended the stairs,
And arrived at the door to hear both of their prayers;
His Annie's "Bless papa" drew forth the big tears,
And Willie's grave promise fell sweet on his ears.
'Strange-strange-I'd forgotten," said he with a sigh,
'How I longed when a child to have Christmas draw nigh."
"I'll atone for my harshness," he inwardly said,
"By answering their prayers ere I sleep in my bed."

Ilen he turned to the stairs and softly went down,
Threw off velvet slippers and silk dressing gown,
Donned hat, coat, and boots, and was out in the street,
A millionaire facing the cold, driving in the sleet
Nor stopped he until he had bought everything
From the box full of candy to the tiny gold ring;
Indeed, he kept adding so much to his store,
That the various presents outnumbered a score.

Then homeward he turned. When his holiday load,
With Aunt Mary's help, in the nursery was stowed.
Miss Dolly was seated beneath a pine tree,
By the side of a table spread out for her tea;
A workbox well fitted in the center was laid,
And on it the ring for which Annie had prayed,
A soldier in uniform stood by a sled
"With bright shining runners, and all painted red.'
There were balls, dogs, and horses, books pleasing to see,
And birds of all colors were perched in the tree!
While Santa Claus, laughing, stood up in the top,
As if getting ready more presents to drop.
And as the fond father the picture surveyed,
He thought for his trouble he had amply been paid,
And he said to himself, as he brushed off a tear,
'I'm happier tonight than I've been for a year;
I've enjoyed more pure pleasure than ever before;
What care I if bank stock falls ten per cent more!
Hereafter I'll make it a rule, I believe,
To have Santa Claus visit us each Christmas Eve.'
So thinking, he gently extinguished the light,
And, tripping down stairs, retired for the night.
As soon as the beams of the bright morning sun
Put the darkness to flight, and the stars one by one,
Four little blue eyes out of sleep opened wide,
And at the same moment the presents espied;
Then out of their beds they sprang with a bound,
And the very gifts prayed for were all of them found.
They laughed and they cried, in their innocent glee,
And shouted for papa to come quick and see
What presents old Santa Claus brought in the night
(just the things that they wanted,) and left before light:

'And now," added Annie, in a voice soft and low,
'You'll believe there's a 'Santa Claus', papa, I know"-
While dear little Willie climbed up on his knee,
Determined no secret between them should be,
And told in soft whispers how Annie had said
That their dear, blessed mamma, so long ago dead,
Used to kneel down by the side of her chair,
And that God up in heaven had answered her prayer.
'Den we dot up and prayed dust well as we tould,
And Dod answered our prayers: now wasn't He dood?"
'I should say that He was, if He sent you all these,
And knew just what presents my children would please.
(Well, well, let him think so, the dear little elf,
'Twould be cruel to tell him I did it myself.")

Blind father! who caused your stem heart to relent,
And the hasty words spoken so soon to repent?
'Twas the Being who bade you steal softly upstairs,
And made you His agent to answer their prayers.

Pre-Bowl Thoughts - 2010 Orange Bowl

Like the man says, our line play hasn't been good. Iowa has a strong defense that get them the win.
My Big Ten expert tells me that Tech should win, he's usually right and is very familiar with the triple option dating all the way back to Georgia Southern.

Let's hope we win and can be called the best two loss team in the nation.

Pre-Bowl Thoughts - 2010 Orange Bowl: "The CFNers give their thoughts on the Iowa - Georgia Tech showdown"

Not Far From Home

This is a place where as a child, I played baseball, hockey, fished, water skied, picniced and parked.
Good memories along the river and in the swamps.
Happy New Year.

Thank you pjms.

My Senators' Recent Votes

The Senate passed this $871 billion health care bill. The bill's name is Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The House and Senate must now work out the differences between their versions of the bill in conference. The vote tally was 60 to 39, with 1 not participating.

Senator Saxby Chambliss voted NO
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted NO

Thank you gentlemen. To our Democratic foes, why should Congressional members and business units tied with the executive brach be excluded from the scope of those to be affected by the legislation?

I am curious how our Republican Sanators would have voted had the situation been closer and opportunities for state perks were dangled in front of your noses. To presume you have greater strength than some of the conservative Democrat who folded would be presuming too much. But we'll see.

The Senate also passed legislation to permitting the increase of the federal debt limit to $12.39 trillion. The vote tally was 60 to 39, with 1 not participating. The bill has been sent to the President, who only wishes it was more.

Senator Saxby Chambliss voted NO
Sen. Johnny Isakson voted NO

Thank you gentlemen, the libertarian in me always reminds, less money for the government, less money for the government. Starve as fever, feed a cold. Starve the damned goverment, let the people feed themselves.

On a brighter note, good to see you distinguished lawmakers working like the rest of us on the week leading into the holiday.

Wake Up Call

By way of the Jewish World Review, see Jeff Jacoby's reaction to the recent bombing atempt on Flight 253.
In disagreement with the current executive branch philosphy Jacoby explains the following points.
- Terrorism isn't caused by poverty and ignorance.
- The global jihad is real.
- Terrorists can always adapt to new restrictions.
- The Patriot Act was not a reckless overreaction.

Jeff Jacoby

Jacoby is a good columnist who writes cogent analysis in a in offensive way.

Things I Am Thankful For This Year

In 2009 these things made me happy....

Marie just keeps chugging along, celebrating her 93rd birthday this past August.
Mom helped select a new preacher for her church.
My wife has arranged and assisted for the care of her mother in a way that less stressful.
The bride and thoroughly enjoyed Katie's wedding in New Orleans LA.
I enjoyed another Katie's wedding in Madison WI.
My father has successfully emerged from his bout with collapsed lungs, has stopped smoking and is as vital as ever.
My son remains a student in good standing at Georgia Tech.
My mother enjoyed an extensive safari trip to Africa, with dad.
Tyrus has managed to loose 85 pounds and now has the same pants size as me.
My father built 20 folding Adirondack chairs for his church fundraiser.
Scott had his daughter move in within him in Tampa.
Samantha graduated high school and started college at Ohio State.
My other brother and family has made the home in New Hampshire their own
I bought my own present for my upcoming 50th birthday, a 1953 Chevrolet pickup truck
Connie has won the battle with ATT, patiently waiting through lousy non-service.
Hollis has beaten breast cancer.
My son worked in my plant this past summer, hard physical labor, earning respect from a group that doesn't do so easily.
Amy is beating breast cancer.
Thomas grows every day to be more and more like his father.
Connie and I enjoyed two trips to visit Jane at Nags Head and Virginia Beach.
CB enjoyed her birthday present, a weekend trip to Elizabeth Pointe in Amelia Island.
Connie enjoyed her weekend trip to NYC with Pat, Annie and Callie.
Ted gave Connie the best Christmas gift possible.
Annie has moved up to middle school, and is still manages to be patient with her brother.

This is longer than I thought it would be.

You white folks.....

When I born, I black.
When I grow up, I black.
When I go in sun, I black.
When I cold, I black.
When I scared, I black.
When I sick, I black.
And when I die, I still black.

You white folks.....
When you born, you pink.
When you grow up, you white.
When you go in sun, you red.
When you cold, you blue.
When you scared, you yellow.
When you sick, you green.
And when you die, you gray.
So who you callin' colored?

The Lives of Others

Months ago I found a list of the 5 best conservative movies. The number one movie on this list was "The Lives of Others", produced in the German language, this movie's title is "Das Leben der Anderen", was released in 2006.
Written and directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, this movie is the successful first full feature length of his repertoire. A complete sucess it was, winning the 2007 Won Oscar Best Foreign Language Film of the Year.
The movie is rated R for some sexuality and nudity, this is minor in nature. Language is not an issue because you understand the language anyway.
The players are all German, and even with the subtitles completely convey depression the is the result of an oppressive socialist system.

Martina Gedeck plays Christa-Maria Sieland the most highly regarded actress on the East German stage.
Ulrich Mühe play Hauptmann Gerd Wiesler, the Stasi operative, expert in interrogation and focal point of the movies transformation.
Sebastian Koch plays Georg Dreyman, Christa's lover and writer of popular East German plays.
Ulrich Tukur plays Oberstleutnant Anton Grubitz, Wiesler's superior and politcal animal.
Thomas Thieme plays Minister Bruno Hempf , the politcal heavy of the movie.
Hans-Uwe Bauer plays Paul Hauser, one of Georg Dreyman's writing associates.
Volkmar Kleinert plays Albert Jerska, Georg Dreyman's good friend who has been blacklisted.

The plot.

Set in the East Berlin of 1984, a couple of years before the fall of the Berlin Wall, East Germany's Stasi (secret police) had established complete dominance by way spying on its own citizens through direct observation and by informants supplying the rest. The result was an atmosphere of oppression and fear.

Because Minister Bruno Hempf wants to exclusively date Christa, he orders the surveillance of the couple.

Hauptmann Gerd Wiesler is an agent of the secret police, conducting surveillance on playwright, Georg Dreyman, and his lover Christa, he finds himself becoming increasingly enthralled by what can only be desribed as their expression of soul.

Hauptmann's code name HGW XX/7.

When Georg's good friend, Albert Jerska, a director who has been blacklisted, commits suicide, Georg is transformed and wishes to express his feeling about repression and suicide. This cannot be done in East Germany, so he collaborates to smuggle his papers to West Germany. These are anonomously published in the magazine Der Speilgel.

HGW XX/7 overhears all of the collboration, and within his own evolution, decides to obscure the findings to his superiors. Pressured by the Minister tangential inquiries are made as to the author of the essays on East German suicide. Christa is arrested for purchasing illegal prescriptions, by this forced to inform on the location of Georg's hidden typewriter. The Stasi arrive at Georg's apartment, search for but cannot find the instrument. Humiliated Christa leaves the apartment and walks in front of an oncoming truck, suicide.

Wiesler's superior suspects his man's interference and demotes him to the rest of his career steaming open letters in a basement. Years later toiling in a basement, he hears that the Berlin Wall has fallen, he gets up and leaves the basement, forever.

Two years later Georg is enjoying a play in Berlin and happens upon the minister. Georg asks the minister why he was never surveilled. Former Minister Hempf tells the playwright that he was, just check for wires in the light switches. Georg then finds bugs all over his apartment. This leads Georg to study newly public records of Stasi . He finds copious records and realizes that there were only a few moments between Christa's betrayal and the Stasi search, somebody besides Christa must have moved the typewriter. Reading further he detemines that agent HGW XX/7 did not report the collaboration meetings and must have been the the one who hid the typewriter. Dreyman then searches for and finds Hauptmann Gerd Wiesler, who is now a mailman, but decides not to speak with him.

A couple of years after Dreyman has authored a book "Sonata for a Good Man", Wiesler on deliveries sees Dreyman's picture in the bookstore window. Goes in the book store, finds the new release and in the dedication sees thanks to HGW XX/7. The mailman goes to the counter to purcahse a copy and when asked if the book needs to be wrapped says "it is for me" in English.

I give this movie a rating of 48 of 50. Awesome.

Character Development, 10 of 10. Wiesler evolves from an autocrat to a soulful libertarian.
Screenplay, 9 of 10. Difficult to assess, translated from German, the content was top notch.
Acting, 10 of 10. German cast of experienced actors, some of whom were East German and had personal experience with the Stasi.
Photography, 9 of 10. Filmed in Berlin using a dull blue and gray pallet.
Plot, 10 of 10.

Do The Math

Found this YubeTube clip by way of Digg. The young man has skills, but I doubt they'll get him far in the hip-hop biz.

You have to go to this site to read the short article, then scan through the comments for a blizzard of humorous venting.

I want to add a comment something along the lines of "We've lured them into the open. Now, let's pick them off one by one, starting at the left of the herd. You have to aim low, because most of them are lemmings."

POLITICO: Source: 'False' report led to Capitol lockdown - Glenn Thrush - Source: 'False' report led to Capitol lockdown