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ALEF.Net - ALEF Administration - Mascots

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ALEF ADMINISTRATION - MASCOTS

mascot (mas kot', -ket) noun. A person, an animal, or an object believed to bring good luck, especially one kept as the symbol of an organization such as a sports team. [French mascotte, sorcerer's charm, mascot, from Provencal mascoto, sorcery, fetish, from masco, witch, ultimately from Late Latin, mask, specter, witch.] The word mascot, which usually denotes something or someone that brings good luck, enjoys a positive meaning that is a distinct improvement over the meanings of some of its ancestors. Mascot came into English as a borrowing of the French word mascotte, meaning "mascot, charm." The English word is first recorded in 1881 shortly after the French word, itself first recorded in 1867, was popularized by the opera "La Mascotte," performed in December 1880. The French word in turn came from the Modern Provencal word mascoto,"piece of witchcraft, charm, amulet," a feminine diminutive of masco,"witch." This word can probably be traced back to Late Latin masca,"witch, specter."
American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language

The first mascots of the ALEF.Net Website were, of course, the stylized Ibis and Ox created from the reoriented letters of the ALEF name.

Ibis and Ox
Created by George ALEFantes

Shortly after, we added Thoth, the Ibis-headed Egyptian god of alphabets, writing, language, knowledge, and information.

Thoth

ALEF Ancient People - Thoth

In 2008, Bele, of Star Trek fame, was unanimously elevated to the honorary position of Website mascot alongside Thoth and Ibis and Ox. He has been featured beside numerous newsmakers and luminaries in many of the images accompanying the Site's many Notices and also appears in a couple of photos on the Home Page.

Bele

ALEF People - Bele

In 2009, we honored Benny Lava after discovering his masterful video on YouTube with those probing, haunting lyrics: "Who put the goat in there, the yellow goat I ate?"

Benny Lava
Created by George ALEFantes

Also known as Prabhu Deva Sundaram, he is a noted Indian choreographer, actor, and genius with food additives. He will join Bele in the more visible aspects of the position, while Thoth and Ibis and Ox will continue quietly in their ongoing responsibilities.

Benny and Bele
Created by George ALEFantes

YouTube - Benny Lava Video

George ALEFantes

ALEF Home / ALEF Administration / Mascots

ALEF.Net provides access to knowledge and information and exposure to traditional and Internet art forms across the Web, around the world, and throughout time, featuring works of artists and thinkers whom we celebrate and to whom the efforts of this Site are dedicated.