Meet Our Non-Muses

Name: Diana Lutz, Editor

Most often seen: Neck-deep in manuscripts at an undisclosed location within a three-hour drive of Lake Michigan.

Like: Beautifully written articles.

Dislike: Other kinds..

In my spare time: "Spare. Time." Spare time? Spare TIME???

Name: Larry Gonick, Cartoonist

Most often seen: In and around San Francisco.

Like: History, science, swimming, and making Kokopelli do whatever I want!

Dislike: Bad drivers.

In my spare time: I read, cook, hike, and make wisecracks.

Name: Robert Coontz, Contributing Editor

Most often seen: Scribbling in a notebook on Metro trains in Washington, D.C.

Like: Words, surprises, thunderstorms, freight elevators, watermelon.

Dislike: Tight shoes.

In my spare time: I manage this Web site, make lists of things to do like Aeiou, and stare into space like Bo.

Name: Nancy Kangas, Contributing Editor

Most often seen: With messy hair and muddy shoes on a farm in Columbus, Ohio.

Like: Ping-Pong, Scrabble, and public libraries.

Dislike: The word "veggie." (It cute-ifies the noble "vegetable.")

In my spare time: I vacuum, make lists, and gossip.

Name: Karen Hopkin, Contributing Editor

Most often seen: Buying cat food and Diet Coke at the Star Market in Somerville, Mass.

Like: Clean sheets, clever lyrics, eating breakfast for dinner.

Dislike: Sleeveless turtlenecks, New Year's Eve, taking things seriously.

In my spare time: I bake cookies, shoot hoops, and make lists of words that start with the letter "v."

Name: Rosanne Spector, Q&A Columnist

Most often seen: Walking down her street in suburban California saying hi to the dogs in front yards.

Like: Plums, fireworks, books, dogs.

Dislike: Steak and kidney pie, vacuum cleaner sound, TV, hairy spiders.

In my spare time: I try to calm down.