Some bits and dabs about Robert Burns, Scotland's national bard. There is a most interesting Robert Burns room in the Mitchell Library, Glasgow. Traditionally, around January 25, thousands gather from one end of the globe to the other to join together to honour Robert Burns on his birthday and to enjoy some sangs and clatter. For those in the Land o’ Cakes, you are encouraged to attend any Burns Nights in or near your area, or make the special (short trip from Glasgow) to attend special events sponsored by the Robert Burns World Federation around Ayr, as an example, or by local organisations, masonic or otherwise. http://www.burnsmuseum.org.uk/index.php/whats-on-whats-going-on The following observation by Robert Burns made me smile a little, especially during the political presidential debates in the USA at this time. The whole stanza is from a poem written by Burns on the occasion of the birth of his ill-begotten child, whom his wife Jean Armour reared along with her own baby at the time: What tho’ they ca’ me fornicator, (ca’ – call) An’ tease my name in kintry clatter: (kintry clatter – country noise) The mair they talk I’m kent the better, (mair – more: kent – known) E’en let them clash; (clash – tattle) An auld wife’s tongue’s a feckless matter (feckless – weak) To gie ane fash. (ane – one: fash - irritate – annoy – trouble) Maisie