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This is an op-ed written by Jerry White, founder of Survivor Corps and author of I Will Not Be Broken: Five Steps to Overcoming a Life Crisis, on the Fourth of July, 2008:

My first wish is to see this plague of mankind, war, banished from the earth.” These are not the words of a pacifist or peacenik. General George Washington, the canny military strategist and first leader of the American army, recognized that war is a horror. While we bask in our independence today, let us also recognize the price paid by those—then and now—who fight for it. After the Revolution, 25,000 Americans lay dead. About 25,000 more were seriously wounded or disabled. That is a high price, indeed, for our freedom. Since 1776, the world has fought more than 300 wars, and nearly 40 conflicts still rage. The cost remains steep.

I love trivia games. I also love pool and drinking beer. Well, these three vices came together in a perfect storm with Zack’s Bar. Sadly, Zack’s closed and I am now old. For me, in my late 30s, hanging out in bars is downright pathetic. And I hate the smoke, and those days are over. I have not cast my shadow on Bar Trivia kiosks in years.