#Arab Idol

[hadleysmis]

Les Misérables, performance on Arab Idol

From ten+ years ago, but still very beautiful and low key magical to listen to, it's the Arab Idol performance of the many songs of Les Misérables. Their voices might legit be the smoothest I've ever listened to. Honestly it's so, so beautiful!!

「 Arab Idol is recorded in Beirut and ended this season with the victory of the Palestinian contestant Mohammed Assaf who is included in this performance: 」

Absolutely beautiful to listen to!!

The above quote is from:

I do have a post in queue about this article, so don't think I'm ignoring the other parts of the article 👍

[irhabiya]

فرح يوسف - لشحد حبك

[spacetoonat]

لن أعود للوراء — إيروكا

[passionpluto]

i've never understood cinema sins-type people who point out plot holes in movies because, even as a little girl, i was such a massive linguistics nerd that i headcanoned the reason ariel couldn't write a note to eric was something like "the mermaid language is pretty much phonetically identical to english, but with a lettering system that's incomprehensible to humans"

[edsonjnovaes]

Morning Has Broken (Official Lyric Video)

Yusuf / Cat Stevens – Morning Has Broken (Official Lyric Video). 2021 21 nov Spotify Featured on the classic ‘Teaser and the Firecat’ album, Morning Has Broken was adapted from a traditional hymn with words by Eleanor Farjeon. The song’s message beautifully reflected Cat’s growing spiritual awareness in the early 1970s; a sense of wonderment, awe and gratitude for the miracle of creation is…

[runawaycarouselhorse]

[nanseyeworld]

𝗒𝗈𝗎 ⠀⠀ 𝖻𝖾𝖾𝗇 ⠀⠀𝗌𝗈 ⠀⠀𝗈𝗎𝗍 ⠀⠀ 𝗈𝖿 ⠀𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩⠀⠀, ⠀⠀𝓉𝗈𝗎𝖼𝗁⠀⠀, 𝙩𝙤𝙪ᥴh⠀⠀

✽ ˖* 𓂃Adnan Noura bint Al-Alshehri ( born August 1st, 2003 ) known professionally as Adnan is a British Influencer, singer, rapper, model, Global Ambassador, and dancer. She first began her career as a model at age twelve and has modeled for fashion brands such as Chanel, LV, CELENE, Dior, Levi's, and many others. As a singer, Adnan debuted as a member of the global girl group KATSEYE under Hybe and Geffen Records. Adnan is of Somali & French descent on her mother’s side & Saudi Arabian & Qatari on her father’s side, who is a descent of House of Al Saud, & House of Thani, the ruling royal families of Saudi Arabia & Qatar. The Al-Alshehri family net worth is estimated to be $50 billion.

🐾 ꒰ born ʚ ⍺ queen ꒱ ⊹꯭ fictional

⑅ᕱ : masterlist. profile. Aespa. other oc.

[authorhjk1]

Was just wondering.. How would RV members react when reader, their bf, wants to fuck them in cosplay.. And which characters would each RV members cosplay for reader to fuck?

Irene

She wouldn't be a fan of it. At least not at first. Irene would carefully ask you, what you had in mind for her. After telling her, she would consider it. The next time you come over, Irene waits for you in her bedroom. You can't believe how gorgeous she looks. You were afraid she would say no. But now, a beautiful elf is sitting in front of you. She knows how much you love Lord of the Rings, so she gave it a shot. She can't help but smile at the way you eyes take in every detail. Her green robe is a little more revealing than it usually would be.

Seulgi

Seulgi would love the idea. She says yes immediately, already having something in mind. Growing up, Seulgi really liked Disney princesses, so this was her chance. When you come home one night, you are surprised when the apartment is only dimly lit. Soft, Arabic music plays in the background and you can smell spices Seulgi bought for only this occasion. You're surprised that she would be into this so much. When you finally see her, you're blown away. Seulgi is wearing loose, almost see through turquoise pants. The matching top shows off a deep cleavage, exposing her shoulders and her back as well. The whole outfit is sparkling and decorated with expensive looking stones. Catching a glimpse of her blue, sparkling thong, you have to admit that this isn't exactly the outfit you remember. But Seulgi looks gorgeous. Sexy. But the highlight is something you thought you would never see on her. Seulgi decided to use her earring to attach a small, golden chain to it, which connects it with another small ring in her nose. Most definitely a clip on. But Seulgi's interpretation of princess Jasmine was more than you could've ever imagined.

Wendy

Wendy would be cautious at first. Being very self aware, she would hesitate, wondering why you would bring this up. Is she too boring? Do you want to be with someone else?

After assuring her that this was just an idea and that you love her, no matter what her decision would be, Wendy slowly warms up to the idea. Actually, her idea was a little unconventional. She didn't decide on a movie character or a person from a TV show or anime or whatever. No. Wendy knows who your favorite idol is. After herself and Red Velvet of course.

You're very aware that you keep staring very inappropriately, when Wendy makes a point of dancing in front of you. You are still surprised she chose to impersonate Somi. At first, you didn't really get what she put on. A blonde wig, a white top and a black leather skirt.

But as soon as she put on one of Somi's songs and started to dance, you immediately knew what was going on.

Joy

Joy loved the idea as soon as the question left your mouth. And she already had something in mind. You were surprised at how much she seemed to be into it. And when you asked her what she was gonna do, she just gave you a cheeky smile, before directing the conversation into another direction.

Two days later, Joy stands in front of you, a baseball bat over her shoulder. She dyed her hair specifically for this occasion. The ends of her blonde pigtails end in pink on her right and blue on her left. The words "Daddy's little monster" we're imprinted on her white and red top. Joy's blue shorts might have just as well been panties. They didn't cover much more, completely exposing her legs and especially her thighs. The choker on her neck, her fake tattoos on her arms and her makeup made her look evil and crazy.

Yeri

Yeri was the one who came up with the idea. She promised herself that she would try it out, if she ever found out a boyfriend. Which is now you. You're not completely surprised, when you come home and see Yeri in her Hogwarts robe and a wand in her hand. She likes to put it on, when the two of you go on a Harry Potter marathon. Which happens way more than you'd like to admit.

But this time, Yeri is holding a book as well. It looks like it's a small notebook, but she glued a page on top of the cover, making it almost look like an actual book. You have to give her credit for trying. She plays around with her emerald green tie, reading the book, while pretending not to notice you. Stepping closer, you finally catch the title. "Love potions, lust increasing plants and forbidden spells" You decide to play along. You grab the book, making Yeri gasp as she looks up.

"Professor..."

Glancing at the page, you realize Yeri put quite a lot of effort into this. The page really looks like it's from a book about magic. It's about two spells. She probably made up the Latin words for them. But one seems to increase the lust and arousal of a person, while the other... You raise an eyebrow.

"Miss Kim. Would you like to explain yourself?"

You can tell how turned on Yeri already is.

"I'm sorry, sir."

She doesn't seem to be sorry at all.

"I already tried out the second one."

You read it again, still surprised by Yeri's lewd description of the spell.

"This spell makes your pussy the tightest in the world. Side effects: increased lust, more and stronger orgasms,... "

You stop reading and slam the book shut.

"I hope you can make up for all the house points you just lost, Miss Kim."

You grab her by the tie and pull her towards the bedroom.

[dualdeixis]

[Image description: A poem titled "רַבִּי / رَبِّي" written Friday, November 17, 2023: Rabbī, I cannot praise your deeds. / Rabbī, no weeping moves you. / Rabbī, your justice is wedded to perversion. / Rabbī, your love looks much like your hatred. / Rabbī, the patriarchs have been gilt as idols. / Rabbī, the Temple has been built into a prison. / Rabbī, mixed multitudes have been spat on. / Rabbī, all oneness has been sported with. / Rabbī, ministering angels have been consigned to wailing. / Rabbī, nameless infants have been fed the world’s silence. / Rabbī, your reddened sea has been exiled from shore. / Rabbī, your holy city has been split in two. / But by whom? / Rabbī, shall I say “them” or “us”? / Rabbī, which people is solely yours? / Rabbī, what image is divine alone? / Rabbī, when comes the Hour of Unlocking? / Rabbī, where hides the Place of Its Glory? / Rabbī, why? Answer now. Answer. End image description.]

note 1: as the title implies, "rabbī" may be read as the hebrew word for "a jewish cleric" or the arabic word for "my l_rd" (i.e., g_d).

note 2: this poem is written from an anti-zionist jewish perspective. therefore the question "by whom? / shall i say 'them' or 'us'?" is not meant to dispute palestine as the oppressed party. rather, it is meant to be taken extremely literally, because it is situated in my individual experience: should i—a muslim in the process of converting to judaism, who has been estranged from jewish community and had my conversion delayed because of zionism; who has no personal ties to israel but is nevertheless complicit in its genocidal actions by nature of living in the warmongering USA which uses my household's tax dollars to fund it; who believes that "all israel are responsible for one another" (shevuot 39a)—refer to the oppressors as "them" or "us"?

ways to help palestine:

decolonize palestine (patreon)

samidoun (calendar of worldwide protests)

palestine action

palestine legal

bds movement

e-sims for gaza

more resources

ways to help congo:

list of donations

boycott & donate

ways to help sudan:

list of donations

fundraiser for a refugee family

action against hunger

ways to help armenia:

all for armenia

armenian food bank

artsakh housing fund

armenian assembly of america action center

ways to help other indigenous peoples around you:

learn about whose land you may be living on

[justjensenanddean]

Jensen Ackles | Purgatory Con, Düsseldorf, Germany, May 26, 2024, Panel Summary

Most creepy or annoying toy the kids ever had? Slime. It creeps him out. He has it all over his house now. He doesn’t like the texture or feel. But his kids love it. Creepiest? Danneel has an old antique doll. It is old cracked, has creepy eyes and is the devil. (x)

Demon Dean or Soldier Boy, who‘s more powerful? Demon Dean because SB has a traumatized little boy in him and demon Dean is just empty. He‘s more dangerous because he just doesn’t care. (x)

Funniest moment from set of The Boys? Someone yells Herogasm so Jensen says it was probably not the funniest moment but when he arrived on day 3 of the set, Jack Quaid asked if he‘s been on set yet and when it was a no, he said „whoo, good luck“ (x)

People kept mistaking the bottles of lube and the bottles of hand sanitizer. Jensen was not prepared for when filming started and everyone took their robes off. Jensen was not prepared. (x)

Jensen couldn’t not look. They called cut. Jensen was like „I‘m sorry, there’s 4 people over here doing a position I have never seen before.“ His shower was extra long that evening. „There may have been tears.“ (x)

“There’s four people over here in a position I have not seen before!!!” “My shower lasted extra long that evening. And there were tears.” Jensen retelling stories from Herogasm set on #TheBoys (x)

How long did it take him to learn the Arabic phrase for s14? Not long, he can parrot things quite easily. He just needs to hear it a few times, then he can repeat the sounds. It‘s how he learns accents. Tap dance worked like it too. If he can see or hear it, he can emulate it. (x)

Jensen: “I don’t think Cas’s confession is something that needs to be resolved. There is nothing to resolve. He said what he needed to say, it was a long time coming, it was heartfelt and beautiful. But there’s nothing to resolve.” (x) “Dean took it in and then lost one of his closest allies and friends. The accepting of that happened when Dean sat on the floor. He lost one of his brothers in arms and one of his closest people. When they come back, it’s just understood.” (x)

Are there situations where he accidentally or on purpose bring out Dean? Yes. Sometimes he thinks „it would be great to be Dean Winchester right now. He could have handled this.“ Dean is alive in him and comes out from time to time. (x)

Were there fake tears on SPN or did he ever cry? He wasn’t classically trained, so the emotion we see is real. He doesn’t know how to fake it. Compares it to a book or movie making you emotional. You know it’s not real, but it still gets you. (x)

After the s4 scene when Dean confesses to Sam about his 40 years and torturing in hell, he had to walk away because his body didn’t know it was fake. The barn scene was probably the most real, but for different reasons. He was saying goodbye to Dean, Jared, the crew. (x)

Crew members had to leave set because they were crying too. They were trying to dial it down, because it was too much emotion. (x)

When things get too serious? Laughter. It‘s his levee. When things get too heavy, he makes a joke to ease the situation. (x)

„Do you use Jared‘s conditioner?“ No he does not. That’s just what his hair does. (x)

Who inspires you? Jensen doesn’t idolize anyone, but he has a lot of respect for certain people and tries to absorb as much as he can when he meets them. Could be a brilliant scientist, an artist, an actor. (x)

Being cold on set? There was a scene with Bobby where they looked at a map over the hood of the car. Jensen told Bob Singer that it was ridiculous because they would look at the map in their car. But Bob wanted a specific job and told him to just get it done. (x) A few days after he got lasic surgery, he was supposed to wear sunglasses all the time. But he had to film in the sun with light shining in his face. Jensen was in so much pain that Serge covered the white surfaces in black. Didn’t help much. He took ibuprofen and powered through (x)

Dead in the Water when he had to hold the kid up and the diver pulled him under, it was the most eery feeling. He was terrified for the kid. But the kid actor had fun. / End of panel. (x)

(JMacLean)

[pedripics]

Pedri via Residency - August 21, 2024

He is tired of today's training, which was intense

Idol? - “Iniesta, that hasn’t changed”

When will they be back at the Camp Nou? - “Well, I don't know for sure. At the end of the year or beginning of 2025”

How are you these days? - “All ok”

We are working very hard. The goal at Barça is always to win everything”

How was your first game back? - “I felt and we won in a very complicated field, Mestalla. So everything is ok”

What did you do today? - “Mainly, training. This afternoon I had treatment”

What trophy do you want to win this season? - “La Liga and Champions League, of course”

Favourite Colour? - “Blue”

Favourite Friend? - “My friends since childhood are called Dani, Fran and Ruben”

Do you see the TikTok edits about you? - “Some come up to me, of course! Many times I laugh”

Favourite NBA player? - “Curry”

Summer or winter? - “Well winter isn’t bad with a blanket at home”

How did you think of the name Nilo? - “I liked the name. My mother wanted Thor”

Gavi has not met Nilo yet

He’s looking forward to playing against Las Palmas since he didn’t get to last season

Nilo is a Culer like his entire family

Nilo still has to be at home. Being a very young puppy, he spends the day sleeping

Nilo should be Barça’s captain (i agree)

Who is better at table football? - “Me… I can't tell you anything else”

What promises would you make if you win the Champions League? - “Ugh… I already cut my hair and a moustache for winning the Euro. Some Suggestions?”

He doesn’t drink coffee

What do expect from Saturdays game? - “To win”

Do you often read rumours about yourself? - “As little as possible, although sometimes they come up on TikTok, for example”

Are you excited to play against Messi? - “It should be very nice, yes. And if we win, even more”

Marvel or Taylor Swift? - “The answer is Taylor Swift; I've seen some but I'm not a super fan of those movies”

Who will win the Champions League? - “Barça. I can't think of any other”

Do you ever play tennis? - “It's summer, sometime with my brother and friends”

“I'm very happy. This season I'm going to try to improve my English, as I told you.”

Do you have Arab origins? - “as far as I know only Canarian” (finally a question everyone wanted to know)

Milo’s breed? - “According to the veterinarian, it is a Labrador but a little smaller. I suppose it’s a mix”

Do you like Casado’s playing style? - “He did very well in Mestalla. The boys of the quarry have a lot of quality and desire, not only Marc”

Who is the player you wish you could had played more time? - “That’s easy, with Leo”

You talk with hansi in English? - “I understand him and some things I do tell him, but I mainly speak in Spanish”

Myke Towers or Quevedo? - “Quevedo is my favorite, also because it is from my land, although Mike Towers has crazyyy songs”

Do you get along with XBuyers? - “Yess!! Great people”

Opinion on Musiala? - “I think he’s a top player”

Olympic Sport you followed? - “A little bit pf everything, but Basket 3x3 seemed very good to me”

Do you like futsal? - “Siiii”

Do you play fantasy? - “Siii”

Do you still play FIFA? - “Siii”

Are you an angry or calm person? - “Normally calm”

Do you have more of your mom’s or dad’s personality? - “Maybe my mother… But that's a question for others”

Do u think u will receive a red card one day? - “I'm not very fond of seeing cards, but it's difficult not to see one in one’s entire career”

[paganimagevault]

Sogdian wooden idol from Kuh-i-Surkh (Tajikistan) 5th-8th C. CE

"Head of a Sogdian carved wooden idol, found in a cave at Kuh-i-Surkh, Tajikistan. The idol was originally adorned with clothing, jewelry, a diadem, a sceptre, and an incense burner, and must have been hidden in a cave after the Arab conquest. In its heyday, the idol would have worn a crown, a long robe, boots, and carried a sceptre and a censer. At his feet were gifts donated by worshippers - swords, daggers, jewellery, armour, among other things."

-taken from Nadeem - Eran ud Turan's twitter

[gayleviticus]

a lot of framing of the problem of idolatry frames it as like, competition between God and a bunch of other guys, as if they're the same category of being but God is just the best one. and it's certainly a framing that happens in the Bible, which uses a lot of strongly anthropomorphic language for God.

but in light of actual Christian belief being that God is the source of all being, goodness/perfection/beauty/life itself, something far beyond the category of being, the ultimate and sole cause of everything - it becomes quite obvious that God is not even just 'the best deity' or 'the Mary Sue of ancient near eastern gods', but something that transcends such categories.

it's not 'superman would beat batman', it's not 'the death star would beat the enterprise', it's not even 'hydrogen bomb vs coughing baby'; it's asking whether a gun could defeat the sunrise. it's a category error.

(i remember a friend once told me theyd been taught by a professor of Islam that strictly speaking that while in English God often gets used to translate Allah, in Arabic it is incorrect to actually call Allah a 'god', because Allah transcends such a category. Allah isn't on the same level as other so-called gods. Given it's thirdhand info take with a grain of salt but it's an interesting comparison to English where use of capital G-God might position us instead to think 'God is just like the mary sue of zeus, hera, odin')

and with that in mind, i think the problem of idolatry shifts from 'here are all these other guys who are competing for God's place' to 'these idols are trapping people's perception of Divinity in a dead end'. crude anthropomorphism, investing divinity in things of gold and metal, being diverted from the true Unity behind everything.

and i guess the practical difference behind this is i think it can shift some room to be more appreciative of, say, Hinduism without evacuating idolatry of any kind of actual relevance. Hinduism (generally - recognising there is much diversity in Hindu traditions) acknowledges that the myriad of gods are ways of understanding Brahman behind everything, and though there are surely still issues and problematic points from a Christian perspective, i think there are grounds to identify that Hindu polytheism can avoid the trap of idolatry in locking people to a crude understanding of divinity as just really powerful dudes.

conversely, even in Christianity there is much potential for similar dangers of trapping your perception of God with images that need to be moved past (God as old man in the clouds) or even smashed (God as old man who literally has a Son, God as literal despot governed by might makes right). and altho there is the saving grace that at least your intention is to worship the true God, it doesn't save you from blaspheming that God by what you ascribe to him.

[for-the-folk]

So, You Wanna Know About?: The Evil Eye

The concept of the “evil eye” exists in virtually every culture worldwide, as do amulets such as the nazar and hamsa. It's a fundamental part of most folk groups' magic and culture, which is why we use it as a symbol for our server. But what do we know about this concept and the symbols and practices surrounding it? Let’s take a second and explore.

What Exactly Is The Evil Eye?

In simplest terms, the evil eye is “a curse transmitted through a malicious glare, usually one inspired by envy.” [1] It's believed that this glare can cause misfortune, illness, injury, death, and general misery. [3] Pregnant women, infants, young children, and animals are thought to be especially susceptible. [4]

The Evil Eye’s First Appearance

Historians are unsure of the exact date the evil eye and amulets used to ward them off were invented, however, we can find examples going as far back as ancient Mesopotamia. Texts have been found in Ugarit (located in modern-day Syria) attesting to the concept until roughly 1180 BC. [2]  According to Dr Nese Yildiran, “The earliest version of eye amulets goes back to 3,300 BC … The amulets had been excavated in Tell Brak, one of the oldest cities of Mesopotamia – modern-day Syria. They were in the form of some abstract alabaster idols made with incised eyes.” [1]

The Evil Eye Travels

Various things across history such as trade, travel, colonization, and immigration have caused the evil eye to travel the world. It spread through the SWANA region at first, but soon traveled to all continents worldwide: “[The evil eye has] occurred in ancient Greece and Rome, in Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, and Hindu traditions ... [and in] Indigenous, peasant, and other folk societies.” [4] Historians have found it difficult to trace exact lines of transmission of the idea, but it notably seemed to spread rapidly among the common folk or working class. [5] It wasn't long before its presence became known across all continents, though it has always varied across time and space. For example “In Roman times, not only were individuals considered to possess the power of the evil eye but whole tribes…were believed to be transmitters of the evil eye.” [6] This is very different from how the evil eye exists in the current regions of the previous Roman Empire, as these tribes no longer exist.

It Came With The Amulets!

One of the earliest amulets associated with the evil eye is the nazar. Its name comes from the Arabic “‏نَظَر‎” (naðˤar) meaning “sight,” with many other languages adopting this term or creating their own. [7] The blue eye-shaped bead most commonly associated with this particular amulet is “made of a mixture of molten glass, iron, copper, water, and salt, ingredients that are thought to shield people from evil.” [8] Its blue color may be because “blue eyes are relatively rare [in the SWANA region], so the ancients believed that people with light eyes, particularly blue eyes, could curse you with just one look. This belief is so ancient, even the Assyrians had turquoise and blue-eye amulets.” [9] A similar amulet adopted from the nazar is the hamsa, similarly originating in the SWANA region. [10] The two have become perhaps the most widespread and well-known amulets, though they are certainly not the only ones.

Evil Eye Across Cultures & Religions

NOTE: this is not an exhaustive list, but a jumping off point. 

Judaism: The evil eye can be found across various Jewish literature, from the Tanakh to the Talmud, and even books like Pikeri Avot. [11] It’s known best as the “ayin hara” which is Hebrew for the evil eye, though it may have different names across diaspora (for example, in Jewish-Spanish languages like Ladino it might be known as “Mal de Ojo”) [12] There are various customs to protect one from the evil eye across the Jewish diaspora, such as neckbands worn by boys for their brit milah, in the regions of Alsace, Southern Germany, and Switzerland just to name one. [13] One of our Jewish server members, Yosef, says “I'm Jewish and have been all my life ... my family is eastern European and we have gone to orthodox shul and (no) evil eye and other related symbols are prevalent in my family's practice along with the practice of my synagogues ... as such I constantly carry around the symbol”

Islam: The evil eye as a concept in Islam, known as the “al-ʽayn” is common. It's believed to destroy one's good fortune or cause illness. [14] Various phrases including “Mashallah” (God has willed it) are used to ward off the evil eye – “The imperativeness of warding this all too evident evil eye off is common among local communities. Not only did the absence of a “mashallah” tempt fate but it is also believed certain individuals have the power to conjure up the dark forces of the evil eye.” [15]

Italy: The evil eye in Italian is known as the “mal’occhio.” [16] In some regions, the cornicello ("little horn") is an amulet used to ward off the evil eye. It comes from Naples and it’s usually made of red coral and pepper shaped. [17] According to Antonio Pagliarulo, “some families, depending on the region of Italy from which they come, will pin the amulet to a baby's clothing either immediately before or immediately after his or her baptism.” [18]

Ireland: In Ireland, the evil eye is known as “Droch-shúil.” [19] There are a few various Irish folktales about the presence of the evil eye that warn of its dangers. One example is the tale of King Balor. The tale goes that “Balor was a king of the Formorians, the ancient inhabitants of Ireland (before the coming of the Tuatha Dé Danann). He is often described as a giant with a huge eye in the middle of his forehead. This eye brought death and destruction [onto] anyone he cast his gaze upon. He had gained this power from peering into a cauldron that contained a powerful spell that was being created by some druids. The vapors from the cauldron got into his eye when he looked inside which gave him the power of his deathly gaze. The most memorable instance of Balor using his eye is the story of his death at the battle of Maigh Tuireadh. In this famous battle between the Formorians and the Tuatha Dé Danann, Balor fell in battle at the hands of his own grandson, the pan-Celtic god Lugh, when he thrust his spear (or sling depending on the telling) through the eye of the giant. His eye was blown out the back of his head, turning his deadly gaze on his own men, destroying the forces of the Formorians. A piece of Dindseanchas (meaning lore of places) tells us that the place where his head fell and burned a hole in the ground, later filled with water and became known as “Lough na Suil” or “The Lake of the Eye”. Interestingly, this lake disappears every few years when it drains into a sinkhole. Local mythology says that this happens to ensure that the atrocities of the battle may never be forgotten.”  [20]

Germany: In German, the evil eye is known as the “Bölser Blick”, something that is cured by a variety of methods such as red string, prayer, salt, iron, and incense. [21]

Poland: In Poland the evil eye is called "złe oko" or "złe spojrzenie." [23] In some regions, they use amulets known as "czarownica" which are charms often made from herbs, metals, or stones, or specific gestures believed to ward off the evil eye. In many Polish homes, you might find them hanging on the walls. A ‘czarownica’ might also be a necklace with a pendant crafted from amber, which is believed to ward off negative energy. [22] There are also folk tales about the evil eye, such as “an archaic Polish folk tale that tells of a man whose gaze was such a potent carrier of the curse that he resorted to cutting out his own eyes rather than continuing to spread misfortune to his loved ones” [1]

Russia: In Russian the evil eye is called "дурной глаз" or just "сглаз." [23] Some Russians ward off the evil eye by bathing in running water, which carries the negativity away. Fire is also used, with young people jumping over a campfire to remove bad energy. Carrying salt or pinning the fabric of your clothing are also other simple ways to ward off the evil eye. [24]

Mexico: In Mexican culture, the evil eye (el ojo) is thought to be especially prevalent during November around the time of Dia de los Muertos, with children being particularly susceptible. There are various ways a child may get the evil eye such as from a stare of a drunk or angry person, or a person who is "caloroso," or overheated from working out in a hot environment such as under the sun or cooking over a hot stove. [25] Some may use an ojo de venado, or “eye of the deer” as a protective charm, which is only effective if “worn as an amulet around the neck at all times.” [26] As a quote from one of our staff members, Ezekiel: “I was raised in a very Hispanic area so we all wore evil eye bracelets most of the time woven from the flea market… In Mexico or some parts of Latin America, it is called El mal de ojo and it is believed that different colored evil eyes do different things.”

Rroma: The concept of the evil eye also exists amongst the Rromani people. For Rroma in Slovakia, the belief in jakhendar is prevalent, often being diagnosed and cured with jagalo paňi, or ‘coal water’ [27] Rroma in places like Brno are also thought to be particularly susceptible to the evil eye, leading to communities to find members to help protect themselves. According to scholar Eva Figurová, “This role, instead, is appointed to the village shepherd, blacksmith, or other person perceived by the community as gifted with the ability to heal, cure, and ward off the effects of negative forces, whether intentionally or not. Nowadays, among the Roma in Brno, the chanting of the zoči is a common ritual that does not require the presence of a specialist.” [28]

India: In many parts of India, people use a nazar battu to ward off the evil eye, or the buri nazar. [29] Other methods of warding off the evil eye include hanging a drishti bommai [30], mothers spitting on their children [31], or marking them with a black mark on the cheek. [32]

Ethiopia: In Ethiopian culture, the evil eye is known as the "buda." [33] It is thought to be wielded by certain people (i.e. metalworkers) and warded off by amulets created by a debtera, or unordained priest. [34]

Conclusion

This blog post only begins to touch the surface when it comes to the evil eye. The history across time and space is so expensive one can truly dedicate their entire lives to studying and still not know everything there is to know. We sincerely hope that we have provided some perspective and gave some jumping off points for further exploration.

Sources & Further Reading:

Hargitai, Quinn (2018). “The strange power of the ‘evil eye’”. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20180216-the-strange-power-of-the-evil-eye. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024. 

Pardee, Dennis (2002). "VIII. INCANTATIONS: RS 22.225: The Attack of the Evil Eye and a Counterattack". Writings from the Ancient World: Ritual and Cult at Ugarit (vol. 10). Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature. pp. 161–166. 

Ross, C (2010). "Hypothesis:The Electrophysiological Basis of the Evil Eye Belief". Anthropology of Consciousness. 21: 47–57. 

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "evil eye". Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Oct. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/evil-eye. Accessed 3 November 2024.

Gershman, Boris (2014). The Economic Origins of the Evil Eye Belief. American University (Washington, D.C.). Online resource. https://doi.org/10.57912/23845272.v1

Elworthy, Frederick Thomas (1895). The Evil Eye: An Account of this Ancient and Widespread Superstition. J. Murray.

WICC Authors, (2023). Nazar (amulet). https://wicc2023.org/nazar-amulet/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Williams, Victoria (2016). Celebrating Life Customs Around the World: From Baby Showers to Funerlan, p.344.

Lynn, Heather (2019). Evil Archaeology, p.167

Bernasek, Lisa. (2008) “Artistry of the Everyday: Beauty and Craftsmanship in Berber Art” Volume 2 of Peabody Museum collections. Harvard University Press. pg 12. ISBN 978-0-87365-405-0

Ulmer, Rivka (1994). KTAV Publishing House, Inc. (ed.). The evil eye in the Bible and in rabbinic literature. KTAV Publishing House. p. 176. ISBN 978-0-88125-463-1.

Jewitches Blog. “The Evil Eye.” Jewitches, 18 Apr. 2023, jewitches.com/blogs/blog/the-evil-eye. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Birth Culture. Jewish Testimonies from Rural Switzerland and Environs (in German and English). Basel: Naomi Lubrich. 2022. pp. 35–37. 

Evil Eye - Oxford Islamic Studies Online.” Archive.org, 2018, web.archive.org/web/20180825110529/www.oxfordislamicstudies.com/article/opr/t125/e597. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

“Mashallah: What It Means, When to Say It and Why You Should.” The National, 22 May 2013, www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/mashallah-what-it-means-when-to-say-it-and-why-you-should-1.264001. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

“Mal’occhio | a brief understanding (and offering).” Radici Siciliane, 17 Nov. 2020, www.radicisiciliane.com/blog/malocchio-a-brief-understanding-and-offering. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Melissi, Paolo. The Cornicello: A Traditional Lucky Charm from Naples. 18 June 2021, italian-traditions.com/cornicello-traditional-lucky-charm-from-naples/.  Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Pagliarulo, Antonio. The Evil Eye. Red Wheel/Weiser, 2023. ISBN 978-1-63341-294-1

“Irish Superstitions: The Evil Eye, Fairy Forts, and Lucky Charms.” IrishHistory.com, 14 May 2023, www.irishhistory.com/myths-legends/folk-tales-superstitions/irish-superstitions-the-evil-eye-fairy-forts-and-lucky-charms/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

“The Evil Eye.” Ireland’s Folklore and Traditions, 12 July 2017, irishfolklore.wordpress.com/2017/07/12/the-evil-eye/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Katharina, Anneke. “Boser Blick: Evil Eye in German Folk Magic.” Instagram.com, 2024, www.instagram.com/p/CrO8IIeLMgu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&img_index=1. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.

Tobey, Julie. “The Meaning of the Evil Eye in Polish Culture.” Polish Culture NYC -, 7 June 2024, www.polishculture-nyc.org/the-meaning-of-the-evil-eye-in-polish-culture/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Haroush, Alissa. “42 Names for the Evil Eye and Where Did the Evil Eye Amulet Originate.” Alef Bet by Paula, Mar. 2021, www.alefbet.com/blogs/blog/42-names-for-the-evil-eye-and-where-did-the-evil-eye-amulet-originate. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Sorokina, Anna. “How Russians Protect Themselves from Evil Spirits.” Russia Beyond, 3 Nov. 2024, www.rbth.com/lifestyle/331213-protect-from-evil-russia. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Mexico, Na’atik. “El Mal de Ojo, the Evil Eye.” Na’atik Language & Culture Institute, 26 May 2023, naatikmexico.org/blog/el-mal-de-ojo-the-evil-eye. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

“The Evil Eye.” The Atlantic, 1 Oct. 1965, www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1965/10/the-evil-eye/659833/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

Hajská, Markéta. “The evil eye – Jakhendar” Factsheets on Romani Culture. https://rm.coe.int/factsheets-on-romani-culture-2-3-the-evil-eye-jakhendar/1680aac373 

FIGUROVÁ, Eva. Contemporary signs of magic in the everyday life of Roma minority in the selected areas of Brno, focusing on magical acts like “pokerování” and evil eye. In Individual and Society [Človek a spoločnosť], 2022, Vol. 25, Iss. 3. https://doi.org/10.31577/cas.2022.03.609 

Stanley A. Wolpert, Encyclopedia of India, Volume 1, Charles Scribner & Sons, 2005, ISBN 9780684313498

Kannan, Shalini. “Surprises and Superstitions in Rural Tamil Nadu.” Milaap.org, Milaap, 15 Apr. 2016, milaap.org/stories/surprises-and-superstitions-in-rural-tamil-nadu. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.

John Abbott, Indian ritual and belief: the keys of power, Usha, 1984

George Vensus A. (2008). Paths to The Divine: Ancient and Indian (Volume 12 of Indian philosophical studies). Council for Research in Values and Philosophy, USA. ISBN 1565182480. pp. 399.

Turner, John W. "Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity: Faith and practices". A Country Study: Ethiopia Archived 2012-09-10 at the Wayback Machine. Thomas P. Ofcansky and LaVerle Berry, eds. Washington: Library of Congress Federal Research Division, 1991.

Finneran, Niall. "Ethiopian Evil Eye Belief and the Magical Symbolism of Iron Working. Archived 2012-07-12 at the Wayback Machine" Folklore, Vol. 114, 2003.

[atiny-for-life]

Four plane crashes in one weekend?

You may have seen the TikToks going around: over the course of October 28th and 29th, Norway, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and South Korea all experienced airplane disasters, though two were heartbreakingly more devastating than the others.

Norway - Hydraulic failure forced an emergency landing shortly after take-off. While the plane skidded off the runway due to an inability to slow down fast enough, no one was harmed.

Canada - The plane's landing gear failed and, as it traversed down the runway, the plane began to shake and catch fire on its left side. Videos of this are circulating online. Fortunately, no one was harmed.

UAE - Off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah, a plane crashed into the sea, killing two, the pilot and co-pilot.

South Korea - The landing gear failed to extend upon landing but, despite this, the pilot managed to land perfectly. The plane proceeded to skid down the runway which was, unfortunately, too short to give the craft enough time to slow to a stop.

After exiting the runway, the plane continued onto the grass before colliding with a wall which led the craft to explode, killing all but two of the 179 passengers and flight crew on board. Had that wall not been placed near the end of the runway, the outcome would have likely been far less devastating. The fault lies not with the pilot(s), but with the airport design and plane. Please keep that in mind if you choose to talk about this tragedy.

A video discussing the ill-placed wall can be found here:

Commonalities between the crashes: The planes in Norway and South Korea were both Boeing machines while the Canadian plane was a De Havilland and the plane involved in the UAE crash was a small glider.

Now for those who know, this will come as no shock, but for those who don't know: Boeing is known for its corner cutting when it comes to plane building. Their machines are notoriously unsafe and, if you can, you should always take that into consideration when you book a flight.

LastWeekTonight have done a full special on Boeing at the start of this year after a video went viral of a plane door getting ripped of its hinges mid-flight:

What's important moving forward:

South Korea will have a 7-Day National Mourning Period, so be respectful and considerate during this time instead of demanding content from K-Pop groups/idols or anything of the sort.

Don't join the conspiracy theorists on TikTok, but do feel free to blame Boeing and boycott them in the future for the sake of your safety: you'll be one of many. It's beyond reasonable.

[lumaconstante]

DC Characters in the Fanfic 'Star'

— Bruce Wayne

• Got involved with Japanese singer Kira Hoshi for the first time in his teenage years, shortly before starting his training with Ra's Al Ghul;

• Swore to his childhood friend Thomas Elliot—and to himself—that it would be a one-night affair, but it turned into a relationship lasting a year and a half;

• Felt wounded in his pride when he proposed to her after learning about the pregnancy, only for her to refuse, saying she didn’t want to be just another trophy on his shelf;

• After starting his training with Ra's Al Ghul, he decided to keep his distance from Kira and the child for their safety, providing only financial support to them;

• After Jason Todd’s death, he vowed never to meet his daughter Alice;

• Blamed himself for Kira’s death, but even more for being unable to connect with his daughter, who resented the fact that he raised so many adopted children while rejecting her from the beginning, despite being his biological child;

• Tries to make up for his absence in her life with expensive gifts;

• Deep down, he envies Thomas because Alice always turns to him when she has a problem;

• He’s torn between wanting a chance to be her father and his duty to Gotham, not wanting to endanger her but also not wanting to keep pushing her away;

• Was pleasantly surprised to see Damian and Alice getting along well;

• Made the entire Batfamily swear to keep their respective identities secret. To Alice, they are to appear as a normal family.

— Damian Wayne

• Was irritated to discover he wasn’t Bruce’s only biological child;

• Initially found his older sister annoying, weak, and overly emotional;

• However, he grew interested and even became a fan when he saw her talent and aspirations to become a J-idol;

• Of course, he doesn’t admit it out loud, but he enjoys watching her rehearse for her shows;

• He discreetly takes care of her, purposely “forgetting” bottles of water and cereal bars in strategic places;

• Despite being older, she’s treated like his little sister. Woe to anyone who messes with her—Damian doesn’t hold back when it comes to someone important to him;

• Without realizing it, he grew genuinely attached to her, though he hasn’t stopped teasing her;

• Helps her with rehearsals;

• Asks her opinion about his drawings;

• Felt touched when she learned Arabic to communicate with him, as he often spoke Japanese to her when they were alone;

• Still, he teased her by speaking in specific Arabic dialects to frustrate her;

• Alice brings out a softer side in him. Though he won’t admit it, he enjoys feeling like the protective older brother in their dynamic;

• Was happy when he told her he wanted to study to become a doctor, and she supported him without hesitation;

• Turned against his own mother and grandfather when they threatened Alice;

• Secretly investigated the criminal backgrounds of all Alice’s classmates to ensure her safety;

• When Conner and Alice started dating, he secretly threatened Conner, warning him not to break his “little sister’s” heart.

— Tim Drake

• He knew about Alice from the beginning;

• One day, while rummaging through the basement to help Alfred decorate the mansion for Christmas, he found a small dusty box containing photos of her;

• He conducted deep research and, after pressuring Bruce, discovered Alice was his daughter;

• Secretly kept tabs on her occasionally to ensure she was doing well;

• Was the first to warn Bruce about the haters after Kira announced that Alice was her daughter;

• However, Bruce didn’t listen. On the day of Kira’s death, Tim, Damian, and Bruce were investigating a crime at Gotham’s docks when Tim’s phone alerted him to the news he followed about Alice;

• He informed Bruce immediately upon seeing the news. Tim and Damian handled capturing the criminals while Bruce went after Alice;

• Unlike Damian, it took Tim much longer to get closer to Alice;

• Even so, he tried his best, researching what she liked and asking Bernard and Dick for advice.

— Jason Todd

• Was the last to find out and was annoyed to learn he was the last;

• Discovered Alice’s existence through Dick;

• Met her for the first time as Red Hood, during her first nighttime escape from the mansion, wandering lost through Gotham’s dark streets looking for Thomas Elliot;

• She had no idea it was Jason;

• He convinced her to return home, following her to ensure she entered the mansion safely;

• The next day, she accidentally met “Jason Todd,” one of her older brothers, at her school’s exit. He showed up with the excuse that Bruce had asked him to pick her up;

• From then on, he tried to pick her up from school every day, and they would talk on the way home;

• He only walked her to the door and never entered the house;

• When Alice questioned him about it, he simply said he had done something bad in the past that had made Bruce furious with him;

• Deep down, he wanted to enter but didn’t feel welcome, while Bruce thought Jason didn’t want to come back;

• He attended all of Alice’s performances;

• Practically became her personal bodyguard;

• Alice, being kind and sensitive, easily melted Jason’s tough exterior, revealing his softer side. They quickly became each other’s favorite sibling;

• She invited him to play drums at one of her shows, and he accepted without hesitation;

• Secretly got involved in the search for her mother’s killer, intending to do what he knew Bruce never would;

• Helped Damian threaten Conner with kryptonite bullets if he broke Alice’s heart.

— Dick Grayson

• Was in Blüdhaven when everything happened, and upon hearing the full story from Alfred, immediately rushed to Gotham;

• Accepted Alice as his younger sister without hesitation;

• Taught her some acrobatics he learned in the circus for her to use in her performances;

• Practically became her babysitter while Bruce, Tim, and Damian were busy, though he didn’t mind;

• Starfire fell in love with her and her music at first sight;

• Whenever the couple was together, but Dick had to babysit, Alice acted as if she were their child;

• Once, Alice disappeared while Dick was babysitting. He was frantic until Starfire returned hours later with the girl carrying numerous shopping bags;

• Dick wanted to introduce Alice to the Titans, but Bruce was against it, wanting her kept away from that world;

• Performed acrobatics at home because he knew how much they fascinated Alice;

• Took her to the circus when he learned she’d never been;

• Frequently argued with Bruce about how he should be more involved in Alice’s life.

— PLUS! Thomas Elliot

• Wanted to punch Bruce when he said he wouldn’t be part of Alice’s life;

• Considered taking Alice from Kira, thinking she was too irresponsible and reckless to raise a child;

• Later wanted custody of her after learning she was motherless;

• To Thomas, he’s the father—end of story. A father is the one who raises the child. Alice is his daughter, and woe to anyone who says otherwise;

• Serves as her personal doctor whenever she’s sick;

• Oh, he was literally born to be a girl dad;

• Does absolutely everything Alice wants. She’s his little princess. No matter how grown she is, she’s still his baby;

• Secretly maintains a savings account to invest in her future;

• Resents Bruce for not giving him custody, even after rejecting Alice from the start;

• Yes, they fought about it a lot but eventually agreed on a sort of joint custody arrangement. Alice spends one week at Wayne Manor and the next with Thomas;

• Keeps a photo he took with Alice on Father’s Day when she was five years old in his office;

• His house walls and shelves also have pictures of her;

• Whenever someone asks about them, he says she’s his daughter living abroad with her mother;

• Offered to register Alice under his name, but Kira refused, much to his frustration.

And if you liked HEADCANONS but haven't read Star yet, know that the fanfic is available in English and Portuguese on Wattpad: