The playing conditions were not great at all, but that is not an excuse for the six errors, four hits, and 12 strikeouts. Right now, we are in a little bit of slump. Several of the girls have lost their confidence and we have to do something to help them get it back.

The plus reading will definitely pave the way for an end to the Bank of Japan's ultra-easy monetary policy and the market has not factored this in yet.

The persistence of moderate to severe drought conditions in parts of Illinois, Iowa, and much of the southern Plains increases concerns about yield potential. As usual, forecasts of summer weather conditions are not consistent at this time.

The possibility is high that an improvement in labor and wage conditions will continue to support consumer spending going forward.

The Phoenix metro area has had 127 consecutive days without rain. We are again experiencing the same type of weather pattern that has persisted over the last few months. These conditions continue to exacerbate our underlying air quality problems.