18 Comments
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Eric Trules's avatar

I read recently that we all have a public, private, and secret life. I don’t think “we” all do, but I think perhaps artists do, and Bourdain did.

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Tommy Swerdlow's avatar

We know about that professor Trules.

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Carlo Navato's avatar

What a beautiful piece of writing - thank you

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robert mangiardi's avatar

Tommy! That pic of Bourdain was me yesterday in Bangkok . Everyday I try to find one little new pork noodle soup stand . It’s amazing. I now drive here too. But yeah, it’s a running away from me , from America etc and it leads me to reflect. Now 73 I have not killed myself and realize in a place like this discretion is the greater part of valor. Your absolute best piece for my money. As one irishman once said in so many words , I forget who, “ Life will ultimately break your heart.” So I try to laugh at myself now rather than think of darker options . Cheers!

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Tommy Swerdlow's avatar

Goo thing you're not there back in the day Robby M...Though maybe you were once. Too many stories to keep straight. Glad you're reading from abroad.

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Gaye Thomas's avatar

You nailed it Mr Swerdlow….

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Tommy Swerdlow's avatar

Thanks Ms. Thomas

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Joe J.'s avatar

Incredible. Thank you Tommy.

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Tommy Swerdlow's avatar

Possible lamb discount? ha. Joe!

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Joe J.'s avatar

Hahaha

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Pattie Lee Pierce's avatar

This is a brilliant brave & revealing piece Tommy. I love it and your courage & words.

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Tommy Swerdlow's avatar

Thank you Pattie Lee.

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Adam Nathan's avatar

Writing, too, somehow is an opportunity for grace. I think you stand in that humble place.

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Tommy Swerdlow's avatar

Alright, Nathan Adam, let's not get carried away. But I do appreciate you gleaning some humility from it. More to be said on this topic down the line.

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Marc Typo's avatar

It never ceases to amaze, the vast gulf between the image we project to the world and what is really going on inside us.- this reminds me how we are always showing a version of ourselves man. You’re right, we never know. This was about Bourdain, but could be about so many people. Appreciate this take.

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Tommy Swerdlow's avatar

Yeah man. That's the line.

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Tommy Swerdlow's avatar

Thank you

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Peewee Hermeneutics's avatar

Really interesting thoughts on Bourdain, I think a lot about what you said and I think you hit the nail on the head with how much pain he felt with what he was feeling. I also think his suicide was partially motivated with the hush money payments he helped Asia Argento with when she had her misconduct revealed.

I imagine that he felt like he was becoming exactly what he was afraid of becoming, in the entertainment landscape. Someone who plays authenticity, but is forced to do the dastardly deeds for those they care about.

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