41.  But for most winter sports teams, skipping the better part of a World Cup season in an Olympic year would be devastating to their preparation.

42.  But for many parents, there was no way to keep children unaware of an incident that dominated the news for the better part of the week.

43.  But Glavine, who along with John Smoltz and Greg Maddux have been the heart of this team for the better part of the decade, wanted to continue.

44.  But he spent a better part of the day defending and explaining his position on gays in the military.

45.  But it was probably the better part of valor for Lukas to avoid the Cigar that dominated the Woodward.

46.  But McGwire had his physical problems, too, most notably heel injuries that robbed him of the better part of two seasons.

47.  But more impressive is the fact that he missed the better part of three days of practice because of his class load.

48.  But it took Carrasco the better part of one year to get from filling out a Habitat application to choosing tile and carpeting.

49.  But the better part of the season still is ahead.

50.  But the better part of valor is to sand anyway.