Place for a Cool Dip (2024)

Jump to: Today’s Theme | Tricky Clues

MONDAY PUZZLE — In an article in The Cut last year, Allison P. Davis wrote about a concept which had been recently named by a trend forecaster, known as a “vibe shift.” She characterized a vibe shift as the point at which “a once-dominant social wavelength starts to feel dated” — and pointed out, chillingly, that “not everyone survives” one.

Some of us adapt to the culture. But many of us simply fade into curmudgeonly obsolescence, watching as the vibe moves on without us (me). So in solving today’s crossword, constructed by Zachary David Levy, I was struck by how quickly I recognized the subjects of his themed entries; I wonder how many other solvers will be as quick to catch on.

One might argue that these are forces that have played a central role in shifting our vibes. If not, at the very least, they have changed our ways of doing just about everything else.

Today’s Theme

It may be said that the, ahem, appreciation of four themed entries in today’s puzzle relies on your investment in the clue at 61-Across: “Many a new venture in Silicon Valley … or a hint to 17-, 26-, 37- and 52-Across.”

Silicon Valley is practically synonymous with the TECH START-UP. And indeed, what STARTs UP each of today’s theme entries but the name of a TECH company?

The “Kitchen gadget” at 37A, for example, is an APPLE PEELER (and just as useful as any iPhone, harrumph). “Nietzsche’s superior man of the future” (52A) is the ÜBERMENSCH.