Carolyn

@DQ — Hello! Constructor here. I have to admit that my original submission did say “…to no end” in that clue. When I saw that the editors proposed removing the “to,” I was confused — but then upon a bit of research, I learned that they were (unsurprisingly) correct to remove it, as the phrase has different meanings with/without the preposition, as others have noted here. I learn so many new things creating crosswords! :)

@Ms. Billie M. Spaight — Hi! Constructor (and referencer of “fax no printer” above) here. I think it basically means “true!!” — like saying “those are the facts!!” — but with “facts” spelled “fax” and the “no printer” thrown in for some sort of random added emphasis. That’s my understanding at least — please do share if anyone has any added etymological info on this one! :) I first heard someone say it on a reality show, and then later saw it on a local coffee shop’s sandwich board on the sidewalk. It was such a silly and colorful phrase that after I saw it twice, I added it to my potential crossword entry list. But since it doesn’t really make logical sense, I think it would likely be too hard/confusing to parse for someone who hasn’t heard the phrase before, so I haven’t put it in an actual puzzle. I do still love it, though!

@Steve — Hello! Constructor here. :) Funnily enough, did originally submit this puzzle with that entry clued as [Economist Amartya who has been called "the consciousness of his profession"], but the editors wanted to change it. They were very gracious about giving me input into which senators were referenced, which I appreciated! (Though I just saw a different commenter express dissatisfaction with my picks. I guess each constructor often tends toward their own voice in their cluing!)

@Carla — Wow…thank you for this story! I feel honored to have your daughter’s name in my puzzle. Btw I also have four kids…though I am usually not successful at working any of their names into my puzzles! Maybe next time. :)

@Gary -- Love it! Thank you! :)

@Rich in Atlanta — Aw, thank you! Reading the comments is one of my favorite parts of having puzzles published. Whether someone loved it or hated it, I really enjoy the chance to feel that little moment of connection to them and their experience taking the time to engage with something I created. I usually don’t comment back here, but maybe I should start doing it more for any future puzzles I publish! :)