Ashington Innovation: Slow and Steady Wins the Fintech Race, Not-so-Rushin’ to Russian Acquisitions

Shockwave City: How Growth for Good Acquisition and Zero Nox Went From “I Do” to “I Don’t”

TLDR:
– Growth for Good Acquisition abruptly ends merger with Zero Nox due to missed deadline, leaving Zero Nox to reassess their plans.
– Termination of the agreement casts doubt over the off-highway vehicle electrification market, forcing shareholders to rethink their investments.

Oh, what a day to be alive in the business world, folks! In a turn of events that would make a soap opera scriptwriter blush, the much-anticipated love affair between Growth for Good Acquisition and Zero Nox came to an abrupt, screeching stop. Who’d have thought? A business deal going south? What an absolutely unseen plot twist!

Now, it seems Growth for Good Acquisition was once head over heels for Zero Nox, all eager for the merger. But as the deadline approached, like a nervous bride on her wedding day, they changed their mind. Apparently, the inability to complete it by the deadline caused this abrupt change of heart. Great excuse, right? Like a groom saying he can’t marry because he was unable to find a matching tie before the ceremony. For all we know, they may have just realized that merging with Zero Nox wasn’t a good idea after all.

Now we’re left with Zero Nox, standing all alone at the altar, abandoned and trying to figure out a new game plan. They’re left in the dust, probably contemplating their choices and wondering where it all went wrong. Now, they must find a new path to accomplish their electrifying goals.

In business, as in life, the end of a relationship isn’t just about the people directly involved. In this case, it’s a real punch to the gut for the entire off-highway vehicle electrification market. The termination of this agreement has cast a cloud of doubt over the entire industry. Shareholders are now wandering around like lost puppies, rethinking their investment strategies while the rest of the industry scratches its head and tries to adapt to this twist of events.

So where does this leave Growth for Good Acquisition? Well, they’ve decided to pack up their toys and go home. They’re going to liquidate and redeem their ordinary shares while warrants to buy shares will expire worthless. A great lesson in the art of ‘taking the money and running’.

Zero Nox, the provider of off-highway vehicle electrification, was set to become the first publicly listed company of its kind with the merger. But now? They’re just another name in the sea of companies trying to make their mark in this industry.

What a rollercoaster ride this has been for everyone involved, reminding us all that in business, as in life, not everything goes according to plan. But hey, back to the drawing board! Let’s just hope they can kick start their engines, shake off the dust and find new paths to future success. Because in the end, the show must go on, right? In the meantime, grab your popcorn folks, because if this latest incident is anything to go by, we’re in for quite a ride in the off-highway vehicle electrification market.

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Trump Media Takes its Time: Merger Extended to 2024 for Potentially Groundbreaking Shake-Up in Media World

TLDR:
– Digital World Acquisition (DWAC) and Trump Media have extended their merger until September 8, 2024, but Trump Media can still decide to walk away by September 30.
– The complexities and controversies surrounding their relationship with Donald Trump make their business venture risky and uncertain.

Well, buckle up folks, here’s an episode of ‘Keeping up with the Shareholders’ you wouldn’t want to miss. Digital World Acquisition (DWAC) and Trump Media, the power couple of the media world, have decided to give their relationship another whirl. Yes, you heard it right! This isn’t another chapter from an overly dramatic reality show. It’s a bona fide business update that has won the approval of 72.33% of the outstanding shares, according to a recent 8-K filing.

This love story of sorts has been given an extension until September 8, 2024, to make their merger official. They seemed to have garnered more votes than an American Idol finale. But in a plot twist that could rival any season finale, Trump Media can still walk away by September 30, if they decide it’s not the best interest of the shareholders. Yes, even in business, breakups are possible folks!

Remember when the shareholder vote was originally scheduled for last month, but got delayed until Tuesday? That’s like trying to schedule a meeting with the movers and shakers of Hollywood. The SPAC needed some extra time to gather more votes, you know, like a politician promising free ice cream to anyone who’ll listen. Under last month’s reworked agreement, our dear DWAC can also decide to abandon the deal. Unexpected, but isn’t that what makes this saga intriguing?

While our power couple is looking to redefine their business, they’re also planning to take on industry giants. It’s as if David has decided to take another shot at Goliath. But let’s not forget, ladies and gentlemen, the media environment isn’t a playground. It’s more like a minefield with a sign that reads “Proceed at your own risk”. The complexities and controversies that come with their relationship with the one and only Donald Trump, could be like navigating through a labyrinth with a blindfold on.

So, will this ambitious undertaking be a smashing success or just another overhyped reality show? Will they navigate the media minefield successfully or step on a landmine they didn’t see coming? Will this power couple stick together and redefine their business, or will they decide it’s best to see other people? Only time will tell, folks. Until then, grab your popcorn and stay tuned for the next episode of this gripping saga!

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“Lightning eMotors Inc. – From Crash to Revamp, A Tale of Putting Pedal to the Metal Amid Lawsuits”

TLDR:
– Lightning eMotors faces financial challenges and allegations of misrepresentation in regards to its drivetrain’s capabilities.
– The company must now rebuild trust and prove that it can overcome adversity and succeed in the electric vehicle industry.

In the high-stakes game of electric vehicles, the company with the most tantalizing of names, Lightning eMotors, finds itself in the precarious position of having to weather its own storm. A storm of the financial kind, mind you, not the dramatic, nature-infused spectacle we’d hope for from a company named “Lightning”. A name like that, you’d expect them to harness the raw power of nature, not get tangled in the web of corporate misrepresentation.

It turns out that several insiders connected with the pre-merger special purpose acquisition company had a financial urge, stronger than a lightning bolt, to wrap up the deal. This immense incentive, shareholders allege, sent them down a electrified path of overstating the drivetrain’s capabilities. These allegations, quicker than a flash, have been brought to the US District Court for the District of Colorado. And here I thought lightning only struck twice, not thrice, on the courtroom battlefield.

The company’s mission, however lofty it may sound, is sustainable mobility. They’ve decided to rally the troops, clear the smoky path, and commit to rebuilding trust. Trust, it seems, is as elusive as catching lightning in a bottle. And the company certainly has its work cut out for it. After all, it’s one thing to make grand statements about transparency and resilience, it’s another to put your money where your charging port is.

Lightning eMotors, in the face of adversity, must now prove that it’s not just a one-hit wonder – that the lightning it’s named after, can indeed strike twice. The investors, who have been somewhat singed by the whole affair, are waiting to see if the company’s next strike is one of success or another misstep.

But let’s be honest here. In the grand scheme of things, what we’re really looking at is the age-old story of ambition, greed, and the occasional bolt of lightning. The corporate world, much like the weather, is unpredictable and fraught with storms. Companies rise, companies fall, and Lightning eMotors finds itself in the middle of this tempest. The question is, will they manage to ride it out, or will they end up as another cautionary tale?

Only time will tell if Lightning eMotors will re-emerge, phoenix-like, from the ashes of its current predicament. Or maybe, just maybe, the company will find a way to channel its inner Ben Franklin, turn its kite towards the storm, and harness the power of the very lightning it’s named after. The electric vehicle world is waiting, with bated breath, for the next strike.

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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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Trump’s Media Merger Gets an Unlikely Lifeline: Year-Long Extension Saves it from the Brink of Collapse

TLDR:
– Shareholders of DWAC agree to extend merger deadline, saving the proposed merger with Trump Media.
– DWAC and Trump Media face challenges from fraud allegations and misplaced quarterly reports, but have an opportunity to prove themselves and reshape the social media landscape.

In a twist worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster, the proposed merger of Donald Trump’s media company with the Blank Check Company, affectionately known as Digital World Acquisition Corp. (DWAC), was saved from certain doom. The gallant shareholders of DWAC, in an eleventh-hour decision, agreed to extend the merger deadline by a whole year. I bet they’re all breathing a sigh of relief, except for the ones who wanted their popcorn moment of watching the company meet its untimely demise.

The journey of the DWAC and Trump Media merger has been more of a roller coaster than a romantic cruise. When DWAC announced its intentions to merge with Trump Media in 2021, the stock market reacted like a teenager at a rock concert. DWAC shares soared to an incredible $175, fueled by the promise of the Trump Media’s Truth Social platform becoming the new darling of conservative social media. Sadly, the honeymoon phase didn’t last.

Fraud allegations against DWAC from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) were the first storm to hit this love boat. Although DWAC managed to settle these charges, they left a stain on its reputation that even the strongest bleach couldn’t remove. Soon after, DWAC misplaced its quarterly report, putting the company’s shares on thin ice with the risk of being kicked out of the Nasdaq exchange club. Amidst all this turmoil, DWAC had to convince its shareholders to agree to the extension and save the company from liquidation.

With the extension approved, DWAC and the Trump Media & Technology Group can now take a deep breath and map out their next moves carefully. They have been handed a golden opportunity to prove they can navigate the choppy waters of regulatory oversight from the SEC and the Department of Justice. The road forward involves reassuring investors and the public that transparency and sound business practices are not just buzzwords in their corporate dictionary.

For DWAC, the immediate priority is to ensure that its quarterly reports are filed promptly and that it doesn’t misplace them again. On the other hand, the Trump Media & Technology Group has to make sure that Truth Social lives up to the hype and meets its audience’s expectations. The stakes are high, and the next 12 months will determine if this merger has the potential to reshape the social media landscape.

In conclusion, the tale of the DWAC and Trump Media merger is a testament to resilience and determination. Despite the setbacks they’ve faced, they’ve managed to secure an extension that gives them a chance to realize their vision. It’s a story that Steve Jobs would have admired. Only time will tell if they can deliver on the promise of a conservative social media platform. So stay tuned, folks, the next chapters of this saga promise to be nothing short of riveting.

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Narcan in the Can: Saratoga’s Innovative NaloxBoxes Set to Give the Boot to Opioid Crisis

TLDR:
– Saratoga County and Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) have joined forces to combat the opioid epidemic by placing NaloxBoxes, containing naloxone nasal spray, in public restrooms.
– The initiative aims to distribute a total of 35 NaloxBoxes throughout the county, funded by $9,134 from the Opioid Settlement Funds, to address the alarming rise in opioid-related overdoses and deaths in the area.

In a move that is pretty much unprecedented, Saratoga County and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) have joined forces to combat the opioid epidemic, with a bit of a twist. Remember those automated external defibrillators (AEDs) that hang on walls to save lives during cardiac emergencies? Well, they’re using a similar concept here, but instead of jolting hearts back to rhythm, they’re reversing opioid overdoses. Yes, you heard it right. NaloxBoxes, as they’re being called, are now available in the restrooms of the Pine and Pine Cone buildings at SPAC, right where you’d least expect, but probably most needed.

Now, you might be wondering what exactly a NaloxBox is. Well, it’s pretty much what it sounds like – a box filled with naloxone nasal spray, or Narcan as it’s often known. This life-saving drug has the power to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, targeting substances like heroin, prescription painkillers, and that nasty thing called fentanyl. The funny part? It’s still safe to use even if there are no opioids in the person’s system. But let’s not get carried away, folks – always dial 911 after administering Narcan.

Now, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The grand scheme involves distributing a total of 35 NaloxBoxes throughout the county, to be hosted by community organizations, businesses, and towns. They’re using their Substance Use Surveillance System to identify the most effective locations for these boxes. All of this is funded by the whopping $9,134 from the Opioid Settlement Funds. Talk about putting money to good use!

The driving force behind the initiative? An alarming rise in opioid-related overdoses and deaths in the area. The year 2023 has seen a 30% increase in drug-related fatalities in Saratoga County, compared to the same period in 2022. And, the zip code 12866, which includes Saratoga Springs, has had 109 non-fatal and fatal drug-related overdoses this year alone. To address this, the county pulled in about $1,156,700 in opioid settlement funds since last year.

All in all, Saratoga County and SPAC seem to have found a unique way to tackle a deadly problem. Public restrooms might not be the first place you’d think to look for life-saving equipment, but hey, if it works, it works. So, next time you’re taking a bathroom break at a concert, don’t be surprised if you see a NaloxBox next to the paper towel dispenser. It’s not just there for decoration; it’s there to possibly save a life. Now, isn’t that a movement we can all get behind?

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Apple Cranks Up Its Genius: Get Ready to iQ Up with the iGenius!

TLDR:
– Apple has introduced the iGenius, a high-priced device that promises to improve human intelligence and revolutionize personal computing.
– Apple’s loyal followers are expected to eagerly pre-order the iGenius, demonstrating the company’s ability to consistently innovate and dominate the tech industry.

In an act that could only be described as a grand opera of opulence, Apple, the technological titan, has once again outdone itself with the introduction of its latest brainchild, the iGenius. Listen folks, this isn’t just a shiny new toy. This is a bona fide declaration that you’ve got more money than you know what to do with. Priced at a mere $1,999, the iGenius is a steal for anyone who’s somehow managed to save a small fortune by skipping that daily cup of overpriced coffee.

But oh, the things you get for that amount. It’s been touted as the ultimate device to ‘improve human intelligence’ – as though we’ve all been waiting for a gadget to help us find where we left our car keys. But it’s Apple, folks. They’ve got the Midas touch, turning everything they lay hands on into digital gold. And it seems they’re rather confident that their legion of loyal followers are not only blessed with brains but also overflowing wallets.

So, what’s the big deal about this iGenius, you might wonder? Well, it’s set to ‘revolutionize personal computing’. Now, if you’re like me and find the idea of revolutionizing something as personal as computing rather terrifying, you’re not alone. But rest assured, they’ve got it all figured out. And it’s marvelous, or so they say. It’s like they’re telling us, “Hey, remember when you could just turn your computer on and off to fix it? Those days are gone, buddy. Welcome to the future.”

So who’s ready to jump on this fast-moving bandwagon? With the promise of pre-order frenzy, it seems like Apple knows its customers well. They’ve got us all under their spell, leaving us in awe of their technological wizardry. This iGenius of theirs isn’t just a product, it’s a statement. A testament to their aptitude for consistent innovation and a symbol of their claim to the tech throne.

In other news, feel free to sign up for our free newsletter if you want to stay informed on the latest SPAC news. It’s like getting a daily dose of market excitement delivered right to your inbox. Because hey, who doesn’t love a little extra anxiety in their day? With daily updates and insights, you can stay ahead of the curve. Or at least think you are.

But remember, whether you’re an Apple aficionado, a SPAC enthusiast, or just a regular bystander in the ever-evolving world of business, always keep your sense of humor. Because, let’s face it, in a world where a personal computer is named iGenius, you really have to laugh, don’t you?

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Phish Raises 3 Mil to Flood Relief with Guitars and Gusto, Tosses in a Surprise Derek Trucks Cameo to Hit the Right Notes

TLDR:
– Phish and guitarist Derek Trucks surprise audience with rare fishing sit-in during benefit show.
– Chemistry between Phish frontman Trey Anastasio and Derek Trucks creates seamless collaboration and highlights of the night.

Ladies and gentlemen, something fishy was going on at SPAC last night, and it wasn’t just the $3 million caught for flood recovery in upstate New York and Vermont. No, my friends, the band Phish, known for their off-the-hook performances and philanthropic endeavors, were making waves again. They reeled in an impressive haul with their second Fishing Flood Relief Benefit Show, and let me tell you – it was quite the catch.

But the night wasn’t just about a band doing good deeds or playing their hearts out. No, this was a night of surprises. Just when you thought you’d seen it all, they pulled the old bait-and-switch and brought out a guest guitarist for most of the second set and encore. Talk about a surprise hook! The crowd went wild when Derek Trucks took the stage, taking part in an extremely rare fishing sit-in. The last time we saw such an event was in 2016. Trucks’ blistering solos had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand, proving once again that fishing and music go together like scales and fins.

Back in 2019, Trucks and Phish frontman Trey Anastasio had a guitar duel at the Lockn’ Festival that was more sizzling than a frying pan full of freshly caught trout. Fast forward to 2023 and Anastasio, now more seasoned and confident, was ready for another jam session. From the opening notes of “Golden Age,” the two guitarists had a face-off that was more exciting than a shark attack. You could almost see the sparks flying from their guitars as they battled it out, their melodies weaving around each other like two eels in a mating dance.

As the night continued, the chemistry between the two guitarists only got better. Like a pair of synchronized swimmers, they effortlessly finished each other’s musical phrases, making their collaboration sound as natural as the call of a loon on a tranquil lake. The highlight of the night was no doubt when Anastasio thanked Trucks for joining them, before slipping into “A Life Beyond The Dream.” The beautiful progression of the ballad was the perfect backdrop for Trucks’ slide guitar, creating an atmosphere that was as peaceful as a quiet morning by the riverside.

So, folks, there you have it. A night of fantastic music, surprise collaborations, and a hefty $3 million raised for a good cause. It’s clear that Phish and Trucks were a match made in Guitar Heaven. But let’s not forget the real winners here – the communities of upstate New York and Vermont. They might’ve been struck by a disaster, but thanks to Phish’s benevolent efforts and some stellar music, there’s a silver lining shining through those dark rain clouds. The moral of the story? When life gives you a flood, get Phish to throw a benefit concert. It’s the best catch you’ll ever make.

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When Baggage Screening Tech Gets Fresh ‘Nasdaq’ Vibes: ScanTech and Mars Acquisition’s Game Changing Collaboration!

TLDR:
– ScanTech Identification Beam Systems and Mars Acquisition are entering into a definitive business combination agreement with a post-transaction enterprise value of $149.5 million.
– ScanTech specializes in computed-tomography baggage and cargo logistics screening technology, ensuring the safe transportation of items through airports.

Well, it looks like ScanTech Identification Beam Systems is all set to make a grand entrance onto the global financial stage, doing the Wall Street shuffle with Mars Acquisition, a blank-check company. Now, I don’t know about you, but the term ‘blank-check company’ always makes me think of a kid in a candy store with an unlimited budget. But I digress; that’s the name of the game when it comes to special purpose acquisition companies, or SPACs if you enjoy acronyms as much as I do.

The business plan here? A definitive business combination agreement. That’s what Mars Acquisition and ScanTech are up to. It’s not just your run-of-the-mill merger or acquisition. Oh, no. This is a ‘definitive business combination agreement’, which makes it sound as if they’ve decided to get hitched after dating for a while. They’ve even decided on a cute couple name for their joint listing on the Nasdaq Market – STAI.

Now, you might be wondering, “What’s this going to cost us?” Well, the post-transaction enterprise value is a breezy $149.5 million, which includes an equity value of $197.5 million and $48 million in net cash. Seems like a lot, but hey, who am I to judge? I mean, the last time I checked my bank account, I had enough to buy a taco, maybe two if I stretched. So, what’s a couple hundred million between friends?

Now, this isn’t just any old investment deal. ScanTech is not your average, everyday tech company. Nope, they’re in the business of computed-tomography baggage and cargo logistics screening technology. Essentially, they’re the folks making sure your grandma’s ceramic cat collection makes it through the airport unscathed, or ensuring that import of rubber ducks doesn’t hide any nefarious additions.

And what’s the timeline for this exciting merger? Well, the deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024. I know, I know, it seems like a long time to wait. But remember, folks, good things come to those who wait. Or so they say. I’m still waiting for my lottery win, but I suppose ScanTech and Mars Acquisition have a better shot at their $149.5 million deal.

So, there you have it. The future of baggage and cargo inspection is looking bright, folks. Or at least, it’s looking like it has $149.5 million in it’s pocket. And who knows? Maybe it’s just the start for more tech companies to jump into the SPAC fray. Only time will tell. But for now, we wait, as the business world continues it’s never-ending game of monopoly. And let’s be honest, isn’t that half the fun?

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Palantir Heads Play Pinocchio, SPACs It To Investors

TLDR:
Palantir Technologies sued for insider trading and misconduct by pension fund, causing damage to reputation.
Allegations of shady investments and questionable revenue reporting leave Palantir’s integrity and ethics in doubt.

Well, isn’t this a pickle? Palantir Technologies, the ever-so-transparent data analytics corporation, has been hit with a lawsuit. The unsuspecting plaintiff is a pension fund accusing Peter Thiel and a few other board members of insider trading and misconduct. I’m sure they were just playing a friendly game of ‘Monopoly,’ right?

These smart cookies allegedly jacked up the company’s stock price with a shopping spree of questionable investments with doomed blank-check companies. Meanwhile, they’re accused of raking in billions for themselves. Quite a clever trick, if only they hadn’t been caught. The lawsuit also names company president Stephen Cohen and CEO Alex Karp as co-conspirators. Now, isn’t that a nice little family gathering?

The pension fund is making a ruckus over claims that these high-ranking officials drove the analytics business to invest millions into special purpose acquisition companies. These were nothing more than glorified side deals that could be used to report revenue that Palantir would never see. Thiel, Cohen, and Karp must have been taking notes during the ‘Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room’ documentary.

These allegations have left quite a stain on Palantir’s reputation. Although, who knew they had a reputation to destroy? It begs the question – can you really tarnish what’s already rusted? Guess we’ll have to wait and see if they can buff out those scratches.

The lawsuit has thrown light on the shady world of insider trading and misconduct. The incident has left the business world in a state of shock. The integrity and ethics of Palantir have been called into question, and rightfully so. After all, there’s something fishy about the smell of burning stock shares in the morning. And it’s not the sweet smell of success, I can tell you that.

In the end, it goes to show, greed and deceit might be fun for a while, but good luck outrunning the long arm of the law while carrying those billion-dollar pockets. This should serve as a reminder folks, no matter how high you fly, the fall is always a doozy.

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