Born on the 4th of July It’s Independence weekend in the US (bah, humbug!), although it does mean I get a four day weekend. I was out and about today and the city was very busy and I sensed a party atmosphere to it particularly down N Michigan Avenue.

Tomorrow afternoon I will join some friends for a grill out (BBQ) and then walk down to Navy Pier to watch the celebration fireworks. An old colleague of mine from London arrives in Chicago on Monday (the 4th) for some meetings we are both involved with on Tuesday and Wednesday, so we have agreed to go out for a ‘Liberation’ dinner on Monday night. I’m sure we will be popular, must dig out my union jack shorts!

I watched bits of Live8 today, Sir Bob seemed to purloin most of the best acts for Hyde Park and the television coverage here was constantly interrupted by adverts. I heard Keane, Razorlight and Robbie were excellent but the best I saw on stage in Philadelphia was a wonderful fusion of rock and rap by Linkin Park and Jay-Z.

Will Smith's led 3 second 'finger click' denoting how often a child dies from the effects of extreme poverty was very heart-rendering. Lets see what those 8 men do on Wednesday, other than play 18 holes.

Wimbledon ends tomorrow, and I will watch the men’s final before heading off to the fireworks to witness America celebrate its 229th birthday.  ¶ 01:01