Late on a Monday evening on the eve of the inauguration of the 44th president of the United States, and coming up to the 250th anniversary of the birth of of Robert Burns, out of curiosity (and as there is nothing on Telly), I did a quick google search of the terms ‘Obama Loch Ness’ and found a return of 260,00 entries.

Some were tenuous,  most referred in some way to things being as unlikely as a sighting of the Loch Ness monster, but in a round about way I ended up picking the following from another blog to share.

It’s from  GungHaggisFatChoy ‘ an ‘Asian Canadian adventures in inter-cultural Vancouver and home of Toddish McWong’s Robbie Burns Chinese New Year Dinner’  (which is just plain wonderful in itself) and was penned on November 5th this year.

Before you click through and read it – give a thought to one of Mr Burns (that’s the poet folks – not the Simpsons’ character) most famous poems….

So – 250 years (give or take a couple days) 3 countries, several cultures yet it all still boils down to the same thing. …..take it away Robbie!

A MAN’S A MAN FOR ALL THAT
by Robert Burns – 1795

Is there for honest poverty
That hangs his head, an’ a’ that
The coward slave, we pass him by
We dare be poor for a’ that
For a’ that, an’ a’ that
The rank is but the guinea’s stamp
The man’s the gowd for a’ that
What though on hamely fare we dine
Wear hoddin grey, an’ a’ that
Gie fools their silks, and knaves their wine
A man’s a man, for a’ that
For a’ that, an’ a’ that
Their tinsel show an’ a’ that
The honest man, though e’er sae poor
Is king o’ men for a’ that
Ye see yon birkie ca’d a lord
Wha struts an’ stares an’ a’ that
Tho’ hundreds worship at his word
He’s but a coof for a’ that
For a’ that, an’ a’ that
The man o’ independent mind
He looks an’ laughs at a’ that
A prince can mak’ a belted knight
A marquise, duke, an’ a’ that
But an honest man’s aboon his might
Gude faith, he maunna fa’ that
For a’ that an’ a’ that
Their dignities an’ a’ that
The pith o’ sense an’ pride o’ worth
Are higher rank that a’ that
Then let us pray that come it may
(as come it will for a’ that)
That Sense and Worth, o’er a’ the earth
Shall bear the gree an’ a’ that
For a’ that an’ a’ that
It’s coming yet for a’ that
That man to man, the world o’er
Shall brithers be for a’ that

if you want a ‘translation’ , it can be found here

and the link to the blog I mentioned is  here: (note – Toddish McWong  – you’re a legend!)

 ENJOY!

Homecoming Scotland 2009

The year 2009 will be one when everyone who lives in Scotland, and everyone who is part of Scotland’s extended family, are invited to join in national celebrations.

2009 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of the National Bard and and international cultural icon Robert Burns whose message of friendship and ‘Auld Lang Syne’ lives on. 2009 will be a celebration of not only Burns but some of Scotland’s great contributions to the world: Burns, Golf, Whisky, The Enlightenment and innovation, as well as a rich culture and heritage which lives on at home and through the many people of Scots descent who live elsewhere.

The Homecoming Scotland programme will involve a calendar of exciting and inspirational events and activities throughout 2009.

So whether you are Scottish or simply love Scotland, you are invited to come home – home to the land of your ancestors so you can experience a living culture.

Find out more at Homecoming Scotland 2009