BIRCH AQUARIUM... is a celebrated science institution, but it is not without its fanciful inclinations. Scripps Oceanography will provide the peculiar must-knows about the "weird and wonderful research" being done, and underwater pumpkin carving? Oh wow: That's happening, too. Call it a splashy and spooky way to embrace the spirit of Halloween, a few days before Halloween, while also soaking up some aquarium awesomeness. Oh yes, and checking out the Living Seas, the new exhibit that opened earlier this year.