So long, Deb. I will dearly miss you. Your comments, instructions, and overall joy has really made me love crosswords. Best of luck in your future endeavors.
Deb, Your puzzling commentary has always clued us in on so much, helping us out with crosswords (but never with cross words). Anyway, I just column like I see 'em. In all seriousness, you have helped foster such a positive, effervescent community here, and I cannot thank you enough for what you have helped craft. You have led with such steadfast compassion over the years, making this silly word-loving nerd feel less alone in his pursuits. I thank you immensely for the kindness you have shown us all. I wish you nothing but the very best in your retirement. May all the whimsy and wonderful (or punderful) wordplay of this world continue to be yours! (Oh, and my bike just got a flat. Now I'll also have to re-tire.)
Ah, Deb. teaching us right up to the last. Today I learned that —30 — (dash thirty dash) is used in journalism to indicate the end of a story or dispatch, and originates from telegraph codes. It is also a symbol of new beginnings, which this most surely is. Best wishes in your retirement. You will be missed.
@Anita A beloved Denver news anchor back in the 1960’s used to sign off with “That’s thirty.” So nice to see Deb use it.
Oh my. Oh my. You all are so amazing. Bring it in here for a huge group hug. Where is my chocolate when I need it??
@Deb Amlen Brava to you, we bid you adieu and all the other crossword salutations we can muster.
@Deb Amlen I recently found this hobby thanks in no small part to your insights, ushering me into this incredible community of crossword fanatics with grace and humor. It’s always fun (and sometimes vindicating) to read your take on the tricky clues.
@Deb Amlen had to check in today and wish you the very best!
@Deb Amlen Congrats & thank you so much for chronicling our adventures in cruciverbalism. The occasional bonuses - Deb and her readers learn all about Curling, for example, - made your column required reading. Will miss you. Paul Smirnoff Waterford, CT
@Deb Amlen Thanks and a virtual chocolate from a lurker who’s been really enjoying your columns since I’ve started doing the crossword daily for the last year! You’ll be missed, but all the best for the great next step.
@Deb Amlen Thank you so much for your wonderful columns full of humor, insight, and encouragement. You will be much missed. Sorry, no chocolate to offer - I think I’ve eaten up all that was in the house for the holidays.
@Deb Amlen You said it yourself: “the column and its community feel like the nicest place on the internet.” Im so happt i discovered this column. You are the BEST and im going to miss your byline. Thank you and enjoy!
@Deb Amlen It’s past 5 on a Friday. Please have a double martini🍸🍸 on me to celebrate your great career! You are the best, Deb. So long, and thanks for all the fish (wrap).
@Deb Amlen I started doing the crossword regularly in 2018. Your guide was so helpful to learning the “tricks of the trade”. Wishing you all the best. Retirement is wonderful.
@Deb Amlen Group hug: OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODebOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
@Deb Amlen: thanks for years of joy in puzzles, i got me start on the nyt xwrd only in my later years with your gentle hints and hilarious revealers getting me from mondays only, to 7 days a week. Happy trails Deb!
@Deb Amlen Godspeed! So long, and thanks for all the fish. Always appreciated your positive take.
@Deb Amlen I do not comment a lot, but I so love your Wordplay columns! You will be missed!
@Deb Amlen Adieu Deb Thank you for you hard work these last few years I’ve enjoyed Good luck on your future endeavors
@Deb Amlen All the best Deb for future adventures, you will be dearly missed by all of us :')
@Deb Amlen best of luck Deb! Thank you so much for teaching me how to crossword. I’ll never regret this subscription :)
There once was a woman named Deb Whose prose snared us all in her web. With a style deft and droll, She has tickled our souls, And her exit will leave us bereft! Godspeed in all that comes next, Deb! Thank you for all that you've given us.
@Jeanne valedictory limerick = valimeredict
Deb, Thanks for giving a bunch of oddballs and ne’er-do-wells a place to feel at home. We’ll miss you and, as Liz B. said, hope to read you in other venues. Perhaps a juicy tell-all memoir about the cutthroat world of crosswording? Cheers!
@Puzzlemucker Yes! Deb, a roman a’ clef about a big city newspaper with fresh, offbeat characters, whose lives intersect in revealing ways; puzzling subplots; tricky clues; labyrinthine cubicle farms; no Oxford commas; and a hint of magical realism where some editorial copy mysteriously disappears, sometimes—but not always—reappearing, accompanied by a partial glimpse of what may or may not be a strange, large bird. I’d like to pre-order a copy, please.
AIR KISSES to Deb, our Wordplay ENERGY BAR. WHAT IS ART? Her ability to elucidate, encourage, and amuse. THEY SAY she’ll be a hard act to follow!
Deb, you’ve been a heart warmer from the get-go. Somehow that just happens from reading your words. It’s your nature. Everyone feels good around you. You’ve also been brilliant in forming and tending to this forum – you set the civil tone for it, and when nastiness appeared, you disarmed it with your humor. There are few such forums that feel as welcoming and respectful, and it’s because of you. I will miss you greatly, and now that you will become a civilian, how about dropping in here occasionally or regularly? I hear it’s a very nice place!
Deb, I wish all the best for your future endeavors and hope you have a great and fun time everywhere you go. I've loved your columns and more than the clues themselves, I've come back every day because it reads more like a friend telling me about their crossword solving strategy, like my mum used to when I was a child. Thanks for your time and words!
Deb, I echo what Aradhana says. Without your columns I'd never have gotten over the intimidation of doing the NYT crossword puzzles. Thank you and looking forward to your next adventure.
When my doctor retired, I lost a friend, a mentor, an educator, a parent figure, a consoler, and, of course, a healer. People in our lives who fill this role, even though we don't spend in-person time with them outside of that one arena, come to seem like part of our family. When they leave, we lose a part of our team, the people who provide the glue that keeps us together, and we feel it on a personal level. Others will step in to keep the column healthy and supported, but it won't be the same. We will miss everything you have so skillfully done for us. Thank you, Deb, for being our family doctor (so to speak) for all this time.
-30- for this venue, Deb. On to the next stage. And a nice Friday puzzle to see you on your way.
We'll miss you, Deb! I hope to find your writing in other venues.
Good luck in your new beginning, Deb. Although it’s such a loss for us, I know this is the start of something fabulous for you—cream always rises to the top. What a great Friday puzzle. Thanks, Adam and Rafael.
All the best to you and your family, Deb. You are a treasure and I will miss you...
Thank you, Deb! It's been a pleasure and a revelation. See you on Facebook? As for today, one can't help wondering if "War and Peace" would have been as popular if he had kept the original title, "War, What Is It Good For?" (Absolutely nothing!) Regarding 22A, years ago I was working on a public assistance case in which my client refused to obtain a Social Security card, reasoning that the universal numbering system was somehow the Mark of the Beast. (Yes, there are many peculiar ideas out there.) You can imagine how tickled I was to learn that in such a case our state would simply assign an SSN-formatted identification number, starting with, I kid you not, 666.
@Jack McCullough Great story – and thanks for the earworm! (Tolstoy by way of Edwin Starr?) <a href="https://youtu.be/01-2pNCZiNk?si=0a0f_I6AITXC0wTF" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/01-2pNCZiNk?si=0a0f_I6AITXC0wTF</a>
Good luck Deb, and have fun! I wish you many more crosswords but never any cross words and I hope you never cross swords! Thought for the Day: A gimme and a natick make for a natty gimmick. (Sorry for my crazy posts recently, I’ve just fallen in love and I’m head over heels!)
@Petrol Congrats. Is the feeling reciprocated?
@Deb Amlen Thanks for setting the tone of kindness and consideration in this community. All the love that you see directed at you is a marker of the success you have had here in that regard. The biggest gift that this community can give to you is to try to live up to that high standard that you have given to us. Although this is your bye-line, I know we will continue to see your byline in the future. All the best to you. Enjoy your retirement.
Deb actually made a trip to Little Rock, ARkansas, for our annual Crossword Tournament--part of the Literary Festival; it was my one chance to meet her in person!! But our building (next to the Clinton Presidential Library) suddenly had a fire alarm go off...at length!...and we had to leave the building to preserve our hearing under the relentless blast. I could see Deb in the distance, but couldn't reach her. They finally got the alarm partially quieted, and the puzzles commenced with a background of muted but distracting alarm noise buzzing in our ears. Once the contest was over, winners announced, and formalities over, I thought I'd have a chance...but Deb had been rushed out the door in order to get to a flight ahead of the threatened storms that had been predicted! Alas... (Deb did say she had recognized me from afar--probably the horns, fangs, and forked tongue-- but maybe she'll make a trip to the Jackson Literary Festival one day. Deb is bound to have another book in her! Right, Deb? All good wishes for your retirement! From the MOL!
@Mean Old Lady Thank you for reminding me of that hilarious experience, MOL, and I'm sorry we didn't get to say hello to each other. Maybe you'll be able to make it up to the ACPT one day and we can meet for real. Any time an organization in Jackson would like me to come and rain hellfire down upon their event just by showing up, I am happy to do so. Be well!
I'll miss your writing quite a lot, Deb. Take care and God bless.
If my Havanese ate a habanero he would say neither Ola (and I guess Obama wasn't the author of the quotation either, though it did sound like him) nor Arf. No. More like HACK HACK HACK. (I had HAWK briefly, since both the raptor as well as certain hawkish politicians, Pentagon and media figures are threats to security.) I like some of the combos: boons/tax returns; self esteem / internet famous (there are many on social media whose self esteem is entirely dependent on their internet famousness or at least the "likes" they garner); vegenaise / energy bar; tepee/res; Now we're talking / they say (I guess now they're talking, too). I didn't know "Capotes" but if a bull came after me, I'd flap my "In Cold Blood," "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "Answered Prayers" at it!
@john ezra Hands up for all of us who easily filled in ole and Obama -- and then shortly knew that SSN can never start with 9. Throw out NW and start over....
I have enjoyed reading your comments; they always added to my enjoyment of the puzzles.
WHATISART? Wagner and Musa, Amien! Dear Deb, It is your skill, your charm, your wordplay. It is your patience as you led us through grids of discovery, joy, hope, and conquest. It is your ability to reach solvers at all levels, with kindness and humor. The year 2026 will no doubt provide new enchantments, but none as warm as your column. Hope you visit us now and then!
Thank you Deb. For your bright spirit, endless positivity, infectious love for the puzzle, eagerness and efforts to include all in the joy of the solve, and for making at least one nerdy oddball feel like she had a friend in her iPad to chat with a few mornings every week. Best wishes for all the good things!
Deb, we will miss you! Your columns have always been our favorite, and I wish you the very best in your new endeavors :’)
Deb, I have to add my voice to the many others who have expressed their appreciation for your contributions over the years. If this is “the nicest place on the internet”, it is largely because you have made it so! Your humor and especially your kindness will be very much missed. Sincere wishes for much joy in your future endeavors. Enjoyed this puzzle’s collaboration. How many had ObAMa before ADAMS? (My hand is up!)
@Darcey O’D can this be the nicest place on the internet if andrzej is here? i think he may have started that rumor...
@Darcey O’ I had Adams then Obama then back to Adams for Deign!
Deb, it’s always a pleasure to take a look at the author on these columns and see your name - it means it’s going to be a fun and witty wordplay commentary. All the best to you and thanks for the many great contributions over the years.
Bye, Deb. We'll miss you. I hope you love retirement as much as I do.
I think this was the first, and probably last, time I've ever finished a puzzle by typing in an "X". The cross and DAX and XYLEM was brilliantly devilish.
@Francis Move to Natick already. (I say that but actually DAX was a gimme. XYLEM still stumped me though)
Thank you Deb for all the years you have helped me with the tough puzzles with your humor and crosswordese expertise. I have always enjoyed when you shared personal anecdotes. You felt like a secret friend. And thank you for your most important crossword lesson: the puzzle is for my enjoyment to complete however I need. I can look up an obscure actor's name or the 3rd high prince of Egypt if I need one less stressor on an already stressful day. I retired one year ago and love it. Can read 2 books at a time now and have more time foall my NYT puzzles. So thank you Deb and good luck with the next stage of your life!😊
NOWWERETALKING. This was afine fresh puzzle with fun entries that just rolled out one after the other. One of those puzzles that ends too quickly. I loved VEGENAISE (new to me) sitting on top ENERGYBAR. Trade blows for AIRKISSES gave me a smile. And in the middle of the puzzle a member of the jazz aristocracy, Count BASIE, who could do so much with so few notes on the piano.
I forgot to add, farewell Deb. Your wit, grace and intelligence have added so much to my enjoyment of my daily crossword since I started doing them on line. You will be sorely missed.
Long time lurker, first time commenter! Deb, I’m so so grateful for your presence as the Wordplay Sherpa. You’ve made this daily ritual much more enjoyable and your encouragement has made me fall in love with puzzles. All the best in your next chapter!
Deb, so long, and thanks for all the chocolate.
Thank you for your service, Deb. True champions know when their goals have been achieved and leave on their own terms. You have been a champion of the crossword entertainment genre, emerging solvers and civil discourse within the solver community. Wordplay has been a rare comfortable corner of the internet and we appreciate your diligence in nurturing its evolution. You leave it in good hands. Hopefully you continue your work here as a more than occasional member of the commentariat.
Best wishes, Deb! I echo the kind words offered here from many of our favorite posters. When I was a newbie in 2020, your columns made me feel welcome with your signature wit, clarity, and encouraging words. You will truly be missed. Today’s puzzle was a fitting send-off by two great constructors. Thank you Adam & Rafael!
Blowing you an air kiss from afar, Deb. Thanks for turning me into a resourceful solver. I will forever think of you when I get stuck and remind myself to take a break and walk away, so my brain can process in the background. Never fails. Happy trails. 😚
Oh, the box was full of wit and humor today. It’s a cliché, but I mean it: I didn’t want this to end. Words that are normally dully clued were given spark, such as [Havenese greeting] for ARF, [Part of an underground network] for ROOT, and [Make some introductions, say] for EMCEE. Lovely answers to beautify the journey: DEIGN, GUILT TRIP, PURGE, UP AND AT ‘EM, I CAN’T LOOK, NOW WE’RE TALKING, CLUNKY, and INTERNET FAMOUS (these last three are NYT answer debuts). And wit? The “liked” in [Extemely liked?] for INTERNET FAMOUS, as in the “like” you press on some social media sites? Mwah! (Thank you, Rex Parker, for pointing this out.) Enough bite to satisfy my brain's workout ethic, but also plenty of whee!-splats – fun and satisfying. I even liked the mini-story of SELF ESTEEM going downward and landing in a mild epithet. In short, Adam and Rafael, a FEAST. The synergy of your first themeless collab is marvelous. More please, and thank you for a splendid outing!
Deb: Thanks to you, we got this. Fly high, rara avis. ❤️
Thanks for the years of great columns, Deb. You'll certainly be missed. I hope your next stage is as rewarding to you as the past years here have been!
I’ll miss seeing your byline and reading your columns. I wish you lots of chocolate to nibble as you decide on your next adventures. All the best in life to you, and your family.
Deb, I knew this day was coming, but now that it's here I'm crying real tears. I can't say you were my mentor, because I started doing these puzzles long before Wordplay existed. But I looked forward to every Thursday and Friday column with joy that I don't feel for the others, fine writers though they. I feel as if I know you, as if we'd could have been friends in real life, kinda heimish, y'know? I will miss your wit, your warmth, your bits of personal observations, so many things. I've said it before and will say it again: Wishing you many years of happy and healthy retirement. If your recent trip is any indication of your future plans, you will have a ball. And deservedly so.
Deb, we will miss you, but don't miss us too much ;) ARF and AIRKISSES made me laugh -- the latter I even got without any crosses, figuring I'd either be right or have a cute thing to post here.
Deb, thanks for all your insight and humor. You are truly a legend and have left your mark on the crossword world. I and so many of the rest of us will miss you, you have huge shoes to fill
Deb, I will really miss your columns--kind, funny, generous, smart, encouraging--you've helped me go from a Monday-only solver to an all-week solver whose favorite day is Friday. I'm afraid my times and streaks will both slow down without your perfect selection of hints when I get stuck, but you've taught me not to be afraid to look things up and just have fun. I hope you will have time for lots of both in your new adventures. Thanks for your wonderful company all these years.
Deb, Reading your columns on Thursdays and Fridays has been like hearing the voice of a crossword friend. Thanks for bringing your insight, humor and encouragement to Wordplay. You've made this corner of the puzzling world a warm and welcoming place. Wishing you all the best. XOXO
Deb -- Words cannot express. Pun intended!
Deb! Thank you for everything you’ve done. Your columns are so much fun to read that I’ve kept clicking through even as my skills have improved to the point of rarely needing clues to complete the puzzles (my streak is over 1500 days!). You’ve been a great culture-setter, cheerleader, and anchor for this community. Wishing you all the best in this next chapter. We will miss you!
Deb, Because of you, people think I’m a lot smarter than they previously thought! When I say that I do the xword on all of the days, I get skeptical looks and suspicious questions. Chiefly because they themselves have found the puzzles too difficult so how could I do it?? I have sent many folks to your column for advice but weirdly, few have returned to say how right I was. Their loss. I think this is only my third comment and 2 of them are to say thanks to you. I agree that this is the nicest place on the internet and while I rarely post, I enjoy liking and lurking. Enjoy your retirement knowing that you have put a lot of good into the world! I, too am retiring this year and am excited for both of us. Fondly, Maria
I started my online NYT subscription in 2017 for the news and (especially) the puzzles. Since then, no matter how terrible the news might be, I can at least start most mornings by sitting down with my cup of tea to discuss the challenges and delights of that day's crossword with someone who has come to feel like a dear friend. Not to take away from the other writers, Deb, but yours has been a distinctive voice--encouraging, playful, warm, and real. You will be missed, but I wish you all the best. You've earned it!