This episode is presented by eBay.

Rob, everyone loves a deal and a bargain from time to time, don't they? Absolutely, mate. And you know where you can grab a great deal? Talk to me. Where? The eBay app. Yes, you are correct. You didn't need to talk to me. I already knew it. I love eBay. When you're buying, you can discover loads of hidden gems. there's so many items where you think I would have never found that anywhere else.

Then when you're buying, you can discover loads of hidden gems. There's so many items where you think I would have never found that anywhere else. Then when you're selling, it's so simple and most

importantly, free. It's free, Rob. When it's this easy to sell for free and there's great deals

on things you love. You can't help but say when it's eBay. It excludes vehicles and business

sellers.

Welcome to Science Talk, the weekly podcast of Scientific American posted on October 29th, 2010.

I'm Steve Merski. The interview that follows was originally broadcast on Halloween 2007.

A totally bogus quiz after that is brand new, so stick around for that too.

And now, Linus.

There are three things they have learned never to discuss with people.

Religion, politics, and the great pumpkin.

Well, I never learned Linus' life lessons, and since it is Halloween, we are going to talk about great pumpkins.

Plus, we'll test your knowledge about some recent science in the news.

Susan Warren is the author of the book Backyard Giants, which is subtitled,

The Passionate, Heartbreaking, and Glorious Quest to Grow the Biggest Pumpkin Ever.

Susan Warren is a native Texan, so she's used to things being outsized.

She's the Deputy Bureau Chief of the Dallas office of the Wall Street Journal.

Backyard Giants is her first book.

I called her at her home in Arlington, Texas.

Hi, Susan.

How are you?

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