Fraud...

Federal authorities said they've broken up a $1.2 billion Medicare scam that peddled unneeded orthopedic braces to hundreds of thousands of seniors via foreign call centers.

The Justice Department announced charges against 24 people across the U.S., including doctors accused of writing bogus prescriptions for unneeded back, shoulder, wrist and knee braces.  

Medicare's anti-fraud unit said it's taking action against 130 medical equipment companies implicated. They billed the program a total of $1.7 billion, of which more than $900 million was paid out.

Telemarketers would reach out to seniors offering "free" orthopedic braces, also touted through television and radio ads. Beneficiaries who expressed interest would be patched through to call centers in the Philippines and throughout Latin America.

Alleged...

Congressional Republicans, and the president, have alleged that officials improperly relied on that dossier to obtain a secret warrant to spy on former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page. That was the start of the probe that Trump calls a “witch hunt.”

Attorney General William Barr assembled a team to review controversial counterintelligence decisions made by Justice Department and FBI officials, including actions taken during the probe of the Trump campaign in the summer of 2016, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Barr is looking into allegations that the investigation into President Donald Trump and possible collusion with Russia was tainted at the start by anti-Trump bias in the FBI and Justice Department.

Legalize...

A number of New York state lawmakers are calling for the legalization of prostitution.

Senators Jessica Ramos, Julia Salazar and Brad Hoylman, as well as Assemblyman Richard Gottfried are working with Decrim NY to introduce a bill to rewrite the state’s penal code to decriminalize sex trades in the state of New York.

Decrim NY is a coalition to “decriminalize, decarcerate and destigmatize the sex trade in New York City and state.”  

Most people trade sex out of economic need: to pay bills, make rent, and put food on the table. People often turn to sex work after a life event such as a major health-care bill leaves them economically vulnerable. 

Many politicians have been caught in these activities. The crimes associated with prostitution is massive from murder, to human trafficking to other serious crimes that never reach the court.

If prostitution generates enough money, then Governor Cuomo may call it "Personal Congestion"  and promote it.   Just a thought.

Spying...

CEO Matthew Maddox said James Stern, the executive of corporate security, was let go.

Stern, a former FBI agent, testified he'd sent undercover operatives to monitor current and former employees, including former Wynn casino stylist Jorgen Nielsen.  The company stressed that neither Nielsen nor the others were victims of Steve Wynn's alleged misconduct.

The company also said Stern's surveillance of Elaine Wynn, the ex-wife of Steve Wynn, happened around 2012 and stemmed from an unrelated lawsuit brought by Kazuo Okada, a Japanese billionaire and fellow Wynn Resorts co-founder.

Summery...

The Media is devastated again and again since they gambled big time on the Muller's report. They can't let it go since there is nothing else out there to talk about.

Taxes...

The Democratic States have the highest taxes in the United States of America. And with the new taxes plans, non can be deducted. It will impact the real estate, the state budget and the livelihood of the public. In addition, as you see in New York, the Democratic governor and Mayer of the city of New York, are adding more taxes on the people for one reason or another.

Beyond...

I think the Democratic party is hurting itself with the various foolishness done by what they consider themselves the leaders of the party.

Swelled...

Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) announced that he is running for president in 2020, joining an already-crowded Democratic field.  

Veggies...

A major study released in 2010 that tracked the eating habits of 478,000, monitored for an average of nearly nine years. Europeans suggests consuming lots of fruits and vegetables has some effect on preventing cancer.

Eating more vegetables was associated with a small but statistically significant reduction in cancer risk. This translates into a 4 percent lower risk of cancer for every two extra servings of vegetables a day a person eats.

Eating veggies and fruits will also improve your heart health. That’s great when one remembers heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for almost 1 in every 4 deaths and affecting significantly more men than women.

There’s also evidence that certain vegetables contain potent, cancer-fighting compounds.  For example, lycopene from tomatoes may lower prostate cancer risk.

Another study also suggested a potentially higher anticancer benefit of eating vegetables for people who regularly drink alcohol. Other studies do confirm that high vegetable consumption is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

What these separate studies say is eat more fruits and vegetables to stay healthy.

Run...

In the Morning Consult survey released, Biden held the support of 32 percent of voters who intend to participate in the Democratic primaries. 

The former vice president, who has not officially announced a bid but is widely expected to enter the race, holds a 9-point lead over his closest competitor, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

Biden's entrance to the 2020 race will deflate the others who have nothing to offer except unrealistic schemes to make a name for oneself.