THE WORLD’S MOST ORNERY CROSSWORD

FULL MENTAL RACKET

The crossword on this and the next two pages has two independent sets of clues: “Hard” and “Easy.” First, fold this page back on the dashed line so the clues below face the solving grid on page 69. If you use only the Hard Clues (appearing below and continuing under the grid), you’ll find the puzzle uncommonly challenging. If you want help, or prefer a less severe challenge, open to the Easy Clues (tucked in beneath your fold on page 68).

HARD CLUES

ACROSS

Hostess-with-the-mostest Bloomingdale MG nostalgists’ wheels “Well, ” “Mediocrity knows nothing higher than ___” (Doyle) “Sure…and I’m the Duke of Earl” Stereotypically snooty employee Song featured in By and Put your foot down Anent Balanced Part of http Stop staring Oktoberfest band sound Ease Basque for “game” Confidentially Sri Lanka export, with 130-Down Vex Part of LAN Mrs. overseas Shoulder Astronaut Jemison Redhead’s secret, maybe Generate income Like baguettes Genet play, with Industrial fuel Plunder Bandleader in Guitarist Ritenour Neighbor of Caen Atlanta’s torcher’s monogram Way up the hill Classic drama of Japan Tropical fruit Irreducible minimum Even one Callings Roped into wrongdoing Lensman Walker Filled scrips King who married Jezebel Vo-tech class Concessionary phrase Getting a grilling Prepare for hardship Mason’s tool They mind their manors