European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - January 27, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Scotland childhood Home is Only one of an outpouring of commemorations now being readied in Scotland and around the world in anticipation of the 1996 Bicentennial of Burns death atage37. Devotees annually observe Burns nights on or about the Date of the poet s birth Jan. 25. During these events his works Are recited Sung and discussed amid the  bagpipes eating of traditional scottish dishes such As Haggis a meat pudding and typically much drinking of scotch whisky. At least two International conferences Are being planned for the Bicentennial to reassess the poet s life works and legacy. One will be held at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland. The other will be at the University of South Carolina in Columbia site of the most extensive collection of printed Burns materials in North America. The National Library of Scotland will open a major travelling exhibition of Burns Memorabilia in Edinburgh and a motion picture about the poet s life is being planned. Around the world about 600 Burns societies Are expected to hold special observances of the Bicentennial. It s totally remarkable says c. Ross Roy a Burns scholar at the University of South Carolina of the poet s near cult status. How Many Milton clubs Are there John Manson curator of the Burns cottage and adjacent museum in Alloway attributes the fascination to the mystique that surrounds the poet. It s partly the popularity of his marvelous songs and poems Manson said and partly the fact that he had a Short full Rich life. He had a lot of bad press about being a hard Drinker and Womanizer which is not really strictly. True.". The matter of Burns passions is one of continuing controversy. Although he evidently went through a succession of lovers for each of whom he professed undying Devotion some scholars now believe his reputation As a Rounder was somewhat contrived. Burns was a theatrical personality says j. Derrick Mcclure of the University of Aberdeen. He himself exaggerated some of these things. But at Core he was thoroughly honest and very sincere about his fondness for his Home his family and the common people. He was very sincerely a Champion of the rights of oppressed  son of a tenant Farmer Young Burns came under the influence of a gifted teacher John Murdoch who awakened his interest in language and literature Betty Davidson an elderly woman who lived with the family stimulated his imagination with her stories and songs of scottish history and folklore. Burns began writing poems at age 14. National geographic the Jan. 25, 1759, birthrate of Robert Burns is observed each year by some 600 Burns societies around the world. Prophetically his first began with the line once i loved a Bonnie  by 26, his Talent had matured and he was writing some of his finest work including the Jolly beggars the Cotter s saturday night to a mouse and the acclaimed satire on religious hypocrisy. Holy Willie s prayer. Burns themes of egalitarianism and the natural nobility of the common Man exemplified in a Man s a Man for a that earned him a hallowed place in popular political movements throughout the world including revolutionary Russia. Whether he would have approved of the soviet government however is debatable. An Early supporter of the French revolution he once tried to donate a Cannon to the cause he later railed against its excesses. Modern readers find some of Burns poetry Tough going since he wrote much of his Best work in the Lowland scots dialect he grew up speaking. A glossary is advised. But Many poems such As my love is like a red red Rose Are perfectly accessible and timeless. I think that is one of the greatest songs in English Roy says. It s 16 lines Long with one three syllable word seven two syllable words and the rest All one syllable words. To make an immortal song out of that simple material is something that has always appealed to people.". After a period of deteriorating health Burns died july 21,1796, of rheumatic fever surrounded by his wife Bonnie Jean and five children. One of the songs he left behind has become a new year s tradition around the world for Auld Lang syne my dear for Auld Lang syne. Well Tak a cup o kindness yet for Auld Lang  with up to Vogelle officers civilians club Vogel Weh / Kaiserslautern f sunday Cost is a 25.00 each packet consists of 26 games with 6 paper cards per game prizes of $100w�orie$$will be paid on the spot eligibility to participate be at least 18 years of age have a valid . Card or be a bonafide guest. Open to All ranks each person must Purchase a minimum of one panel putting packets is not allowed. Spectators will not be allowed in the room where Bingo is being played packets on Sale 5 Jan 94 and can be purchased 4f the Kazar club Vogelle Gnoffe cers civilians club Call Dan 489-6000 for More information prizes Hofmo Rephah l,000 will be paid by Check Cheri will belied j0 a january 27, 1994 stripes Magazine