What I missed on my summer vacation
Gee, I go away for a few days and miss everything. I recently returned home and discovered WCAP was sold, Lou Stylos (a decent guy with a great voice) joined the city council race, and Guatemala won the One Lowell World Cup soccer championship. (For a detailed report on the soccer event, held last week at Cawley Stadium, see yesterday’s Globe.) This reminds me of coming home from a trip to California in April 2006. After traveling for 12 hours by plane and car, we finally reached city limits and saw signs saying I’m for Cox posted everywhere. In my exhausted state, it was surreal—almost like we’d entered the Twilight Zone—because when we left, he was simply the manager. I realize now that as a kid, I hated going to bed while adults were up because I was afraid I’d miss something. (Apparently, I’m still like that.) I already have issues about when I absolutely cannot leave Lowell—such as when school is in session, and during the City Lights Parade, WinterFest, and the Folk Festival. Now apparently, I may not be able to leave at all, for fear of missing something important. On that note, a comment about the above-mentioned news: First, I’m thrilled WCAP was purchased by a local owner and anticipate improvements that will increase the station’s listeners, professionalism, and level of engagement with citizens. Second, Lou Stylos is a great addition to the council race. As an intelligent professional, LHS alumnus, and former singer with the SRO Players, Lou will add to the campaign’s thoughtfulness and level of discourse. As for the soccer championship, kudos to One Lowell, the Fahlbergs in particular, and this great city for once again standing out as uniquely American: a truly diverse place to live, learn, and play.