If you haven't carved your jack-o-lantern, you should watch this clip. Then film it and send it to me. I can't wait. It's the "Do's and Don'ts of Pumpkin Carving" by "Babs" Costello. It's basic stuff like "hold it in your lap" and "carve from the bottom".
But she also recommends using a hand mixer to loosen up the guts inside, and designing the face with a dry erasable red marker. Also, rub Vaseline on the open cut surfaces to make the pumpkin stay moist, and last longer. Go Babs. But I can only imagine the hand mixer getting a bit out of control!!