I am on a big deadline, but wanted to make sure to post a roundup as so much has been happening this past week. Anthony Bourdain's passing, just within days of designer Kate Spade, was especially shocking and deeply resonant on a personal level as I was working on the final draft introduction to an edited book concerning Canadian culinary imaginations-- a project I have been co-editing and working on with Shelley Boyd for the past two years. I had just completed writing a detailed vignette describing Bourdain's recent visit to Newfoundland and its significance to Canadian identity politics. Repeatedly watching and transcribing that episode just hours before learning of his death, I was struck and heartened in the hours and days following the news to see so many people immediately recognize the importance of his legacy beyond celebrity chef stardom. Bourdain understood how food could bridge cultural and political divides, encouraging people to travel and move beyond their comfort zones and break down barriers through the simple act of trying a new cuisine or learning about another culture through their culinary history. Bourdain was also a connoisseur of film, literature, music, and art. His commentary on food was always intersecting with ideas related to the arts, and I am so glad that his voice will be captured in our book, a project harnessing so many important themes related to food and culture that Bourdain popularized and made more accessible through his television appearances. Sadly, mental illness (and suicide) is far too common among creative, risk-taking, individuals. We must all do better to keep our eyes open and remain compassionate and alert to those in pain. Peace.... and enjoy the links.