Freebooter Fox commented on Texas Decides Evolution Needs More Study, I Decide I Need Less Texas

"@ferris209: From Gizmodo's About page - "We post about a variety of electronics, as well as all sorts of things gadget geeks might enjoy." Considering political debates over hot-button topics such as abortion rights have been fueled incessantly by online banter (the Internet is strange place so many gadget geeks call home), and the impact that changing the general scientific education provided to young American students can have on the development of technology it's particularly relevant to Gizmodo's typical audience, despite the fact that it's not a review of the latest available cell phone."

Freebooter Fox commented on Texas Decides Evolution Needs More Study, I Decide I Need Less Texas

"@Loren Wade Rednour: I think you may be confusing scientific theory- which is a way of using available evidence collected through empirical observation to make certain assertions about reality which can be tested and proven consistent over time with additional empirical observation- with the with the more colloquial usage of the term that is used to describe Creationism as a "theory." Arguments aside about the different variations on evolutionary theory and creation aside, you cannot even qualify Creationism (in whole or in part) as anything more than baseless speculation, let alone a theory, under the scientific method because it lacks the single most important qualifier for being a scientific /anything/- the ability to be verified through empirical observation! That is the difference, and frankly it's sickening how many people are willing to make comments that generalize both their own assertions and the ones they are trying to refute in an effort to paint themselves as some sort of victim of discrimination. The argument that evolutionary theory is /just/ a theory and as such somehow allows Creationism as an equivalent alternative explanation is an insult to the thousands of educated and intelligent men and women working hard to explain our universe in a way that is logical and verifiable."

Freebooter Fox commented on Use Psychological Trick Of "Reciprocity" To Get Better Customer Service

"@SteveZim1017: On the flip-side of that, if you claim you're going to write a letter and don't, the CSR has the ability to find out that you didn't, and that the extra effort they put forth in an effort to reciprocate was "wasted." And yes, they should be doing their best to resolve your issues without emotional bribery to begin with, but if there is a rise in these empty promises it could backfire and leave CSRs more jaded than they already are."

Freebooter Fox commented on How To Find Reputable Credit Counseling

"@SamitaDecimus: Speaking of being aware, please also be aware that there are several agencies existing under the name Consumer Credit Counseling Services, with various subtitles attached, some of them being more reputable than others."

Freebooter Fox commented on How To Find Reputable Credit Counseling

"@HarmonyGanaghur: Credit counseling is not the same as a debt consolidation program."

Freebooter Fox commented on How To Find Reputable Credit Counseling

"@Verucalise-givingbirthaswespeak: Debt consolidation and settlement companies are NOT the same as credit counseling agencies."

Freebooter Fox commented on Is It Worth Taking A Lower Rate In Exchange For Closing Your Credit Card?

"Several factors to consider: Closing the card can hurt your score by changing your debt-to-credit ratio, but as the debt is paid off that will return to more acceptable levels anyway. Being able to make payments on time may be easier with a lower APR, which can boost the part of your score affected by your payment history. Closing the account can also impact your score if it's one of the oldest accounts you have open with a creditor. However, having the debt hanging over your head can be a huge burden- both financially and emotionally. I recommend checking with your local consumer credit counseling agency (check with the Better Business Bureau or National Foundation for Credit Counseling to find one that's credible). If you're having trouble making ends meet they provide general financial counseling that can point out some weak spots in your financial structure and work out a plan of action for getting back on track with your debt, and some agencies also provide housing counseling for those of you that are behind or falling behind with mortgage or rent payments."

Freebooter Fox commented on Cotton Babies Stands Behind The Cloth Diapers They Sell

"@serreca: Yes, but the overlying moral of the story is that not every company will stand by their products like this one did, so you have to assume the risk and not depend on the company to back up your decision. It is nice to hear stories like this sometimes though."

Freebooter Fox commented on Dear Kroger, Please Make Self Check-Out Suck Less

"I find this amusing because the Kroger I worked at as a teen always received compliments for having multiple lanes open when, "The Wal-Mart down the street has got one cashier and forty people in line." And we kept the U-Scan open as well for people like myself that are mysteriously somehow capable of using the machines without needing the cashier to approve every interaction with the screen."

Freebooter Fox commented on Some SSNs Can Be Guessed Using Birthdate And Location, Say Researchers

"Immigrants or citizens born out of the country are the exception."