An App you should NOT use for travel docs - VeriFLY

Verifly is a horrible app. Doesnt work according to actual CDC guidelines which are published on the CDC website. Instead someone with poor programming skills has made this app, and it works only for the most direct cases like single, direct flights. Don't use the app and I sincerely hope the app creators and anyone who tries to promote it move to some other field where their incompetence doesnt affect others.

When I was flying out of India, I checked and rechecked all the rules on CDC website and in spite of this Verifly didnt accept my negative test taken the day before the flight because at take off to JFK from HND, "24 hours" would have elapsed. However, check in agents at the DEL airport correctly processed my test result as well as transfer agents at Haneda also correctly processed and approved my printed paperwork. 

 You all need to advertise better that your mediocre app only works for direct flights and does not help one bit for people using connecting flights. Something which the CDC clearly covers in their website. What your "app" claims to do, can be done simply by using a google drive folder, offline docs and have the gate agent verify what is needed. Try using the basic skills your team has into doing something useful elsewhere and leave complicated stuff (like airline connections and itineraries) to professionals.

Crypto IRAs - Something to look into for the long run

 Here are some informative articles

https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-a-bitcoin-ira#:~:text=You%20can't%20put%20bitcoin,%2Ddirected%20IRA%20(SDIRA).

Cost comparison in Crypto trading

https://www.cointracker.io/blog/2019-crypto-exchange-fee-comparison

https://blockfi.com/rates/

Indian Stock Markets - Potential IPOs to keep an eye on

 Indian packaged food market as well as fast foods, fast casual is a huge market. Haldiram's in India is a very trusted, high brand recognition name. They also sell products in overseas markets like USA, UK, Australia.

I will add more to this post later

In terms of standardization, packaging and a high quality feel Haldiram's is very much at the top. Regionally I know that Adyar Grand Sweets in Tamil Nadu has a similar reputation/ record on packaged foods.

https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/haldirams-ipo-soon-with-1-billion-sales-indias-homegrown-food-company-has-this-plan/1862410/

Fluidigm Obtains European CE Mark approval for Advanta Platform

Fluidigm, a diagnostics company using microfluidics technology and working in the area of disease diagnostics has seen its fortunes go through wild swings in the past year during the Coronavirus pandemic. Today, the company announced via press release the approval of a CE marking for its Advanta platform. For sales in Europe, this is a major step. 

Fluidigm Corporation (Nasdaq:FLDM), an innovative biotechnology tools provider with a vision to improve life through comprehensive health insight, today announced that the company has received the CE-IVD mark for its Advanta™ Dx SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Assay, an extraction-free saliva-based test to detect nucleic acid from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The CE-IVD mark is in conformance with the European Union In Vitro Diagnostic Directive. The Advanta Dx SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Assay does not require collection via invasive nasopharyngeal swab, and the company’s clinical studies for submission demonstrated 100 percent agreement between saliva results from the Advanta Dx Assay and results from paired nasopharyngeal samples tested with authorized assays. A growing body of peer-reviewed research is confirming that the accuracy of saliva-based COVID-19 testing is comparable to that of nasopharyngeal-based collection. 

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Internal Medicine in January 2021 stated that saliva-based tests have a similar sensitivity and specificity and present an attractive alternative to invasive nasopharyngeal testing. Intended Use The Advanta™ Dx SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Assay is a reverse transcription (RT) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test intended for the qualitative detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 in saliva from patients who are suspected of COVID-19.

Analysis: This indicates the opening of a new market in Europe, and sales associated this. Read more on it here: https://investors.fluidigm.com/news-releases/news-release-details/fluidigm-receives-ce-ivd-mark-its-saliva-based-advanta-dx-sars

More on the CE marking: https://europa.eu/youreurope/business/product-requirements/labels-markings/ce-marking/index_en.htm

Fluidigm Stock Could end up Sideways for a while

 Disclosure: I have been long on Fluidigm for almost a year and currently hold some in my portfolio,

Fluidigm is a 

Others in the space include Vault Health, a test provider that has contracts with many state governments. They are billing the test at $119 per test, which is the same as the LabCorp $119 test. I have nt done detailed research in this area, but this number might  be the result of government reimbursement limits/caps/profit maximums etc. I did some digging around and it looks like the pricing is a direct result of trying to be competitive to LabCorp's nasal swab (at home sample collection) test.

See: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/vault-reduces-price-home-saliva-140000693.html?.tsrc=fin-srch

Stanford however launched its own low cost saliva-based test and is enrolling 

Fluidigm got its FDA authorization in late August (Opens new window pdf download)

Vault's Original FDA EUA was issued in April and is available for download here (Opens new window).

Other names for Vault's test:

Other Brand Name(s)

• Vault Health COVID-19 Test
• USGC Saliva Test Kit, hims/hers Saliva Test Kit
• BioIQ COVID-19 Saliva Test
• Concentric by Ginkgo
• 1health.io Zero Contact
• Base10 Saliva Test Kit
• Purlab. Saliva Test Kit
• Reliant Saliva Test Kit
• E7 Health Saliva Test Kit
• miinehealth Saliva Test Kit
• Maverick Saliva Test Kit
• SDTL Saliva Test Kit
• AZOVA At-Home COVID-19 Test Collection Ki

https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-legal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/emergency-use-authorization

Kentucky Derby 2020 - Picks

DERBY DAY!

Don't think we will see many hats in the stands, but people will probably be doing small scale derby parties with hats at home. Weather looks good so far today.

I have nt been posting picks of late, but it is Kentucky Derby weekend and one of my friends texted me and asked for picks. 

So here goes... (You can bet on Twinspires app or website- Sign up here to get a free $10 bet)

Full list of entries including Jockey, trainer names can be found at the Equibase site. (new window)

 4: Storm the Court (Morning line: 50-1)

This horse has generally been a front running style horse, Can he manage to hold the pace for mile and quarter? We will have to wait and see! Most recenty came 2nd in the LaJolla Handicap and 3rd in the Ohio Derby. He did win the BC Juvenile last year as a 2 year old but since then no major achievements. But since the Derby is later this year (not May but Sep) I want to add him as a wildcard.

 8: South Bend (Morning line: 50-1)

This is a simple no nonsense horse. The trainer is a highly respected trainer Bill Mott and a decent jockey on board.  Has a 2nd in the Grade 3 Ohio Derby. While normally it may not be a big thing, you have to realize it was a decent sized field of 13 horses and this horse closed well and was ahead of today's #4 Storm the Court.

 12: Sole Volante - I've got a feeling on this one. (Morning line: 30-1 )

This horse came 2nd in the Grade 2 Tampa Derby in February trailing as the 11th in a field of 12, but then covered ground well to arrive at 2nd placing and was narrowing the gap. Since then this gelding has only won an optional claimer then performed poorly at the Belmont (run at a shortened 1 1/8 miles this year). The extra distance might help the closing style of this horse.

I would just bet this one to win, and a show maybe. Also see the strategy for 15. 

 15: Ny Traffic (Morning line: 20-1)

 this horse had been consistent in top 3 recently even in large fields. The strategy for this horse would be probably be to bet a safe win ($10 bucks?) and, 

also a $1 Exacta with 15 on top, with 4, 8, 12, 16, 17. This underneath. This is risking $5 but the payoff could be nice. 

---------------------------------

16. Honor A.P. (Morning line: 5-1)

This one is only 5-1 and the second favorite, but seems consistent to me. If you want some type of winning ticket, betting across the board on this (Win-Place-Show aka WPS) might be one strategy.

But it's short odds still on him, and of course the race favorite (17: Tiz the Law) will probably go even odds. He is definitely the one to beat, but the Derby is challenging and crowded race and surprising things can always happen! 

If anyone is planning on doing online betting on Twinspires, enjoy $10 FREE after your first bet through this link. https://www.twinspires.com/account-create-get-free-bets?referrer=getfreebets&promo_code=94881374

#KentuckyDerby #promobets #promo# promocode #Derby2020

 Have fun betting! Thank you!!

** this post contains referral links that may earn me a small commission or a free bet.

Best Discount Broker

Updated: April 3, 2019

Well, currently that would be Sogotrade. They have a lightning fast interface, inexpensive trade commission structure and a neat referral program.

They don't have a large marketing budget but they provide great service. The only reason I am writing this is because now and then people ask me this question and having used several brokers over the years (Scottrade, Acorns, Sogotrade, OptionsXpress, Zecco --> TradeKing and MB Trading (last 2 both now with Ally Invest)), I feel that the best and simplest happens to be Sogotrade, with a little bit of effort.

MB Trading used to be great for sophisticated investing but it is too much work to learn for regular long term buyers.

I am also in the process of evaluating Interactive Brokers, and once I evaluate them and also obtain a referring relationship, plan to add links here.

So the simple verdict is Sogotrade. However, if you want the comfort of a nearby office, then Sogotrade is good (now owned by Ameritrade)

Keeneland Opens Coming Weekend

Keeneland Racetrack opens Friday Oct 2. Straight off the bat, they have the FallStars meet with Nine Graded Races coming up. These include some of the well known stakes such as the Shadwell Turf Mile G1, Woodford (G3), Darley Aliciabades G1, Juddmonte Spinster G1, First Lady G1.

Read more about it on the track website: http://www.keeneland.com/fallstars

The full list of the stakes over this weekend is reproduced below:

Friday, Oct. 2Darley Alcibiades G1VIEW PROBABLES

Friday, Oct. 2Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix G3VIEW PROBABLES

Saturday, Oct. 3Claiborne Breeders Futurity G1VIEW PROBABLES

Saturday, Oct. 3Shadwell Turf Mile G1VIEW PROBABLES

Saturday, Oct. 3First Lady G1VIEW PROBABLES

Saturday, Oct. 3Thoroughbred Club of America G2VIEW PROBABLES

Saturday, Oct. 3Woodford Stakes (G3) VIEW PROBABLES

Sunday, Oct. 4Juddmonte Spinster G1VIEW PROBABLES

Sunday, Oct. 4Dixiana Bourbon G3VIEW PROBABLES

Exciting times lay ahead as this meet brings several additional stakes with the grand Breeders Cup Championships coming during Oct 29-31.

HANDICAPPING

Keeneland’s handicapping tool is a free database designed especially for horseplayers who want detailed information. Updated at the end of each race day, the database offers detailed information on the individual winners of every Keeneland race since October 2006, including weather, position at key junctures of the race, last start information and much more.

CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE HANDICAPPING DATABASE

The database is

1. Sortable
2. Downloadable
3. Allows handicappers to chose the criteria they think is important when wagering on Keeneland live racing

The only issue with the database is that it features most of the data on the (past) All weather track. Keeneland has a new dirt track in place, so pay careful attention to the opening weekend to gather clues for the meet. 

HOT TIP:  Definitely pay lot of attention to Shipper Statistics for trainers, that will be very useful this time around.

BRIS TIP:  For Friday Oct 2 BRIS PPs for Race 1, 5 and 7 - Check out these Malibu Moon offspring PPs

http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/briswatch.cgi/public/SpendThrift/MALIBU+MOON/1997/summary.html

Woodward Stakes 2015 PPs

The prestigious Grade I Woodward Stakes will be on this Saturday, Sep 5th at Saratoga race track.

For more on the history of the race, click here to go to a NYRA special.

For past performance charts of the Saranac (Gr 3) Race 8 - post time 4:33 ET, Spinaway (Gr 1) Race 9 - post time 5:11 ET, and Woodward, Race 10, post time 5:47 ET (BRIS) --Visit the following link: BRIS PP for Pletcher

http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/briswatch.cgi/public/ToddPletcher/PLETCHER+TODD+A/9999/summary.html

Search for the respective search names (Ctrl+F) on the page and you will come across the Entries link and the Ultimate PPs link.

Race 10 Woodward Stakes (Entries)

This race can set up well for 7 Effinex to win with a well timed ride. 8 Protonico is the other horse who is being consistent and can be expected to fire. 2 Liams Map seems to have great tenacity and can be assumed to hold his ground on the lead irrespective of other speedy challengers. 
Race 10 Picks: 7-2-8

Race 9: Spinaway Stakes (Entries)

This race features 2 Rachels Valentina, a definite fan favorite being a Rachel Alexandra-Bernardini daughter and with an impressive debut to boot. Her biggest challenge would probably come from 1 Tap to It, in the stretch.
Race 9 Picks: 2-1

Race 8 Saranac Stakes (Entries)

Bill Mott trainee with Jose Lezcano on board 5 Go Around, looks dangerous. However, the top contenders in my book are the Chad Brown trainees 3 Takeover Target (coming off a win) and 4 Winter Springs (top jockey Javier Castellano on board). Could this be as simple as 3-4-5 ? Wait and Watch!

Race 8 Picks: 3-4-5.

If you play the $1 Pick 3 starting in Race 8 , the sequence would be:
(3-4-5) with (1-2) with (2-7-8) costing $18 for the minimum bet.

Help to Identify Soundtrack

Need some help in identifying this piece of music. I trimmed it from an old youtube video which does NOT mention where it is from! But I am really curious and want to know! Thanks in advance!!


I heard this song in an Indian movie somewhat recently. Now, I have heard this sound in a fairly old sporting event too. I am trying to find the origin of this score. Can anyone help?
Is there a way to identify/recognize/locate the original soundtrack if have only a short clip of the music? Will take it down once I know the origin. Thanks!!

 

Paynter: Awesome heart

Here is a great story about Paynter, the Awesome Again colt - turned stallion - who showed great resilience in fighting laminitis and other obstacles thrown into his path.

Check out the full story of the mural about him at Winstar at this link:
http://www.zayatstables.com/articles/graffiti-mural-at-center-of-paynter-promotion.html

Tribute to Cigar

The all time great Cigar passed away on Oct 7 2014.

Here is one of his amazing victories, where he does it effortlessly!

CIGAR MASSACHUSETTS HANDICAP at SUFFOLK DOWNS

CIGAR BC Classic

Rest in Peace - big fella!

Great Races this Saturday in Pennsylvania

The Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby (for 3 year olds) and the Grade 1 Cotillion Stakes (3 yr old fillies) will take place this Saturday at the Parx race track in Bensalem PA.

California Chrome, the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winning 3 yr old colt will vie for the top honors with several other able competitors such as Bayern, Tapiture and others. Post time is at 540pm for Race 12 - the PA Derby.

Race 11 would be the Cotillion Stakes which features Untapable, StopchargingMaria and other top fillies who will run 1 1/16th miles in their division.

Picks and Tips will be posted here by Friday evening. Stay tuned!

Mucho Macho Man Retired

The winner of the 2013 Breeder's Cup Classic (Gr I), Mucho Macho Man, has been retired and will stand at Adena

Mucho Macho Man (also known as MMM, 3M, or affectionately Moochie) had a superb career, winning or placing (2nd or 3rd) in 20 out of his 25 starts (Equibase stats) and earning about $5.6 million. His best performance was in the Breeder's cup classic last year, but he was gritty performer all through his career. He also came 2nd by just a half length in the 2012 BC Classic (behind Fort Larned).

On the 2011 Kentucky Derby trail, he placed in multiple Gr 2 races (Nashua, Remsen) as a 2 yr old and then won the Risen Star S. (Gr 2) and then ran a very creditable 3rd in the 2011 Kentucky Derby.

Here are some of great races of MMM. Note that they may not all be wins!

MMM coming 2nd but putting up a good fight in 2012

2011 Risen Star Stakes

CONGRATS MMM, you earned it!!

More: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/86204/mucho-macho-man-retired-to-stand-at-adena

More news and sources:

Remembering Ruffian

Too often we hear only about the ill fated match race. This beautiful articl by Haskin relives the glorious life of Ruffian. Enjoy.

http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2014/07/07/a-nasty-challenge-for-ruffian.aspx

United Nations Handicap and Betamerica Promo

The Gr 1 United Nations Handicap (race on Turf) at 1 3/8 mi will be the 12th race at Monmouth Park today (July 6, 2014). Ten talented horses are in the field with some new faces from across the pond.

#10 Side Glance and #5 Main Sequence are both coming here after dismal performances at different races in the Royal Ascot meet.

Our picks focus on:
#2 Ghurair trained by Chad Brown (with a strong % for 3rd off layoff) and #5 Main Sequence trained by Graham Motion and #7 Kaigun (trained by Mark Casse) who has run well at both 1mi and 1 1/4 mi distances in the past two races.

#5 is definitely a wild card choice but might be well worth the risk with the payoff.

BETAMERICA is running some great July promotions and one of those is the $6 Exacta bet refund.

Recommended Bet on BetAmerica to take advantage of their $6 Exacta Refund Promotion

Monmouth  Race#: 12 

 EXACTA $1 Runner(s): BOX 2, 5, 7

Sign with BetAmerica

Royal Ascot Meet 2014

The Royal Ascot meet opens at the Ascot racecourse in UK today.

The first race is at  9:30 am ET.

International Past Performances are available here.

Short write ups:

Race 1: Queen Anne Stakes  1mile (GR 1 for 4 yr olds and upwards) 9:30 am

#8 Toronado is coming after a long layoff but is listed as the M/L favorite. He has wins at the 1 mile distance at the Gr 1 level from last year. Little value here though if he goes off as the favorite.
#10 Verrazano has yet to perform after moving across the pond from US but he has been prepping well and might have a thing or two to say.

The wild card might be #5 Producer, who is stepping up in class but is dropping weight from his last race (where he came first at a mile).

Race 2: Coventry Stakes - 6F (GR 2 stakes for 2 yr olds) 10:05 am

#4 Capella Sansavero is unbeaten in 3 races and looks to run good

#12 Kool Kompany looks exceptionally good for this field. (8-1 M/L)

#6 - if you like the name, might be worth a bet :P

Race 3: King's Stand Stakes  - 5F  (GR 1 3 YO and upwards) 10:45 am

#1 Ahtoug is a real fighter and was 2nd to (#8) SheaShea in the Gr 2 Meydan sprint and 2nd again by a neck in a Gr 1 sprint.

#8 SheaShea - always a SOLID contender.

#6 Pearl Secret could be the value bet here.

Race 4: St. James Palace Stakes  - 1 mile (GR 1 - 3 YO Entire Colts only) 11:25am

#1 Kingman - a John Gosden trainee has been very impressive in his four victories out of his five career races.

#2 night of Thunder defeated Kingman in the Qipco 2000 Guineas recently. Expect a strong match up between these two.

#6 War Command could produce an upset.

Other races covered

Online Fundraising through Horse Related Items Auction

Merely reposting something I saw on paceadvantage.com by user turfeyejoe.

Opening bids generally start at one third retail price.

Auction Site Link

Great racing items for good cause

---

Two years ago, my 87-year-old father was abducted from his home. Three weeks later, police found his body in a swamp, 800 miles from his home. A suspect plead guilty to murder last month. In my dad's memory, we established a scholarship and award $1,000 annually to a high school senior who intends to follow my father's career by becoming a teacher. To raise money for the scholarship, we are holding an online auction May 23-30. All you need to bid is a computer and a credit card. We are a certified 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.

Though my contacts in the racing industry, I have gathered numerous racing-related prizes. Opening bids generally start at one third retail price.

Here are some of the Thoroughbred racing prizes.
* 4 season clubhouse passes to Del Mar (value $1,600), opens at $533
* DRF Formulator 240-card package (value $695), opens at $232
* VIP package for 6 at Monmouth Park ($160 value), opens at $53
* Day at the races package for 6, including race named after you and winner's circle picture at Belmont Park ($400 value), opens at $133
* Handicapping books and DVDs by Steve Crist, Jim Quinn and Peter Fornatale ... opening bids at $10 each.

https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/auctionhome.action?auctionId=207401888

Preakness 2014 - Chrome Wins!

California Chrome makes easy work of the Preakness field and wins in a very convincing fast time.

Derby Winner Chrome Arrives at PIMLICO

A picture is worth a 1000 words.

A video is worth.. well 30 fps normally, but thousands of frames/sec at photo finish line.

Here, it is a just a little joyful greeting and arrival at Pimlico for California Chrome,

Also on Facebook by Preakness Stakes.