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There is that perspective, to be sure, and I, too, want the system to be and to stay solvent. But, overall, my view was, and is, a bit different. During my working years, I was content ["happy" would be too strong a word] to pay more into both SS and Medicare, just as I paid more in taxes as my income rose through the years. But when I retired and enrolled in Medicare, I was surprised and annoyed by the extra premium costs under the IRMMA rules. The money was less an issue than the principle. I objected to being required to pay more, and relatively speaking, substantially so, for exactly the same service and coverage. I don't have to pay more for bread, butter, or Scotch because of a higher income, and saw no just reason for being forced to do so for health insurance. I paid my higher income-related share through payroll deductions in my working life, and was fine with that. But when I found myself on a "fixed" income, I had looked forward to a bit of a break. It didn't come. I'm in a good situation in retirement, and ask or expect neither Argentina nor others to cry for me. But I find the perceived inequity irksome. On the plus side, when I and my sympathizers meet to commiserate, we don't need to hire a large space.

Where's the beef?

These are members of the exotic male dance troupe Magic Mike of Melbourne, Australia. The one on the right is Will Parfitt, billed as a Channing Tatum look-alike and the main draw of the show. Makes me want to go down Down-Under.

Yes, quite right that Advantage plans may be more limiting in your choice of providers, restricting you to specified networks. Some are very much into "managed care," with the emphasis clearly on "managed," and less on the "care" part. I have a friend who has to drive more than 50 miles for in-network testing that is easily available within 5 miles of home, but by providers out of the plan's network and therefore not covered by the plan. Experience is the best, yet harshest, of teachers.

OK, well. Give me a minute or two, then line 'em up. (Ask the middle one if he can stay over.)

I was so taken aback by this, I looked it up. I assumed it was a translation gone horribly awry, but found that's the actual name. And it was meant to be a compliment! After receiving some belated pushback, the company is considering a name change. Can't wait for the unveiling.

I was auto-enrolled in Part A (hospital and institutional care), for which there is no premium, when I turned 65. I was still employed at that time and had medical coverage provided through an employer plan. When I retired at age 69, I enrolled in Part B and Part D, with supplemental plans instead of Advantage plans; premiums were significantly cheaper. My employer still provides a generous annual HSA to help defray premium costs and out-of-pocket expenses. It doesn't cover everything, but certainly helps, and overall I am very happy with my situation. I would counsel looking into two things. First, I retired from a large Fortune 500 company, plans of which and transitions from which Medicare was quite familiar with. I have spoken with friends in a variety of other circumstances, such as retiring from a Federal agency or from a certified small business, and learned the rules are almost as diverse as the individuals. If you are self-employed and/or self-insured, you may benefit from a Medicare Benefit Review service to help guide you through all the rules and options. I complained at the time, and to no avail, of a system that waits until one is older and more easily confused, then confronts them with a horridly complex system and a thousand similar, yet all different, options. My company paid for the services of such a review service and it was of great help. Second, be aware that your Part B premium cost will have to be paid under any plan - basic, supplemental, or advantage - and that the Part B premium goes up with your income. In the first two years, my monthly premium was almost 5x the normal amount paid by those below the first threshold for income-related adjustments to the premium. There's no escaping it, but you should look into it and be prepared for the possible shock. Instead of about $150/mo I paid out over $500/mo, which may explain why my blood pressure med costs were so high.? Hope some of this helps. Best of luck to you.

I'd like to climb that mast!

Congratulations and best wishes on the new abode. I must confess, however, to be be fascinated by the mention of he who will be "tied up at work for the next 2 weeks." Sounds like an interesting job.

I very much like the Wrestling thread, too, but find it a little frustrating in the way that the photograph of a good steak is frustrating; I can see it, but can't hear its sizzle or smell its juices. With the wrestlers, I see chiseled features, bulging biceps, broad shoulders, and big (but mostly covered) chests; all lovely to look at and to savor. And so, too, are those marvelous, magical, but altogether mysterious hidden mounds of butts, balls, and "bats". Thin layers of cloth frustrate my wish to see more, but leave me with only my imagination and desire. I must be content with these, and see the hidden treasures only in my dreams; my, gratefully, sometimes vivid dreams. Not a bad lot, that, really. And I must love them still, as I keep coming back for more. Please keep the supply coming. Thank you.

Bobby always hated it when he heard it, but accepted it as inevitable, given his career choice as a "handy" man. "Time for you indoor chores, Bobby," she cooed out seductively.

Wonder where he puts that saddle horn when no one's looking. No wait! I'm imagining it now.

Might be difficult to schedule. Looks like he'd have to fit you in between tattoo appointments.

Looks like a how-to book. And he seems to be learning fast.

Love the pump-style dispenser! Do they make mouthwash, too?

That's the kind of "tip" I'd like tp give my drivers.

Hands-on training?

Define "on" - I might watch.

He could get one only if it read: My husband is very understanding and I'm not as stupid as this tattoo makes me look.

But in the realm of what's most needed, seen through my eyes: 1. That all schools discover how and begin to teach people to think using critical thinking and rational analysis. 2. That we realize the earth is fragile, resources are finite, and now is almost always better than later. 3. That getting my first two wishes gives me the world I want to live and love in.

Genie: You get three wishes. Me: I wish you were bad at math. Genie: OK! One down, nine to go. Technically, not a wish for more wishes, so not against the rules.

"No, don't move, Sweetheart. I know you've had a long, hard day." Then, as I kneel beside him, "But you ain't seen nothing yet."

Garcon! I'll have what he's having. Oh. oh, oh. Please don't do that in public. If I witnessed that in person, I wouldn't be able to get up and walk straight. That act, with that face, is so erotic!

I have, in my fantasies, named the dick-owner Pavlov, in that I have fixated my eyes on that image long enough to salivate, now even at the mere thought of it.

The prosecutor accepted that his decision would likely receive harsh backlash. “Previously, I’ve been very harsh on the Amish when they’ve been charged with crimes of this nature,” he insisted to the paper. Damn! How often do [these Amish} do crimes of this nature?!?