BRAVERY IN THE BERNABEU

This weekend, Barca played its first game of the season against Real Madrid-a derby match known as el clasico.

Barca held a commanding league in the Spanish domestic league going into the match, but Madrid were coming off their fifth trophy of the year-the Club World Cup-and many had anointed them far and away the best side of 2017. Thus, it was clear that fireworks would ensue as these eternal rivals took the pitch.

Early on, Madrid were rampant, and they pressured Barca relentlessly. However, as the first half went on, Barca found its composure and created a few chances of its own. Nonetheless, I was not optimistic when we went into halftime 0-0.

Something seemed to have clicked at half time, however. For Barca, that click was the on switch being flipped. For Real, on the other hand, tentativeness set in. It was as though Barca said, "they threw everything they had at us, and it got them nothing. Let's now play our game and get them on the back foot." Real's response seemed to be, "How did we not score? What do we do now?" And that  is exactly how things played out.

Barca scored first on a beautiful counterattack started from their own end. They quickly followed that up with a penalty after a Madrid player was sent off for deliberately handling the ball and preventing a goal scoring opportunity. What was most striking-especially before these two goals-was how Barca did not just sit back and waster time or play the safe pass. Time and time again, they played the attacking pass, the killer pass. As I reflected on Barca's ostensible bravery, I came to realize that these men would dispute that account. They were simply doing their job, playing their game the only way they knew how. To attack and to exploit is not something one does when it is safe. This is how Barca players from the academy to the first team are taught to play every time they take the field!

In the end, we finished with a deserved 3-0 win over Madrid, pushing them 14 points behind us and hopefully dealing them a knockout blow in the league. There are more more games to play before the league title is ours, and we may still face Madrid in two other competitions, but until play resumes in January, Barca are the undisputed kings of Spain and the world. Back to where they belong, if you ask me!

GRAPHIC

Cate is the queen of graphs, and this is one of my favorites. I especially like the comment in the bottom right.

Edward Tufte would be proud!

Strawberries it is!

LADY BIRD

This past weekend I saw the new film "Lady Bird" directed by the actress Greta Gerwig. I have enjoyed Ms. Gerwig's films for sometime and that is why I was so excited to see her semi-autobiographical directorial debut.

The movie did not disappoint, and I felt myself traveling back to high school during the 90 minutes of the film. The main character, Christine is played by the wonderful Irish actress Saoirse Ronan. Christine goes by the self-appointed nickname Lady Bird and is a girl on the verge - on the verge of college, adulthood, and sexual awakening. She navigates situations that are fraught with conflict and complexity and somehow manages to do so with her integrity and sense of self intact. This is no small feat for an adult, let alone an adolescent.

The movie reminded me of how difficult that time in my own life was and also how I did not truly recognize or appreciate the Lady Birds I grew up with. Looking back, I now realize that I knew countless women like Lady Bird. Had I taken the time to look around, I would have realized that they were just like me- resolute in their ideas of the world and trying to navigate the land mines of growing up. If I had seen them, I think I might have had a very different childhood and felt less isolated. However, while life is best understood backwards, it must be lived forwards. For that reason,  it is never too late to think about all the people we encounter each day who may be more like us than we realize. Here's to all the Lady Birds out there!

BIG VICTORIES

In recent days, Democrats have pulled off stunning upsets. First, came the titanic win of Doug Jones over the accused child molester and all around degenerate Roy Moore in Alabama. Today, we learned that Democrats won the final remaining race for the Virgina House of Delegates by a single vote. That solitary vote means that there are an equal number of Democratic and Republican representatives in that chamber. Importantly, the Governor casts the deciding vote in the event of ties.

These wins come after months of struggles for Democrats who had lost every special election to fill a seat vacated by Trump appointees. However, the tide truly appears to be turning, and the resistance nationwide is fired up and ready to go.

How did we get to such a state in our politics? It began with the election of a carnival barker and degenerate to the White House whose antics and crudeness have left an inedible mark on that office and the American people. Clearly a majority of voters in two southern states said enough is enough. Imagine the reaction of voters in more moderate areas, including suburbs of large cities nationwide. That territory is the battleground where presidential, gubernatorial, and congressional elections are won or lost, and I feel more hopeful than ever before about our ability to win at all three of those levels.

Winning will not happen by itself. That is why we must all get involved by donating, talking to our friends and neighbors, and volunteering for campaigns. It is a truism that if turnout is high, Democrats will win. Because of this, there is no room for sitting on the sidelines anymore. The stakes are just too high.

I implore you to get involved. We rise and fall as one, and I, for one, sense a new dawn in our politics and for our country- one in which order, hope, and decency are restored to there rightful places.

REGRETS, WE ALL HAVE A FEW

Recently, Cate took a field trip to visit a Native American cultural center along with her teachers and classmates. This was not Cate's first field trip, and others had gone off without a hitch. On this one though, there was a problem-a big problem.

After the trip, we learned that Cate and several of her classmates were raising their middle fingers in the f--- you sign to cars that were passing by. When confronted about this by her teacher, Cate and her classmates said they did not know what that symbol stood for and pleaded innocence.

Later that night, I had a chance to talk to Cate. She said she truly did not know what "flipping the bird" meant and that she and her friends were just doing it at the ceiling. I calmly asked Cate, "Where did you see such a thing, and did you think that was a kind symbol or an unkind symbol?" She replied that she had seen it at school. Further, she said that whenever she had seen someone do this, it seemed as though they were doing it to be mean or make someone feel bad.

Having established that Cate knew this was a bad decision, I tried to help her realize that this did not make her a bad person. I told her I was saddened by her choice but that I did not love her any less. We talked about how we knew she could do better and that one was obligated to think before any action. We talked about deciding whether our choices were designed to "break" someone down or to "build" them up and how "builds" were the actions we should strive for.

The next day, Cate wrote a letter of apology to her teachers that she handed in today. Cate said her teacher appreciated the sincerity of her words and actions. I appreciate them, too, and I know that Cate will be a better person for having made such a regretful error. I would know as I have been there myself on too many occasions to count.

DISCIPLINE

I am often amazed by my children-especially their levels of discipline. I have known of this characteristic in them for some time, which begin with their acing the marshmallow test of delayed gratification.

This has not been the only example of Nicholas and Cate's discipline, and I was reminded of this earlier this month. Nicholas had ordered a new NBA video game. Rather than using his own money from his account, he bargained with us to receive this for Christmas, knowing that he would not be able to play with it until December 25th.

When the game came in the mail, I expected him to make a fuss and ask to open it right away. However, when I handed him the packet, he walked straight over to the closet with it and put it away. There was no complain gin or bargaining. Rather, Nicholas was no nonsense in his approach-one that blew me away.

Later that night, I was tempted to let him open the game early. However, I quickly realized that that would send the exact opposite message. He had accepted the reality of the situation without flinching. Who was I to remake the rules for him?

I look forward to Nicholas cracking open that package one month from now and playing that first game. I know it will mean so much more to him because he will have exercised restraint and delayed gratification. For that and for a child like him, I am grateful!

ENDOWED

There are many surprises in life that are quite unpleasant. Because of this, I was thrilled to recently learn that my university had awarded me an endowed chair for prostate cancer research! 

I had always known that receiving a chair was among the highest honors a university can bestow on a faculty member, but I never imagined I would be the recipient of such an honor. Creating such an honor requires a donation of several million dollars to create an endowment, or research fund that is invested. In times of good stock markets and wise investing, the endowment generates interest that the recipient may use for any research purpose: salary, research supplies, etc. This unrestricted fund enables one to have breathing room and to take risks with these dollars that come with none of the strings normally attached to grant awards.

To say that I breathed a sigh of relief upon learning of this award from the Kuni Foundation and Kuni family would be an understatement. Running a lab is like running a small business, and it is no small feat to balance one's books and keep the lights on- especially when one is also trying to juggle patient care and administrative responsibilities. 

That there were so many other deserving individuals at my institution, that the Kuni family-whom I have known for years- believed in me, and that our cancer institute director Brian Druker chose me for this honor is truly humbling. 

Upon receiving the award, I promised that I would work hard to be worthy and that I would dedicate myself everyday to trying to improve the lives of men and their families who are affected by prostate cancer. I cannot think of a higher calling, and this award will remind me daily that to whom much is given, much is expected.

Onward!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CATHERINE REESE!

It seems like just yesterday that we brought this little one home, but Catherine Reese Alumkal turned nine last week! In those nine years, we have seen amazing change and growth, and Cate remains one of the most interesting people whom I have ever met.

They say that children come out who they are, and Cate is living proof. From the moment she arrived in this world, Cate has been single-minded in knowing what she wanted and who she is. That has only increased with time. However, thankfully her acquisition of speech helped immensely for us to understand exactly what Cate wanted.

Today, she is a young woman who is so passionate about so many things-her friends, soccer, Netflix tween dramas, and her family. Never one to shy away from a challenge, she has become an awesome piano player, one heck of a soccer card collector, and a voracious reader of fiction. I think I know from whom she gets the latter!

In her life, Cate has also seen the country change immensely. She was born on the eye of the Obama years and now is in the eye of the Trump storm. I pray that she and we have a brighter future where tolerance, respect for the earth, equal opportunity, and all the ideals that make this country great are restored. I am hopeful that that is the future Cate will have to look forward to, and I have a strong feeling that this little will make this world a much better place.

It is hard to image the next nine years with Cate-the nine years before she will presumably leave our house. There are days when I take for granted all that I have to thankful for and how special this young woman is, but not today. I am honored to call her my own, and I do not think I will ever love anyone more than her and Nicholas. For as long as I breathe, I will look to her with affection and just a little bit of awe.

I love you Cate Cate!

WE'RE BACK!!!

Yesterday, Lionel Messi put on a show and dispensed with Italian champion Juventus 3-0 to open this year's Champions League campaign.

The win was sweet for several reasons, most of all that Juventus had knocked Barca out of last year's competition in the quarterfinal stage. Over two legs last year, Barca had managed no goals to Juventus' three.

Though Barca were without Neymar yesterday, the new players they signed with his transfer fee shined. The full back Nelson Semedo was rampant on the right side, and the forward Ousmane Dembele also caused Juventus countless problems on that same side. That our right flank has been significantly strengthened enabled Lionel Messi to drift more central and play as a "false 9" or mobile forward. This liberation came at the Juventus' expense as Messi was everywhere and hard to contain.

While he had not previously scored against Juventus' towering goalkeeper Gigi Buffon, yesterday Messi put two past him. Ivan Rakitic added a third, and the game was done and dusted.

Beyond Messi's brilliance and the performance of new signings, other tactical changes also contributed to the win. First, Barca as a team ran 25 more kilometers last night versus their 3-0 humiliation to Juventus last year. Second, the possession, pass and move, "total football" of the Cruyff and Guardiola eras resurfaced  in place of the midfield-bypassing structure of Barca's former coach Lucho Enrique. Finally, the team had something to prove after its poor showing last year and because of all the doubters. A stronger and more forceful message could not have been sent!

I look forward to this season and watching this team gel and take shape. I am a clue for life, and yesterday's European night was one for the ages!

CHARLOTTESVILLE

Last weekend, white supremacists descended on Charlottesville, Virginia. The stated reason for this hate rally was to speak out against efforts to tear down monuments to Confederate "heroes." However, it quickly became clear that more sinister motives were at play. Protesters do not normally carry lit torches or assault weapons, and protesters do not generally use motor vehicles as battering rams against counterprotesters. One young woman Heather Heyer was killed by that vehicle, and countless others were physically harmed by these thugs.

In this time of national tragedy and unrest, where was our president? It took him a full day to respond to the events that had unfolded in Charlotesville. When he did respond, he stated that both sides were to blame and created a moral equivalency between hate-filled bigots and those who chose to stand up to their intimidation. Two days later, that same president read a more contrite statement from a teleprompter. There might as well have been a gun to this head as it was clear that these words were quite hollow. That he walked back his comments two days later and again claimed a moral equivalency between white supremacists and counterprotestors is enough to fill one with hopelessness.

However, this is no time to lose hope. We already knew that racists and white supremacists were among us. It just was not clear that these people might be our neighbors, loan officers, or policemen. Now we know at least who some of these people are. Likewise, we already knew this president was a bigot based on his housing discrimination lawsuit settlements, his birther lie, and his comments about Mexican-Americans and Muslims. There can be no question now where this man and his supporters stand, which is why it is so important for us to stand against them and for justice.

In today's New York Times, the author Nathan Englander, who is Jewish, wrote about what Charlottesville means to him and young Jewish kids or other minority groups across the country. It was a stirring piece and reminded me of my experiences with racism as a child. I can still recall the many times I was called a "Paki," a nigger, or toilet face-all before the age of 10. I remember the time someone smeared dog poop on our front door handle and when a teenager in high school threw a drink in my face and told me to "go back to Iraq" during the first gulf war.

Charlottesville was an example of the hate that filled those personal moments on full display for the entire world to see, and the lack of condemnation from the most powerful man in the country sent a clear message. To his supporters, what happened and how he responded means that they know they have a friend and ally in the White House. They have been emboldened.

However, there is also a message for those who have opposed this president or those who are only now outraged. We cannot stand by and let the hate, racism, and intolerance win out. We have an obligation to speak out, to protest, and to use peaceful, democratic means to wrest our country back before it is too late.

Today, I am reminded by a famous quotation from the German Protestant pastor Martin Niemoller. Let us never forget these words and let us work together to overcome hate with love and ignorance with reason. What other choice is there?

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

TWELVE

Last week, Nicholas turned twelve. Twelve! It is hard to believe our little guy is now a tween, and he has grown in so many ways in the past year.

Despite getting older and a little more tween-like, Nicholas is still a wonderful person at heart. He cares deeply about his friends and family, and he is one of the most loyal people you will ever meet. I think this comes from his deep sense of right and wrong and belief that deep down most people are good. That he continues to believe this despite some frustrating interpersonal interactions last year at school warms my heart. His circle of friends continues to expand, and the continues to forge stronger and stronger ties.

Passion is a word that epitomizes Nicholas, and he is not one to do anything half-baked. His love for soccer continues to grow, and his knowledge is truly encyclopedic. Drawing is still his go to activity, and we often find his at "his table" in the living room working on various drawings-often of soccer-in his free time. That so many people have commented on Nicholas' distinct style really speaks to how talented of an artist he is.

Beyond drawing and playing soccer, Nicholas is truly a man of the world. He loves geography and learning about new cultures-whether it be their traditions, languages, or food. I see him traveling the world one day and even studying or living abroad. I hope he lets me visit or go with him!

While this post may seem on the surface as a record or a report of our boy's current status, it is more of a love letter. I do not think I could love anyone more than I do this boy, and I am so proud and honored to be his day. May we have many more years together, and may he continue to stay young at and strong at heart as he navigates his way through the teen years and beyond.

Today and everyday, I love you Nicho!

INDEPENDENT'S DAY

Today, our little one gave her second grade independent project at Arbor.

The students are challenged to pick a topic that interests them and that they would like to learn more about. Cate chose the English Premier League, a topic very familiar to her brother, though it was largely new to her.

Cate researched the topic, decided what was worth sharing, and then put together a poster and oral presentation. She wowed them and showed a great command of the information.

I love to see this little one grow and stretch. She is growing and changing so fast. This video and this post will serve as a reminder of where she was at one May day in 2017.

Here's to Cate!

HEROES IN OUR TIME

We live in extraordinary times. There was no greater reminder of that than the horrific actions by a white supremacist aboard a light rail train in Portland and the heroic response by three good Samaritans.

It all started when the accused whose name I will not repeat began verbally threatening and accosting two young women of color, including one who wore a hijab. Most fellows passengers merely watched. However, three men-Taliesen Namkai-Meche (left), Rick Best (center),and Micah Fletcher (right)-decided to intervene. A knife was brandished by the assailant, and Messrs Best and Namkai-Meche paid with their lives while Mr. Fletcher survived only after several hours of surgery.

What exactly went through the minds of these three men when they decided to intervene we will never know for sure. Mr. Best was a veteran, a father of three, and a former Republican candidate for office. His brand of patriotism was not limited to party, and I can only imagine the horror he felt when he saw the young woman under attack. Even out of uniform, he must have felt duty-bound to confront the enemy in front of him and intervene. How sad his family must be with his passing, but how proud they must feel, too.

Mr. Namkai-Meche was a recent graduate of Reed College who had a bright future ahead of him. He was universally loved, and his dying words were, "I want everybody on the train to know, I love them." His mother sent out an impassioned note of love to her son and later pleaded with the president (lower case p) to speak out. We will not hold our breath.

Finally, Mr. Michah Fletcher, a student from Portland State University and poet, also came to these young women's defense. He was the sole survivor of these three men. He summed up what he had all achieved in life and what his fellow Samaritans had achieved in death:

"I, am alive.
I spat in the eye of hate and lived
This is what we must do for one another
We must live for one another."

Heroes-all three-who remind us what is best in America and what we are all capable of-love, tolerance, and justice.

Neither I nor most who live in this city will forget them anytime soon, and I hope that the events of last weekend inspire the same reaction in us all when we are confronted by hate, bigotry, or intolerance.

May these heroes rest in peace.

SAINT MESSI

Last night, on the Day of Saint Jordi, a new saint was canonized- Saint Lionel Messi. He and his team FC Barcelona turned back the clock and produced an epic performance that will go down as one of the greatest individual and team performances in football history.

The setting and the circumstances could not have been more auspicious - the Santiago Bernabeu stadium of Barca's eternal rival Real Madrid with the league title on the line. That this Barcelona team whom many had left for dead not only won the game 3-2 but won it with flair and artistry was truly incredible.

There are very few that would have predicted such a result, especially after Barca were eliminated from the Champions League quarterfinals with not so much as a whimper. However, a fixture against Real Madrid has a way of inspiring Barca, and these players did not disappoint. The words that come to mind are: grit, perseverance, professionalism, and passion.

No one exemplified these traits better on the night than Lionel Messi. All night, the men in white tried their best to stop him through organized defense and through countless blows. The Brazilian midfielder Casemiro kicked out at Messi after having been bamboozled. He followed this up with two other body blows that should have led to his ejection. Yet, the ref turned the other way.

Another Brazilian, Marcelo, appeared to follow through with an elbow to Messi mouth and nose that dropped the Argentinian to the ground in a pool of blood. After treatment on the sidelines, Messi returned to the game holding gauze against his mouth with one hand while still dribbling all over the pitch and spraying balls left and right. A few minutes later, Messi darted into the box and scored a nearly impossible goal to level the score 1-1. He was instrumental in setting up the next goal that gave Barca a 2-1 lead.

Later in the second half, Sergio Ramos from Madrid was rightfully sent off for a two-footed lunge on Messi designed to achieve one simple goal - neutralize the man who had been his tormentor all night, no matter the cost. Fortunately, Messi saw the tackle coming and was able to leap, thus minimizing the brutality of the impact. Nonetheless, Ramos connected with Messi's treasured left foot and was rightly dismissed. This only served to fire up Messi, who remained undaunted even after Real Madrid equalized the score in the 86th minute.

With time running out-one minute left to be precise-Barca inbounded the ball from deep in their end. Sergio Roberto, the makeshift right back, threw the ball into Pique. He, in turn, scooped a pass to Busquets. After taking one touch, Busquets angled a pass onto a darting Sergi Roberto, who then proceeded to run 60 yards past two Real Madrid pursuers. He found the often maligned, rightfully so in my opinion, Andres Gomes, who slid a pass onto an onrushing Jordi Alba with precision timing. Alba slingshotted the ball to the center of the box, where it was met with Messi's mighty left foot. Within one second, the back of the net rattled, and Barca were winners in style with the last kick of the game.

The Barca players surrounded Messi while the Real Madrid players groaned, punched their fists in the ground, or merely stood stunned by what they had just witnessed. Worldwide, football fans of all allegiances stood in awe, too, because of the magical quality of the show that Barca had just put on. For what seemed like an eternity, Messi stood jerseyless and faced the hostile Bernabeu crowd. He held his jersey with the name and number facing them in case they were unaware of who he was and so they could remember what he had done to them. It was an epic moment in the history of an epic derby.

The result meant that Barca catapulted to the top of the league table, though Real Madrid have played one game less. Because of this, it is still true that if Madrid win their remaining six games, they will be champions. However, if Barca also win out and Real Madrid were to lose just once, the title would remain in Catalonia for one more season. I am not a betting man, and Real may end up being crowned champions, but it will be a diminished title after failing to beat Barca in both of their head to head matches this year.

The former Barca manager Josep Guardiola famously declared in his first press conference that he did not promise trophies. Rather, he promised the team would play football that would make the fans proud. That promise was kept sat night by these players-many of whom helped Guardiola win 14 of 19 trophies available to them in a three year period. No matter what happens next, and even if we go trophyless this season, we will always have the memory of what Messi and company did to the Bernabeu on April 23, 2017. May our memories not fade anytime soon, and may we cherish the tapestry that these players wove last night. What a game! What a team! Saint Messi!

Visca Barca!

THE END

This is the end
Beautiful friend
This is the end
My only friend the end

- Jim Morrison

After a complete drubbing at the hands of Juventus in the UEFA Champions League last night, I can think of no more fitting tribute to this Barcelona team than these words.

It is hard for me to describe in words what a thrill ride the past seven years have been with this club and these men. They say that love at first sight is a cliche, a superficial notion. "They" do not get it.

For me and soccer, there will always be pre-2010 and post-2010. In that year, I first witnessed the magical play of the core of the FC Barcelona team during the World Cup in South Africa. The way these players pinged the ball all over the field and the way they lulled their opponents to sleep with sustained periods of possession reminded me of a bullfight. That Spain, the national team these men helped to shape, won its first World Cup that year was beyond just, and that team's performance over 3 weeks that summer made me a fan for life.

Shortly thereafter, I began to follow FC Barcelona. Watching them week in and week out that first season, I was repeatedly blown away by the players mastery of the game, and the way they imposed their will on any opponent. At the helm was Pep Guardiola, a former Barca ball boy, former Barca player, and now Barca coach. For him, it was not just about winning; it was about winning in style, and style they had in abundance.

In the past seven years, I have seen this team win countless trophies, come back against all odds, and perform miracle feats on an every three day basis. However, like me, these players have aged. With aging has come wisdom and experience but also a diminution of focus, speed, and wizardry. On Tuesday night in Turin, we ostensibly witnessed the culmination of that decline as Barca were outclassed in nearly every aspect of the game. That the final scoreline was only 3-0 was a miracle, and all cules were glad to see that more damage had not been done.

How did we get to this place after seven triumphant years? There is no one answer. Rather, a multiplicity of factors have led to the slow deterioration of this club-the one thing in life I love nearly as much as my family.

Poor recruitment of players surely has played the biggest role. Indeed, it was fascinating to see the lineup that was chosen yesterday, which including 5-6 players no longer worthy of being Barca starters. That the bench was without depth due to dubious player purchases only compounds the problem.

Coaching has also been a significant issue with no real philosophy. The model of pass and move, possession, and midfield dominance are all in the past, and Barca 2017 are truly unrecognizable from the 2010 version I fell in love with.

Since this team's decline is complex, there is no magic bullet or solution. However, fans, players, coaches, and management must take a hard look at where we are now, how we are playing now, and how far we have fallen if we are to reverse this trend. A new coach is certain as the current coach already announced his departure from the club several months ago. New players will be necessary-in defense, in offense, and in midfield. Heroes muse be given send-offs or front office positions, and a new generation must be given its chance. While the faces may change, I hope that the structure and the philosophy of winning the right way and being mes que un club (more than a club) will re-emerge.

This does feel like the end of an era. But let's not lament what we have lost. Rather, let us remind ourselves of what these players have given us-love, excellence, inspiration, and above all belief that greatness is a collective effort. I feel like I am at a wake, but the life of the one who has passed has been full and has brought me and countless others joy. For that, I am grateful tonight even as I say goodbye to an old friend.

MIRACLE IN BARCELONA

Last night something improbable happened. No, improbable is not the right word. Impossible is a more fitting description of the situation Barcelona found themselves in after losing the first leg of their Champions' League tie 4-0 to Paris St. Germain (PSG) several weeks ago. The result from that first leg loss meant that the Catalans had to score four times just to force extra time and possibly penalties. No team in this competition had ever turned around such a deficit, but then again Barcelona is unlike any other team.

That Barcelona faced this test a mere week after its manager had tied to call it quits at the end of the season added even more drama to this uphill task. However, this announcement seemed to unite the players in the days after it was made, rather than divide or distract them. The coach Luis Enrique had said before the match that he did not know if Barca could turn around the tie, but that they would try. He also said if PSG can score four against us in Paris, why can we not score six against them in our home? What a wise man Enrique is.

The game started off full of energy, and Barca had the ball in the back of the net within four minutes. PSG conceded an "own goal" minutes later, and an energy seemed to fill the players and fans, alike. Was a comeback truly possible. After PSG conceded a penalty that Leo Messi clinically put home, Barca were up 3-0 and cruising. Only one more goal was necessary to level things.

However, PSG scored off of a busted play to make it 3-1. Now the Catalans ended to score three more to go through. That is because Champions' League knockout rounds are decided by the aggregate score between the two games and because "away" goals scored by the visitors count for slightly more than one goal. In this case, the aggregate score was 5-3 in PSG's favor. Since Barca did not score an away goal in the first leg, they needed three more goals for a total of six to best PSG's five.

With two minutes left in regulation, it looked as though it was not meant to be. However, Neymar, the dazzling Brazilian who had been the best player on the pitch, stepped up and fired a free kick home - 4-1 and 4-5 on aggregate. Then, Luis Suarez, the mercurial Uruguayan striker, was brought down in the penalty box. Though Messi is the usual penalty taker, the task was left to Neymar, He stepped up and delivered another goal during the "added time" period of the match. With three minutes to go, Barca were up 5-1 and level on aggregate 5-5, but they still needed one more to go through.

Once again, Neymar delivered - this time in the 95th minute - by lofting a ball into the box that was met by the outside of the boot of the former Barca youth product and all-around utility man Sergio Roberto. PSG's keeper Kevin Trapp was beaten. Barca led 6-1 and 6-5 on aggregate, The stadium and cules around the world erupted.

Never say die. It is not over until it is over. Never give up. especially on this team. Those are the lessons of a win like Barca's last night. In the end, we came through, and Pique, the great central defender will no doubt be proven right after saying they will need to hire more midwives in Barcelona in nine months because love will be made tonight.

Love. It is a funny word to describe a sports team, But Barca are not just any team. Last night was a reminder that the team's motto, mes que un club - more than a club- has never been more true. Visca Barca!

LA LA LAND

La La Land has been receiving critical acclaim for the past few months. Last night our family decided to check it out at the aptly-named Hollywood Theatre in our neighborhood.

The movie focuses on two young people trying to make their way in modern day Los Angeles, whose nickname happens to be La La Land. The lovely Emma Stone plays Mia, an actress, and the wonderful Ryan Gosling plays, a jazz musician. After several chance encounters, these two fall in love. Despite that, neither loses sight of what brought his/her to La La Land in the first place - the dream of making it as an artist.

The movie was bittersweet on so many levels. Most of all, the movie was moving because it captured the very human desire to succeed professionally but also to find love. That it difficult to have both is something that this movie captures better than any I have veer watched. Deep down, we often have to choose- does one stay with one's current situation that is familiar and comfortable or does one chase one's dreams not knowing what the outcome might be. I dare so that for many, there is not a harder choice in life. Fortunately, as the movie, demonstrates, things can "work out" no matter what one chooses, and it is clear that we are all the sum of our choices along the way. The existentialists would be proud of La La Land for sure!

Fantastic movie-making for me is ultimately about stories and characters that help you remember that there is more that unites us as human beings than divides us. I will not spoil the movie's ending for you, but suffice it to say that the final 20 minutes of La La Land were among the finest I have ever seen on screen. I felt as though I was in the room with these two and that I had strapped on their skins. It's rare to feel anything close to that in real life, but this movie reminds one just how powerful certain connections can be.

In three words, La La Land is: Sadness. Beauty. Life. Go see for yourself!

STRETCH FORWARD

This week, Nicholas started playing basketball on a rec team at our local community center. His interest in basketball is relatively new. However, like all of his interests, Nicholas has dived right into the game. He already has a fairly encyclopedic knowledge of the game and its star players. Therefore, it has been fun to watch Nicholas also become more interested in playing the game I loved growing up.

During Christmas vacation, we spent quite a bit of time playing at the court by my mom's house, and it was often two (Cate and Nicholas) against one (me). As you can guess, Cate already has mad skills, but Nicholas has also made significant progress in his technique.

At practice this week, we met Nicholas' new rec teammates, and they seems like a great group of kids. Nicholas was one of the more talented of the kids, and I cannot wait to see him play in his first game this weekend. His natural position appears to be a "stretch forward," and it is great to see him out there stretching himself forward!

Life is too short for just one sport, and here's to hoping that Nicholas can grow into both a player and fan of b-ball for years to come.

GRACE

Today marks the end of an era - the end of the Presidency of Barack Obama. In these past eight years, there has been incredible change in the world. However, one thing has remained constant in this country - President Obama's grace and character under extreme duress. Therefore, it was no surprise that President Obama delivered one of the most impassioned yet dignified farewell speeches in American history.

The catastrophe Obama inherited from George W. Bush - two wars and an economy in free fall - is probably only rivaled by the disaster Franklin Roosevelt faced during his Presidency. However, Obama did not complain. Rather, he rolled up his sleeves and got to work to help turn our country around and to putt us on much surer footing.

Because of President Obama, millions more Americans now have health insurance. Auto mileage standards are higher than ever, which may make a lasting effect on improving our environment. Bin Laden is dead. All of these achievements are even more remarkable when one considers the obstruction President Obama faced from the Republican Congress whose stated mission was to oppose the President at all costs. These "leaders" knew that Obama's vision of the country was one of post-partisanship, post-discrimination, post-fill-in-the-blank. If they could just prove that his vision was wrong, they knew that they could defuse his mandate and create a sense of cynicism in the American public. That they succeeded in this mission explains so much about the turn to populism that our country now faces. Let it be said - no, let it be screamed from the mountaintops - that the Republicans will own the havoc that will be wreaked in the next five years. They were enablers, appeasers, and villains.

Rather than merely hold these people in contempt, it is our job to speak up, to protest, to make our voices heard at the ballot box. There is no room for violence despite the fierce urgency of now. My hope is that the greatest movement for resistance will be created in this country and that we will win our country back through our words, deeds, and votes. Join in! The ride will be so much better with you along.

COMMONWEALTH

Sometimes a book comes along that really grabs you with its characters and its story. "Commonwealth" by Ann Patchett is one of those books.

I have loved Ann Patchett's writing ever since I read "Run," but "Commonwealth" is truly her finest. The books tells the story of two families thrown together by the infidelity of the mom of family #1 and the dad of family #2. Along the way, the children experience the fallout of this "shotgun" marriage, and their lives are changed in drastic ways.

At its core, "Commonwealth" is about disruption, disorder, and the messiness that comes with being in a family. Apparently this book was based on Patchett's own experiences, but the books resonates with anyone who has experienced messy, drawn-out family experiences. The adage "one cannot live without family, but one cannot live with family" is certainly an apt description for the book, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.