Top Things Said on July 4

Why are you reading a Purdue blog on July 4?

If you're at work killing time, our apologies. But if you're doing what people do on summer holiday weekends, well, maybe you're reading this by the pool or a lake or the ocean.... in which case, can we see what you're wearing? (Not you, guys.)

So what are the most common things uttered today around our great nation? Here's a sampling and the percentage of Americans who say it (or something similar) today:

"Happy Fourth!" (71%)
"Hey, do you have a towel?" (64%)
"Another beer?" (54%)
"Hey, does this meat look cooked to you?" (52%)
"Can I rub some lotion on your back?" (42%)
"Do you think this is a good idea?" (39% and so many meanings)

Whatever you're doing today, thanks for reading us on occasion and enjoy your Independence Day.

Oh, and those items above are made up.

Enjoy Your Fourth

Whether you're off from work, working today, unemployed or deployed.... enjoy the fourth in whatever way you are able to. This is perhaps our favorite holiday here at Boiled Sports and we genuinely wish you all the very best.

We're coming around on five years since we kicked things off here at BS and while we always go through those lulls (this time of year is often one of them), we also always find ourselves reinvigorated shortly thereafter. And, honestly, one of the biggest reasons is you.

Reading your responses and opinions is great and we're truly honored that you'd spend any of your time with us. We will continue to strive to make it worth your time.

And finally -- and especially -- thanks to those of you out there who are serving or have served this great country. We are extraordinarily proud of you and you are never far from our thoughts.

Across This Clear July Sky

Wherever you are today, we hope you're taking a moment (or a six-pack of moments) to celebrate how great this country is and how lucky we all are to be a part of it. It's not perfect, but that's part of what makes it incredible. The fact that we get to put so much time and energy into studying Purdue athletics and making fun of funny names is something that is not lost on us. As we've said before, we appreciate the opportunity and we appreciate you all reading.

We here at BS are spread around this great country. And, as we've come to learn, so are our terrific readers. And some, even, are in other parts of the world, but still tune in. A special shout-out to the expatriates, as I'm sure you wish you were on your native soil on July 4. We're thinking about you and we wish you were here, too.

Between callers to the Handsome Hour podcast and commenters here, we've seen/heard people from Indiana (of course!), both coasts, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, Minnesota, Alaska.... and many others -- too many to list. And the fact that we can all come together like we do -- despite our differences in geography, opinions and viewpoints -- is very awesome.

Enjoy the day. And if you're working, I'll drink an extra for you.

That's The Way Most Of Us Put It

I used to think "I Am An American" was kind of hokey at the start of every Purdue football game. I don't anymore. A lot has happened in this world since the first time I heard it, in late August 1994.

I don't care who you are or what you believe -- if you're reading this and you're an American, you basically get to think what you think, believe what you believe and say what you say... because you are such a person. You live under the freedom of that glorious flag. Your rights are protected. Our system is flawed, as are our leaders. But the flaws are what make it perfect.

As you celebrate our independence by drinking, eating, sunbathing and blowing stuff up, take at least a minute to think about how many men and women have died -- and continue to die -- so that we have the right to do all that we do. And remember all those who have died, willingly, simply to keep that flag flying high and proud.

And, of course, remember those who died non-willingly, but also because they were Americans.

Never forget these basics. And the rest will work itself out.

God bless the U.S.