Friday, January 2, 2026 -- Hello, awesome crossword 😁 and good bye, Deb Amlen😢

To explain the episode title: this was, indeed, an awesome crossword. And, as has happened for years upon years, Deb Amlen scrutinized the crossword in the accompanying NYTimes column, Wordplay. This was her last Wordplay column, however: she is now retiring to take up other pursuits. But her last column was as good as usual, and today's crossword was a great send off. Besides the crossword proper, we also have a weather-related fun fact for Fun Fact Friday™️, and some great listener ma...