In the Age of the Internet, a columnist can’t be too careful of the company she keeps. As a peddler of opinion, it’s hard to keep my “product” pure when there are so many competing – and compelling – perspectives, only a mouse click away. Obviously, a certain amount of reading is necessary to forming any opinion worth passing along. But in my case, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Just when I think I know what I think – about whatever given subject – I stumble upon a deft turn of phrase, an elegant paragraph, a sparkling-fresh line of thought, and there goes the proverbial rug, right out from under me.

Water Festival Parade, last Saturday morning: My family and I are lounging in beach chairs under an oak tree along Bellamy Curve. Despite the early hour and mellow breeze, we are sweltering.  Though I’m only blocks from my house, I don’t recognize anybody in this crowd, but everyone’s friendly. A young man is passing out Joe Wilson stickers. “No thanks,” I say. “I’m not doing politics today.” He politely moves on, but several folks turn to look at me. They’re all wearing Joe Wilson stickers.

The Pinball Wizard is alive and well at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

I left the Arts Center’s new production of “The Who’s Tommy” feeling moved, inspired, and… confused. Moved, because the final number, “Listening To You,” is seriously, over-the-moon transcendent. Inspired, because I’m always inspired by terrific performers pouring themselves out with abandon. Confused, because the ending doesn’t make much sense. You walk away knowing you’ve been through something, but you’re not sure what. Some kind of catharsis has occurred, but its meaning is too vague to process. Is it the play that’s dense, or you?