Rosewriter

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!

My first way-pre-computers advertising job required me to spec type for the typesetters That's where I learned that bang is old typesetting lingo for an exclamation point. After that, the puzzle fell into place for me.