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.