First, scientists have computed just how much damage Guy Fawkes would have caused if his plot to kill James I and blow up Parliament succeeded -- the "big bang" would have destroyed a huge swath of downtown London because Fawkes used much more gunpowder than he needed.

Second, a member of the Scottish Socialist Party (one of three, perhaps?) pinned up a poster in his office picturing Fawkes with the line "Vote Guy Fawkes, the only man to enter parliament with honest intentions."

Not surprisingly, many are not amused.

And how about this? Looking for an interesting email address, one that reflects your historical, regional, ideological preferences? Well, how about "yourname@scottishtories.com"? David Hume would be proud.