The looks that I get in the parks, malls and on the streets of America when I summon my toddler's attention make it clear to me that a public explanation of his name, Barak, is in order. Although my son's name is spelled one letter differently than that of the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate, it is pronounced the same. And although Senator Obama had a fall-back name of Barry to carry him through Harvard Law, my Barak is only Barak. Well, sometimes Baraki. And sometimes Rocky. And Barak-and-roll star. And Rockstar - but I digress. What's a nice Jewish boy...