Startup Stash - Alpine Pod & a Playful Fight 🏔️

Tourism of The Bad Kind

Switzerland has become a go-to destination for those seeking medically assisted suicide, thanks to its progressive laws and open approach. In 2023 alone, over 1,200 people chose this path—many elderly or suffering from incurable illnesses. The country’s unique allowance to access this service has fueled a practice often called “suicide tourism.”

The Traditional Process is not easy. Organizations like Dignitas and Pegasos accept applications online. A doctor confirms the patient’s eligibility and sound mental state. Only then is the patient prescribed sodium pentobarbital, a lethal medication. The patient administers the drug themselves with a doctor on site to monitor the process (Euthanasia—where a doctor himself administers the drug—is illegal in Switzerland.) The process costs about $11,000 and takes a few months. The cost and time isn’t always feasibly for people with limited funds or those suffering pain due to illness.

Thus the new option — The Sarco Pod that aims to simplify the process. Designed by right-to-die advocate Philip Nitschke, the 3D-printed pod looks like a tanning bed from another planet (see image above). The pod allows users to end their lives by simply pressing a button. The pod then release nitrogen hypoxia gas which leads to rapid and painless death. Unlike traditional methods, the pod eliminates the need for medical screenings, wait times, or high costs. Meaning people can just hop on a flight to Switzerland and jump into a pod (yes, that does sound scary).

Unsuprisingly, the Sarco pod has sparked a controversial and moral debate. A 64-year-old American woman who chose to end her life in Switzerland became the first person to try the pod, capturing global attention. You see, as a method of execution in the US, nitrogen hypoxia is often referred to as tortuous and cruel.

The pod challenges Switzerland’s long-standing consensus on assisted suicide in addition to raising broader questions: How much control should individuals have over the end of their lives?

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Fighting Demons

Are you annoyed of the traditional CAPTCHA, picking out bikes or clicking “I’m not a robot”? Prepare to be more annoyed.

Guillermo Rauch, CEO of Vercel, just gave CAPTCHA a DOOM-inspired upgrade. Instead of boring text boxes or grid puzzles, this version lets you slay at least three monsters in the classic single-player game. Yep, you’re proving your humanity by fighting demons.

Developers on Hacker News are loving it… mostly. One called it “so metal,” while another grumbled about the difficulty: “There are so many monsters, took me 3-4 tries… just like a real CAPTCHA!” Either way, this twist on site security is earning points for creativity (and probably fuming a few).

Curious? You can check it out here—but not when you’re in a hurry.

I'm Bringing Burnout Into 2025

Because I am not done learning its lessons. The creeping exhaustion and depersonalization of my work and interests has become so familiar that it feels normal now, not in a good way.

Let's Go To The Mall

Today’s shoppers are looking for more than just good deals – they want elevated experiences, quality, and innovation. Here are some shopping and retail predictions for 2025.

1. Discount store growth is tapering

Deep discount retailers like Dollar Tree, which thrived during economic uncertainty, may be slowing. Foot traffic is declining, a signal that these stores might need to evolve and increase online presence.

2. That value needs a twist

Value still matters, but consumers want it with an upgrade. Retailers like Trader Joe’s and Chili’s are winning by offering unique items at affordable prices. Shoppers are drawn to these brands because they provide an “elevated experience” without the sticker shock.

3. Convenience is good but it’s far from being king
Customers are actually just making more grocery store runs for less items and are willing to go farther (quite literally) for special items or simply, better experiences.

4. Calling the robots

Chipotle’s avocado-cutting robot “Autocado” has boosted sales at a California location, while McDonald’s almost automated restaurant in Texas is seeing positive results. In September, McDonald’s said it was piloting a new setup of digital kiosks at some U.S. locations with the promise it wouldn’t reduce its workforce.

5. Legacy brands welcome a resurgence

Iconic fashion and lifestyle retailers like Gap and Abercrombie & Fitch are having a moment, once again. The classic brands, including Anthropologie, are seeing steady growth in-store visits, now outpacing foot traffic before the pandemic.

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