I stand by my earlier complaint while also acknowledging what sleeperblues said. It is indeed a sad fact that for many people, when money gets tight, medical bills get pushed to the back of the line and frequently don't get paid at all. Unfortunately, those doctors still have a practice to run and employees they must pay, regardless of whether someone has paid their bill or not. I suppose I pine for "the old days" myself. For the majority of my adult life, we lived paycheck to paycheck. We could budget to pay you in installments but we just didn't have a lump sum to give you upfront to pay in advance. Hubby and I have managed, over the past 10 years, to work our way out of that lower class (paycheck to paycheck) predicament into a solidly middle class status. Before that, it was (largely) an honor system. We promised we would pay what we could, when we could, until the balance was paid; the doctors took us at our word AND we fulfilled our obligation. Unfortunately, too many have gamed the system for too long and now, an increasing number of doctors and facilities require full upfront payment. Luckily for me, I've established a rapport with my regular physicians and dentists and they KNOW I'm "good for it" and they allow me to get needed services and pay out over time if I need to. I worry for my children though. It has taken years of seeing the same practitioners before we reached a comfortable spot that I could get what I need and they know I won't shaft them. What will my kids do in 15 years if they are just starting out and can't afford 1000 upfront for, say a root canal and crown?

Ditto. TV ads on occasion but no radio. But then the stations I listen to would not necessarily be attracting those who have an interest in this site.

I’m a naturally cautious person. When my kids were young there seemed to be a brand new vaccine every time I went for a checkup with them. My husband and I opted for them to receive the routine, tried and true ones. It seemed sensible. At my age, I’ll be 59 in April, I’m not in any category yet, even though I’m my mother’s (91) caregiver. She received her first shot Wednesday and has an appointment for the second on the 8th of February. Absolutely no hesitation. The general public who’ve received it up to now are elderly or have some kind of underlying health issue. That would have to be considered. My niece received it. She’s in her 40’s. She’s a physical therapist. She’s got kids. My mom and my niece felt fine. I’m sure some people will have reactions, but people die from eating peanuts right? I’ll take it without hesitation when it’s offered.

PLEASE IGNORE the first picture- that’s a totally different slab. The MOURA marble is the last three pictures- one is polished and two leathered. Sorry!