George Ayoub

For George Ayoub, nothing works like a lot of information and a healthy dose of irreverence. If you know something well enough, then you can see the humanity in it. And if there is one thing that can make us smile, it is humanity.

He has been trying to strike that balance about four times a week since 1994. His columns ("I write about life," he says) cover everything from politics to parenthood to the perils of the designated hitter.

He calls his style "kitchen table literate," knows making them cry is easier than making them laugh, but wants every column to make them think.

Parent power passed on in all families

Addiction fight supersedes win with prosecutors

March makes memories alive, amendment real