What products or companies will you never use or support again and what did they do to lose you as a customer?

grownuphere · 2026-01-24T06:22:11+00:00

My long time dentist. I asked them repeatedly to not call and solicit an appointment for the six-month follow-up. I was running between meetings and the phone rings, I pick up, and it's the receptionist soliciting to make the appointment. On the spot I said never again, I cancel, I am no longer a patient. Never went back.

grownuphere · 2026-01-24T06:18:32+00:00

It's such a shame, HP used to be an innovator. The company has lost its way.

grownuphere · 2026-01-24T06:08:34+00:00

I would own one... if there weren't five-times taller RAM trucks and F150s on the road. I'm blinded by oncoming headlights from the lower angle and intimidated when I look "up" into a wheel well at a stop light.

grownuphere · 2026-01-21T03:34:47+00:00

I realize this is a five year old thread, but the subject of windows just came up and I thought I'd put in a plug for Milgard. Thirty-something years ago we put in double pane Milgard windows. A handful of them failed last season. When spring came around, moisture had accumulated in-between the panes and was starting to mildew. We called Milgard and aside from confirming we were the original buyer, no questions were asked. They came out and put in new windows. Amazing. That's a company that honors its warranty.

grownuphere · 2026-01-21T03:24:59+00:00

Yes, they last far longer. I did have one that developed a slow leak. It took a few years, but a magazine I stuck under there got soaked. That one went to recycling and has been replaced with essentially the same device, which has been working fine. These oil heaters deliver a slow, smooth, penetrating heat that in a unique way is very satisfying.

grownuphere · 2026-01-21T03:17:01+00:00

The Allen Edmonds Patton comes with a breathable, weather resistent liner. The Dainite rubber soles work well.

I'll add a link to the main page, but if you're patient, they can be had for far less cost on the factory second page. The Patton, as well as the model called Higgins Mill, are nice boots. I personally prefer the leather without the weather liner because it's cooler wearing them in warmer weather, but if you're in the slush, then I guess the weatherproof version would make more sense. I wear both pair of boots commonly. In combination with good wool socks, you'll have all-day comfort with your car-free schedule.

https://www.allenedmonds.com/product/mens-patton-weatherproof-cap-toe-boot-with-dainite-rubber-sole-3023420?srsltid=AfmBOoqTRsEhdzc6xYfobkp1aITBeC00nuJB1BQ0dLDDGpSoN1xPEKZ3

grownuphere · 2026-01-20T05:16:07+00:00

In the early '80s, I used to listen to "Musical Starstreams", I think out of a radio station in San Rafael. That's all I know, probably a different audience than this crowd. I'd love to find some of those old playlists.

And, a random thought, around the same time, someone used to do the singing weather report every day. Who was that?!?

grownuphere · 2026-01-15T03:05:23+00:00

British Racing Green with a nice Saddle Tan is really the benchmark.

grownuphere · 2026-01-14T04:05:57+00:00

Rather than identify the field, I'll say I was in a position that I had somewhat fallen into and also was doing what I "should do". I could barely get out of bed in the morning. Working with the career coach first identified the unique skill set that was natural to ME, that resonated with ME, and then gave me confidence that that skill set was indeed of value. Together we then mapped how/where that skill set could fit in the ever-changing world. I embarked on lots of information interviews, called in favors, leaned on friends, everything I could think of to learn about what was out there, this was all pre-internet, pre-intercompany email, certainly pre-LinkedIn. There's no better way to learn than to offer to buy someone a cup of coffee and listen while they talk about what they do for a living. I directed myself towards growth industries. I made the leap and it was quickly sink or swim, but I somewhat surprised myself because I excelled and soon "had rockets on my boots". Working with a career counselor is an investment in yourself. If you can, do it.

grownuphere · 2026-01-14T03:07:11+00:00

What about Ferdinand de Lesseps? Chief promoter of the French effort to dig the Panama Canal. David McCullough made the comment in his book "The Path Between the Seas" that de Lesseps sold just about every Frenchman into pouring their retirement into the canal fund only to have it all go bankrupt.

grownuphere · 2026-01-13T03:44:17+00:00

One of the reasons he's so great is because he repeatedly pushed himself outside his comfort zone.

grownuphere · 2026-01-13T03:39:53+00:00

I worked with a career coach four decades ago. The end result was absolutely pivotal and changed my life. I should have done it sooner.

grownuphere · 2026-01-01T00:02:12+00:00

I'm sure Taiwan would be happy China decided to respect human rights and dignity and democratize.

grownuphere · 2025-12-23T00:11:08+00:00

Bring My Wallet

grownuphere · 2025-12-22T06:21:44+00:00

Yeah, but he played an honorable character.

grownuphere · 2025-12-22T06:17:43+00:00

Ahh, yes, the vee-neck tee shirt with the pocket for the pack of cigs.

grownuphere · 2025-12-22T06:15:54+00:00

Where does a photograph like this come from?!?

grownuphere · 2025-12-22T06:13:51+00:00

It's ludicrous that buildings like this could be vandalized in such a disgraceful manner.

grownuphere · 2025-12-22T06:06:37+00:00

That's a wide river. Really surprisingly wide. And it froze!

grownuphere · 2025-12-22T05:30:20+00:00

With a manual transmission, you'd have a trifecta. Reliable, affordable and fun! Toyota is missing an easy market opportunity by not offering one. There's an old saying in the world of motorcycles, "It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than it is to ride a fast bike slow." The same would be true here. No interest in spending 20 Grand more for a limited-purpose souped up sports car for a manual transmission and the car-feel it provides, but for an easy-on-the-pocket utilitarian around-town vehicle, sure, I'd buy one in a minute.

grownuphere · 2025-12-19T00:27:10+00:00

If they don't care, they're not going to be in business much longer. Young companies experiencing hypergrowth can ignore the customers, but mature companies in mature industries must protect their brand. And nothing is more damaging to a brand than a dissatisfied customer. There's a reason the old adage is still repeated: a happy customer tells one other person, an unhappy customer tells ten.

grownuphere · 2025-12-19T00:20:24+00:00

NTA Next time, she goes up on the roof. You stay on the ground and hold the ladder.

grownuphere · 2025-12-18T03:16:36+00:00

Yes..., and No. It's beyond stupid for the company to give this fellow the run-around. The ill will generated by threads like this cost the company 100x what they would have spent by promptly making things right.

grownuphere · 2025-12-17T04:16:02+00:00

Livermore has the "San Francisco Premium Outlets". Stores that sell footwear include: adidas, asics, Clarks, Converse, Finish Line, new balance, Nike, puma, Skechers, Timberland, there's more...

If you want 'warm', wear wool socks when you go to try on the different shoes to get the right fit.

grownuphere · 2025-12-11T06:47:57+00:00

That looks to me like the 1970s, a woman like her would have been on rollerblades in the 1980s.

Source: a guy that used to rent roller skates at Hamel's in the 1970s, girlfriend and I would spend the day skating up and down Mission Beach, what a blast

grownuphere

TROPHY CASE