can a parent tell people a new baby's name in the days before the bris?

1. Dear Rabbi: I have a question: (My ex-wife) Pam’s biological family was not Jewish. Pam’s second husband was Jewish and he adopted her. Pam had a Bat Mitzvah (/). She attended Hillel. We were married by a reform rabbi and Jacob was circumcised. He has a jewish name. I know this issue of “Jewishness” varies from reform to Orthodox. I am not sure how to handle this but I think it is best taken care of when is young. I think Pam is now celebrating Christmas to spite me although I doubt she is going to church. Her husband is not Jewish. It has been suggested that I take him to a Mikvah. Others say if the father is Jewish then that makes the child Jewish (it is not always the mother). Maybe you can consult with a colleague. Currently I am reform going toward Conservative Judaism. Thank you. Reid Flamer REIDFLL@AOL.com

Hi Rabbi, I need help! For the past 3 years I have been struggling financially to keep current with all my obligations. I have fallen behind badly. I am 40 years old with B'H a wonderful wife and gorgeous children. For as long as I remember, everything in my life went my way. Not necessarily with an over abundance of wealth but always comfortable. 4 years ago our business was forced to close because of a vendors bad debt. My brother and I had no choice but to separate our partnership and start again. We both stayed in the same business. He is doing well and I have been struggling badly. It seems like since we departed everything I do doesn't seem to go my way. I have been falling into a depression. I haven't gone to my morning Gemera class for 4 months.(I have been for 5 years) I feel my tefilah is worthless because of lack of Kavanah. Worse yet, I have not prayed since, or wore tefilin since Monday. Please give me words of wisdom and inspiration i feel like commiting spiritual suicide Mr Hope.

Dear Rabbi--I just purchased a kiddush cup in an antique store. When I cleaned it up, I discovered that it is marked "sterling." It has 4 cartouche-like areas, one with a magen david, so I am sure that it is really a kiddush cup. A major design element is that the star and almost all designs are done in a zig-zag pattern. There are also band of zigzags across the bowl, the most striking of which is a line that is quite uneven. Can you please tell me the significance of the zigzags--in looking a pictures of antique kiddish cups I noticed that many have this zigzag motif. Thank you for your help. Janet Madden

they light at the retirement home in the lobby at 4 - before sunset - and have asked me to light with the blessings? what do i do? is it okay for chinuch? or should i explain that they are doing something wrong although they cannot and will not change? thanks