Ask Dr. Notebook

By Melissa August, Val Castronovo, Matthew Cooper, Daren Fonda, Ling Minhua, Ellin Martens, Benjamin Nugent, Julie Rawe, Eric Roston, Josh Tyrangiel

Q: There's something about the name Spark Plug that deeply appeals to me. Is there anything wrong with choosing that for my firstborn?

A: If you live in Honduras, you better believe it, mister. A trend among Hondurans to name their children after car parts (e.g., Miracle Tire) has led to a proposed ban on "extravagant" names. If so violated, children would have the right to sue their parents for giving them "gross and insulting" names. But if you live anywhere besides Honduras, go right ahead.

Q: Few things interest me more than airline cuisine. Is there anywhere I can take a course in this fascinating subject?

A: My friend, you are in luck. Tormented by the harangues of critics of food that's just plain bad, the International Flight Catering Association has agreed to give $750,000 to Britain's University of Surrey to endow a professorship in the airline-catering business. The professor will teach the logistics of moving food from the farm to your tray table. It's not yet offered as a major, but keep your fingers crossed.