I will have a regular feature titled Lessons about Arab Culture from the New York Times. Last week, we learned about throwing shoes in Arab culture. Today, another lesson: "Tiger Andrews was born on March 19, 1920, in Brooklyn; he was named after a strong animal to ensure good health, following a Syrian custom." That is true by the way. In fact, my name is not only As`ad. To ensure good health, my parents named me As`ad A VERY STRONG ANIMAL AbuKhalil.