That last, long dinner bell

"The countdown is on. In less than 24 hours, (Tennessee will put) two convicted murderers to death. Paul Reid and Sedley Alley are scheduled to die early Wednesday morning by lethal injection." --Channel 5 News

No doubt you and I, like most human beings, have strong opinions one way or the other on capital punishment. And I don't mean to downplay the importance of the ongoing argument about the death penalty, the implications, the fairness, blah blah, etc. Seriously, I don't; I think capital crimes need to be debated to find the best solution for the most people. But this thought occured to me this morning while I was listening to the Channel 5 News: other countries may give last meals but only in America would we make such a big deal out of it.

Again, I'm not making light of the situation, but it seems that we prove the stereotype that all Americans are food-obsessed when we broadcast to millions of viewers that Convict X will be served pot roast, corn on the cob, and apple pie a la mode for his last meal. The sad part is, we really do care...or, I at least admit to being somewhat morbidly fascinated with what people choose to consume on their last day on earth.

I tell you that to tell you this: I'm completely, 100% disappointed in the choices Sedley Alley and Paul Reid have made.

Here's the run-down. Paul Reid's choices are bad but not heinous. He's asked for French toast, peanut butter, bananas, German chocolate cake and milk. Where's the beef?! Where's the the sustinence for entering the netherworld? I can deal with his requests though; he did throw in German chocolate cake (also, anyone else notice a very international theme in his last meal plan?)

But then there's Sedley. He has asked for ice cream, iced oatmeal cookies, milk...and pepperoni pizza Hot Pockets. Seriously? HOT POCKETS?! I did a double-take to the tv and then had to research online. Yes, kids, he wants to savor the crisp crust and melted cheese interior that only a hot pocket can offer. I just can't put into words my amazement.

It did get me thinking: what would I choose for my last supper? I think it'd go something like this: a huge whiskey sour and sweet tea to drink, Lexingtonian salad from Malone's, De'Sha's cornbread and real butter, a huge medium-rare steak, loaded mashed potatoes, Kentucky wonder beans, coconut cream pie, and a scoop of Graeter's ice cream -- any flavor. Or I'd just ask my grandma to fix up a Christmas dinner.

Check out more last meal requests. Will the wonders never cease?!

Okay, now I'm hungry.