Let's make this birthday one to remember.

74 years old (Born on October 27, 1950)

Happy Birthday, Richard A. Clarke! From navigating the corridors of power to penning gripping thrillers like "The Scorpion's Gate" and "Breakpoint," you've proven that truth can indeed be stranger—and sometimes scarier—than fiction. Your fearless critique during turbulent times showed us all how courageously you handle explosive situations (pun intended).

Whether you're unraveling complex national security puzzles or crafting suspenseful plots, your knack for keeping everyone on their toes is unmatched. Here's hoping this birthday brings fewer crises than a White House briefing room but just as much excitement.

Cheers to another year filled with intrigue—but preferably fictional this time around!