Editorial Board of Excalibur
Featured image drawn by Jasmine Wiradharma | Comics Editor
THE FOREST STROLLS
Dylan Stoll | Copy Editor
During the fall, as mother nature’s colour pallette becomes more and more saturated with vibrant shades of orange and red, I enjoy going out for walks in wooded areas. As I approach the forests of Toronto, the spectacular view of the canopy, changed from summer’s monochrome green to a polychrome characteristic of autumn, always manages to capture my attention and instill a feeling of awe. That being said, the feeling is fleeting. As winter tends to approach fast, I try to get out as much as possible before the frigid season makes its mark.
FALL FESTIVALS
Mahdis Habibinia | Executive Editor, Online
The autumn weather brings with it a plethora of festivals on a backdrop of orange and red that lends Torontonians a sense of calm amidst the summer withdrawal. From harvest and Thanksgiving fairs to October markets and farm festivals, the GTA has it all! The Markham Fair hosts one of Canada’s largest agricultural fairs.
THE CHARMS OF AUTUMN
Anna Voskuil | News Editor
Whenever the discussion of favourite seasons comes up, almost everyone I know is baffled to hear I prefer the colder months to the warmer ones—in particular, freezing winds, hard rain, and dark skies. Common responses I’ve received are “but the weather is so depressing!” To which I would say, “it’s all a matter of perspective.” Autumn is the most enchanting time of year for me—the streets lined with leaves of yellow, red, and orange; the smell of wet rain hanging in a haunting, autumnal wood—the aesthetic of fall if you will. My favourite memories of fall are hopping into a pile of leaves, or melting into a chair with a hot cup of tea, hearing the pitter-patter of rain against my window—it is in those moments where I feel most alive.
PUMPKIN SPICED
Uzodinma Ukagwu | Sports Editor
I have only been living in Canada four years now, and the four-season cycle is still relatively new to me. As a result, I am yet to develop a favourite fall activity. I came to Canada from Nigeria where we had a two-season cycle, i.e. the dry and rainy seasons. For this story, my colleagues at the paper suggested that I try a pumpkin spiced latte, and being the good sport that I am, I did. Suffice it to say, this was no life changing experience, but I can understand why some people just can’t live without it.
HALLOWEEN HAUNT
Matt Dionne | Editor-in-Chief
One of my favourite fall activities is a tradition I picked up in first year. Since we my roommates and I came to York from outside Toronto, we decided to go to Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland.
Haunt occurs during the month of October on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and whichever day Halloween falls on (this year it’s a Wednesday) from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. At Haunt, all the normal Wonderland attractions are available—the rides, the food, the games—plus haunted houses. Professional actors are hired to try and scare attendees who are brave enough to walk through the haunted houses, all of which depict a spooky theme—zombies, serial killers, and clowns are common. This year promises plenty of spooktacular attractions, so if you’re looking for a catharsis of terror, look no further than Halloween Haunt.
PICK-YOUR-OWN
Fatema Ali | Multimedia Editor
Fall is my favourite season because the leaves start changing colour and the weather becomes cooler. Also, during this time of year, many farms in southern Ontario allow visitors to pick pumpkin and apples. The experience of going with friends and family is priceless and getting the perfect Instagram picture is always a great plus. Not only is it a great activity, but you will also have pumpkins to make jack-o-lanterns and pie, not to mention all the dessert you can make with your freshly picked apples. My favourite farm to visit is Albion Orchards and it’s only a 30-minute drive from York. Happy Picking!
WARM DECOR
Sajila Nudrat | Health Editor
Autumn is hands-down my favourite season. Amidst the colder weather, gloomier skies and falling GPAs, I know it can be a difficult period, but I absolutely love it. Part of what I love about the season is that transitionary period that never seems to stop. Within this one season there are an array of holidays and celebrations to partake in. To me the best part of any holiday is the decorations. Shopping in the fall, whether it be for a Thanksgiving wreath or a pumpkin spiced anything, is the best part. It’s also a great time to update your wardrobe and put away those T-shirts and shorts in favour of something warmer and cozier, like boots and oversized sweaters. It’s the best time to make a change, and keep your mind off midterm season.
THE BEST SOUP
Golnaz Taherian | Arts Editor
One of my favourite things about fall is making pumpkin and butternut squash soup mixed with seasonal vegetables and oats. There is nothing better than having a warm bowl of soup when it gets chilly. Its pleasant smell is very soothing. Seasonal foods are not only fresher, but also a great way to support local farmers. They say the more colourful your bowl is, the healthier it is. Unfortunately, my tight schedule doesn’t give me much time to make healthy foods. However, pumpkin and butternut squash soup is not only nourishing, but also very easy to make.
HORROR GALORE
Victoria Silman | Assistant News Editor
As a summer enthusiast, I’m always a little apprehensive going into the chilly, fall weather. However, scary movies always make that transition easier—especially when they are paired with autumn storms. I love those heart-racing jump-scare moments that never cease to surprise me. This season, buckle down with a bowl of popcorn one evening and enjoy some of my favourites, including: Gerald’s Game, a Netflix original based on the novel by Stephen King; Oculus, a psychological horror about an everyday object; The Wailing, a Korean horror film that keeps you guessing; and The Haunting of Hill House, a Netflix original series that is essentially a psychologically twisting 10-hour horror film.
