If any Eph can claim to have an unusual role in life beyond the Purple Bubble, surely it is John Small ‘86, Martha Stewart’s “Number One Fan.”

Small makes media appearances all over the place. A good overview is here.

In his role as self-appointed cheerleader for Martha Stewart, John Small adopts the mission of mail carriers: to deliver, regardless of the climate. So this week’s frigid temperatures find him waving banners outside the federal courthouse in Manhattan, as criminal proceedings against Stewart begin. And Small’s outlook remains sunny, even when he and just one other fan brave bone-chilling cold to cheer the goddess of good things on her trial’s opening day. “I’m surprised there’s not more fans, but it’s 12 degrees with the wind chill,” he says. “It’s keeping fair-weather friends away.”

He adjusts a chef’s hat emblazoned with a “Save Martha!” logo and ponders the comment.

“I guess,” he laughs, “that makes us the foul-weather friends.”

Lest anyone think that Small is (too) kooky, the article makes clear that there is a method to this (apparent) madness.

If his schedule permits, Small plans to be at the courthouse most days during the expected six-week trial.

It’s a show of Stewart solidarity, of course. But it’s also to gather more information for his book, which he’s starting to pitch to publishers.

He’s already got a title: “Saving Martha.”

Both he and Stewart are still waiting for an ending.

Those looking for more information should check out Small’s website on the topic. His main business seems to be Sunday Media.

Any snarkiness in the above should be attributed to jealousy on my part. Small clearly makes a lot more money from his web efforts than I do from mine!