“AgileThought’s Not-So-Thoughtful Tax Tangle Throws Tech Giant Toward the Chopping Block”

“Pitch Perfect! Kahan, Kelly, and the Memorable Melodies that Kept SPAC Rocking “

TLDR:
– Ruston Kelly and Noah Kahan’s performances at SPAC created a deep connection with the audience through raw emotion and infectious energy.
– The night was a testament to the power of live music, showcasing the magic of musical euphoria and the shared heartbeat between artist and audience.

Saturday night at SPAC was the kind of event that makes you glad you didn’t stay home, watching another rerun of “Friends” for the millionth time. Instead, you would have been captivated by Ruston Kelly and Noah Kahan who took to the stage and transformed the venue into a haven for music lovers.

Now, who knew that your average young woman, who’s probably more familiar with a makeup palate than a guitar, would be so deeply moved by Kelly’s rendition of Taylor Swift’s “All Two Well”? But that’s just the kind of night it was. The raw emotion and vulnerability in Kelly’s voice created that inexplicable moment of collective connection that left no stone unturned in the audience’s soul. It probably also sold a ton of Kelly’s merchandise, but hey, who’s keeping track?

Just when you thought the night couldn’t get any better, enter Noah Kahan in his white overalls, looking like he just jumped out of a Norman Rockwell painting, ready to save the day. His infectious smile and stage presence could probably power a small city. The audience, metaphorically speaking, welcomed him with open arms and choruses. Each track he delivered, from the soulful “Northern Attitude” to the depth of “Growing Sideways,” was like an exquisite dish at a five-star restaurant, consumed and savored by the audience.

But Kahan wasn’t done just yet. He launched into “False Confidence,” and the crowd responded like it was the national anthem. Everyone raised their arms, belting out the lyrics with so much fervor that the venue’s energy levels probably spiked the local power grid. And just to keep the party going, Kahan finished off the night with an exuberant rendition of “Dial Drunk.”

The night reached its climax with an encore, because apparently, Kahan’s mantra is “why leave them wanting more, when you can leave them absolutely spellbound?” The encore, an extended rendition of “The View Between Villages,” was a hauntingly beautiful journey into the realm of melodies and introspective lyrics. As the song ended, Kahan smoothly transitioned to “Stick Season” and “Homesick,” leaving the audience awestruck and probably frantically googling his discography.

In conclusion, Saturday night at SPAC was not just a run-of-the-mill concert. It was a symphony of deep connection and musical euphoria. Ruston Kelly and Noah Kahan proved that music is more than just organized noise. It is a shared heartbeat between the artist and the audience. The raw emotion, contagious energy, and palpable excitement of the night created a powerful connection that would resonate with the audience. It was a night that served as a testament to the magic of live music, and how it can touch our souls and bring us together. So the next time you’re considering staying in on a Saturday night, remember this: nothing beats a live performance where you can connect with the music, the artist, and a crowd of equally enthralled fans.

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Taking the Scenic Route to Nasdaq: Cheche Group and Roadzen Shake Up the Auto Insurance Highway

TLDR:
– Cheche Group and Roadzen have completed SPAC mergers, shaking up the traditional insurance industry and revolutionizing the car insurance experience.
– These companies are leading the way with their tech, analytics, and customer-centric approach, leaving traditional players trying to catch up and transforming the industry.

Well, strap in folks, because the insurance industry is starting to feel like a rollercoaster ride and it’s only going to get wilder. The Cheche Group and Roadzen — auto insurance providers who fall under the glamorous banner of ‘insurtechs’ — have completed SPAC mergers. And no, SPAC isn’t a new type of air freshener for your car, it’s a special purpose acquisitions company. It’s like a magician’s hat for finance folks, pulling companies into the public market quicker than you can say “abracadabra.” But what does it mean for us, the unsuspecting public?

These folks are not just shaking up the industry, they’re bringing the whole kitchen down. Traditional insurance providers might as well be riding horse-drawn carriages while Cheche Group and Roadzen are pushing turbo-charged rocket cars. Now, that’s one way to get on the Nasdaq, right?

Why the big fuss over insurance, you may wonder? Well, it’s not about how many accidents you can avoid with your charm and good luck. It’s about the tech, analytics, and a customer-centric approach. Thanks to these renegade companies, you can now personalize your insurance experience. Finally, an end to those mind-numbing, soul-destroying forms that ask questions even your mother wouldn’t dare.

It’s not just about being slick and techy though. These companies are clearly doing something right, because customers are flocking to them like free food at a student’s union. Traditional players in the industry are left panting in their wake, desperately trying to catch up. It’s about as graceful as a giraffe on roller skates, but you’ve got to admire the effort.

And the upshot of all this? The once staid and boring world of car insurance is getting a makeover. It’s like the industry has finally discovered it’s not a dowdy librarian, but a Hollywood starlet. So, strap in, grab some popcorn and prepare for the show, because it’s going to be quite a ride.

Ultimately, Cheche Group and Roadzen are not just companies. They’re a wake-up call to the traditional insurance industry. A reminder that change is not only inevitable, but also essential. While the industry was sleeping, these two snuck in, flipped the script, and left everyone else scrambling. They’re not just part of the future, they’re building it.

So next time you’re renewing your car insurance, remember this isn’t just about covering your car in case of accidents. It’s about choosing between the past and the future. And if you ask me, the future looks a lot more exciting. Buckle up, folks. The ride is just getting started.

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Apple’s Latest Circus: iPhone 14, iWatch Breathalyzer and Apparently They’re Inventing Cars Now Too

TLDR:
– Apple One is a bundled package of Apple services, including Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud storage, and Apple Fitness+.
– Apple One offers different tiers for different budgets, providing convenience but also tying every aspect of a user’s digital life to a single company.

Well folks, here we are again, with Apple’s latest ingenious contraption designed to pry open our wallets. They’ve just released Apple One, a cleverly bundled package of their services, designed to, as they put it, “simplify the user experience.” I bet you never thought your life was overly complicated until now, huh?

Delve into the marvel that is Apple One, and you’ll find the usual suspects: Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud storage and the new kid on the block, Apple Fitness+. They’re all there, like a digital Noah’s Ark. The idea here is that you’re saving money compared to subscribing to each service individually. I’ve always admired Apple’s gall; they have a unique knack for making us pay for things we didn’t even realize we needed.

And in true Silicon Valley fashion, Apple has developed different “tiers” for Apple One. Because in this brave new world, we wouldn’t want anyone feeling left out, or heavens forbid, equal. Whether you’re a cash-strapped student or a cash-splashing tycoon, Apple has a tier for you. It’s a case of the rich getting richer, and the not-so-rich, well, getting iCloud storage and Apple Fitness+.

Now, I can hear you asking, “But surely, this is just Apple making our lives easier and more convenient?” And you’d be right. As right as a person walking into a casino thinking they’ll leave richer. After all, nothing screams ‘convenience’ like having every aspect of your digital life tied to a single company.

In fact, Apple One is shaping up to be a veritable connoisseur of convenience. It’s convenience you can put a price tag on. It’s convenience you can sing along to with Apple Music. It’s convenience you can watch on Apple TV+. It’s convenience you can play on Apple Arcade. It’s convenience you can store in the iCloud. And it’s convenience you can sweat to with Apple Fitness+. That’s a lot of convenience for one subscription. I guess that’s why it’s called Apple One and not Apple Many.

Now, let’s shift gears from the perfectly polished Apple orchard and head over to the SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company) jungle. You know SPACs, those blank-check companies that have become the Wall Street equivalent of a reality TV show. If you want to stay informed on the latest SPAC news, there’s a free newsletter just for you.

Sure, you could use the time you save by not scouring the internet for SPAC news to do something productive, like learning a new language or mastering the art of sourdough baking. But where’s the fun in that? Instead, dedicate your newfound free time to pondering the mysteries of the universe, like why we’re paying for a bundle of services from a company named after a fruit. Now, that’s a thought worth subscribing to.

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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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“ZG Group Steels the Show: First-Ever Hong Kong SPAC Merger with Aquila Acquisition”

TLDR:
– ZG Group is set to merge with Aquila Acquisition in Hong Kong’s first-ever SPAC merger, with a dowry of $1.27 billion.
– Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Authority has set rules that only professional investors can trade SPAC shares, while retail investors can join after the merger.

Well, gather round, folks. Here’s a spicy tale from the financial front lines. Our protagonist, ZG Group, a company that has elevated steel trading to an online art form, is all set to tie the knot with Aquila Acquisition in Hong Kong’s first-ever SPAC merger. The wedding guests are already toasting to the bride’s dowry – a mammoth $1.27 billion, to be precise. This matrimony is more than just a corporate love story; it’s a monumental leap for Hong Kong’s financial market.

Now, for the uninitiated, ZG Group isn’t just another tech company, oh no. These wizards have turned the traditional, and dare I say, boring steel industry into a veritable tech playground. They’ve digitized everything from trading and warehousing to logistics and processing. Steel transactions have never had it so good, or so efficient. With the backing of deep-pocketed investors – including a subsidiary of the commodities trading giant, Trafigura Group – they’re ready to ride the SPAC wave all the way to the public market.

For those still stuck in the pre-digital era, SPACs, or Special Purpose Acquisition Companies, are the latest Wall Street darlings. They’re like corporate matchmakers, connecting private companies with public investors. Not a bad gig if you can get it. ZG Group’s new partner, Aquila Acquisition, has the honor of being the first SPAC to list itself on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

But, here’s the kicker. Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Authority, the gatekeeper, has laid down a few ground rules. Only the big players, the professional investors, can trade SPAC shares. The everyday folks, the retail investors, can only join the party after the merger is complete. Must be fun to watch from the sidelines, huh?

A word of caution though, before ZG Group and Aquila Acquisition can ride off into the stock market sunset, they’ve got to clear a few regulatory hurdles. They’ll need a green light from both the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the China Securities Regulatory Commission. It’s like getting approval from both sets of in-laws.

In short, ZG Group’s upcoming nuptials with Aquila Acquisition is a financial landmark, a potential game-changer for Hong Kong’s market. It not only solidifies Hong Kong’s reputation as a hotbed for financial innovation, but also sets the stage for other companies to follow in their footsteps. Who knows, we might be witnessing the steel industry’s version of a fairy-tale ending. So, grab your popcorn and keep your eyes on this one, because steel trading in Hong Kong is about to get a lot more interesting.

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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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“Sizzling Saratoga Summer Series Set to Bid Adieu with a Killer Queen Tribute”

TLDR:
– The Saratoga Performing Arts Center is wrapping up its summer concert series with a performance from Killer Queen and no opening act.
– The event has a cashless policy, only accepting credit or debit cards for parking and other transactions.

In the world of business, it’s often said, “The show must go on.” And as the summer of 2023 draws to a close, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is heeding that advice. Their summer concert series wraps up tonight with a performance from Killer Queen, a tribute to, well, Queen. An inventive choice, like picking a copy machine to play the role of Hamlet, but we’re not here to judge.

The lack of an opening act means the audience will be treated to an unhindered, full-on explosion of Killer Queen from start to finish. Similar to a sales pitch where they skip the small talk and launch straight into the 5-year contract. The show is a pavilion-only event, which means no one will be able to hide in the lawn seats. It’s like a mandatory staff meeting, folks. You can’t get out of it.

Now, let’s talk timing. In a move that’s as punctual as a Swiss watch stuck in a loop, the box office opens at 2pm, parking lots at 6pm, and gates at 6:30pm. Killer Queen hits the stage at 7:30pm, presumably not in a literal sense. All of this is as subject to change as a businessman’s ethics in a bear market, so keep your eyes peeled.

One thing that’s not changing, however, is SPAC’s cashless policy. They’ve joined the digital revolution and there’s no going back now. Looking for a cash to card kiosk? They’ve got you covered. It’s like a casino exchange booth, but without the faint hope of a payout. General parking costs $10 per vehicle, and in yet another twist, this must be paid with a credit or debit card. So, if you were hoping to get rid of your loose change, tough luck!

Now, onto the question of what you can bring to this event. Water and food are permitted, but only under specific conditions that make the TSA look easygoing. You can bring an empty water bottle or up to one gallon of factory-sealed water, because we all know how wild Queen fans can get when they’re dehydrated. Food, like your personal dignity, must be sealed in a clear, one-gallon zip-lock bag. Cameras with nonprofessional, non-detachable lenses are okay too. For the complete list of what’s permitted, you’ll have to do some investigative work.

The summer concert series may be coming to a close, but the echoes of the 2023 Capital Region concerts will linger. In between the sweat, the cheers, and the music, how many did you attend? If nothing else, this summer proved one thing — Queen is a band like no other. Now, that’s a business model worth singing about.

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Buckle Up Cyber Geeks: Yubico’s Sleek YubiKey X, Unexpected Apple Alliance, and a Glimpse Into A Secure Digital Future

TLDR:
Yubico emphasizes the importance of collaboration in the face of growing cyber threats.
Yubico is praised for their leadership and innovation in the cybersecurity industry.

Well, folks, I’m back from the mystical land of conferences and keynotes, where caffeine is the only currency and sleep is a myth. This time, I found myself in the high-octane world of cyber security. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

Now, our tale today revolves around Yubico – you know, the guys who’ve made it their mission to wrap our digital lives in an impenetrable fortress. I had the chance to sit in their “Future of Cybersecurity” event – the irony of the term “future” here is just too delicious. But let’s not digress.

The crux of the Yubico message, aside from the usual spiel about pushing boundaries and continual innovation, is the importance of collaboration in the face of growing cyber threats. It’s a noble sentiment, really. Because, you see, nothing bonds humanity like a common enemy. And in the digital front, this enemy doesn’t ride on horses or wave flags, no. It hides behind screens and code, striking when you least expect it.

Riding on their white horse of cutting-edge tech and collaboration, Yubico has once again claimed its throne as a leader in the cyber security industry, a shining beacon in a sea of digital storms. They’ve got us all on the edge of our seats, waiting with bated breath for their next groundbreaking innovation. And let me tell you, the suspense is just riveting.

To stay in the loop on all things Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPAC), I’d highly recommend signing up for our free newsletter (don’t worry, we don’t bite, or hack). You’ll be privy to the latest daily SPAC news and who knows, you might even pick up a few pointers on how to protect your digital life from the invisible enemy. And who wouldn’t want that?

In all seriousness though, I do have to tip my hat to Yubico. It’s not an easy feat to stay ahead in the ever-changing, tumultuous world of cybersecurity. But they’ve managed to do it, and they do it with style. So here’s to hoping that their future is as bright as the glare off your computer screen at 3 am.

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“Mission Control, We Have an IPO: Spacy SPAC Gears Up to Change the Universe of Investing”

TLDR:
– Mission Control Acquisition Corporation is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) priced at $10 per unit, totaling $100 million.
– Unlike most SPACs, Mission Control has an 18-month window to make their move, with an option to extend by another six months.

Well, folks, it appears we’ve got another company all geared up to blast off into the ever-expanding universe of space investment. Mission Control Acquisition Corporation is their name, and if that doesn’t scream “we’re taking over the cosmos”, I don’t know what does. They’re prepping for an initial public offering (IPO), which apparently is as trendy in the business world as avocado on toast is in hipster cafes.

The fascinating part is that they’ve set their price at $10 per unit with a total of 10 million units. If my grade school math serves me right, that sounds like a cool $100 million deal. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “that’s a lot of green”. And you’re right, it’s as if they’re planning to buy their way to the moon or something.

Unlike most standard SPACs (Special Purpose Acquisition Companies) that give themselves a tight 12-month window to make their move, Mission Control is opting for a leisurely 18-month stroll, with an option to extend that by another six months, because why rush when you’re just planning to take over the universe, right?

Meet Kira Blackwell, the CEO of Mission Control. This lady has spent time with NASA, and she’s not just been hanging around the coffee machine. She was the iTech Program Executive, which, in layman’s terms, means she’s a big deal. Now she’s at the helm of this SPAC, ready to push some serious boundaries in the space economy.

The space market has already skyrocketed from 2010 to 2022, and it looks set to double again this decade. If McKinsey and the World Economic Forum are to be believed, and they usually are, we could be looking at an industry worth a whopping $1 trillion by 2030. I guess the sky’s not the limit after all.

Now, SPACs had their moment of fame recently, going from the business equivalent of the guy in the back of the class to the star quarterback. The number of SPACs skyrocketed during the pandemic, with more than 600 SPAC deals in the IPO blockbuster year of 2021. But this year, they’ve only managed to make up 48% of new public offerings. It seems SPACs have become the old news, just like last year’s viral video.

But who knows? Maybe Mission Control Acquisition Corporation will change all that. After all, when you’re planning to conquer an industry projected to be worth $1 trillion, you might just stir things up a bit. Just remember, investors, in space, no one can hear you scream… about your investment returns.

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Saratoga Springs’ Weekend Binge: Partying Costly, Cleaning Up Even Costlier!

TLDR:
– Saratoga Springs incurred approximately $37,000 in overtime expenses for its fire and police departments during a race weekend and concerts, with the city having to cover the bill.
– The fire department had 136 hours of overtime at the track, costing $8,160, while the police department accumulated 175 hours of overtime, amounting to $9,944.

Saratoga Springs, known for its picturesque race course and lively concerts, certainly knows how to throw a party. But, like a college student after a kegger, it’s waking up to a hefty bill. The city recently chalked up around $37,000 in overtime wages for its fire and police departments during the Travers weekend. But hey, if you’re going to host nearly 50,000 horse racing aficionados and two sold-out Phish concerts, you better be prepared to pay a little overtime, right?

Now, let’s talk numbers. The fire department punched in 136 hours of overtime at the track, to the tune of $8,160. Luckily for the city, this was reimbursed through a contract with the New York Racing Association. The police department, on the other hand, racked up 175 hours in overtime, costing a smooth $9,944. Here’s the kicker: the city has to foot the bill.

The situation over at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center was a little more, shall we say, “cost-efficient”. The fire department had 88.5 hours of overtime, costing $5,310. However, the contract with SPAC picked up the tab on $4,260 of that. And let’s not forget the police on Caroline Street – those overtime hours amounted to $3,520. So, while the city partied, the overtime meter kept ticking.

But let’s not overlook the unsung heroes of this overtime bonanza. Code Enforcement, nestled under the warm bureaucratic wing of the fire department, also bagged a cool 48 hours of overtime, setting the city back around $2,880. Their duties? Checking if the local watering holes were fitting in one too many patrons or cranking up the volume a tad too high. The things we do for peace, quiet, and fire safety, right?

Public Safety Commissioner James Montagnino reassures us that this isn’t a surprise party for the city’s budget. Rather, it’s more like an expected guest. “This is something that is pretty much baked into the budget”, he says. Well, that’s comforting. As long as there’s a line item in the budget for “party-induced overtime”, I suppose we’re all good.

To sum it up, hosting a good time isn’t cheap, and it seems like Saratoga Springs is learning that the hard way. But as the saying goes, “no pain, no gain”. Here’s hoping the city finds a way to balance its municipal budget without sacrificing the good times. After all, nobody likes a party pooper, especially not when it’s city hall.

So here’s to Saratoga Springs: a city that knows how to throw a party, and the overtime sheet to prove it. Just remember, folks, next time you see a double rainbow at the racecourse or get down at a Phish concert, someone’s clocking in the extra hours to make that happen. It’s all part of the cost of a good time in Saratoga Springs.

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