Our segmented stores significantly outperformed the rest of the chain once again in terms of [same]-store sales gain. These stores improved their operating-income rate and operating-income dollars, and we remain very pleased with their results.

One-third of the widening of the deficit is the oil bill, and aircraft sales explains most of the rest. It's a little superficial.

I made some good pitches there, and our bats did the rest,

We've got some decent data points to work through over the rest of the week. The new home sales, initial jobless claims are particularly important and Friday we have Michigan sentiment. But it's been the case of late that if the news is good, nothing happens and if the news is bad, we sell, so we'll have to see how these reports play out.

I felt there was a very strong need to put more emphasis on group and convention sales.

In particular Greg's strong background in sales and marketing will be valuable as we continue to expand initiatives to support our strategy.