After the events of last years rather unusual Halloween Festivities, I am considering forgoing the costume tradition this go around. I did carve a pumpkin this year, but beyond that I suppose I will just be passing out candy.

As for my students, have a happy and safe Holiday. There will not be class tomorrow for any of my University classes. Biology students, I have a lab planned for us that I think many of you will enjoy. And remember, if any of you would like extra credit in one of my courses, turn in your paper next Tuesday on how genetics played a role in the development of carving pumpkins, and what factors contribute to the color, size and shape of the pumpkin that results.

Genetics and Biophysics students, I will expect your papers to be much more detailed than the ones I receive from my Psychology and High School students. Do not take that as an excuse to not put effort into your papers, either, however. I still expect you to have put the effort forth into these papers if you want the credit.