He was certain he could honestly say that New Year’s Eve parties were not his favorite part of the year. They marked the culmination of another year. Another year at the helm of Chrome Machine. Another year overflowing with stress, setbacks, and the list went on… It also meant another year of life—or, in his case, one less. Not that he was pessimistic; after all, he wasn’t getting any younger.

New Year’s Eve also provided the perfect excuse to celebrate his birthday.

In truth, for the past two