27 Jan - Saturday

Over the years I have acquired several different nick names, some worth repeating some not; and now I have the pleasure of adding a few more names to the list. I have received two Iraqi names in the last few days. The first is Ra-aed Samer, (pernounced Ra-od Sah-mer). Ra-aed is the Iraqi name for Major, so technically I could be introduced as Ra-aed Lane or Ra-aed Samer. Apparently the Iraqi Col chose to name me after a well known soccer player - Samer Mujbal - I guess I am officially accepted into the Iraqi brotherhood. Iraqi culture lesson #7. The other name I have is Abu Thomas, "the father of Thomas." In Iraq an Iraqi man can be referred to by his given name or a reference of his child's name using the "Abu" in front of the child's name. Usually a man will you go by the name of the first male born into the family but you can go by the name of the first child - boy or girl - if you want. So, how am I introduced to a group? If I walk up to a group I would introduce myself as Major Lane or Ra ad Lane. If I was with someone else and they were to introduce me into the group they could identify me as Ra ad Lane, Abu Thomas or Ra-aed Samer; and as such I answer to all those name. So now I have three more names to add to my list of names - at least these are good names.