Libya and Operation Odyssey Dawn - whoever thought of that name!?

The recent air strikes in Libya have brought to light the fact that the American Defence Department do not actually devise the names of their operations themselves (manually)!

The Pentagon turned to technology after names selected randomly by commanders, such as Operation Killer during the Korean War and Vietnam's Operation Masher, sparked media firestorms.

The selection of nicknames still requires a human touch, but the computer gets the process started. It's programmed to churn out the two initials of the operation's nickname. Commanders then consult a pre-approved list of about 60 code names to make the final decision.

Celebrating St Paddys in style

Although its not officially St Patricks day I had an amazing day celebrating it yesterday! I have been waiting soooo long to see them dye the river. Its the coolest thing. They dump loads of the dye into one section of the river and then use small boat to speed around in and stir it all up. Then it gradually spreads down the whole river.

We started the day out on a boat tour. Think the idea was good but it turned out to be so cold that all we did was drink to try and warm up - they also had free food...potatoes and corn beef.

Can't say I rated the Bloody Marys all that much though...

Next it was on to Harry Carry's. This is where the party really started to hot up. Bloody Marys (good ones) were flowing as were the cheap, tacky accessories...

Next on to D4s the Irish bar and we move on to the beers...not quite sure how many, but I was assaulted by a leprechaun (and I have the proof) so may well have been around the 4 bottle mark!!

Not sure who this is but he had cool fake glasses.

So 4th stop....Bull and Bear. This was a much younger crazy crowd and we only stayed about an hour. No evidence from this place - although probably a good thing!

5th stop - the best decision of the night...Mastros. However, this was definitely my downfall. Our next choice of tipple a gorgeous bottle of Red Wine 'Flowers'. The food was out of this world and the hotty behind the bar made our night - although not sure I'll be able to show my face in there again.

The most amazing cocktail - it bubbled away throughout the whole time I drank it!

Last stop of the night - by this time I'm barely standing! Pops. I feel we ended it in absolute style - with a gorgeous glass of champagne.

My first ever 'Shamrock Shake'

As with all festivities the US do not disappoint in the run up to St Patricks day! The highlight will be the dying of the river on Saturday but in the background the buildings have all taken on a green glow and the shops are selling tack galore! Green bangles, hats, necklaces. I'm of course going to completely indulge and get involved with everything, I think its great!! Not only does this mean I am going to indulge the 7Eleven shop owner by buying said 'tack' (they have cute little headbands with shamrocks on!!) but I've gone all out and even splurged on a SHAMROCK SHAKE.

What could this entail I hear you ask....well here you go:

McDonalds have created a mint milkshake in celebration of St Paddys (they do it every year I'm told) and I have to say its delicious! Although present me anything with a cherry on top and I'm happy!!

Have to say UK....the US have won me over with this one!

Whats happened to Charlie Sheen???

Its all everyone is talking about right now...Charlie Sheen and his break down! Not quite sure how I feel about the whole thing!? On the one hand yes its pretty entertaining..watching the hilarious interviews he is giving. But, on the other hand...this is a guy screaming out for help! The highest paid Hollywood actor having a breakdown live in front of millions! How is this a good influence on youngsters and inspiring actors!

They are now looking for replacements for him on 2 and a 1/2 men its got that bad - they are thinking Rob Lowe??. I have to say I love that show and I don't think it will be the same but Charlie c'mon whats it gonna take? Even the Producers of the program have a private jet on standby to take him to rehab!!

Mardi Gras...or should I say Fat Tuesday!!

To celebrate Mardi Gras everyone here brings in food. Jean opposite me has brought in these amazing 'Punchie' doughnuts (a.k.a in the UK as Jam doughnuts). PLUS, downstairs this morning they had free pancakes, with sausage etc. I couldn't physically eat them but have stolen half a Punchie for later. Its lucky I'm going for a run tonight!!

New Tropicana site

You have to check out the new Tropicana Juicy Rewards site. Much better than last year. There is a tier system so the more OJ you drink the higher you go...like the Starbucks system.

Plus the rewards are much better this year. You actually get free rewards rather than discounts!!




http://juicyrewards.tropicana.com/

 

You can also donate money to a great cause - Rescue the Rainforest. They have the coolest video/map which shows the amunt of Rainforest that has been saved...http://juicyrewards.tropicana.com/rainforest 

Where did the week go!

This week went by in an absolute blur! Mainly because I was ill and also because of work. Been doing crazy hours but its all worth it in the end of course!

Lots of things have been going on in the background that I didn't even know about, plus you always know when somewhere becomes more like home because you stop appreciating beautiful things around you. I had some of the girls over and they were in LOVE with my apartment. Its not that I forgot how amazing it is its just its my home now! Then there are the beautiful things around me. I have my top buildings of course like the Hancock or the Tribune but it was only this week when walking along in my own little world that I really stopped to take in the sights around me. That was when I realised just how gorgeous the Bloomingdales building is (how sad am I...instead of having a top 5 guy list I have a top5 building list...and Bloomingdales has made the cut! The only comfort is, its not laminated!)

It used to be a Medinah Temple, and used to be hailed by some as a threatened treasure but now houses some of the hottest brands and products lol!

It was also Restaurant Week in Chicago this week...that's probably the one I'm most upset about missing!!
Its created by the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau (CCTB) and is Chicago’s celebration as a world-class dining destination. The promotion runs for ten days with prix fixe lunch and/or dinner menus at more than 200 restaurants throughout the Chicago area . Going to see if I can get in sneak in a reservation tonight or tomorrow.

Last but not least....we have a new Mayor now in Chicago! Tuesday this week was the Mayoral elections and Rahm Emanuel was the victor! He has obviously taken this role on with clear intentions... for example Thursday night with courtside seats at the Bulls Heat game!!

 I'm back on form now for sure! Partying tonight and tomorrow girls night to take in all of the Red Carpet Oscar's dresses!! Woop! Love love love both Anne Hathaway and James Franco (who is hot!)