Jan 14, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Members of the military unfold an american flag at midfield before the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game between the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints at Candlestick Park. San Francisco defeated New Orleans 36-32. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

We here at Ramblin’ Fan just want to wish everyone out there a happy 4th of July. It has been crazy hot here in St. Louis over the past week or so, so stay hydrated and safe if you are going to spend your holiday outdoors. Personally, I will be enjoying myself by attending the Cardinals game against the Rockies and taking in the fireworks, so it should be a good day.

We also want to recognize all of the troops out there fighting for our great country. They are the ones who allow us to enjoy the freedom to celebrate our holidays, so we keep them in our thoughts.

Enjoy yourselves today and when you do, remember what makes our country so great.

May 23, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) carries the ball during an OTA at ContinuityX Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

I can’t wait for the Rams to open training camp. I love baseball and I love the Cardinals, but now that the NBA and NHL playoffs are over, I need more. So for those of you are counting the days until camp like I am, this post is for you. The team announced their schedule for training camp practices that will be open to the public, and I have the dates and times for you here. In addition to the listed dates, the Rams will also hold an open scrimmage on August 4 at 12:30 p.m. in the Edward Jones Dome. Here are the rest of the dates:

July 29: 3:30 p.m.
July 30: 3:30 p.m.
July 31: 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 3: 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 6: 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 7: 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 8: 5:30 p.m.
Aug. 9: 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 10: 5:30 p.m.
Aug. 14: 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 15: 5:30 p.m.
Aug. 16: 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 20: 3:30 p.m.
Aug. 21: 5:30 p.m.
Aug. 22: 3:30 p.m.

The Rams have continued to stay busy in free agency over the last few days, as they inked receiver Steve Smith to a one-year deal. Smith made a Pro Bowl in 2009, but he has struggled with injuries over the last few years. If he’s completely healthy, this could be a nice signing. I don’t really know what to expect from him this season, but the potential is there for him to help this team.

In other news, the team also inked tight end Matthew Mulligan to a two-year deal. Mulligan is a blocking TE who comes from the Jets, and although he doesn’t do much pass-catching, he is a valuable blocker and a decent add.