It's almost Independence Day, ladies and gentlemen. And though the Wednesday placement of this year's holiday is decidedly un-American (did the French set the calendar this year?), it shouldn't preclude you from celebrating the birth of this great nation. Though the colloquialism equates the epitome of being an American with a certain fruit pie, we'd respectfully argue that the most patriotic thing you can ever do as an American adult on the 4th of July is get drunk, stuff yourself full of grilled or fried food and scream words of encouragement at chemical explosions occurring in the sky as the songs of this great nation are played loudly enough to compete with the loud booms emanating from said explosions. Fortunately for you, there are no shortage of places to engage in this sacred rite. Have fun, be safe and just a tip- take your headache relief medicine with a liberal dose of caffeine on Thursday morning...it'll work faster that way.