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Valentine's Day thoughts while waiting for my SI Swimsuit Issue with Beyonce on the cover...
(I'm sorry: BEYONCE! ON! THE! COVER! This is the most inspired cover choice that SI has ever made. And I'm not talking about Swimsuit Issues. I'm talking about any issue EVER.)
This is one of the most loaded days of news in a while. And certainly packed for a random Wednesday in February. Good thing I'm a shut-in from the NYC sleet today:
College Hoops Top-Ranked Insanity! Here's the catchphrase from last night: "Forget what you knew."
What do you think about No. 4 UNC, now that they lost (at home!) to Virginia Tech? (That makes the Heels 0-2 against the Hokies this season.)
And what do you think about No. 6 Texas A&M, now that they lost (at home!) to Texas Tech? (How about that finish by Tech? No timeouts! Note to micro-managing coaches: That's the way it should be.)
Did you have either team temporarily penciled in as a potential Final Four choice on your bracket? Don't (over-)think about last night too much...
"Pitchers and Catchers report": There might not be a four-word phrase in sports that evokes so much excitement and hope. (Wait... I think I've got a competitor: "Gentlemen, start your engines.")
Wow, who ISN'T a Chargers coaching candidate? (Well, let's see: The former offensive and defensive coordinators, for starters. And then there's Pete Carroll.)
Are the Texans ready to trade David Carr? If that's the case, then passing on Vince Young will loom – in hindsight – as a much bigger draft-day bungle than passing on Reggie Bush.
I'm trying to figure out why the Cowboys would interview a
Tiki Barber was making news (not reporting it) less than a day into his retirement: He seemed to imply that Tom Coughlin drove him into retirement with his insane ways.
(Smooth move by Tiki to pivot the myth of his early retirement as someone else's fault... and, with Coughlin's rep, it's an easy concept for fans to buy into.)
I don't understand the massive NASCAR crackdown on all those crew chiefs, but the upshot seems to me that the sport has proportionately more cheaters, per team, than either the NFL or MLB.
NBA: The Knicks beat the Lakers, to match last year's victory total in close to 30 fewer games. As I said yesterday: Isiah Thomas for Coach of the (Mid-) Year is NOT as crazy a notion as I was getting hammered for in the Comments section.
You know what? Screw Isiah and the Knicks: Let me point out an even more respectable "compared-to-last-year-" milestone: The Raptors have now won one more game than in all of last season, beating the Bulls for their 9th win in the last 11 games.
The Raps are the Pleasant Surprise of the (Mid-)Year, and I should have given Sam Mitchell more love for Coach of the (Mid-)Year.
If the season ended today, not only would the Raptors be in the playoffs, but they would have home-court advantage in the first round... against the Bulls.
Mark down Feb. 13: The Heat got back to .500. Pat Riley is ready to re-join the team. And they're going to not only win the East, but repeat as champs.
NBA Trade Deadline coming: The Sixers reportedly won't trade Andre Miller, which is a good thing, because they'll want a classic point guard to get the ball to Oden, Durant or the other big man they draft.
AI to miss All-Star Game: Ray Allen was named his replacement (Okur was named replacement for Steve Nash. Hardly an even swap.) MJD over at NBA Fanhouse points out that this adds to the projected shittiness of the game.
Gilbert Arenas Detail of the Day: He has made up 100 All-Star jerseys with "Agent Zero" on the back to give away to fans in the arena on Sunday. But way cooler: He says he is thinking about wearing one of them himself in the game. It's a perfect symbol for the spice Arenas has added to this season. The NBA needs to embrace that. (Come on: It's the All-Star Game!)
College Hoops Tonight: Could Duke lose FIVE STRAIGHT ACC GAMES?! With a game at ACC-leading B.C. (still underrated at No. 21), the answer is resoundingly yes.
The NCAA Tournament Selection honcho said that last year's mid-major madness won't affect this year's selections. I'm not sure that should be the case: After all, the "power conferences" annually enjoy the benefits of "reputation picks."
But he also correctly pointed out that the muddle in the middle of the power-conference pack (and the craziness on the edge of the bubble right now) should make conference tournaments this year's X-factor.
In previous years, that X-factor has been RPI and strength of schedule. It'll be cool to have it come down to winning games when it matters and should give the power-conference tournaments the intensity of the national tournament.
MLB: The league is 4-0 in arbitration cases. I always wondered if players who lose arbitration get bitter and drop their intensity. (Or do they work even harder to make the team pay more in the long run?)
Here's what I should have noted about Carlos Zambrano's contract expectations: Given what has been dished out on the open market (by his own team, no less), how much would Z be worth on the open market? Because I can't think of an NL pitcher who should command more money.
Thoughts and prayers with the two
In honor of Valentine's Day, I'm looking for your (non-sexual) athlete man-crushes (or woman-crushes). And I'm not talking about "Wow, I'd love to hit it with Danica Patrick." I'm talking about "Yes, I admit my (non-sexual) man-crush on Gilbert Arenas."


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subset: commoncrawl


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WASHINGTON — The number of Americans buying new homes plummeted in March to the slowest pace in eight months, a sign that real estate's spring buying season is off to a weak start.
The Commerce Department said Wednesday that sales of new homes declined 14.5 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 384,000. That was the second straight monthly decline and the lowest rate since July 2013.
Sales plunged in the Midwest, South and West in March. But they rebounded in the Northeast, where snowstorms in previous months curtailed purchases.
New-home sales have declined 13.3 percent over the past 12 months.
"Our core view is that the housing market has stalled and won't contribute" to overall economic growth this year, said Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.
Rising home prices have caused some buyers to back off at the lower end of the market, while new-home buyers at the top continue to buy. As a result, median sales prices jumped 12.6 percent during the past month to $290,000.
Home sales usually improve with the start of the spring. More would-be buyers venture to open houses. Families with children often begin to look for homes so that they can move once the school year ends.
Builders anticipated a snap back with the warmer weather. There were 193,000 new homes for sale at the end of the month, about 39,000 more than the same period last month.
Several other indicators also show that housing activity was muted last month.
The National Association of Realtors said Tuesday that sales of existing homes edged down 0.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.59 million. It was the seventh drop in the past eight months.
Sales have fallen, in part, because few homes are for sale. There is a 5.2-month supply of existing homes on the market, much less than the 6-month level seen in healthier markets. More construction is needed to boost the supply, the Realtors' group argues.
But the improvement in building has been slight.
Builders started work on 946,000 homes at a seasonally adjusted annual rate in March, up 2.8 percent from 920,000 in February, the Commerce Department said last week. Those figures include both single-family homes and rental properties. Applications for permits, a gauge of future activity, fell 2.4 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 990,000.
The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index was 47 in April. Readings below 50 indicate that more builders view sales conditions as poor rather than good.
Sales have also been modest because of affordability issues.
Rising prices over the past year and higher mortgage rates have made it harder for many Americans to afford a home. Real estate data provider CoreLogic says home prices rose 12.2 percent in the past year. Wage growth last year failed to keep pace with the higher buying costs.
The average rate on a 30-year mortgage was 4.27 percent last week. Rates surged about 1.25 percentage points from May through September, peaking at 4.6 percent. Those increases began after the Federal Reserve signaled that it would begin to pull back from its bond-buying program.
Those Fed bond purchases were designed to keep long-term interest rates low to spur more borrowing and boost economic growth. Since December, the Fed has reduced the size of its monthly purchases to $55 billion from $85 billion.
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If there's ever been a presidential debate with as much news happening in the hours leading up to the event, it's hard to remember when.
In just a few hours' time, we've learned that Texas Gov. Rick Perry dropped out of the race and endorsed Newt Gingrich; that Rick Santorum may actually have won the Iowa caucuses; that Gingrich's second wife alleged he demanded an open marriage so she could share him with Callista, wife No. 3, and that the same Gingrich was apparently closing the gap in polls in South Carolina and nationally.
That would be a lot to digest in a week, and yet it all happened within hours of the debate in Charleston, S.C., to be shown by CNN starting at 8 p.m. EST Thursday. The debate is sponsored by the Southern Republican Leadership Conference, among others.
Perry's departure leaves just four candidates on the debate stage, Mitt Romney, Gingrich, Santorum and Rep. Ron Paul of Texas. That's both good and bad news for the candidates.
It's certainly a positive in that it gives each of them more time to deliver their by now well-honed campaign themes and to throw rhetorical darts at their rivals.
The dart-throwing part also explains why it's bad. There will be more time for each candidate to squirm by questions put to him by either his rivals or the journalists serving as inquisitors.
Here's just some of what the candidates will have to contend with in a debate that has the potential to produce some real political fireworks because of all the news beforehand, the reduced number of participants and the fact that it's the final debate before what's widely viewed as the most significant test yet of the Republican candidates in the 2012 presidential cycle.
Romney — The former Massachusetts governor is sure to be asked about the 15 percent tax rate he has admitted to paying on much of his income. A likely question: How does he explain the fairness of a system in which he pays a 15 percent federal rate as a superwealthy investor with assets estimated at $250 million while a middle-income plumber pays upwards of twice Romney's rate?
Romney also will no doubt be asked about the ABC News report that he has parked some of his wealth in offshore accounts in the Cayman Islands, a tactic that has long been used by the rich hoping to avoid taxes.
Speaking of taxes, Romney is also sure to be pressed on releasing his tax returns. With one of his most important political allies, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, saying he should release them sooner rather later, the pressure is mounting on Romney to release them before April, when he suggests he might do so, and to release his returns for 10 years or more.
Romney is also likely to be asked about his apparent loss in the Iowa caucuses that officially had been, until Thursday, a narrow, eight-vote win. It turns out that he didn't make history after all, because he didn't win in both Iowa — where he wasn't expected to — and New Hampshire, where he was. Was it a mistake for him to make too much of Iowa when the race was so close to begin with?
Romney has an interesting choice to make in terms of how he deals with his rivals. In many debates, he has acted like the eventual GOP nominee, aiming his attacks mainly at President Obama.
Does he continue that tack tonight? Or does he try to damage both Gingrich, who has been gaining in the polls, and Santorum, who has gotten the support of national evangelical Christian leaders?
Gingrich — Where do we start? Gingrich is sure to be questioned about the accusation from his second wife, Marianne Gingrich, that in 1999 he asked her for an open marriage so he could keep her and his extramarital inamorata, now third wife, Callista, in his life.
How does that comport with a candidate who professes to be pro-family, he will very likely be asked, or some variation of that.
There are two Gingriches who could answer that question. The first is the vinegary, condescending, self-righteous one who would use the opportunity afforded by that question to engage in media bashing. That Gingrich isn't attractive to independent voters, though he does appeal to raw-meat conservatives.
The second Gingrich is the contrite one who has sometimes explained that he has asked his Maker for forgiveness and is now a grandfather and a better man.
Since Gingrich's problem is making voters see him as being presidential timber, the second Gingrich might be the better choice in terms of swaying those voters who have their doubts.
Thursday night will be Gingrich's last chance, at least on a debate stage, to pull down Romney before the South Carolina primary Saturday. So it would be a surprise if he pulled his punches and didn't go after Romney once again on his days at Bain Capital.
Santorum -- The former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania was fairly feisty at Monday night's debate, and that was before Iowa officials said he had actually received 34 more votes than Romney in the caucuses.
The delayed announcement should have Santorum leaning aggressively forward even more as he attempts to rattle Romney and demonstrate why he and not Romney or Gingrich is the true conservative choice in the race.
Santorum has a problem not unlike Gingrich's, however. No, not the open-marriage thing but the presidential thing. He'll be standing onstage with Romney, who, many voters say — despite all their doubts about him — looks like a president.
Can Santorum do anything tonight to make himself appear more presidential? That remains one of his biggest challenges.
Paul — The Texas congressman has perhaps the most loyal base of supporters of any of the remaining Republican presidential candidates.
But the debates have showcased some of his views on national security and foreign policy that are clearly out of step with Republican Party orthodoxy. That makes it no easy task to come up with a scenario whereby he would become his party's nominee.
Still, Paul can be a factor in Thursday night's debate by highlighting the weaknesses from a conservative perspective of each of his remaining candidates as he has in earlier debates and in TV ads.
Because Paul's supporters are so loyal and are quick to take exception to real or perceived slights of their candidate, it presents his rivals with a dilemma. Do they counterattack against his attacks on them and possibly alienate his supporters? Or do they just frown and change the subject as soon as they have the chance to?
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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Staging of material
Most paver projects will vary depending on access, site conditions, project size and of course, the weather. These situations can have an overall impact on your project from a timing stand point. Careful consideration should be taken to determine the time to start the paver installation. Always try to minimize or avoid any traffic on the prepared areas.
The foreman or project manager should always have the materials (sand / pavers) distributed around the project site for easy and efficient installations. Paver pallets/bundles should be placed in a manner not to interfere with the paver installation. The proper pallet/bundle placement can make the actual project installation easier and quicker by reducing the overall labor of handling the material.
Brick paver patterns
Pavers can be placed in many different patterns depending on their shape. Each paver shape will generally have several different hatch patterns that are provided by the manufacturer.
The laying pattern and shape of the paver is very critical to the performance of the application. Contractors need to take into consideration the traffic weight loads on their paver projects. 90 or 45 degree herringbone patterns are recommended in all street and driveway applications, as these patterns will provide the maximum load support needed and will resist creeping from the turning of tires and starting or braking of vehicular traffic. In most applications worldwide, it has been shown that pavers laid in a herringbone pattern have performed adequately.
Pavers that are 60 mm (2 – 3/8 in) thickness are suitable for pedestrian applications. Pavers that are going to be used in commercial or industrial applications should be 80 mm (3 – 1/8 in) in thickness.
Reference/starting point for brick paver installation
There are a number of conditions that determine the starting point of a paver project.
When starting to install pavers it is best to snap a true straight chalk line on the surface of the bedding sand or pull a true straight string line above the surface of the bedding sand at the finished elevation of the pavers. This will help as a guide for maintaining straight joint lines and will also allow the installer to make adjustments in the alignment of the pavers.
Buildings and concrete curbing are generally not straight and should not be used for establishing straight joint lines. The use of string lines is essential to determine the true straightness of the edge as well. As the paver installation progresses, the string lines will help minimize the need for small trim pieces.
Joint width between pavers should be between 1/16 and 3/16 in (2 and 5 mm ). There are some pavers with spacer bars on their sides. These will maintain a minimum joint width and allow the bedding and jointing sand to enter between each paver. Pavers with spacer bars are generally not laid in snug against each other since a string line will provide consistent joint spacing.
Installation of brick pavers
One of the most widely used methods for the installation of pavers is hand installation of each paver. It is best to install a single row of pavers along one of the true straight lines that you have pulled or above the bedding sand. This will give you a straight and true line off which to work. Once this row is established, you can continue to work outward into the field with the rest of the pavers. Always make sure to periodically check your joint lines to make sure they are true and straight. If not, adjustments to the pavers can be made as you continue installing. Pavers should be installed hand tight. The best method is to place a paver against another one and let it slide down into the bedding sand. Do not kick or tap the pavers into place as this can throw your lines out of true straightness.
When installing pavers on a steep grade, they should be installed at the base of the grade going uphill. This will prevent the pavers from creeping as they are being laid.
On large commercial and industrial applications, hand laying pavers would not be cost effective due to the labor intensity. The best way for installing pavers on large projects is to install them mechanically. The use of a mechanical laying machine can install approximately 6000 – 7000 sq ft a day. There are a couple items a contractor should consider before installing pavers mechanically:
1.) Mechanical installers are only capable of installing pavers in certain patterns.
2.) The contractor must make sure that the manufacturer is capable of manufacturing and bundling pavers in the desired pattern on the pallets for easy mechanical installation.
3.) Contractors may encounter a color blending situation coming off the bundles of pavers. Poor color blending could result in a patchy looking installation. Most manufacturers are consistent with color blending on each bundle of pavers, but it is the contractor's responsibility to ensure proper blending in the field.
Cutting procedures for brick pavers
Contractors typically have two ways of cutting pavers. Pavers are cut either by 1). A double bladed guillotine or by 2). A gas powered cut off saw or brick saw which is equipped with a diamond blade. The diamond blade cut-off saw or brick saw will provide a much cleaner and more accurate cut. Most brick saws will have a hose attachment on them which will allow the operator to cut the pavers wet. When cutting pavers wet, it will help minimize dust and will prolong the diamond blades life as well. The operator of the brick saw should always cut the pavers away from the surface of the paver field when cutting wet, due to the fact that the pavers will create a slurry that will stain the paver surface. Pavers that are cut should not fit tight, sufficient spacing should be available for jointing sand.
The brick saw operator should always wear the proper protection that is needed for operating a saw, such as eye, ear, respiratory and hand protection ).
Edging types
Edge restraints play a major role in the overall success of an interlocking pavement installation. Edging restraints eliminate lateral movement of the pavers and hold the pavers tightly together. Especially at the outer perimeter of the paver application, without an edging restraint, your project is guaranteed to fail over time.
There are several different edging restraints from which contractors can choose. Typically manufactured edge restraints are the most commonly used by contractors. Manufactured edging restraints can range from, plastic edging, steel and aluminum, timbers or precast concrete and stone. An edging type that is used primarily in commercial and industrial applications is poured-in-place concrete curbs. This edging restraint is typically installed by other contractors.
Edging installation
When installing your edge restraint, it should rest directly on top of the compacted gravel base. The compacted gravel base course should extend a minimum of 6in beyond the perimeter of the pavers. This will provide a proper foundation upon which the edging restraint can sit. Manufactured edging ( i.E. Plastic, steel or aluminum ) should be firmly anchored into the compacted gravel base( check with the manufacturer's literature for the recommended spacing of the spikes). There are some edging restraints that will extend deeper into the gravel base or beyond the base course ( i.E. Timbers or poured-in-place curbs ). Edging restraints should never be placed directly on top of the bedding sand. This could result in the migration of the bedding sand and eventual lateral movement of the pavers. If there is a possibility of losing bedding sand between the pavers and the edge restraint, then geo textile fabric is recommended. When a gap between the pavers and the edging exceeds 3/8″ (10mm), then the space should be filled with cut pavers. All edging applications should be properly back filled after they are installed to help provide additional stability.
Compaction of brick pavers
After installation, the pavers need to be compacted. The entire area that is to be compacted should be swept clean of any foreign objects and debris that can cause scratching or scuffing on the surface of the pavers.
It is important to have a compactor that can exert between 3000lbs. And 5000 lbs. Of centrifugal compaction force. In addition, it is important that the first compaction takes place before any jointing sand has been applied to the pavers. If jointing sand is applied to the pavers before compaction takes place, this can cause a bridging problem and will not allow the joints to be completely filled with jointing sand. This can also prevent the pavers from being properly set into the bedding sand.
When compacting the pavers, it is recommended that you make at least two passes in different directions across the pavers. This will allow the pavers to be properly set in the bedding sand and will force the bedding sand up into the joints from the bottom of the pavers.
The compaction of the pavers is very critical to the final performance of the pavers. Failure to do proper compaction can result in deformations and pavement failure over time.


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Mariners - 100 000 030 - 4 11 1 Red Sox - 101 000 50x - 7 13 0Boston broke through with five runs in the seventh off Felix Hernandez (6.1-11-6-4-2, 117) and reliever Jeff Gray. Adrian Gonzalez drove in two runs with a bases-loaded single and Kevin Youkilis and David Ortiz followed with run-scoring hits.
John Lackey (7-8-1-0-4, 101) shook off a shaky first inning and cruised through the next six innings, allowing only five Mariners to reach safely; none of them passed second base. (In the first, Ichiro Suzuki singled on Lackey's first pitch, stole second on his second pitch, and stole third on his third pitch. Fuck the heck, indeed. Lackey allowed two additional hits in the inning and stranded runners at first and third.)
Dustin Pedroia was 3-for-3 (he walked and scored in the seventh), extending his hitting streak to 19 games. Jacoby Ellsbury (home run, single, 2 runs) and Youkilis (single, double, 2 RBI) each had two hits. Every starter had at least one hit. The seventh-inning explosion was especially welcome as the Red Sox had hit into four double plays in the first six innings, three of which had ended innings (2nd, 3rd, 5th).
Boston's lead was cut to 7-4 after Franklin Morales gave up a three-run home run to Mike Carp, but Daniel Bard put out the fire by getting the third out in the eighth with a man on second. Jonathan Papelbon needed only seven pitches to get three outs in the ninth.
Felix Hernandez / John Lackey
The Mariners have lost 12 straight games; at the same time, the first-place Rangers won 11 in a row, so Seattle dropped nine games in the standings (3.5 GB to 12.5 GB) in 11 days (I ignored the ASB in counting.). Seattle has scored only 27 runs in those 12 games*, batting .208, with a .532 OPS.
* - In the first nine games of the losing streak, the Mariners scored 11 runs (0, 1, 3, 3, 2, 0, 0, 1, 1), batting .179 and slugging .210.
For the season, they are averaging 3.2 runs per game with a batting line of .223/.288/.329, a pathetic showing that would be below average for much of the Deadball Era. ... So, no excuses tonight, Lackey.
Pawtucket catcher Ryan Lavarnway has been destroying AAA pitching. Over a 10-game stretch (July 7-19), Lavarnway batted .526 (20-for-38) with five doubles and six home runs (1.713 OPS)! In 34 games since being promoted to Pawtucket on June 13, Lavarnway is hitting .377. He will likely be called up in September.
July 22, 1939: In the top of the seventh inning, Boston Bees catcher Al Lopez drops his second pop-up of the day; it's also Boston's seventh error. A fan named Ferdinand Brabant, 38, yells at Lopez, who promptly challenges him to a fight. Brabant comes out of the stands and runs towards Lopez, but is stopped by some other players before he can get a punch in. According to Brabant's account, he goes back to his seat and is not arrested until the game is over!
AL East: Athletics/Yankees at 7 PM and Rays/Royals at 8 PM.


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Home page
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ORLANDO, Fla. — Tiger Woods is back to No. 1 in the world with a game that looks as good as ever.
Woods walked off the 18th green Monday waving his putter over his head — his magic wand this week at Bay Hill — to acknowledge the fans who have seen this act before. He won the Arnold Palmer Invitational for the eighth time to tie a PGA Tour record that had not been touched in 48 years.
This win had extra significance. It returned Woods to the top of the world ranking for the first time since the final week of October 2010, the longest spell of his career.
"It's a byproduct of hard work, patience and getting back to winning golf tournaments," he said.
Woods never let anyone closer than two shots in the final round at Bay Hill that was delayed one day by storms. With a conservative bogey he could afford on the last hole, he closed with a 2-under 70 for a two-shot win over Justin Rose.
Next up is the Masters, where Woods will try to end his five-year drought in the majors.
Woods fell as low as No. 58 in the world as he coped with a crisis in his personal life and injuries to his left leg. One week after he announced he was dating Olympic ski champion Lindsey Vonn, Woods celebrated his third win of the season, and his sixth going back to Bay Hill a year ago.
"Number 1 !!!!!!!!!!!!!" Vonn tweeted moments after his win.
Like so many other victories, this one was never really close.
Rickie Fowler pulled to within two shots with a 25-foot birdie putt on the 14th hole, but after he and Woods made bogey on the 15th, Fowler went at the flag on the par-5 16th and came up a few yards short and into the water. Fowler put another ball into the water and made triple bogey.
"I was swinging it well. I made a few putts, and trying to put a little pressure on them, let them know I was there," Fowler said. "Just would like to have that 7-iron back on 16. Just kind of a touch heavy."
Woods played it safe on the 18th, and nearly holed a 75-foot par putt that even drew a big smile from the tournament host.
Woods tied the tour record of eight wins in a single tournament. Sam Snead won the Greater Greensboro Open eight times from 1938 to 1965 at two golf courses. Woods tied his record for most wins at a single golf course, having also won eight times at Torrey Pines, including a U.S. Open.
"I don't really see anybody touching it for a long time," Palmer said while Woods made his way up the 18th fairway. "I had the opportunity to win a tournament five times, and I knew how difficult that was."
Rose, who played the first two rounds with Woods, closed with a 70 to finish alone in second.
He pulled to within two shots of Woods with a birdie on the 16th. Woods was in the group behind him in the fairway bunker on the par 5, and hit 8-iron over the water and onto the middle of the green for a two-putt birdie to restore his margin.
"He plays every shot like he plays them on Sunday," Rose said. "His intensity is the same on Thursday often as it is on Sunday, and that makes Sunday a lot less different for him. He plays in that kind of atmosphere far more regularly than a lot of guys do, and it's an adjustment for most of us. It's a known for him."
Fowler had to settle for a 73 and a tie for third with Mark Wilson (71), Keegan Bradley (71) and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano (72).
Rory McIlroy had been No. 1 since he won the PGA Championship last August. He can reclaim the No. 1 ranking by winning the Houston Open this week. Woods heads home to south Florida for two weeks before the Masters.
Asked the last time he felt this good going to Augusta National, Woods replied, "It's been a few years."
This was the fourth time in his career that he already had three PGA Tour wins before the Masters — he didn't win a green jacket in any of the previous years (2000, 2003 and 2008). More telling, perhaps, is that Woods has won back-to-back starts for the first time since the Buick Open and Bridgestone Invitational in August 2009.
"I think it shows that my game is consistent," he said. "It's at a high level."
Woods finished at 13-under 275 and won for the 77th time on the PGA Tour, moving to within five of Snead's record.
Fowler, his first time playing with Woods in the final group, opened with eight pars when he needed to be making up ground. And when he finally had a few openings on the back nine, Woods refused to let him through.
Woods salvaged a two-putt par with a 7-footer on the 11th hole to keep a three-shot lead. On the next hole, Fowler looked to gain some momentum when he made a 40-foot birdie putt. Woods answered with a 25-foot birdie putt. Fowler was standing off the green when Woods made it, and turned with the slightest smile on his face as if to say, "What can you do?"
The answer at the moment: Not much.
Woods produced some absurd statistics with the putter this week, making 19 of 28 putts from between 7 feet and 20 feet.
He walked off the green to share a handshake with Palmer, along with a big smile and some words that Woods said were best kept private. He left the course in that familiar blue blazer that goes to the winner.
And he left as the No. 1 player in the world. It's the 11th time that Woods has gone back to No. 1, tied with Greg Norman since the ranking began in 1986. Still to be determined is how long Woods stays there this time.
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Wednesday, January 23, 2008
'Til We Meet Again, Juju
Although Mimi's updates bring me to tears, they also inspire me. Hug your kids and say a prayer for all those little ones who are hurting, suffering from cancer and other illnesses.
"She crumbles on to the bathroom floor, an unbelievable pain in her chest... What just happened? She is bleeding. She places her shaky hands on her heart ,expecting to feel blood flowing through her fingers. She looked down at them , NOTHING... The hole in her heart, the incredible pain, the deep sense of drifting away, it was all about HIS death... She is hurting beyond words...How can she explain? No one understands. Alone, on her bathroom floor, she is lost... Never will she hold him too tight again, never again will she kiss his mouth, never will she feel the weight of his little bald head on her chest and never will she have the taste of his tears on her lips... "I want him back" She cries desperately "I want him back, PLEASE GOD" She gets up and gets in the shower, lets the burning hot water run on her face. Maybe it will wash away the tears, maybe even it will take care of the cruel pain ...Maybe when she is done, things will be fixed and will be back to normal... She gets dressed, looks at herself in the mirror and thinks "who is this person? " Dark circles, a few more wrinkles, red, swollen eyes... It didn't go away, this is our normal from now on, our normal life now is us without him... Out the door, she hears the laughter of her boys. One is missing... But they are laughing still... If they can laugh, why couldn't she? If they can play and smile, she can still hug and love them, forever , because she is their mother , simply because they are part of her just as he was, just as he still is... By the grace of God, She still smiles, by the grace of God, she will keep on. The bathroom floor will still be her refuge, but as long as the laughter rings behind the door, she will always get back up..."
60 comments:
prayers for julian & family...
- January 24, 2008 at 12:06 PM
- Unknown said...
Dawn - thank you so much for bringing Julian into our lives. I've had such a hard time going to his care page and reading the updates because it affects me so greatly but you have kept us all updated here. I can't imagine losing a child and being as strong as Mimi has been. Since reading Julian's story I hug my children a little tighter and longer and I've learned to appreciate them so much more. Thank you so much and as they have throughout this journey, my thoughts are with Julian's family for their strength and healing.
- January 24, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Dawn, thank you for introducing me to Julian and Mimi. I only wished I could have met them sooner. I just found your blog last night and in turn Mimi's. I read the entire blog on care pages from start to finish last night. Even knowing the outcome, I couldn't stop reading and hoping for a happier ending. Mimi is a very inspiring woman and Juju is am amazing little boy. My thoughts are with them and you and all those who knew Julian personally. Take care
- January 24, 2008 at 12:28 PM
I lost my daughter to Brain Cancer 2 and a half years ago. Reading that brought it all back. Please pass on my prays and thoughts to Mimi. Please let her know that yes there are others who know. If she ever needs an ear give her my email.
- January 24, 2008 at 12:39 PM
- Tarasview said...
heartbreaking... it brought tears to my eyes. No mother should ever have to say good bye to her child.
- January 24, 2008 at 12:40 PM
- Just Me said...
My heart broke as I read this... beyond words.
- January 24, 2008 at 12:42 PM
- Lucydolls' ramblings said...
Thank you for sharing this family with us. I have read the post with tears. 8 years ago, I went through the same thing with my 4 almost 5 year old son. Mimi described the pain exactly. Lean on Jesus!!! That is what I can say. He will carry you through it, even tho' it seems impossible at times.
Again thank you for sharing! - January 24, 2008 at 1:15 PM
- Shauna said...
Thanks Dawn for introducing me to Mimi and Julian. I've been following the updates on carepages, and feel like they are a part of my heart. I have wept and grieved with them all. I, too, posted a special thing in honor of JuJu and Mimi, on this toughest of days. I've been praying and will continue to. Mimi's faith and raw honesty has touched me deeply and reminded me to hug my boys tighter and longer. To enjoy each minute God grants me with them.
- January 24, 2008 at 1:33 PM
Oh, Mimi, I'm so sorry for you!
- January 24, 2008 at 1:38 PM
- Carla said...
My heart is breaking but I am also loving Jesus more and more by watching Mimi cling to Him.
- January 24, 2008 at 1:51 PM
- MaNiC MoMMy™ said...
Dawn, you wrote that part, the part of how you imagine Mimi to be in the bathroom? I see it that way too. You describe it perfectly. Sadly, but beautiful. I think of her at night when I tuck my kids in at bed and my face has just crumpled into a mass of tears right this moment. Poor, poor Mimi. Blessed little Julian. God bless their whole family.
- January 24, 2008 at 2:53 PM
- MaNiC MoMMy™ said...
Or maybe that's Mimi's description of what she's going through but she cannot write it in first person. I understand.
- January 24, 2008 at 2:54 PM
- debi9kids said...
Thank you so much for sharing. You are right, she makes you absolutely FEEL all she is feeling and my heart breaks for her.
What a sad day... - January 24, 2008 at 2:58 PM
- AutoSysGene said...
I can't even imagine being this strong. My prayers go out to Mimi and her family.
- January 24, 2008 at 3:21 PM
- Lois said...
Smiling and laughing will seem odd for awhile. That's normal. It will come with time. Much love to Mimi and to all who have lost a child. Faith in the Lord is marvelous and his ever present help is real!
- January 24, 2008 at 3:40 PM
I've been keeping up with Julian's carepage for a while now and though I never got to meet the little guy in person - how he has touched my heart forever. I've cried many times thinking of Julian and his family, its so depressing - how could anyone handle going through that. Mimi is an amazing woman. Thanks for sharing Juju with us.
- January 24, 2008 at 3:46 PM
- stuffie said...
Thank you Dawn, for sharing this painful journey with us all. A look into her private hell and incrediable strength amazes me. I send her my prayers and my thoughts. And this whole process makes me greatful for what is important, when you can loose sight of it in the day to day mom-dom. Hugs to Mimi and family.
- January 24, 2008 at 3:52 PM
I too found Julian through your blog and thank you for that. I have no children (God is wise and knows who not to give them to) and though I have never met the family, I grieve along with them. I wore yellow today in honor of Julian who was certainly taken too soon.
What amazes me the most is Mimi only posted what seemed like anger once. She posted her heart wrenching pain in this last post. She never cursed God once. That is a testament to her faith and love of both Julian and God. She knows that Julian is pain free now and a healthy and whole little boy that she will see again someday. God will see her through this pain and all the firsts that will be painful this coming year. She took great care of God's creation - Julian- while he was on loan before being needed back in heaven. - January 24, 2008 at 4:03 PM
My prayers are with Julian's family. I lost my second baby girl at only 9 days old almost 5 years ago. The pain never completely goes away but eases as time passes. Julian is now an angel in heaven with my Mindy Grace and is no longer suffering here on earth. May God bring peace and comfort to Julian's family.
- January 24, 2008 at 4:03 PM
Dear Dawn,
I am also just one of MANY people that have been touched by Julian and his sweet mama, Mimi. I am so grateful that you brought the Avery family into all of our lives. Thank you!
I want to encourage all of your blog readers to stay committed to praying for the Avery family over the next months and possibly years. I can not even fathom the physical pain as well as the heart ache that this family is now experiencing. I am a firm believer in the power of prayer. I believe that we could help carry this sweet family's burden by praying for them EVERYDAY.
Your blog is a blessing, thanks!
Lisa, San Antonio, Texas - January 24, 2008 at 4:22 PM
- Dr. Bob said...
My heart just breaks for this family -- and all of the families who have to watch their children struggle with things too big for such little people.
I am praying for Julian's family and am taking an extra moment to be grateful that I don't have to be that strong. - January 24, 2008 at 4:24 PM
- You May Be A Bariatric Patient If said...
I'm praying for Mimi and her family. Julian is in his hands now. We went thru this 4 years ago with our youngest. I can feel the pain she's going through and relate. Thank you for sharing this w/us all.
Kristin - January 24, 2008 at 5:36 PM
- ♥Shally said...
Wow. This brought me to tears.
Thanks for sharing. - January 24, 2008 at 5:46 PM
- Unknown said...
Mimi's strength amazes me, I am praying for her strength and her belief to carry her and her family through.
- January 24, 2008 at 6:44 PM
- Sherry said...
I also want to thank you for introducing me to Julian and Mimi. And through them I have learned about Quinn, Coleman, Chase, Derek, and the list goes on. The list is way too long. By way of your blog, I have also learned about little Ethan. I have learned through all of them to appreciate my children so much more, to touch them, feel them breathe, listen to their heartbeat, hold them close.
I have wondered at some point if Mimi might be interested in getting published. You might be able to introduce her writings to your Guideposts friends. But that's down the road. Just thinking. - January 24, 2008 at 7:03 PM
There are no words for things like this...only tears, hugs and hope.
~~ - January 24, 2008 at 7:04 PM
- Cheryl said...
Mimi is truly an inspiration. My heart aches for her and her family every time I read one of her updates. I posted about Julian on my blog, and finally figured out how to get Mimi's video on there. I can't watch and listen to it without sobbing hysterically by the end. What a sweet, beautiful little boy! God speed, little man. Fly high with the angels. You've earned your wings.
- January 24, 2008 at 7:30 PM
- roseys madhouse said...
MY tears from reading this and your updates have been flowing freely. My prayers are with them and also I know that Julian is now a happier little boy running free with God. I hug my children tighter since being touched by Julian and his family and hoping that we dont have to go through what they have gone through.
- January 24, 2008 at 7:31 PM
evey day i would read juju's updates & how every day was a miracle he was here. i did pray for him that GOd would take him home with little pain . i prayed for his mommy because no mommy should see their child suffer & then wither away to nothing .
I know that he is in heaven now & that he is free & with God.
Now i pray for his mommy bcause she needs the prayers now her & the family . im praying that she will be able to get through this.
when i hug my children i think of her.
I know she is a strong woman because God does not give you more than you can handle .
im glad she has this much support from all of us who are crying along with each other as we read these posts.... - January 24, 2008 at 7:36 PM
I have just started reading King Julian's carepages. I have not finished all the postings yet. I was wondering what was the meaning behind everyone wearing yellow?? My heart broke for them Saturday night when I got home and read her post. I have three children and can't begin to imagine what they are going through. - January 24, 2008 at 8:40 PM
- Ginny Clark said...
Dawn, like many of your readers I met Mimi and JuJu through you. Thank you for helping to bring them into my life. The tears haven't stopped since last weekend, I have sat at my computer unable to see the screen yet I force myself to keep reading.
I too wore Yellow today, and at 11am Texas time I stopped and said a prayer for the Avery family, asking God for strength for them. I then called my 12 year old son away from the table (we homeschool) and just hugged him. we took the day off of school and just played hooky together.
again Dawn, thank you for bringing this wonderful family into my life.
proud mama of my preteen
Ginny - January 24, 2008 at 9:22 PM
- Unknown said...
My baby died in a car accident when she was 25. That bathroom floor piece really touched me, it expressed a mother's grief so well! Thank you for sharing Mimi and Julian with us.
- January 24, 2008 at 9:28 PM
One of my kindergarten students was killed in a tragic accident 2 years ago today. She had just turned 6. I managed to make it through the anniversary today just to come home and read about Julian's funeral. Lives like Kaitlyn's and Julian's touch you and you're never the same. All we can do is feel lucky we knew them and keep the memories in our hearts.
- January 24, 2008 at 9:29 PM
My prayers are with Julian's family. Though I have never lost a child to cancer, I do have one that is currently in treatment for it. The thought of losing him scares me beyond belief. Mimi is such an inspiration, and little Julian was truly a warrior who fought bravely to the end. Heaven gained a beautiful angel.
- January 24, 2008 at 9:40 PM
My heart ached so badly the first time I read the words you quoted from Mimi's post.
I didn't think I could feel that much heartache again.
Reading her words again on your posts has reopened the tear in my heart.
Each time I received a notice of an update Julian's World I would hesitate. I would tell myself I should not invest some much love, so much heartache, so much empathy in someone I don't even know.
Yet each day I would enter the little guy's world. I would read Mimi's words, look at Julian's pictures, and leave a piece of my heart behind when I left.
I am sadder today, my heart hurts more today, but I feel I've come away a more spiritual person today.
Thank you.
Bless you Avery family and friends.
May your Creator give you the strength and peace to continue on your journey. May your broken heart begin to heal soon. - January 24, 2008 at 9:44 PM
This is not the way things are supposed to go. My heart breaks for Julian's family.
- January 24, 2008 at 10:38 PM
- craftywitch said...
Being a mother to 2 young children, I can not even begin to fathom the pain I would feel if I should lose one unexpectedly, not to mention KNOWING it was coming. Mimi is strong and she has all my thoughts and prayers. Bless her and her family and Julian is definately watching over them :)
- January 24, 2008 at 10:46 PM
My heart breaks for Mimi. I watched my sister lose her son. It's a loss no mother should ever have to bear. Julian and Mimi's story has touched my heart. He has touched more people than she will ever know. My thoughts and prayers are with their family. :(
- January 24, 2008 at 11:48 PM
Julian is home with the angels now. He was one of them and his job here was completed. It was to inspire and touch all who met him with the beauty and depth of his spirit and being. The strength, faith and unconditional love of his mom and family have touched us all as well. Thank you Julian and thank you Mimi for sharing him, and yourself, with us. Many blessings and hugs to you and much love as well.
- January 24, 2008 at 11:54 PM
I began to follow Julian's carepage awhile back. I dreaded the day when I would log in and she would tell us he was gone, and sure enough, I bawled like a baby. I feel like I know this family, and I love King Juju. My own son is almost the age Julian was when he was diagnosed and I cannot imagine the pain that Mimi and her family is has gone through seeing him in pain and is going through now without him. I admire her faith in the Lord and my prayers are with them.
Reminds me to hug a little longer while I can, to spend some more time with my son. - January 24, 2008 at 11:56 PM
Dawn, I would never have known about JuJu if you hadn't brought him to my attention. I chose to be a part of Mimi's support group through CarePages - it has not been easy. There have been a couple of times that I have felt like running the other way so that I did not have to feel such grief. But then, I'd think about Mimi and how she couldn't run away from this - that she had to face this nightmare; a nightmare that could happen to any one of us. So I rode the rollercoaster as best I could. Has it been difficult - yes. Has it changed me -yes, and for the better. This has deepened my soul and made me think about what is really important. Number one - God and number two - family. I've learned to love without reserve. I've learned to cry in front of my children and I've shared with them my feelings about Julian and what has happened. I still cry everytime I think about Julian dying. As much as I want him back I know Mimi wants him back a million times more.
Thank you, Dawn, for your part in all this.
Michigan - January 25, 2008 at 6:41 AM
- Valarie said...
My heart aches for the entire Avery family. They seem to be such a strong family and it is obvious that they all love each other so much. Julian is with God now and I am sure he is being taken care of.
- January 25, 2008 at 9:20 AM
- Heather said...
I'm so sorry for their loss. Reading the quote from Mimi put me in tears as it did everyone else. I can't fathom having to go through that. My prayers are with their family.
- January 25, 2008 at 10:49 AM
- Loving Her Beautiful said...
As a father myself, I can't even begin to think about what this is like -- I just can't go there at all. Thank you so much for sharing this, and my awe goes to Mimi, for finding the light to follow in the laughter of her other boys. You're a hero, Mimi.
BILL - January 25, 2008 at 10:56 AM
I cant remember the last time I cried so hard. I cant remember the last time my arms ached to hold someone so much. The thoughts just cause my heart to jump into my throat the the tears to fall into the corners of my mouth.
How I wish to hold Mimi, how I wish I could have just once held Ju in just more then my prayers...
Thank you Dawn, for bringing them into my life...into my prayers...where they shall stay.
xoxo God Bless you. - January 25, 2008 at 11:14 AM
- I_Am_Who_I_Am said...
There's a song we sing at the end of nearly every LDS(Mormon) funeral that touches my heart every time I hear it;
God Be with You 'Til We Meet Again
(1)God be with you 'til we meet again,
By His counsels guide, uphold you,
With His sheep securely fold you:
God be with you 'til we meet again.
(2) God be with you 'til we meet again,
'Neath His wings protecting hide you,
Daily manna still provide you:
God be with you 'til we meet again.
(3) God be with you 'til we meet again,
If life's trials should confound you,
God will put His arms around you:
God be with you 'til we meet again.
(4) God be with you 'til we meet again,
Keep love's banner floating o'er you,
Smite death's threat'ning wave before you:
God be with you 'til we meet again.
God be with you Avery Family, God be with you! - January 25, 2008 at 11:16 AM
My heart is just broken for her. I cannot imagine her strength. No family should ever have to go through this. Much love going out to her and her family.
- January 25, 2008 at 11:59 AM
- MaBunny said...
I too am brought to tears with Mimi's updates, but am so inspired by her staying power and devotion.
I was sick yesterday or I probably would have gone to the viewing /funeral, as it was only about 45 minutes from my house.
Mabunny - January 25, 2008 at 12:44 PM
- sp said...
Oh Mimi, my sister. I love you and your pain is heavy in my heart. I want him back too. I live in Austin but if I could I would hold you 'too tight'. I pray to God for your strength, and your peace. Although we have never met, we are bonded as mothers and as children of God. You are special. You were chosen for this great journey with Julian. You are blessed. Sending love and prayers your way...
Love, Stephanie - January 25, 2008 at 1:18 PM
Besides the pain that Julian was in and his tremendous courage, the most striking words that I have read in her posts are that of appreciation for what you have and for every moment you share with you kids. She is right, even f they are sleeping they know. I returned home from Bunko last Friday evening, gave each one a kiss and told them I loved them. All three made some type of moment or sound when I did this. I can't imagine what she is and has gone through. My thougths and prayers go out to her family.
- January 25, 2008 at 1:19 PM
- Blue Skies said...
Dawn, there is nothing that grabs the heart like the untimely illness and death of a child. You are a blessed person that through your blog you can increase the number of prayers offered for the Avery family. That is what this blog-forum is perfect for! Consider us another family that has been/will continue to pray.
I finally grabbed a post card for your geography project. I noticed the WEST coast of Florida was consipicuously unrepresented. Ours will have the gentle manatee on the front. - January 25, 2008 at 2:06 PM
- The Lane's said...
I know I'm not a mother but I feel for Mimi and her family as they go through this terrible time. My brother only lived 28 days. It still amazes me that he would be 16 years old next week. I was only 6 when he passed but I still remember it very vividly. My prayers go out to their family. Just lean on the Lord and he will get you through this and remember the wonderful times that God allowed you to have with Juju. I can imagine him now laughing and playing in heaven. Mimi- just remember that when you hear your other boys laugh.
Thoughts, prayers, and hugs,
Erin - January 25, 2008 at 4:25 PM
- chris said...
As we pray for Mimi and her family, remember Rick from the Rick and Bubba show here in Alabama. His 2 year old drown Saturday. You can learn all about it at www.rickandbubba.com I'm just a fan and thought you guys could help lift that family also. Thanks.
- January 25, 2008 at 4:46 PM
Haven't commented on your blog before, but I felt I needed to now. I wanted to say thank you for introducing me to Julian and Mimi. I have been in tears nearly every day since I found out he had passed. It is amazing he has touched so many lives, and Mimi truly is an inspiration. She has caused me to evaluate my own life and my own faith deeply. I have even posted about them today on my own blog (http://jsaga.blogspot.com/). Hugging my daughter (almost 4) a little tighter now, and keeping Mimi and her family in my thoughts and prayers.
- January 25, 2008 at 7:41 PM
Please tell Mimi not to stop posting! She mentioned that she needed to decide what to do with the carepage. I understand she might need to close it, but I know her Julian's world readers would follow her to her own blog. We love her and still want to hear from her!
Julie, Pennsylvania - January 25, 2008 at 10:15 PM
Thanks for introducing all of us to the Avery family. And to Mimi, thank you for sharing your tremendous faith in our Father. I have been made a better mom from what you have taught me. For that I am grateful.
Julian and his family are forever in our daily prayers.
God Bless your family - from Karla's family - January 25, 2008 at 11:40 PM
- Kathy said...
Thank you for sharing, that is so sad and so real at the same time. I am so sorry for their loss, but amazed at the strenth!
www.kathy-iamwhoiam.blogspot.com - January 26, 2008 at 12:04 PM
- Debi said...
I can hardly breathe when I read this. I just can not imagine their pain. My prayers go out to them, which just seems like such a fluffy thing to say but I don't know what else TO say. I know God hears us, loves us, never leaves us, has a reason for all things that happen in our life...and that is all I have to hold on to when things like this happen..but that's big!
God bless Missy. - January 26, 2008 at 10:59 PM
- Tammy B said...
- January 28, 2008 at 12:45 AM
- C said...
My littlest brother died 27 and a half years ago at three and a half. I'm sure my mother could have written the same.
Blessings to Mimi and family. Thank you for sharing her story. - January 28, 2008 at 11:15 PM


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