A friend of mine, nearing his 60s, has been enduring excruciating pain from terminal cancer. With less than a week to live, I recently learned that she’s considering euthanasia—not just because of her own suffering, but to spare her family from the emotional trauma of watching her in pain.

I guess there’s still so much I don’t know about America. I had always thought euthanasia was only legal in Switzerland. But as it turns out, ten U.S. states—including California, Washington, D.C., Hawaii, New Jersey, and Washington state—allow what’s more accurately called medical aid in dying. In California, the End of Life Option Act has been in effect since 2016.

Aid in dying in the U.S. is quite different from what many typically think of as euthanasia. Here, physicians are allowed to prescribe life-ending medication—but only under strict conditions: the patient must be terminally ill, expected to die within six months, and mentally competent to make the decision. The law also requires that the patient self-administer the medication; it’s illegal for anyone else—including doctors or family members—to assist in the actual ingestion.

In California, eligible individuals must be over 18 and provide proof of residency, such as a California ID, rental agreement, or tax document. For immigrants, those who are legal residents—like green card holders—are eligible under current law. However, there is an active bill in the California Senate (SB 1196) that, if passed, would expand access even to non-residents. As of now, it hasn’t yet been approved.

The cost? As harsh as it may sound, the medication typically runs around $700. Medicaid may cover some or all of it, making it significantly more affordable than the $12,000 excluding transportationoften required for similar procedures in Switzerland.

In Switzerland, assisted dying is available to virtually anyone—not just terminally ill patients. Even individuals suffering from unbearable psychological distress may qualify. Unlike the U.S., Switzerland allows foreign nationals to access this option, which has led to the controversial term "suicide tourism" for those who travel there for this purpose.

Organizations like Dignitas, a non-profit group, help guide people through the process. While non-physicians can assist in Switzerland, the actual administration of the life-ending medication—whether by drinking, swallowing, or pressing a button—must be carried out by the individual themselves.

A few years ago, a relative of mine endured an agonizing battle with lung cancer. In his final days, he suffered through excruciating pain that left a lasting emotional scar on his family. Even after all this time, those who stood by him still carry the weight of those memories. I’ve never personally experienced that level of pain, but I imagine it goes far beyond what words like “suffering” can capture. Despite the medical community’s ongoing efforts to manage pain, there are still moments—especially in terminal illness—when the suffering becomes truly unbearable. When someone can no longer swallow, breathe easily, or recognize their loved ones, it makes you question: Can that still be called living? The word dignity keeps coming to mind.

The topic of assisted dying continues to stir deep debate. Even DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) orders—which simply instruct medical staff not to perform CPR or artificial resuscitation in case of cardiac or respiratory arrest—spark a range of opinions. I haven’t often paused to reflect on words like death, choice, or dignity, but these are issues that all of us will one day have to face. And when that day comes, having clarity about our wishes might matter more than we realize.

• A reset is underway. After spending an average of 5.7 hours per day on screens, people are now seeking deeper offline connections through the emerging trend of Social Fabrics

Heineken quickly picked up on this trend through its campaign The Social Swap, where they temporarily handed over the social media accounts of selected influencers to bartenders. The goal was to show their followers how much more enjoyable real-life, in-person interactions can be compared to online ones.

While the total number of “likes” decreased, the conversations became deeper and the responses more genuine. In doing so, Heineken effectively delivered a clear message: real conversations are far more meaningful than screen-based interactions.

• Designed to redefine the concept of a moving private lounge, the Vision V embraces diverse lifestyles while offering a richly immersive and sensory-driven space

Unveiled at this month’s Shanghai Auto Show, the Mercedes-Benz Vision V concept car redefines the idea of an electric van—introducing it instead as a moving private lounge. Designed to cater to a wide range of lifestyles, from families and executives to weekend gamers, the Vision V offers an immersive, sensorial space that feels intentionally crafted. From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere evokes the comfort and sophistication of a high-end hotel lounge

Built on Mercedes’ next-generation VAN.EA electric platform, the Vision V is targeting a 2026 release. With a projected range of over 310 miles and support for 800V ultra-fast charging, it's positioned to deliver on both performance and luxury.

Given the pricing of the current V-Class, the premium trims could reach between $100,000 and $200,000, signaling a bold step into the ultra-luxury EV segment.

Inside the cabin, a 65-inch 4K cinema screen rises from the floor to fill the front of the second row—transforming the space into a true personal lounge. The experience is elevated with supple Nappa leather seats, semi-transparent storage compartments, and a staggering 42-speaker Dolby Atmos surround sound system.

Adding to the immersion, projectors embedded in the ceiling and floor cast visuals onto the windows and front panels, creating a wraparound cinematic effect. Of course, just how deeply immersive it feels remains to be seen—some things can only be judged from inside the vehicle itself.

Sapna Tayal, a student from the National Institute of Design in India, applied traditional quilting techniques to modern furniture design with her Quilted Furniture collection. This innovative approach merges cultural heritage with contemporary lifestyles, offering more than just aesthetically pleasing and organic designs. It provides a great example of emotion-based design that carefully considers both practicality and the sensory experience of the user. 

Tayal's design features a modular structure that can be customized based on the user's needs. This modular approach can replace additional detachable chairs in limited space environments, such as in cars. During camping trips, it can be laid out in the luggage area, and for outdoor activities, the quilted chair can be folded and replaced to provide both emotional appeal and warmth.

By incorporating the homey and heartfelt technique of quilting, the design appeals to the user's emotions, shifting the focus from just functionality and technology to textiles and detailing that evoke emotional connections. This approach can become a core element of the user experience, enhancing the relationship between the product and its user.

The tactile quality of handmade products provides a cultural storytelling element. It can also be disassembled when not needed, taking up less space and offering better storage capacity. Additionally, it can easily transform into a tent light source, adding versatility.

Even in an automotive industry dominated by high performance, automation, and EV technology, what users truly remember is the experience inside the vehicle. Sapna Tayal’s Quilted Furniture reminds us of the power of design that starts from emotion, not technology. If we consider how to integrate this design language into mobility spaces, we could create a warmer, more meaningful travel experience.

• Like a beachside home, integrating transparency into the Baja Bug reimagines urban mobility

Walking along beaches like Newport Beach, it’s common to see homes with expansive windows that offer a clear view into the interior. The idea of showcasing a stunning ocean view, boasting stylish interiors, and expressing a relaxed lifestyle—these are the three things that many American homes openly display. It seems that being open about one’s views and lifestyle is just part of the culture.

Roman Zenin, an automotive designer, took inspiration from these beachside homes and reinterpreted the Baja Bug with a project called Bug in the System, revolutionizing urban mobility. The Baja Bug, based on the Volkswagen Beetle, was a popular off-road vehicle in the 1960s and '70s, known for its high ground clearance and large tires, used primarily in desert races in Baja California.

One of the standout features of Zenin’s design is the transparent exterior, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the external environment and immerse themselves in the city landscape. This design completely removes the boundary between the interior of the vehicle and the urban surroundings.

Zenin worked on this project at Pforzheim University in Germany with the support of Opel, using the Open H structure as the core design element. The headlight placement, located at the meeting point of the windshield and A-pillar rather than the grille, pushes the boundaries of traditional car design and offers a glimpse into future mobility and lifestyle.

Another notable detail is the subtle use of point lighting on the rear spoiler, achieving a "not too much" aesthetic.

I’m gearing up for a 2-week East Coast trip with a 4-night stay in New York. During my time there, I’ll be visiting the following spots. After my trip, I’ll be sharing my personal insights in the next issue of Up Close America. Until then, Adios! (If there’s anything you think I should check out while I’m in New York, feel free to send me an email.)

Here’s my list:  

• St. Patrick’s Cathedral

• MoMA (Museum of Modern Art)

• Central Park, including Bethesda Terrace

• Chelsea Market

• The High Line

• Whitney Museum of American Art

• Hudson River view

• Little Island

• The Vessel

• Hudson Yards

• Trinity Church

• Wall Street

• New York Stock Exchange

• Charging Bull

• World Trade Center / 9/11 Memorial

• Brooklyn Bridge

• DUMBO

• Manhattan Bridge View

• Grand Central Terminal

• New York Public Library – Rose Main Reading Room

• Bryant Park

• Summit One Vanderbilt

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)

• Guggenheim Museum

• Central Park East Walk (or revisit The Met Lobby)