In the lead-up to Halloween October 31, it’s no surprise that October 26 has been designated Pumpkin Day.  Pumpkins in a university student magazine?  We got ’em.

Pepo’lantern?  Writer Zoe Dalton describes the colourful history of Cucurbita pepo, aka the pumpkin. “[S]quashes and pumpkins are useful for far more than just food: masks, dishes, carrying containers, and musical instruments were once made from these versatile fruits. ”  Nature Notes—From the Backyard to the Biosphere: Kudos to the Cucurbits, November 3, 2004.

Smashing Pumpkins.  Writer E.L. Farris struggles to find a shred of positive meaning in a dark holiday.  “A child threatens to commit a trick and in turn, the homeowner gives this child a treat. What the heck? How does this make sense? How does it help our children to become good citizens?”  I’m Annoyed by Halloween, October 26, 2012.