Last Meal

Aug. 13th, 2013 12:32 pm
peacetraveler22: (Default)
[personal profile] peacetraveler22
Hardees001

In the mountains of Wyoming, I came across a young couple in a lodge. Internet reception is very sparse in the region, but in the national park there's a lodge where reception is good and computers are free for use. The couple was sitting beside me at a station, frantically searching the Internet for a Hardee's location in the area. It was a serious discussion, trying to figure out where this hamburger joint was located. They even got into a heated argument over how to get there, how long it would take, etc. It was as though they were calculating the driving route to a pot of gold, when in fact this is an ordinary American fast food restaurant.

I became curious and asked the guy why they were on a quest to find a Hardee's. After all, there's tons of restaurants in the area where you can get a much better hamburger, but at a higher price. He explained the couple had been camping and hiking in the national parks of the West for the past two months, living on very little calories each day due to limited finances. So this crappy burger to them would be a real treat and delicacy. Amazing the simple things that please people.

Later that night, I started thinking about last meals. In America, the death penalty is still legal in 32 States. My home State of Virginia takes second place in the total number of executions since 1976, and Texas is the champion by a large margin. Virginia has executed a total of 110 death row inmates since 1976 and Texas 503!! I'm ambivalent about the death penalty, but I know many foreign countries view it as barbaric. Before execution, the prisoner is entitled to a "last meal," any food they desire brought to them on the eve of execution. Not surprisingly, vegetables are rarely chosen. The most common choices are meats like steak, hamburgers and chicken, combined with fries and ice-cream or pie. It's some type of morbid fascination to read about last meals, but I admit I find it interesting.

My last meal would consist only of sweets! I don't care about meat in any way. A big plate of chocolate cake, cheesecake, tiramisu and ice-cream. And maybe macaroni 'n' cheese. This is a decadent Southern dish - basically noodles covered in tons of rich cheeses. Here's a photo of the tasty dish.

baked-macaroni-and-cheese

What about you? If you knew life would end tomorrow, what would you choose as your last meal? And what do Russians think of the death penalty? I believe it was abolished in the country many years ago, but I could be mistaken. Perhaps life in a harsh Russian prison is punishment enough? I haven't read much about inmate living conditions or treatment in Russian prisons, but I'm very interested in criminal psychology. "The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers" sits on my book shelf, right beside poetry and travel books. Good to have diverse interests! :)

Date: 2013-08-13 05:07 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] inamora.livejournal.com
I also have a controversial opinion. The death penalty is usually entails the death of innocent people. For example, before a real Chikatilo was found, a few people who have not committed a crime were executed .

Last meal ... Perhaps salted Norwegian salmon with white bread, red caviar, which I adore. Also love pasta, baked with mushrooms, ham and cheese - yummy! And my favorite cake that my mom bakes))

Date: 2013-08-13 05:10 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] peacetraveler22.livejournal.com
I don't like fish or any seafood. I also bake a tasty cake! If you ever come to DC, I'll be happy to make for you. :) I've read about this creepy killer Chikatilo in many crime books.

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Date: 2013-08-13 05:34 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] real-marsel.livejournal.com
I will choose a large melon, necessarily a special spoon to it and a great cheesecake. In Russia many innocent people shot for a reason. And this experience can be repeated, if re-start the death penalty.

Date: 2013-08-13 05:42 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] peacetraveler22.livejournal.com
I love cantaloupe, a type of melon. But not watermelon or honeydew (other melon like fruits). Cheesecake - a shared passion! :) In the States, there's a restaurant called Cheesecake Factory. They have every flavor of cheesecake imaginable, but also delicious meals. You can scan the list for the varieties. My favorite is vanilla bean. http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/menu/Cheesecake/#

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Date: 2013-08-13 05:41 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] real-marsel.livejournal.com
Twice I have read the text aloud. I read aloud every day in English.

Date: 2013-08-13 05:43 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] peacetraveler22.livejournal.com
Why do you read aloud? It helps you understand better, or you just like English pronunciation? I'm glad I can help you improve English skills!

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Date: 2013-08-13 05:50 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] mybathroom.livejournal.com
I would choose pilaf and melon. I can eat infinite count of these dishes. As for the death penalty, it's not possible in Russia where system of justice do not work.
Edited Date: 2013-08-13 05:52 pm (UTC)

Date: 2013-08-13 06:02 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] peacetraveler22.livejournal.com
Russians like melon! :) No justice system is perfect, including America's. This is the problem with capital punishment, where innocent or poor people are wrongly convicted. However, I'm not necessarily against the death penalty for horrible crimes (esp. against children) if there's conclusive forensic evidence linking the defendant to the crime. But I suppose even this can be tainted. It's a very tricky topic, from a moral and legal perspective.

Date: 2013-08-13 10:42 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sergey-usa.livejournal.com
Wait... what about gas that they would have to use to drive to that fast food restaurant?

Date: 2013-08-13 10:44 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sergey-usa.livejournal.com
Speaking of death penalty... I think life without the possibility of parole is a much worse sentence, but I don't necessarily want my taxes to be spent on someone whose life I consider worthless.

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Date: 2013-08-13 11:55 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] peacetraveler22.livejournal.com
I didn't ask the guy about all the logistics. Mostly I was intrigued by their strong desire for such a crappy burger! Maybe they were going to hitchhike to Hardee's? :)

Date: 2013-08-14 12:56 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] onkel-hans.livejournal.com
In my company, I had a programmer, who - wherever we went on a corporate dinner, Italian, Chinese, French, Thai - always ordered the Reuben.

Regarding the death penalty - a think this is beyond human comprehension. I've had a few of my friends executed. Which was a sheer murder.

Talking of Russia - it is absolutely un-moral even to raise this question. In that country they had executed one thousand humans per day for the duration of many years. Can you imagine this - ONE THOUSAND HUMANS A DAY? Shot in the back of their heads. Many of these beaten to pulp before the execution, to make this execution more justifiable to the trigger men.

And all of these thousands of human beings,. summing up to millions, were executed on the sentences of the court. Called "People's Court".

One of the latest serial killers, Chickatilo by name - in the 1980s - caused the condemnation by court and execution of four or five people. This was not even a political case. This was a real murderer. But the "trash" (this is the Russian word for those who are called in America "pigs" - I, not being a Jew or Muslim, cannot call these "trash" "pigs", not insulting those animals who give us wonderful food) - found it easier to execute innocents (not necessary good people, of course) to close the case. Then with new murders the case reopened, then they convicted and executed more people, etc.

Date: 2013-08-14 04:40 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] lara-anna.livejournal.com
Off top- what is Reuben? Голову уже сломала, не могу понять))

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Date: 2013-08-14 05:18 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] nar-row.livejournal.com
"In that country they had executed one thousand humans per day for the duration of many years."

For two years only.

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Date: 2013-08-14 01:25 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] peacetraveler22.livejournal.com
I don't like reubens! Which tortured period of Russian history are you talking about - under the Stalin regime or some other period? I know about this Chikatilo, but not his prosecution or trial. I'll read about it, thanks. In general, I'm trying to learn more about Russian law, everything from criminal to civil prosecutions.

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"It is a long story."

From: [identity profile] onkel-hans.livejournal.com - Date: 2013-08-14 04:53 pm (UTC) - Expand

Great!

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Re: Great!

From: [identity profile] onkel-hans.livejournal.com - Date: 2013-08-17 05:54 am (UTC) - Expand

Not they but he:

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Date: 2013-08-14 04:21 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fesma94.livejournal.com
Last meal.... I would eat borsht, pelemeni and drink kopmpot with cake "Napoleon".

About death penalty: I guess it better to return brutal hard work punishment , in irons. No work, no food! Liberals, stop to convert prison to rest place !!!!

be consistent

Date: 2013-08-14 05:41 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] andrey-kaminsky.livejournal.com
According to your vision, you would not have any near-death feast. You would be whipped, then you paved a kilometer of railway, then got a glass of water, then you would be put to death. No borsht, no pelemeni. Maybe a little love with a friend at the chamber :)

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"It is a long story."

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Date: 2013-08-14 05:24 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] andrey-kaminsky.livejournal.com
Obviously, it is best not to smoke or drink alcohol in front of children. The reason is simple - the children begin to believe that drinking and smoking are the natural and ordinary things. States, by the execution of justice, repressions and wars have taught us that the death of other people is something familiar, petty. I has become indifferent. But when i was 7 years old, i could not get past an abandoned kitten. I carried it home and asked the parents to allow the kitten to live with us. I was very kind, very good man, we all were. And now we are talking about the executions and eating with exactly the same emotions. Our consciousness is disfigured. Therefore, I believe that we should not kill people. Not for their sake, for our sake, to be good people.
After I gave a speech in the manner of Christ, is it appropriate to talk about food? Of course yes! I do not think that it would be important for me to eat something specific. But here's some vodka would be very welcome.

Date: 2013-08-14 01:37 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] peacetraveler22.livejournal.com
What if the kitten or dog was mean and bit, scratched or tore your child's face off? You would still wish to rescue it? Some things aren't worth saving. It sounds cold, but I believe it. My conscience is always in complete overdrive, trying to help people and be a do gooder, but only to a certain point. Even in my work, I represent worthy immigrants and children in courts completely free.

I'm not religious so Christ doesn't factor into my analysis of moral or life issues. :)

Vodka!! I rarely drink, but if I do it's my liquor of choice. Chilled and straight from the shot glass. :)

The Iron Lady?

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Re: The Iron Lady?

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Re: The Iron Lady?

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Re: The Iron Lady?

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Date: 2013-08-14 11:52 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] qi-tronic.livejournal.com
www. npr. org/blogs/thesalt/2013/08/11/204859046/america-are-you-tough-enough-to-drink-real-russian-kvas

Date: 2013-08-14 01:32 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] peacetraveler22.livejournal.com
I don't like kvas as the taste is too strong for me. I drank it in both Russia and Ukraine. I don't drink sodas, haven't for about 20 years. On most days, I drink only water and herbal tea. This article is nice and the phrase - ""The sour is the taste of Russia" very funny! :))

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Date: 2013-08-14 01:49 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] andrush-da.livejournal.com
Побольше фоток штатов.

Date: 2013-08-14 03:21 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] peacetraveler22.livejournal.com
Завтра фотографии из Вайоминга. :)

Date: 2013-08-14 08:10 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] amandakysses.livejournal.com
My last meal- cheese raviolis and grilled asparagus a tiny bite of filet mignon my mothers mashed potatoes and a warm brownie with caramel and vanilla ice cream on it and a scoop of raspberry sherbert too .

The death penalty I say yes for proven heinous acts... But i prefer the meal ;)

Xoxoxo

Date: 2013-08-14 08:14 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] peacetraveler22.livejournal.com
Now I'm hungry! :)

Date: 2013-08-16 02:55 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] rider3099.livejournal.com
As for last meal I think it would be scallops with mushroom's sauce and cheesecake.
What I'm thinking about death penalty... Probably I'm not very kind but some criminals deserve the real death. Sorry.

Date: 2013-08-16 02:07 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] peacetraveler22.livejournal.com
I do not like seafood, but agree on cheesecake! Have you eaten at The Cheesecake Factory? I know there are many locations for this restaurant in California. If not, I suggest a visit.

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In some moment in Russian history

Date: 2013-08-17 03:00 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] xpo-xpo-xpo.livejournal.com
death wasn't a penalty: it was "extreme measure of social protection": reason for death was not to punish but to protect society.

For corrigible people the very fact of prosecution can be real punishment; for incorrigible people it doesn't matter how harsh conditions are in prison: prison is just their home.

Re: In some moment in Russian history

Date: 2013-08-17 03:34 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] peacetraveler22.livejournal.com
The death penalty in America is the same - to protect society from madmen or women. Awful killers, etc. To me, life in prison is a harsher sentence, especially if kept in solitary confinement. But it's a real drain on tax dollars to keep these maniacs alive in prison.

Date: 2013-08-25 06:53 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] yarowind.livejournal.com
Oysters and white wine? :)

Date: 2013-08-25 07:41 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] peacetraveler22.livejournal.com
You're torturing me because you know I don't like seafood! And oysters - so slimy and gross! :))

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Date: 2013-09-19 08:38 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] k-netalie.livejournal.com
my last meal? fruits. tons of exotic fruits. meat, the real Caucasian shashlik for example. and cheese.

as for death penalty - if anyone took someone's life, this person have to pay with its own. of course there are exceptions like self-protection and the guilt must be proved totally, but when i hear about crimes against children i have no doubts.

Date: 2013-09-19 11:44 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] peacetraveler22.livejournal.com
Cheese - I could never live without it. I put cheese on almost everything! My favorite is extra sharp cheddar.

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Date: 2013-09-24 01:49 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] anna-sollanna.livejournal.com
Macaroni 'n' cheese - we have just the same Russian dish "макароны с сыром" :)))
As for last meal - I am not sure, I think I'd prefer some other activities instead of meal. Something like 'last sex' :)))

Date: 2013-09-24 01:54 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] peacetraveler22.livejournal.com
Maybe they let you have both? I've never heard of last sex, but I'm sure it's possible. :))

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