#Seniors Fraud Prevention

[evamadeln]

Life of Elderly | Abuse of Seniors | Seniors Live In Partners | India [Video]

[bitchalotl]

Harbingers in an unhinged modern-day AU I just cooked up:

Pierro - Bitter ex-minister of the German empire. Tried to prevent ww1 and failed miserably. Went into exile during the years of the Weimar Republic. Current prime minister of the Russian Federation.

Dottore - Infamous Egyptian scientist. Expelled from multiple universities due to faults against ethics. Currently wanted by the egyptian government. Fled the country with the help of the CIA. Later, they betrayed them for the KGB. May or may not have been involved in the creation of supersoldiers Capitano and Columbina as well as the tampering with decomisoned Android model Scaramouche.

Capitano - Early soviet attempt at the creation of a supersoldier following the devastation of ww2 and the tensions of the cold war. Unconfirmed involvement in the soviet invasion of Afghanistan during the 80s and the russian invasion of Ukraine.

Columbina - Escaped soviet experiment. Thought to be an attempt at a new generation of supersoldier. Abandoned after the collapse of the soviet union due to a lack of funding. Subsequently, It escaped russian facilities and presumably remained at large.

Arlecchino - French ww2 orphan. Recruited as a Paris based spy by the KGB during the cold war. Alleged mass murderer. Current director of russian espionage after allegedly murdering the previous director.

Pulcinella - Ex-communist sellout. Has been the mayor of Moscow for many, many years. Regularly accused of electoral fraud.

Scaramouche - Runaway android. Created by the founder of Shogun Robotics. Declared faulty and destined for decommissioning. Vanished from Japan years ago and may have been found in Russia and tampered with by Dottore. Shogun Robotics has since forgotten about this failed model and now produces the aptly named "Shogun" model.

Signora - Former German academic turned mass murderer following the death of her husband, who was a soldier in the French front of ww1. On an unrelated note, the russian ambassador to Germany has an uncanny resemblance to her.

Sandrone - Founder, CEO, and senior engineer of Marionette Technologies. Her technology and weapons manufacturing empire has the russian federation as its biggest client. Her personal information remains a mystery since she does not appear in public. Rival firm of Shogun Robotics.

Pantalone - Current governor of the Central Bank of Russia and former economy minister of the Russian Federation. Has a distinct and fierce hatred of Chinese economic policy. Labeled an oligarch by Western observations. The single wealthiest man in all of Russia.

Childe - Formerly a normal russian kid living in the Ural's region. He became extremely violent and bloodthirsty after an accident where he got lost in the mountains due to heavy blizzards. Eagerly joined the russian armed forces and has since become their poster boy. Has an unwavering loyalty for Russia and it's president.

Tsaritza - Current president of the Russian Federation. Her ancestors were nobility in the times of the russian empire. Is mockingly called "the Tsaritza" by political adversaries and Western press.

[simply-ivanka]

Donald Trump Jr. Is the Crown Prince of the MAGA World

Don Trump Jr.’s primary focus is what happens afterward. He is working to make sure the next Trump administration and GOP Congress are stocked with more JD Vances—and to keep out those who might hinder an aggressive second-term agenda. “What I want to do is work on the transition, and it’s not about placing people,” he said. “It’s about blocking the people who would be a disaster in that administration. I will cut out so many people, people’s heads are going to spin.”

Vance refers to their project as “keeping the snakes out of the administration,” and said they have “probably discussed or floated thousands of names at this point,” from Treasury secretary and secretary of state on down to low-level appointees. It is a project with potentially momentous consequences. They are determined to avoid the conflicting agendas and infighting that dogged Trump’s first term and instead ensure that the president is unrestrained in pursuit of his desired outcomes. 

“My role will be to make sure that those bad actors are not getting into the administration to subvert my father and his policies,” Trump Jr. said.

“Now we know who those people are. In ’16, we had no idea.”

Trump’s first administration was frequently reined in by appointees desperate to stop him from doing things they believed were unwise, dangerous or illegal. Aides snatched executive orders off his desk to prevent him from signing them, cabinet members slow-walked his plans, military generals pretended to follow his orders while ignoring them and senior officials refused to draw up proposals he requested. Staffers alarmed by his impulses continually leaked to the press or quit in protest. At the end of his term, his attorney general resigned rather than pursue baseless election-fraud claims.

Putting Vance on the GOP ticket “was about finding someone who actually has that fortitude to fight, to stick to their values, and there’s just not many of them in the Republican Party,” he said. 

“I don’t want just MAGA with only Trump, and then it goes back to the old ways,” Trump Jr. added. “We need to have a bench. And for a long time I don’t think we had any of that. And this election cycle, you’ve seen the emergence of people that can actually carry that mantle. I think that’s really important.”

[beauty-funny-trippy]

[Condensed from a June 11, 2024 Military.com article by Ronald Lackey (Retired Major, U.S. Air Force)] –

When running for president in January 2016, Trump held a "fundraiser" for veterans. However, he didn't give the money to veterans' charities until after investigative reporters revealed that veterans had not received the donations. [Turns out, Trump was illegally siphoning money from the charity, using it like a piggy bank for his own personal gain.] Trump was fined $2 million by a judge for fraud and deceptive practices tied to the event.

As president, Trump canceled a visit to an American Cemetery near Paris, telling staffers, "Why should I go to that cemetery? It's filled with losers." During that same trip, he also told senior staffers that the U.S. Marines who died there were "suckers" for getting killed. Trump didn't even want to be seen with veteran amputees because, he said "it doesn't look good for me."

More ominously, Trump said high-ranking military members who disagreed with his political beliefs should be executed.

This is the total disregard Trump has for the honorable men and women who sacrifice their bodies, family time, and even their lives for an American cause greater than themselves.

President Biden, however, has been concerned with veterans for decades. His late son, an Army officer, died of cancer that the president believes came from his exposure to chemicals in wartime burn pits. That loss has driven a very personal commitment to the welfare of military members. While serving as president, Biden has signed more than two dozen laws that benefit veterans, including the PACT Act, which expanded the benefits and services for veterans exposed to toxic chemicals.

Working with partners in Congress, Biden's administration also expanded veterans access to health care and child care; took steps to curtail veteran homelessness (and asked Congress to triple its housing vouchers to needy veterans); lowered health care costs for World War II veterans; and expanded support to military suicide prevention programs (and established the 988 Veterans Crisis Line).

Biden has demonstrated his commitment to veterans' welfare throughout his decades of public service. His reelection would genuinely benefit military members and veterans.

Trump has shown only contempt.

~Ronald Lackey, Retired Major, U.S. Air Force

[the-eternal-quest-for-balance]

Dear OMG Supporter,

BREAKING: A Senior Meta Engineer revealed that the platform uses shadowbanning to suppress posts critical of figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, reducing their visibility without notifying users. The engineer also disclosed that Meta has a team dedicated to influencing information flow, with the power to affect election outcomes.

In a revelation captured by O'Keefe Media Group, a senior software engineer at Meta, Jeevan Gyawali, admitted that the platform is actively engaged in suppressing certain content to shape political narratives. During a hidden-camera interview, Gyawali confirmed that Meta employs shadowbanning tactics to demote posts automatically, especially those critical of prominent political figures like Vice President Kamala Harris.

Gyawali explained how posts that challenge Harris, even on personal grounds—such as questioning her fitness for office because she does not have children—are “automatically demoted.” The person who makes such posts will not be notified, but their content will experience a noticeable decline in engagement and visibility.

This demotion process is managed by Meta’s "Integrity Team," which uses a system called "civic classifiers" to determine what content is suppressed, essentially shadowbanning users without their knowledge.

Beyond individual post suppression, Gyawali revealed that Meta has a Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team dedicated to preventing platform abuse, created in April 2024. This team, according to Gyawali, continuously monitors potential threats and scenarios that could harm Meta’s vision of "protecting democracy."

However, the platform’s definition of protection, as explained by Gyawali, includes demoting or outright censoring content deemed harmful to the political narrative supported by Meta, a tactic Gyawali says is used "100%" of the time.

Gyawali confirmed without hesitation that Meta can indeed sway political outcomes, admitting that Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder and CEO of Meta, fully supports this agenda and the platform's political influence, particularly in favor of the Democratic Party.

Democracy !!! Democracy !!!! Trump is going to destroy Democracy !!!

This coming from the cheaters, the frauds, the liars, the ones ACTUALLY destroying Democracy. Communist Democrats, and make no mistake, a big Blue D = Communist. You can't win elections, the true democratic action, one Person, one Vote, without CHEATING.

Democrats destroying the American Republic. No longer can it be denied ! ! !

[brookston]

Holidays 8.21

Holidays

Actuaries Day (India)

Appreciation Day (Elder Scrolls)

Aquino Day (Philippines)

Argonian Day

Ask Questions Day

Bitcoin Infinity Day

Black Indie Authors Day

Buhe (Ethiopia)

Bunny Day (Japan)

Cadillac Day

Crazy Day

Eagle Scout Day

821 Day (Texas)

Festival of Goliath, Parade of Giants begins (Ath, Belgium)

Fête de la Jeunesse (a.k.a. Youth Day; Morocco, Western Sahara)

Good Roads Day

Gospel Day (Micronesia)

Grandfather and Grandson’s Day (Argentina)

ICBM Day

International Day of Mosques

International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism (UN)

Internet Self-Care Day

Kosrae (Gospel Day; Micronesia)

National Brazilian Blowout Day

National Dreams Are Possible Day

National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day

National Meme Day

National Report Upcoding Fraud Day

National Senior Citizens Day

Ninoy Aquino Day (Philippines)

Officer’s Day (Russia)

Order of the Lone Star Day

Our Lady of Knock

Poet's Day

San Martin Day (Argentina)

Senior Citizens' Day

Six-Row Barley Day (French Republic)

Thiruonam (Parts of India)

World Entrepreneurs’ Day

World Fashion Day

World Goat Day

Youth Day (Morocco)

Food & Drink Celebrations

Beer Institute Day

Grog Day

National Shiraz Day (Australia)

National Spumoni Day

National Sweet Tea Day

Independence & Related Days

Hawaii Statehood Day (Original Date; 1959)

Latituda (Declared; 2006) [unrecognized]

Latvia (Passing of the Constitutional Law on the Status of the Republic of Latvia as a State and Actual Restoration of the Republic of Latvia; 1991)

3rd Wednesday in August

Hump Day [Every Wednesday]

JUVEDERM Day [3rd Wednesday]

Miss Crustacean Hermit Crab Beauty Pageant and Hermit Crab Races (Ocean City, NJ) [3rd Wednesday]

National Medical Dosimetrist Day [3rd Wednesday]

Wacky Wednesday [Every Wednesday]

Wandering Wednesday [3rd Wednesday of Each Month]

Website Wednesday [Every Wednesday]

Wiener Wednesday [3rd Wednesday of Each Month]

Festivals Beginning August 21, 2024

Corn Palace Festival (Mitchell, South Dakota) [thru 8.25]

gamescom (Cologne, Germany) [thru 8.25]

The Great New York State Fair (Syracuse, New York) [thru 9.2]

Hythe Venetian Fete (Hythe, United Kingdom) [thru 8.21]

Idaho County Fair (Cottonwood, Idaho) [thru 8.24]

Pluk de Nacht Film Festival (Amsterdam, Netherlands) [thru 8.31]

Ransom County Fair (Lisbon, North Dakota) [thru 8.25]

Reading and Leeds Festivals (Leeds and Reading, United Kingdom) [thru 8.25]

Tønder Festival (Tønder, Denmark) [thru 8.24]

Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) [thru 9.1]

Feast Days

Abraham of Smolensk (Eastern Orthodox Church)

Albert Irvin (Artology)

Amontons (Positivist; Saint)

Apologise Day (Pastafarian)

Asher Brown Durand (Artology)

Aubrey Beardsley (Artology)

Bernard Ptolemy, Founder of the Olivetans (Christian; Saint)

Blessing Against Jealousy Day (Celtic Book of Days)

Bonosus and Maximilian (Christian; Martyrs)

Broderick Crawford Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Christian Schad (Artology)

Consualia (Ancient Roman festival to the god of the harvest and stored grain)

Euprepius of Verona (Christian; Saint)

Festival of Consus (God of Good Council; Ancient Rome)

Heraclia (Celebration of Hercules; Ancient Rome; Everyday Wicca)

Jane Francis de Chantal (Christian; Saint)

Jean-Baptiste Greuze (Artology)

Joseph (Muppetism)

Jules Michelet (Writerism)

Luxorius, Cisellus and Camerinus (Christian; Martyrs)

The Magic of Lemon Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

Maximilian of Antioch (Christian; Saint)

Menashe Kadishman (Artology)

Narcisse-Virgile Díaz de la Peña (Artology)

Nathaniel Everett Green (Artology)

Our Lady of Knock (Christian; Saint)

Pius X, Pope (Christian; Saint)

Radish Tordia (Artology)

Richard, Bishop of Andria (Christian; Saint)

Robert Stone (Writerism)

Sidonius Apollinaris (Christian; Saint)

Stephen Hillenburg (Artology)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Prime Number Day: 233 [51 of 72]

Shakku (赤口 Japan) [Bad luck all day, except at noon.]

Tycho Brahe Unlucky Day (Scandinavia) [29 of 37]

Umu Limnu (Evil Day; Babylonian Calendar; 39 of 60)

Unglückstage (Unlucky Day; Pennsylvania Dutch) [22 of 30]

Premieres

Ain’t Misbehaving’, recorded by Fats Waller (Song; 1938)

American Ultra (Film; 2015)

An American Werewolf in London (Film; 1981)

Axe Me Another (Fleischer Popeye Cartoon; 1934)

Bambi (Animated Disney Film; 1942)

Be Here Now, by Oasis (Album; 1997)

Between Meals: An Appetite for Paris, by A.J. Liebling (Memoir; 1959)

Blade (Film; 1998)

A Brief History of Time (Documentary Film; 1992)

Crazy, recorded by Patsy Cline (Song; 1961)

Diesel and Dust, by Midnight Oil (Album; 1987)

Dirty Dancing (Film; 1987)

Dynamite, by BTS (Song; 2020)

Earth Abides, by George R. Stewart (Novel; 1949)

Eve of Destruction, by Barry McGuire (Song; 1965)

Facelift, by Alice In Chains (Album; 1990)

Fireman’s Brawl (Fleischer/Famous Popeye Cartoon; 1953)

First Monday in October (Film; 1981)

House of the Dragon (TV Series; 2022)

How You Remind Me, by Nickelback (Song; 2001)

Inglorious Basterds (Film; 2009)

Kiko and the Honey Bears (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1936)

Life with Fido (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1942)

Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland (Animated Film; 1992)

Motörhead, by Motörhead (Album; 1977)

Next Stoop Wonderland (Film; 1998)

Ready or Not (Film; 2019)

Ritual de lo Habitual, by Jane’s Addiction (Album; 1990)

Run, Run, Sweet Road Runner (WB MM Cartoon; 1965)

Sherman Was Right (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1932)

A Sunbonnet Blue (WB MM Cartoon; 1937)

The Wings of the Dove, by Henry James (Novel; 1902)

Wrongfully Accused (Film; 1998)

Today’s Name Days

Pius (Austria)

Agaton, Pio, Sidonija (Croatia)

Johana (Czech Republic)

Salomon (Denmark)

Sven, Sveno (Estonia)

Soini, Veini (Finland)

Christophe, Grâce, Ombeline (France)

Pia, Oius, Maximilian (Germany)

Hajna, Sémuel (Hungary)

Cristoforo, Pio (Italy)

Janīna, Linda, Sidnejs (Latvia)

Gaudvydas, Joana, Kazė, Kazimiera, Medeinė (Lithuania)

Ragni, Ragnvald (Norway)

Adolf, Adolfa, Adolfina, Alf, Bernard, Emilian, Filipina, Franciszek, Joanna, Kazimiera, Męcimir (Poland)

Jana (Slovakia)

Pío (Spain)

Jon, Jonna (Sweden)

Gianna, Jane, Janelle, Janessa, Janet, Janette, Janice, Janie, Janine, Janiya, Jayne, Shanice, Sheena (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 234 of 2024; 132 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 3 of Week 34 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Coll (Hazel) [Day 19 of 28]

Chinese: Month 7 (Ren-Shen), Day 18 (Ding-Si)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 17 Av 5784

Islamic: 15 Safar 1446

J Cal: 24 Purple; Threesday [24 of 30]

Julian: 8 August 2024

Moon: 94%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 9 Gutenberg (9th Month) [Amontons]

Runic Half Month: As (Gods) [Day 14 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 63 of 94)

Week: 3rd Full Week of August

Zodiac: Leo (Day 31 of 31)

[cesium-sheep]

candidates tilton, cantwell, johnson, larsen, call mention cost of medical care in their candidate statements. candidate stickle makes the entire statement about medicare, though omits the loss of ability when discussing the pandemic, only mentioning loss of life. candidate cale vaguely mentions lifting people out of disability among other things, whatever the fuck that means. candidate combs conspicuously fails to mention witnessing physical illness when discussing personal experiences of homelessness. candidate makayev puts an emphasis on preventive medicine but also alternative medicine. candidate dhingra actively brags about prosecuting medicaid fraud. despite focusing almost exclusively on medical insurance, no candidate for insurance commissioner mentions permanently disabling events or chronic illness, although one mentions "seniors" and they and one other both tell stories of loved ones with severe illness. (others may have brought disability up in various ways as well but some statements I didn't read in their entireties due to early red flags or not being for my district.)

world war 3 seems to be a new popular talking point in this primary, as is fentanyl. one candidate was extremely passionate about child custody reform (in a reasonable direction but incongruously focused for the position in question). emphasis on homelessness and mental illness are still present but significantly down. one candidate randomly throws "sexual assault survivor" into their pathos list? (as well as "grandchild of veterans" bitch everyone of campaigning age is the grandchild (or child) of a veteran there was that whole big Thing right about 2-3 (familial) generations ago remember?) only 1 of the 7 candidates for commissioner of public lands mentions the ecological habitat that covers the other 2/3rds of the state's landmass.

remember that primary elections are a great opportunity to vote with your heart, even if we must vote with our heads in general elections to minimize disaster.

[mariacallous]

Editor's note: The following testimony was presented to the House Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations on July 19, 2023.

Chair Van Duyne, Ranking Member Mfume, and members of the subcommittee, thank you for inviting me here today. My name is Matthew Fiedler, and I am a health economist and a Senior Fellow with the Schaeffer Initiative on Health Policy at the Brookings Institution. My research focuses on a range of topics in health care policy, including health care provider payment and health insurance regulation.

My testimony will examine the administrative costs that health care providers incur to interact with health insurers (including both public insurers like Medicare and Medicaid and private insurers), as well as how public policy can reduce those costs. I will make four main points:

Health care providers incur substantial costs to interact with insurers, likely totaling hundreds of billions of dollars per year, costs that are ultimately borne in large part by consumers and taxpayers. Costly activities include negotiating contracts, collecting information about patients’ insurance coverage, obtaining prior authorization for care, submitting claims for payment, and reporting on quality performance. There are likely economies of scale in performing many of these activities, so the associated administrative burdens likely fall more heavily on smaller providers than on larger.

Many administrative processes serve valuable purposes, so efforts to reform them can involve tradeoffs and should be approached thoughtfully. For example, it is essential to have some set of procedures for compensating providers. Similarly, insurers’ prior authorization requirements can prevent delivery of inappropriate services, and audit processes can be effective tools for identifying and deterring fraud.

Certain targeted reforms could reduce administrative burdens with few substantive downsides. One is eliminating Medicare’s Merit-Based Incentive Payment System, which places large reporting burdens on clinicians, with few benefits. Another is replacing the cumbersome arbitration process that is used to determine payment rates for certain out-of- network services under the No Surprises Act with a simpler “benchmark” payment A third is reforming Medicare Advantage’s risk adjustment system to reduce plans’ ability to increase their payments by documenting additional diagnoses.

Standardizing billing, coverage, and quality reporting rules across insurers could generate larger savings but would also present more significant tradeoffs. Changes like these could help address a major reason that administrative burdens are larger in the United States than in other countries: the wide variation in rules across the United States’ many public and private insurers. However, mandating greater standardization would also limit insurers’ ability to tailor rules to their unique circumstances or experiment with novel approaches. Setting rules through a centralized process might also produce rules that are systematically better or worse than current rules.

The remainder of my testimony will examine these points in greater detail.

Read the full testimony here.

[boaringoldguy]

Another success for Free Speech!

ntd.com

US Supreme Court Temporarily Halts Order Blocking White House Social Media Contacts

NTD

6–7 minutes

The Supreme Court in Washington on Oct. 9, 2023. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday kept intact a temporary injunction on restrictions that were imposed by lower courts on the Biden administration’s ability to communicate with social media companies over removing content that it deems to be misinformation.

Justice Samuel Alito temporarily placed on hold a preliminary injunction constraining how federal officials and the White House communicate with platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or X, formerly Twitter. Attorneys general in Missouri and Louisiana last year filed a lawsuit against the administration and other federal officials, accusing them of censoring conservatives on topics such as the 2020 election or COVID-19 vaccines.

The order Friday will keep the matter on hold until Oct. 20, giving the Supreme Court more time to consider a request from the Biden administration to block the lower court ruling earlier this year that found officials likely coerced the companies into censoring certain posts, in violation of the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment free speech protections.

Justice Alito first placed a temporary hold on the injunction pending the justices’ review on Sept. 14. That pause lapsed as a lower appeals court reheard the matter. Alito is the justice designated by the court to act on certain matters arising from a group of states including Louisiana, where the lawsuit was first filed.

In July, Louisiana-based U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty blocked the Biden administration from communicating with the tech firms, saying that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed in their lawsuit and said the federal government suppressed views on COVID-19 masks, lockdowns, and vaccines, as well as fraud claims around the 2020 election.

At the time, he warned that “during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period perhaps best characterized by widespread doubt and uncertainty, the United States Government seems to have assumed a role similar to an Orwellian ‘Ministry of Truth.’”

Later, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals shrunk the lower court’s injunction, but it affirmed that the White House, Surgeon General’s office, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, FBI, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) cannot communicate with the tech firms relating to content moderation.

“In doing so, the officials likely violated the First Amendment,” the appeals judges wrote at the time.

“The platforms’ censorship decisions were made under policies that CISA has pressured them into adopting and based on CISA’s determination of the veracity of the flagged information,” the appeals court order added. “Thus, CISA likely significantly encouraged the platforms’ content-moderation decisions and thereby violated the First Amendment.”

“On issue after issue, the Biden Administration has distorted the free marketplace of ideas promised by the First Amendment, bringing the weight of federal authority to bear on any speech it dislikes,” the GOP members of Congress wrote in their filing.

Response

An emergency filing from the Department of Justice (DOJ) last month asked the high court to allow officials to respond to online posts that they allege pose a danger to public health. The DOJ had argued that federal officials have to be able to respond to those posts for national security reasons as well.

“Under the injunction, the Surgeon General, the White House Press Secretary, and many other senior presidential aides risk contempt if their public statements on matters of policy cross the ill-defined lines drawn by the Fifth Circuit,” Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar wrote for the DOJ. “CDC officials run the same risk if they accurately answer platforms’ questions about public health. And FBI agents risk being hauled into court if they flag content posted by terrorists or disinformation disseminated by covert malign foreign actors.”

The order handed down by Judge Doughty, she argued, was “vastly overbroad” and “covers thousands of federal officers and employees, and it applies to communications with and about all social media platforms.”

The case represents one of numerous legal battles underway pitting free speech against content moderation on the internet, with many Democrats and liberals issuing warnings of platforms’ posts about public health, fraud, and vaccines. Republicans have accused those platforms of censoring their viewpoints.

In their lawsuit filed in 2022, the two Republican attorneys general for Missouri and Louisiana wrote that content related to Hunter Biden’s laptop published initially by the New York Post two weeks before the 2020 election was also blocked by Twitter, Facebook, and other social media platforms.

They also alleged that the Biden administration pressured social media platforms under the threat of a possible antitrust lawsuit or allegedly threatened to change federal laws that shield those firms from lawsuits relating to users’ posts.

Reuters contributed to this report.

From The Epoch Times

[hardtchill]

I want to share the hilarious solution of a a bunch of senior (and clearly not very digitally inclined) teachers for students using ChatGPT to write their essays for them. This group of teachers refused my input when i offered to help because as a junior i shouldn’t involve myself in these things (their words). 

They want students to write the essays by hand again. They will give the assignment and students will have the standard two weeks to write the essay by hand, scan it and submit it online. This should prevent fraude according to these senior teachers. 

This group of teachers had already rewritten the assignments and planned on starting with this method of ‘preventing’ fraude next week. 

I was allowed the beautiful job of telling these teachers that 1) students could easily just write down what ChatGPT created for them by hand and 2) handwritten and scanned documents cannot be checked by our plagiarism system so it would cause more plagiarism, not less. 

[evamadeln]

Willow Domestic Violence Center awarded $1.5 million [Video]

[igettalk]

Dr. Mehmet Oz has been appointed as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) by President-elect Donald Trump. This federal agency provides health insurance to more than a hundred million US citizens and is responsible for managing programs that account for roughly a quarter of the nation's budget. This appointment may be due to Oz's long-standing relationship with Trump and his celebrity status as a heart surgeon and talk show host. Dr. Mehmet Oz is well-known for his daytime television show, “The Dr. Oz Show,” which aired for 13 seasons and won several Daytime Emmy Awards. He first became popular by regularly appearing on Oprah Winfrey's show, where he was recognized as a trustworthy expert in health and wellness. Dr. Oz trained as a heart surgeon and has a medical license in Pennsylvania, but he hasn't performed surgeries for about six years now.In an official statement released on Tuesday, Trump expressed his belief that the 64-year-old physician is capable of improving America's healthcare system. He stated that Dr. Oz would work to eliminate waste and fraud in the government’s “most expensive” agency, as he plans to reduce government spending, especially on Medicaid. Trump also mentioned that his nominee will prioritize encouraging disease prevention, aiming to make healthcare more effective and efficient.However, despite his background in medicine, Dr. Mehmet Oz's previous statements regarding healthcare coverage, including a 2009 assertion that “it should be mandatory that everybody in America have health care coverage,” reveal a more progressive stance not typically aligned with traditional Republican ideologies. Additionally, Oz faced criticism for promoting unverified medical treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as hydroxychloroquine, which drew praise from some supporters and backlash from health professionals.As he prepares to take on the role, Dr. Mehmet Oz's responsibilities will include overseeing Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. With CMS overseeing a $1.1 trillion budget and employing over 6,000 staff, as per The Associated Press, Oz's leadership could significantly influence healthcare delivery for seniors and low-income individuals in the U.S. His prior experience on the Presidential Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition further connects him to the administration's focus on health initiatives. Read the full article

[cyberadvocate-blog]

Cybercrime Advocate Kodamagundla Ravikumar for Cyber Grievance Justice

Discover the trailblazing work of Kodamagundla Ravi kumar, a leading cybercrime advocate dedicated to addressing cyber grievances with expertise, empathy, and relentless advocacy.

In a world increasingly reliant on digital connectivity, cybercrime has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges of our time. From data breaches and identity theft to cyber bullying and online fraud, the spectrum of cyber grievances grows wider each day. At the forefront of combating these digital injustices is Kodamagundla Ravi kumar, a renowned cybercrime advocate who has carved a niche as a protector of victims' rights in the digital space.

This article into the journey, expertise, and remarkable contributions of Kodamagundla Ravikumar in addressing cyber grievances, empowering victims, and shaping the legal landscape of cyber law.

Understanding Cyber Grievances

What Are Cyber Grievances?

Cyber grievances refer to the harm, exploitation, or distress caused to individuals or organizations through digital means. These may include:

Phishing scams, fraudulent transactions, and ransomware attacks.

Unauthorized access to personal data leading to misuse.

Online abuse and defamation.

Breach of privacy affecting individuals or companies.

Why Advocacy Is Crucial

Navigating the legal and technical complexities of cybercrime can be overwhelming for victims. Without proper advocacy, many grievances remain unresolved, leaving individuals vulnerable and institutions exposed. This is where specialists like Cybercrime Lawyer Kodamagundla Ravikumar come into play.

Meet Kodamagundla Ravikumar: The Advocate for Cyber Justice

Kodamagundla Ravi kumar Cybercrime Advocate in Hyderabad is celebrated for his deep understanding of cyber laws and his empathetic approach to handling cyber grievances. With years of experience in the legal field, Ravikumar is not just an expert but also a trusted guide for individuals and businesses confronting cyber challenges.

Educational and Professional Background

M.A., (Political Science), Kakatiya University, Telangana, India.

LL.B., Osmania University, Telangana, India.

LL. M., (Corporate Laws) Osmania University, Telangana, India.

Diploma in Computer Applications, from International Computer Institute, New Delhi, India.

Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Relations & Personnel Management, from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, (New Delhi & Hyderabad), India.

Post Graduate Diploma in Cyber Laws and Legal Information Systems, from University of Hyderabad, (TELANGANA).

Key Contributions of Kodamagundla Ravikumar

1. Providing Legal Support to Victims

Cybercrime Lawyer in Hyderabad specializes in assisting victims of cyber grievances by:

 Filing complaints with cybercrime cells.  Representing clients in court to ensure justice.  Offering tailored legal advice to prevent future occurrences.

2. Advocacy for Stronger Cyber Laws

Through his advocacy, Ravi kumar has been instrumental in influencing policy changes aimed at enhancing the legal framework for cybercrime. He has consistently pushed for:

 Harsher penalties for offenders.  Better protection for vulnerable groups, including children and seniors.  Simplified processes for reporting cyber grievances.

Why Kodamagundla Ravikumar Stands Out

Empathy for Victims

What sets Cybercrime Advocate Ravikumar apart is his ability to connect with victims on a personal level, understanding their trauma and providing reassurance that justice is achievable.

Technological Expertise

In addition to legal knowledge, Ravikumar possesses a keen understanding of the technical aspects of cybercrime, enabling him to effectively collaborate with cybersecurity professionals.

Commitment to Justice

Ravikumar’s relentless pursuit of justice and dedication to his clients have made him a beacon of hope for those seeking resolution to cyber grievances.

The Future of Cyber Advocacy

As cybercrime evolves, so too must the strategies for combating it. Advocates like Kodamagundla Ravikumar are at the forefront of this evolution, leveraging technology and legal innovation to protect the rights of individuals and organizations.

FAQs

1. What is the role of a cybercrime advocate?

A cybercrime advocate provides legal assistance to victims, helps file complaints, and represents them in court to ensure justice.

2. How can I file a cybercrime complaint in India?

You can file a complaint at your nearest cybercrime cell or use the online portal provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

3. What steps should I take to prevent cybercrime?

Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid sharing personal information online, and stay updated on cyber security best practices.

4. Can cybercrime cases be resolved quickly?

The resolution time depends on the complexity of the case and the efficiency of the legal and investigative processes.

5. Do cybercrime advocates handle corporate cases?

Yes, advocates like Kodamagundla Ravikumar assist businesses in dealing with data breaches, intellectual property theft, and other cybercrimes.

Conclusion

Kodamagundla Ravikumar’s Cybercrime Advocate dedication to resolving cyber grievances has made him a pillar of support for countless individuals and organizations. His expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice highlight the critical role of advocacy in today’s digital world.

[volunteergp]

Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories is hosting a webinar, "Safeguarding Seniors: Recognizing & Preventing Financial Fraud," on November 20. Seniors can learn to identify suspicious activities and protect your finances. Register at https://buff.ly/4hCdzSr.

[morethannumberscpablog]

5 Steps to Preventing Expense Fraud: Insights for Businesses and Individuals

Expense fraud is a pressing concern for many businesses, particularly when the impact of falsified or exaggerated expenses can lead to significant financial loss. To ensure that you or your business is protected, it’s essential to understand the typical signs of expense fraud, who is most often affected, and what actions you can take if you find yourself accused of it. This comprehensive guide will provide practical steps for preventing expense fraud and offer a look into its common patterns, typical victims, and the repercussions of being involved in fraudulent activity. For expert support, consult the best accounting firm in Toronto by More Than Numbers CPA to address specific financial concerns.

1. Establish Clear Expense Policies

The first step in preventing expense fraud is establishing and enforcing clear, specific expense policies. These policies should define:

What constitutes a reimbursable expense,

The procedures for submitting expense claims, and

The documentation required for each type of expense.

When policies are ambiguous or incomplete, employees may unknowingly submit non-compliant expenses or, in some cases, take advantage of the lack of oversight. Effective policies should outline what is and isn’t permissible and emphasize accountability, so all parties know the expectations.

2. Implement Automated Expense Tracking Systems

Using automated expense tracking systems is one of the best defenses against expense fraud. These systems can flag suspicious patterns, verify expense documentation, and streamline approval processes. Advanced tracking tools use AI to analyze expense patterns, identify discrepancies, and send alerts when anomalies are detected. Automation reduces the likelihood of human error, strengthens the audit trail, and makes it challenging for anyone to submit falsified expense claims.

Businesses can benefit from investing in these systems to maintain efficiency while ensuring that all expenses align with the company’s standards. If you need guidance on selecting the right tracking tools, reach out to the best accounting firm in Toronto by More Than Numbers CPA.

3. Enforce Multi-Level Approval Processes

A common safeguard against fraudulent expenses is a multi-level approval system. In this setup, more than one person reviews and approves each expense claim, reducing the chance of false claims going undetected. Ideally, at least two to three levels of verification should be in place, depending on the organization’s size and the expenses involved.

For example:

First level: Immediate supervisor reviews the expenses for reasonableness and adherence to company policies.

Second level: An accounting or finance officer reviews and cross-checks details against records.

Third level (optional): A manager or senior-level executive performs a final review for higher-value claims.

By diversifying approval responsibilities, companies create a system where fraudulent claims are less likely to slip through undetected.

4. Encourage a Culture of Transparency and Ethical Behavior

Creating a culture that values integrity and transparency can be a powerful deterrent against expense fraud. When employees understand that honesty and ethical behavior are core company values, they are less likely to engage in dishonest practices. Regular training on ethical standards and transparent communication can help employees feel comfortable reporting any suspicious activities they observe.

For example, implementing an anonymous reporting system allows employees to report fraudulent activities without fear of retaliation. This kind of system encourages a culture where employees watch out for one another and maintain company integrity. More Than Numbers CPA, the best accounting firm in Toronto, can guide companies in creating effective ethics policies and reporting channels.

5. Conduct Regular Audits and Reviews

Regular audits of expense claims are crucial in preventing fraud. Periodic checks help identify any suspicious patterns, such as frequent claims for the same items or inflated amounts on receipts. Surprise audits are also effective, as they discourage employees from submitting fraudulent claims if they know there’s a chance of unexpected scrutiny.

Audits can be conducted internally or by third-party firms for greater transparency and impartiality. If you’re concerned about conducting internal audits effectively, consider enlisting the best accounting firm in Toronto, More Than Numbers CPA. Their expertise can provide invaluable insights and enhance fraud detection processes.

Where Is Expense Fraud Most Frequently Spotted?

Expense fraud can occur in any industry, but it’s most commonly seen in sectors where employees travel frequently or entertain clients, such as consulting, sales, finance, and hospitality. In these fields, expense claims often include transportation, meals, accommodation, and other travel-related expenses, making it easier to overstate or fabricate costs.

Businesses with flexible or loosely regulated expense policies are also more vulnerable to fraud. For instance, organizations without strict documentation requirements for expenses or with lenient policies around entertainment and meal allowances are at higher risk. The best accounting firm in Toronto by More Than Numbers CPA advises that businesses maintain stringent policies, particularly if they operate in these higher-risk sectors.

Who Is Most Commonly a Victim of Expense Fraud?

Both businesses and individual employees can be victims of expense fraud. For companies, expense fraud leads to financial losses, which can be detrimental, especially for small to medium-sized enterprises. These losses, while seemingly minor on an individual level, can accumulate significantly over time, eating into company profits.

Individual employees can also be affected indirectly if expense fraud is detected within their team or department. This type of fraud can create a culture of distrust, leading management to scrutinize all claims more closely and making it difficult for honest employees to have their legitimate expenses approved promptly.

What to Do If You Are Accused of Expense Fraud

Being accused of expense fraud can be stressful, and the consequences of a false accusation can be severe. If you find yourself in this situation, take the following steps to ensure a fair and just resolution:

Stay Calm and Cooperate: Panic can lead to rash decisions or defensive behavior, which may appear suspicious. Stay calm and cooperate with the investigation fully.

Gather Documentation: Collect all relevant receipts, emails, and communications that support your claim’s legitimacy. Strong documentation can be a critical asset in proving that your expenses were valid and compliant with company policy.

Seek Legal Advice: If the accusation could lead to legal consequences or damage your reputation, consult a legal professional. They can help guide you through the process, advise on your rights, and ensure you are treated fairly during any investigation.

Clarify Company Policies: Misinterpretations of expense policies sometimes lead to unfounded accusations. By clarifying policy details with your employer or HR department, you may be able to resolve the issue amicably.

Consider Mediation: In some cases, mediation with an HR representative or an external mediator can resolve misunderstandings and ensure both sides reach an agreement.

Consequences of Being Found Guilty of Expense Fraud

The repercussions of expense fraud vary depending on the severity of the fraud and the organization’s policies. Typical consequences include:

Disciplinary Action: Most companies implement disciplinary measures ranging from warnings to dismissal for those caught in fraudulent activities.

Financial Penalties: Some companies require employees to repay any fraudulent expenses, and this can be coupled with additional fines or penalties.

Legal Action: Severe cases of expense fraud can lead to criminal charges, especially if the fraudulent expenses involved substantial sums. Convictions can lead to fines, restitution, and potentially jail time.

Reputation Damage: A history of expense fraud can have lasting consequences on your career, limiting future employment opportunities and tarnishing your professional reputation.

Loss of Trust: In business, trust is paramount. If employees are found guilty of expense fraud, it can strain relationships with managers and colleagues, ultimately impacting team dynamics and morale.

Understanding these potential consequences highlights the importance of following best practices and adhering to company policies. The best accounting firm in Toronto by More Than Numbers CPA encourages businesses to remain vigilant and implement strategies to detect and prevent fraud, safeguarding their financial integrity and trust within the organization.

Conclusion

Expense fraud can have detrimental effects on both individuals and companies, but by following these five preventive steps—establishing clear policies, using automated tracking, enforcing approval processes, fostering transparency, and conducting audits—businesses can protect themselves against fraudulent expense claims. Additionally, by understanding where expense fraud commonly occurs and who it affects, companies and employees can take proactive steps to mitigate its impact.

For businesses that need further assistance in preventing and detecting fraud, consulting experts like the best accounting firm in Toronto, More Than Numbers CPA is a valuable step toward maintaining integrity and financial stability.

[mariacallous]

In the past day, at least 11 military enlistment offices were set on fire, according to Mediazona’s calculations.

On the evening of July 31, a 53-year-old man in St. Petersburg threw at least two Molotov cocktails at a military enlistment office’s door before trying to ram the gates leading to the building’s inner courtyard with a vehicle, according to the Telegram channel Mash na Moike. The man said scammers convinced him to take out several loans and then two weeks later, “the bank’s security officer” connected him to an “FSB agent.” He was promised to have his debts written off in exchange for his help uncovering fraud, which required him to set fire to the door to distract the workers.

In the town of Mozhaysk, according to the Telegram channels Shot and Baza, the scammers, posing as bank employees, called a 45-year-old woman and said that people were trying to take out credit under her name. To prevent this, she was asked to pour lighter fluid over the military enlistment office’s windows, where she was told criminals were hiding. Mediazona notes that a similar situation occurred in the town of Rossosh, where a 24-year-old teacher was arrested for throwing a Molotov cocktail at a military enlistment office on August 1.

Chita.ru wrote that in the village of Aginskoe, a 17-year-old girl tried to light a military enlistment office on fire after scammers called her. She claims that they convinced her that a “traitor” was in the office and was transmitting data to Ukrainian intelligence about village residents involved in the war in Ukraine.

Other such incidents occurred in Podolsk (two seniors were detained), Kaluga (a 77-year-old man woman was detained), Chelyabinsk region (two military enlistment offices were set on fire), Kopeysk (a 55-year-old woman was detained), and Verkhneuralsk (a 35-year-old woman was detained). In Sestroretsk, a woman entered a military enlistment office with bags in her hand, warning that she was going to set fire to the building. According to an eye witness, she was nervous and held a phone in her hands.

Baza later reported that a military enlistment office in Ulan-Ude was also set on fire, making it the 12th such incident in 24 hours.

BBC News Russian estimates that there were 17 attempts to set fire to military enlistment offices since July 29.