Norman Mailer November 10, 2007

Norman Mailer - like Hemingway became a larger than life character. Mailer more so than Hemingway at times overshadowed his own works. He did not sit on the sidelines - a pioneer in participative journalism, he laid the groundwork for Hunter S. Thompson. Starting out as a novelist, he helped create the genre of creative non-fiction. He was a life long activist, often choosing the unpopular side of controversial issues. He seemed to revel in evoking animosity. No matter how you felt about Mailer and his opinions, he definitely helped shape the discussions and confronted America with issues that they would have otherwise wanted to avoid or sweep under the carpet.

So a folk song to Norman Mailer:

Look around me and what do you see, Norman Mailer looking down on me

Could it be his right hand, acting like he was a boxing man

A poor soldier who would go onto fight a bruising ego with all of his might

He saw himself so clearly, in novels obscured by reality

Scorned you once in the seventies view you now with empathy

Look around you what do you see Norman Mailer looking down on thee.

John Morris - Steelworker, family man, thinker

When I finally decided to try and not be a wild animal - it was my dad and my Uncle John's intelligence and friendship that helped me transition into a what has been a wonderful and colorful life. For this I am blessed.

When my Uncle John heard that I wanted my Dad's cement mixer, he took the time to rebuild it - installing a new motor, belt, and even a new coat of paint.

I don't use the term polymath lightly. The common definition is:
pol·y·math (pŏl'ē-māth') Pronunciation Key
n. A person of great or varied learning.

This term can be applied to both my father and my Uncle John. Though neither were educated much beyond high school, they both were very learned men. In any area of technology, in finance, in life they both used their extreme intelligence to better themselves and those around them.

Well, I didn't get that cement mixer picked up from Uncle John's house until after the funeral. I will just have to put it to use putting in the floor in the stable.