We got word this morning that Anthony Bourdain ended his own life at the age of 61. He was a chef, a traveler, and — above all else, for me — a storyteller.

In processing this sudden and sad news, I was reminded of the words he used to describe our city — prior to it being featured on an episode of Parts Unknown.  Among them:

“You wake up in Chicago, pull back the curtain and you KNOW where you are. You could be nowhere else. You are in a big, brash, muscular, broad shouldered motherfuckin’ city. A metropolis, completely non-neurotic, ever-moving, big hearted but cold blooded machine with millions of moving parts — a beast that will, if disrespected or not taken seriously, roll over you without remorse.”

Feel free to read the rest here (thanks to this Redditor).  And If you’re in crisis, there are options available to help you cope. For confidential support available 24/7 for everyone in the United States, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline — 1-800-273-8255.  — [eric]