There are interesting things everywhere. For someone like me, this is both a blessing and a curse. New ideas are like shiny objects — things that must be pursued to the complete exclusion of anything else. One morning, I was talking about my latest obsession with Marilyn. Although she seemed interested in the topic, her real take-away was how many things interest me, and how deeply I dive in. Out of that observation, this column was born.

Investigations like this are often referred to as “rabbit holes”. There are many definitions. The Urban Dictionary suggests it is a “Metaphor for the conceptual path which is thought to lead to the true nature of reality”. Whatis.com mentions that a “rabbit hole comes from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” in which a young girl called Alice falls down a rabbit hole, encounters many strange creatures and has many surreal experiences.” My version is slightly different: an idea or question that leads to an Internet search through several references finally ending in a surprising or unexpected but satisfying result.

As I’ve already suggested, these topics are wide-ranging. With a professional background in broadcast television, music, sound recording, information technology, higher education and public speaking, and interests in amateur radio, gardening, cooking, woodworking and country living, there is no shortage of possibilities.

Come with me then, as we go down the rabbit hole.