“Nasdaq Says ‘Hold Up’, Minority Equality’s Merger Takes a Time-Out”

Rockin’ Resilience: ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Boom-Fest, Defying Time and Loss at SPAC

TLDR:
– ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd gave powerful performances, paying tribute to their fallen bandmates and proving that classic rock is still alive.
– The concert showcased meticulously crafted Southern rock, with a moving rendition of “Tuesday’s Gone” and a set-closing anthem of “Free Bird”.

This past Friday night, the Broadview Stage at SPAC turned into a battleground; a sonic slugfest between two rock titan behemoths. On one side, the Texas trio, ZZ Top, the other, Southern rock stalwarts Lynyrd Skynyrd. This co-headlining spectacle was aptly named the “Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour”. And folks, let me tell you, it was a night that would’ve given Beethoven a run for his symphonies.

ZZ Top came out swinging, opening the concert with a punch from their 1983 chart topper “Got Me Under Pressure”. The crowd, having their eardrums rocked by the new bassist, Elwood Francis, wielding a custom “High Selecta” 15-string bass guitar like a Viking with a war axe. The fact that he only used three strings through the performance only adds to the mystery. It’s like a chef making a gourmet meal using just a microwave.

Now, not to forget, ZZ Top’s bandleader, Billy Gibbons, was practically exuding coolness from every single pore, while Frank Beard was hammering out heart-stopping beats. They paid tribute to their fallen comrade, Dusty Hill, and Jeff Beck through a video montage during “16 Tons”, a cover of Merle Travis’ song, that had the audience in a reverential silence. Powering through a sixteen-song set, ending with the sultry “La Grange”, they proved that even after five decades of touring, they’re not even close to their final note.

On the other side of the stage, Lynyrd Skynyrd, who apparently have been going through members like Spinal Tap goes through drummers. The fact that there are no original members left didn’t detract from their performance. They were there to honor the spirit of the music and the legacy of their fallen bandmates, and they did just that. The crowd, or as they like to call themselves, “Skynyrd Nation”, didn’t seem to care who was on stage as long as the music kept playing.

Their fourteen-song setlist was a testament to meticulously crafted Southern rock, made even more poignant with the replacement of the Confederate flag with the state flag of Alabama. Their moving rendition of “Tuesday’s Gone”, a tribute to the late Gary Rossington, and their set-closing anthem “Free Bird”, served as a touching tribute to all the fallen members of the band.

The evening kick-started with Uncle Kracker, who’s gone from Kid Rock’s DJ to adult contemporary radio regular, not a bad career move. His eight-song set left the crowd, though sparsely filled at the time, clamoring for more.

Despite a storm warning that had fans sheltering in their cars before the concert, and the doors opening later than expected, the SPAC staff were proficient in handling the eager crowd. It just goes to show, even Mother Nature can’t stop the power of rock and roll. The “Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour” proved that classic rock is still alive, still kicking, and still has a lot to offer.

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Rock On, Ricochet Rabbit: From Bike Tour to Touring with Guns N’ Roses, Dirty Honey’s Marc LaBelle Can’t Find the Brakes on Success

TLDR:
– Lead singer Marc LaBelle and his band Dirty Honey have achieved tremendous success in the music industry, including topping Billboard’s Mainstream and Hard Rock charts with their debut single.
– Despite the pandemic, Dirty Honey continued to work on their music, recording their new album in Australia and teasing fans with their new single “Won’t Take Me Alive.” They are set to embark on a headlining tour after their SPAC performance.

Ladies and gentlemen, we’re here tonight to discuss the enigma that is Marc LaBelle, lead singer of Dirty Honey, a band that’s been on a wild ride of success in recent years. Now, LaBelle is a man of many talents, one of which, apparently, is time management. Let me tell you why – between endless tours, recording sessions, and opening for Guns N’ Roses, the man still found time to pedal his way through British Columbia and Alberta. You have to admire a guy with that kind of dedication, a man who can play a high-octane rock show one night and then chase Canadian geese on a bicycle the next.

Now, Dirty Honey – don’t let the name fool you. They’re not peddling some kind of illicit honey. No, they’re a rock and roll band that has been making waves in the music scene. Despite not having a record deal, they managed to top Billboard’s Mainstream and Hard Rock charts with their debut single, “When I’m Gone.” Ironically, they were nowhere near ‘gone’ when they made that achievement. In fact, they were right here, smack in the middle of the limelight, making history.

LaBelle’s musical journey began in the least likely of places – at a SPAC concert, where he had his first taste of live music, courtesy of Aerosmith. It’s a little like getting your first driving lesson in a Lamborghini. Talk about setting the bar high! Taking a few guitar lessons and honing his singing skills, LaBelle was ready to unleash his talents. And unleash he did, culminating in Dirty Honey’s debut album and forthcoming follow-up, “Can’t Find the Brakes.” Although, with their relentless pace of success, it seems the band has no need for brakes at all.

Despite the pandemic-induced hiatus from touring, Dirty Honey kept their engines running, collaborating with renowned producer Nick DiDia, with whom they finally managed to share a room with this year in Australia. They recorded their new album there, and LaBelle described the process as “magical.” Presumably, it wasn’t the kind of magic that involves pulling rabbits out of hats, but rather, the kind that results in chart-topping rock anthems. Their new single “Won’t Take Me Alive” is already out, teasing fans with a taste of the upcoming album.

Now for those of you lucky enough to get tickets to their SPAC performance, where they’ll be playing some of these new tracks, LaBelle has some advice: get there early. We can only assume that punctuality is next to godliness in the world of rock and roll. Following their SPAC performance, the band will embark on a relentless headlining tour to celebrate their album’s release. One can only imagine how much itching LaBelle will be doing without two nights off.

Just when you thought the rollercoaster ride was over, LaBelle’s journey comes full circle, as he plans to attend a concert by his favorite bands, Aerosmith and The Black Crowes, right after the SPAC show. It’s like life handed him the perfect weekend: perform at SPAC, then zip off to see his favorite bands. So, to sum it all up, Marc LaBelle and his band Dirty Honey are living the rock and roll dream, with a side of Canadian bike tours. They’re concocting a unique blend of rock music, and it seems the world can’t get enough of their sweet nectar.

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SPAC’s Hot Summer Nights Finale: A Night of Killer Queen ‘Tribute Goodness’ to Send us Time-Travelling to the Golden Era of Rock

TLDR:
– Killer Queen will be performing a tribute to Queen’s discography at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) as part of the venue’s summer concert series.
– The concert will be a ‘pavilion-only’ event, with no lawn seats available, and SPAC is a cashless venue with cash-to-card kiosks for those who need them.

Get ready, folks. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), a place more magical than Hogwarts and a mecca for the musically inclined, is wrapping up its summer with a pretty little bow, and the gift inside it is none other than a sensational performance by Killer Queen. Now don’t be fooled by the name, folks. Despite their murderous moniker, the only thing Killer Queen slays is Queen’s discography, bringing you a phenomenal tribute to the legends of rock and roll.

Now, before you dust off your picnic blanket for those lovely lawn seats that SPAC usually offers, let me deliver a reality check. This isn’t your usual ‘spread-out-your-blanket’ kinda soiree. It’s a ‘pavilion-only’ event. Say what? Yep, you heard me right. No lawn seats, which means you and your blanket are going to have to sit this one out. But don’t worry, the official SPAC website or Live Nation has got your ticketing needs covered.

And if you thought that was the only curveball, brace yourselves. SPAC has declared itself a ‘cashless’ venue. I mean, who carries cash these days, right? Fortunately for those who still believe in the power of paper, there are cash-to-card kiosks generously sprinkled throughout the venue. So, if you’ve been hoarding those bills, now might be a good time to let go.

Now, you’d think getting there early might get you a good parking spot, right? Well, not exactly. Parking spaces open at 6pm for a nominal fee of $10 USD per vehicle. I’d suggest turning that clock-watching into an art form if you want to snag a spot. As for the gates, those open half an hour later. And at the stroke of 7:30pm, Killer Queen takes the stage.

Did I mention there’s a baggage policy too? Apparently, SPAC has a strict ‘no nonsense’ policy when it comes to bags. So, be sure to check up on that on the official SPAC website before you end up lugging around a suitcase only to get turned away at the door. And remember, kiddos aged two and over need a ticket. Seems a tad harsh, don’t you think?

Looking back at the 2023 Capital Region concerts, it’s quite the musical fiesta we’ve had. From intimate club performances to stadium spectacles, we’ve seen it all. And tonight, we get a taste of nostalgia with Killer Queen’s renditions of Queen’s epic hits. It’s like rummaging through your parents’ vinyl collection, only way cooler.

So, buckle up, concertgoers. Tonight, we bid adieu to SPAC’s summer concert series with this intimate ode to Queen. It’s nostalgia, it’s music, it’s an evening you won’t forget. Just be sure to stick to the rules and you’re in for a treat, my friends.

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“And Now, a Magical Trick by American Oncology Network: Making Cancer Less Terrifying”

TLDR:
– AON is revolutionizing cancer treatment with advanced technology, collaboration, and personalized care plans.
– Their digital platform is not only improving patient experience but also advancing cancer research and offering financial assistance.

Did you ever think we’d live in a world where a cancer diagnosis isn’t the equivalent of an emotional earthquake? Well, strap yourselves in, folks, because the American Oncology Network (AON) is here to turn those tremors into mere vibrations. They’re like a modern-day knight in shining armor, all set to fight the big, bad dragon of cancer. But instead of a sword and shield, they’re armed with a dynamic mix of advanced technology, a network of top-notch oncology practices, and a patient-centric philosophy as their weapons.

AON isn’t just throwing rocks at the problem; they’ve got a strategy that combines the strengths of esteemed oncology practices across the nation. The result? A network so good it could give the internet a run for its money. They’re not only ensuring that patients receive the best care possible, but they’re also fostering a sense of collaboration and knowledge-sharing that even some social media platforms would envy.

But their quest doesn’t stop at the realm of traditional medicine. Oh no, they’re leaping past those boundaries, harnessing the power of technology to create a seamless, integrated ecosystem. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill healthcare setup; it’s akin to a digital revolution in the medical world. It offers real-time access to medical records, treatment options, and personalized care plans, all available at the touch of a button. This isn’t just changing the game; they’ve practically invented a new one.

All this high-tech stuff doesn’t just make life easier for patients; it also has huge potential for advancing cancer research. AON’s digital platform aggregates and anonymizes data from its network, providing valuable insights that could lead to breakthroughs in treatment, protocols, and therapies. I’m no fortune teller, but I can see this having a massive impact on the future of cancer treatment.

Now, you might be thinking that all of this sounds great but also expensive. Well, AON has something for that too. They’ve got a financial assistance program to help patients navigate the confusing labyrinth that is insurance coverage and reimbursement. They’re not just fighting the cancer; they’re taking on the whole system.

So, let’s take a moment to appreciate the American Oncology Network. They’re taking on cancer like a heavyweight champion, refusing to let this disease keep the world on the ropes. This is more than just a company; it’s a superhero in a lab coat, here to change the way we think about, fight, and hopefully one day, overcome cancer. And to that, I say cheers. After all, every superhero deserves a toast.

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Delaware Ruling Exposes SPAC Scandal: The Smoke, Mirrors, and Pinball between 26 Capital and Okada Manila

TLDR:
– Hedge fund manager Alex Eiseman secretly received 60% of Jason Ader’s stake in 26 Capital Acquisition Corp., a SPAC attempting to merge with Okada Manila casino.
– Ader sold a portion of his SPAC stake for $25 million, leading to a separate lawsuit by the billionaire’s family office questioning the deal.

Well, folks, here’s a tale that proves once again that high-stakes finance can be just as thrilling as any spy movie. 26 Capital Acquisition Corp., a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) backed by gaming industry analyst and investor Jason Ader, tried to merge with a ritzy casino in the Philippines, the Okada Manila. But the courts have called ‘game over’ on that plan, due to some sneaky double-dealing that smelled fishier than a seafood buffet on a hot day.

Here’s the deal: A Manhattan hedge fund manager, Alex Eiseman, was hired by Universal Entertainment Corp., the Japanese company behind Okada Manila, to find a SPAC to acquire the casino. But Eiseman, instead of doing his best Vanna White and finding the best deal possible, decided to go for a bit of personal gain. Our judge, J. Travis Laster, ruled that Eiseman got 60% of Ader’s stake in 26 Capital – a deal that was kept as secret as grandma’s biscuit recipe. Universal and the SPAC’s shareholders were left in the dark until the pretrial discovery phase of the Delaware case.

As if it couldn’t get more interesting, Ader didn’t even wait for the ink to dry on the deal before selling another slice of his SPAC stake for a neat $25 million. That’s a lot of chips to put on red. The judge noted this, along with the fact that Ader and his mother pocketed the sum. Ader insists the payout was proper, but there’s a separate lawsuit by the billionaire’s family office he sold to, questioning the deal.

Despite all this drama, the shares of 26 Capital SPAC are down only 3% since the judge’s ruling, sitting at $11.15. Ader, in a statement as well-crafted as a poker face, said they were disappointed with the ruling, but would explore all available strategic options. Meanwhile, Eiseman seems to be playing his cards close to his chest, declining to comment on the case and stating he will tell his side of the story in a New York fraud lawsuit brought about by the casino owner.

Universal Entertainment Corp. has pulled up the drawbridge on the SPAC deal, and their lawyer, Grant Mainland, has stated that they’re ready to defend themselves if 26 Capital pursues monetary damages. All in all, folks, it’s a high-stakes game of cat and mouse that shows us, once again, that in the SPAC market, what you see isn’t always what you get. As the Securities and Exchange Commission gears up to vote on new SPAC rules to improve transparency, let’s hope this sorry saga serves as a cautionary tale. After all, casinos are for gambling, not the stock market, right?

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Unions, Strikes, and ‘Scary Robots’: SPAC King Calls Last Orders for Detroit’s Big Three

TLDR:
– SPAC King Chamath Palihapitiya believes that if the labor deal goes through, it will lead to the long-term insolvency of legacy automakers and the rise of non-unionized competitors like Tesla.
– The union demands, including a 40% increase in hourly pay over four years, would significantly increase labor costs for automakers and put them at a disadvantage compared to Tesla.

In a recent turn of events, SPAC King Chamath Palihapitiya offered his two cents on the United Auto Workers’ union strike, which has become a thorn in the side of Detroit’s Big Three — Ford Motor Co., General Motors Corp., and Stellantis N.V. Palihapitiya, never the one to sugarcoat, suggested the unions were engaging in a metaphorical self-mutilation, deciding to “cut their nose off to spite their face.”

According to our resident Nostradamus, if the labor deal goes through, it will spell the apocalypse for legacy OEM automakers. The options they have, he says, are as cheerful as a heart attack – replace unionized humans with cold, unfeeling robots or bid adieu to unions. But then, he adds with a wry smile, neither of these options are remotely feasible.

Should this plan get the green light, Palihapitiya sees automakers hemorrhaging cash like a broken slot machine. This, he predicts, will be the dreaded “tipping point towards structural long-term insolvency.” He believes the capital markets will be more reluctant to let automakers raise long-term capital than a cat is to take a bath. Unless, of course, automakers are ready to cough up exorbitant rates.

But wait, there’s more! Palihapitiya seems to think that the fallout of this labor deal could supercharge the success of hyper-automated/non-unionized competitors like Tesla. As Ford, Stellantis, and others scramble to raise prices to cover the cost of the deal, Tesla would be free to aggressively lower prices and dominate the market.

So, what are these union demands that could instigate this automotive apocalypse? Well, for starters, a 40% increase in hourly pay over four years, a reduced 4-day, 32-hour workweek, faster path to top pay, return to the days of defined benefit pensions, cost-of-living adjustments, parental leave longer than a three-day weekend, and more paid holidays.

Just to put things into perspective, Ford mentioned that if these demands were in effect over the last four years, it would have lost a whopping $14.4 billion, instead of pocketing nearly $30 billion in profits. Gene Munster of Deepwater Asset Management noted that even if the automakers agree to a 25% pay hike, their manufacturing labor costs will be 40-45% higher than Tesla’s, leaving them at a distinct disadvantage. So, brace yourselves folks, it seems like the automotive industry might be in for a joyride.

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Sued for SPACtacular Failure: Velodyne Lawsuit Targets Alleged SPAC Scammers and Makes for an Unsettling Ride

TLDR:
– SPACs are a popular investment game, but investors should approach them with caution and skepticism due to the risks involved.
– Regulatory scrutiny is increasing in the SPAC industry, and not all transactions lead to profitable outcomes, resembling a lottery ticket with uncertain results.

In the grand casino of investing, it appears we’ve found a new game folks are lining up to play: SPACs – Special Purpose Acquisition Companies. Now, if you’re getting visions of a golden goose laying billion-dollar eggs, I hate to break it to you, but it might just be a regular old farm bird with a coat of cheap gold spray paint.

Take the recent kerfuffle with Velodyne Lidar Inc. for example – a company known for its autonomous driving technology. They got all lovey-dovey with Graf Industrial Corp., a SPAC, and went public. The honeymoon ended quickly when they merged with Ouster Inc., another SPAC darling. Suddenly, a former shareholder’s crying foul, claiming he and others were duped into a shotgun wedding that enriched a select few while leaving the rest with a hangover.

This lawsuit is just one of many in Delaware’s Chancery Court, a fighting pit where M&A legal battles are more common than flies on a horse in August. But before we start casting stones at Velodyne and Graf Industrial, let’s pause and consider the risks involved. After all, transparency and accurate disclosure are the pillars of any good SPAC transaction. But in this case, investors might have been given a map to a treasure at the end of the rainbow that turned out to be a pot filled with nothing more than rusty pennies.

So, my humble advice? Approach these SPAC investments with caution and a healthy dose of skepticism. I’ll tell you what I tell my kids about fast food – it might look shiny and delicious on the outside, but you never know what kind of mystery meat you’re getting on the inside.

As the SPAC industry evolves and lawsuits continue to surface like bad jokes at an open mic night, regulatory scrutiny is bound to increase. Not all blank check transactions end up in bricks of gold at the end of the rainbow. Sometimes, all you find is a note saying, “Better luck next time, buckaroo.”

So, in the end, it’s a bit like buying a lottery ticket. You might strike it rich, but more often than not you’re just left with a worthless piece of paper and a slightly lighter wallet. Remember, it’s not the pot of gold, but the thrill of the hunt that keeps this game fun. So, tread carefully, have a good laugh, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

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Judge Gives Japanese Corp the Green Light to Ditch Mega Casino Deal, Sparks SPAC Merger Strife

TLDR:
1. Delaware judge rules that a Universal Entertainment Corp. subsidiary can avoid a SPAC merger with 26 Capital Acquisition Corp. due to uncommendable behavior by the latter.
2. While the merger agreement is voided, 26 Capital Acquisition can still seek damages, leaving the timeline and potential ripple effects on SPAC mergers uncertain.

In a ruling that rivals the season finale of a dramatic legal show, Delaware judge, Vice Chancellor Travis Laster, has dished out a verdict that has dropped jaws across the corporate landscape. His decision? A Universal Entertainment Corp. subsidiary gets to dodge a SPAC merger with 26 Capital Acquisition Corp., a deal that had the potential to give both parties control over the largest casino in the Philippines. Seems like the house doesn’t always win after all.

The judge, in his infinite wisdom, concluded that the folks at 26 Capital Acquisition demonstrated behavior that wasn’t exactly a model of virtue. Although the specifics of their uncommendable conduct remain cloaked in mystery, it was evidently egregious enough to justify scuttling the merger agreement. Makes you wonder what they did, doesn’t it? Play poker with marked cards? Declare Monopoly bankruptcy?

Now, here’s the twist. Despite chucking the merger agreement out of the window, the judge hasn’t completely slammed the door on 26 Capital Acquisition. The company can still seek damages for the failed merger negotiations. It’s like a messy divorce where the aggrieved party seeks alimony. The only catch? There isn’t a timeline for determining these damages, which leaves us all hanging in suspense. Think of it as the cliffhanger for the next season of the corporate legal drama.

The ripple effects of Laster’s ruling are more far-reaching than a game of dominos. SPAC mergers, the Las Vegas weddings of the corporate world, are now under scrutiny. The judge’s decision puts pressure on companies to behave themselves during negotiations. Otherwise, they risk having their agreements voided faster than you can say “jackpot.” This could potentially slow down the SPAC merger frenzy, leaving companies looking to go public in a bit of a pickle.

As we all know, hindsight is 20/20. And in hindsight, Vice Chancellor Laster’s decision serves as a stern reminder of the importance of ethical behavior in business dealings. It’s akin to telling children to play nice in the sandbox. The only difference? In this case, the sandbox is a multi-billion dollar corporate merger, and the kids are high-stakes players.

With the business community still grappling with the implications of the ruling like a bad hangover, one thing is clear: this is only the beginning. For now, we wait and watch as potential damages, appeals, and challenges to the judgment unfold, shaping the narrative around this lawsuit. It’s a high-stakes game and, in this case, the house – or judge – has had the final say. So stay tuned, folks. Corporate America’s favorite legal drama is far from over.

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Phish Throws a Wizard of a Show at SPAC: Munchkin Hair, Ozzy Jams, and a Whole Lot of Good Vibes!

TLDR:
– Fish performed a charity concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, incorporating improvisation and references to The Wizard of Oz.
– The band showcased their musical skills and engaged with the audience while raising funds for flood cleanup efforts.

In the grand tradition of rock and roll, the legendary jam band Fish took to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center for a concert that was a mix of charity, improvisation, and a whimsical nod to The Wizard of Oz. Opening their first stage act since 2019 with the rousing ‘Kill Devil Falls’, the band, known for their fluid musical transitions, seamlessly slid into the ‘Moma Dance’. The audience was caught in the musical current as guitarist Trey Anastasio mixed riffs with the dexterity of a cocktail bartender during happy hour.

The show, which was more of an improvised musical journey, drew on the band’s extensive catalog, with performances of “Ocelot,” “The Wedge,” and “Maru,” which displayed drummer John Fishman’s hi-hat playing skills. The band also threw in a quirky rendition of “Sand,” featuring the theme from The Wizard of Oz. Sprinkling sections of “We Welcome You to Munchkinland” throughout the jam added a layer of playfulness to the performance that was more refreshing than a cold beer on a hot summer’s day.

The concert marked the 84th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, and the references to the film were as plentiful as the notes Anastasio strummed on his guitar. The connection to the classic film wasn’t just musical. Fishman sported a munchkin-inspired hairstyle for the second set, proving that not all drummers are satisfied with just beating skins and crashing cymbals. He also donned a custom water drop muumuu, adding to the theatricality of the performance.

The band’s second set was a testament to their ability to navigate complex musical landscapes. Starting with “Evolve,” the set included a performance of “A Wave of Hope” that showcased the band’s improvisational skills. The performance of “Simple” featured bassist Mike Gordon’s exploratory bassline and Anastasio’s intricate sonic layers, creating a soundscape that was as fantastical and dark as a Tim Burton film.

Packed with memorable moments, the concert served as more than just a night of entertainment. It was a fundraising effort for flood cleanup in Vermont and upstate New York. The band called upon fans to donate, providing the free webcast of the show as an incentive. From engaging performances of fan-favorite songs to playful nods to a cinematic classic, Fish showed they can still create a sense of connection with their audience while, simultaneously, doing their part in responding to environmental disasters. Now, if only more bands could do the same. Rock on, Fish.

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“Party’s Over, Startups: 2023 Proxy Season Brings Major Audit Aches and Lots of Homework”

TLDR:
– Tax authorities are cracking down on transfer pricing and profit shifting, requiring companies to ensure transparent practices and thorough documentation.
– The 2023 Proxy Season highlights the need for strong internal controls, particularly in areas such as revenue recognition, lease accounting, and equity accounting. Investing in upgrades to internal controls is increasingly popular.

The COGS Cops are coming! And no, this isn’t the premise for a new action-packed comedy about an elite force of accountants. It’s a stark warning to companies engaging in transfer pricing and complex multinational businesses. These guys mean business, and they’re out hunting for tax violators like a vegan searching for the last tofu burger in a barbecue.

The launch of their campaign is not some lighthearted PR stunt. It’s as serious as a heart attack, or a sudden audit. It’s a reminder that tax authorities are now sporting night vision goggles, actively seeking out those who play fast and loose with terms like ‘arm’s length’. They’re no longer turning a blind eye to profit shifting. In other words, it’s no longer a free-for-all at the international tax buffet.

Here’s some free advice: Check your transfer pricing practices. Ensure they’re as transparent as your grandma’s cellophane-wrapped cookies. And for goodness’ sake, document everything. It seems the era of corporate tax leniency has gone the way of the dodo and the dinosaur – extinct! So, you might want to invest in a good internal review or two, basically anything that can help spot potential issues and take corrective actions. Because these COGS Cops aren’t easily fooled, and they’re not known for their light touch.

Meanwhile, in a plot twist that surprises no one, the 2023 Proxy Season reporting has highlighted the need for a proper handle on internal controls. It’s not exactly party time for audit committee chairs or the CFOs and accounting teams facing the enormous task of fixing these issues. Let’s just say it’s like trying to undo the chaos caused by a toddler in a toy shop.

Leading the charge in the restatement stakes are the usual suspects – revenue recognition, lease accounting, and equity accounting. These areas are like the unholy trinity for IPO / SPAC startups. Investing in upgrades to internal controls over financial reporting is becoming more popular than a politician promising lower taxes.

More importantly, never underestimate the power of a well-crafted internal audit roadmap. It’s like a well-oiled compass in a world of financial fog. And in the midst of all this, remember that speed-to-market reporting can quickly go from enthralling to excruciating. We’ve learned this the hard way, through a series of unfortunate accounting events, failed audits, and resultant shattered dreams.

So, as we gallop towards the end of the year, prepare for some more fun and games. Expect more scrutiny from the SEC and an increased oversight from the PCAOB, especially as IPOs and SPACs mature. The million-dollar question is, will the business plans pan out or will they crumble like an overbaked financier cake? And will the funding and accounting keep up, or will they be left behind like a runner with a bad stitch? Only time will tell.

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