Disqus - Latest Comments for Observer

Re: How do you decide which vlogs to watch?

Observer — Wed, 09 May 2007 19:23:52 -0000

Let me tell you the truth. The real problem is copycats, including you, Jared. They are all over the Deafread.

Poor those vloggers or bloggers who tend to be very original. It can be very annoying watching vlogs discussing the similar issues.

Jared, you just repeat other vloggers and you preach. They do not. Do not preach something you do not practice. Your previous vlogs go over 3 or 4 minutes and they are not educational or entertainment. Only one vlog you did the best is the baton thing. What happened?

It is hard to do vlogging. You could not do a better job.

IamMine & Boo Boo, here's my mooning. (_@_)

Joey? Amy? ASC? They do not post as often as vloggers should. I do not think they are vloggers at all. Vloggers or bloggers are supposed to post frequently. That's all about blogging or vlogging. At least once a week, not a month or two.

I concur with Boo that blogs can be boring, too. Mos of them are very DRY!

Your blog is one of many deaf blogs I do not frequent, but this post catch my attention, because you use the keyword, vlog.

I enjoy vlogs whether be they short or long. Most of them are intriguing. Jay K. & Teri S. are one of my favorite vloggers ( I am surprised you did not mention them). No matter how long their vlogs are, they do know how to hook their audience. Signing fluently is one of important factors of vlogging (deaf) . They sign eloquently, which I often forget what their messages are. Their vlogs are like smorgasboard discussing many different issues, not necessarily related to deaf issues. That's what make them very interesting. I always look forward to watching them sign.

I am sick of reading about deaf issues! Why cannot you vloggers or blogger enlighten us with NEW and interesting discourses.

With your "rules", they do drive out some vloggers. Your prediciton of the number of vloggers at the end of this year will be absolutely wrong if you insist us to follow your guidelines, as well as Deafread.

Re: How do you decide which vlogs to watch?

Observer — Wed, 09 May 2007 20:28:34 -0000

Let them be themselves sharing their thoughts. Be they short or long, silly or serious, or ugly or attarctive.

There is no need to take a closer look.

Look at hearing vloggers and bloggers! There is a WIDE range of different kinds. Some hearing vloggers' video go over 10 min, even 30 or 60 min. No one complains.

Most of you deaf people always whine! Every issue! All you do is complaining, crying, protesting, disagreeing and clawing down deaf vloggers.

Shut up! You can make your own choices whether to watch vlogs or not.

No need to set standards! Awareness? That's so absurd! Just let them be free and express.

Re: How do you decide which vlogs to watch?

Observer — Thu, 10 May 2007 13:38:02 -0000

Jenny, I do not care how people preceive my comment. I know for sure that many of you always whine. Jared tends to criticize others. Go read his previous posts. That's why I stop visiting his blog except foe this post, because it discusses vlogs.

In fact, he is actually putting down other vloggers by saying us how do he process selecting vloggers. He is not really helping vloggers to improve. Only one statement he asks of vloggers is to put more entertainment in vlogs. That's discouraging!

Re: BREAKING: Dem Chair Doesn’t Want Senate Primary

Observer — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:47:13 -0000

Irony or hypocrisy? Waak came into power on Mike Miles' "Be the Change" wave. Those folks lambasted Chris Gates for allegedly supporting Salazar over Miles in the 2004 US Senate primary, and such criticism was the basis for Waak supplanting Gates as chair of the party. Now that she's in power, she seems to be doing exactly what Gates was accused of, but much more nakedly.

Re: Clinton Appointee Becomes Chief of 10th Circuit

Observer — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 13:03:43 -0000

Who nominated the judge has nothing to do with it In your post, you should have described the process by which the chief judge is picked, which is based on a combination of seniority, age of the judge, and the judge's desire to serve as chief. The process has nothing to do with who nominated the judge to the bench, as your post implies.

Also, does the chief judge of the 10th Circuit really appoint magistrate judges, as you claim? I didn't think the appellate court had magistrate judges? (what purpose would they serve?). I believe the district court (or the chief thereof) selects the magistrate judges who work at the district court level.

Re: Clinton Advisers Whack Obama Over Mailer

Observer — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 09:20:15 -0000

Perhaps it's your ridiculous hyperbole that dooms your credibility a "political knife fight"?? that's silly, juvenile language which makes it hard to take you seriously

Re: Clinton Advisers Whack Obama Over Mailer

Observer — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 11:01:09 -0000

Does your hyperbole please anyone? Does anyone else think that so-called journalists should shriek and boldly adopt such extreme tones while allegedly reporting a story? I've not seen anyone endorse that practice except you.

Re: Clinton Advisers Whack Obama Over Mailer

Observer — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 05:18:30 -0000

Your defense of your hyperbole is that you are merely cliche? LOL!

The 2 are not mutually exclusive, but thanks for documenting your copy-cat tendencies. FYI, a Google search does not prove your temperance. Have you ever surfed the Internet? Decorum or good taste are hardly its hallmark.

Re: Fox News: Al Qaeda is causing the CA wildfires

Observer — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:58:01 -0000

I have to laugh reding Jim's response to 2 faced about ill mannered people and pointing out Gramme Frost-the political 12 year old foot ball--
You have the NERVE to talk about right winger when the looney hollywood left consitantly trashes this country, its leaders -- but that's ok, they get a pass--its ok for Harry (national embarrassment) Reid announces we have lost the war while soldiers are fighting a war---but that's ok--its fine for the left to constantly put down the USA anytime anywhere and you , my freind, give em a pass.

The right may do some stupid things but there minor leaguers compared to you guys

Re: Bill spins Rosie

Observer — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 02:59:31 -0000

Agree
Who cares about Rosie--What a buffoon!

Re: Tony Snow On Fox’s “Perceived Bias”

Observer — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 03:19:32 -0000

And you just can't stand it, can you?

As far as distortions--one need look on futher than this site and media matters

Re: FOX, Conservatives/Republicans, and George Orwell

Observer — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 02:51:54 -0000

A Party member…is supposed to live in a continuous frenzy of hatred of foreign enemies and internal traitors, triumph over victories, and self-abasement before the power and wisdom of the Party. The discontents produced by his bare, unsatisfying life are deliberately turned outwards and dissipated by such devices as the Two Minutes Hate, and the speculations which might possibly induce a skeptical or rebellious attitude are killed in advance by his early acquired inner discipline…called, in Newspeak, crimestop. Crimestop means the faculty of stopping short, as though by instinct, at the threshold of any dangerous thought.

Sounds just like media matters, not does'nt it?
This site is all about hate, hate of a cable news channel--hypocrite

Re: FOX, Conservatives/Republicans, and George Orwell

Observer — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 03:18:21 -0000

I think DJK should get on the UFO with Dennis and just fly away---energize!!!

Re: Bill spins Rosie

Observer — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 12:23:24 -0000

Hey TT
do you understnad what happens at 2,700 degrees F
Which is the temp jet fuel burns at?
What the hell is with you Rosie nuts?

And on 9-10-01 the moon was slightly to the eclpitic of Mars
Cut us all a break!

Re: USA Today/Gallup Poll: Bush Officially Worst President Ever

Observer — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 19:47:48 -0000

You mean he is worse than the one who committed perjury?
I don't think so, but it depends on what your definition of is is.

Re: USA Today/Gallup Poll: Bush Officially Worst President Ever

Observer — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 03:58:23 -0000

You mean he is worse than the one who committed perjury?
I don't think so, but it depends on what your definition of is is.

Re: FOX Attacks Decency… with Bill O’Reilly Leading the Way

Observer — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 03:45:38 -0000

This site used to be a place where one can exchange ideas--now posts can be buried!

It sounds to me like media matters has changed your marching orders from idea expression to censorship--shame on you

Re: Tom Lantos, 1928-2008

Observer — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:31:22 -0000

If Lantos was grateful for the opportunity given to him by America he certainly didn't repay it.

He may have served his Jewish constituents loyalty to Israel well in his office of public trust but he did not act on or serve the once admired principles of the United States.

How does one judge a man like this?

Do we add his good works and then subtract the lives he has cost in the Isr-Pal conflict he supported all thru the years?

Not to speak ill of the dead let us just say he was a man of selective morality.

I don't know how to judge selective morality.

Re: Palestinian PM: ‘Open and Democratic’ Palestine Is Crucial

Observer — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:31:52 -0000

It is clear to any detached observer that if not for violent resistence from Hamas and others over the years Israel would have already rolled over Palestine and consumed it competely.

Since this conflict, and most especially America's part in enabling Israel's occupation , hit my radar screen 7 years ago I have followed and looked at this in terms of what would I do if I were a Palestine? How would I react to the provocations, the land grabs, the strangleing of my country, the decimation of my livihood, the stealing of my resources, the collective punishment and humilations, the targeting of my unarmed children?

I have thought about this and wondered if Israel's promised land had been part of Maine or South Carolina and they had used the same tactics here as they have used in creating their Greater Israel in Palestine what would have happened?

I am 99.9% certain that if that had been the case, Israel and the Israelis would have become extinct in short order and nothing but a small footnote in history.

I can't condemn Hamas for their actions, I would do the same thing and probably more and worse in defense of my land and my family.

Re: When War Seems Unwinnable: Why Tet Matters

Observer — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:06:02 -0000

I wasn't in Vietnam but my older brother was a Marine Lt. Straight from college to Qua. Va. to Vietnam. At 21 he went thinking he was doing his duty as a man and an American. I followed the war thru his letters for a year. I remember the exact one that made me realize all illusions of any victory or even just cause were gone and his fight was to keep as many of his men alive as possible.

When he came home he gave away his uniforms, his three purple hearts, his 2 bronze stars and his silver star. The only thing he would ever pick up a weapon for again or let his two sons fight against would be an invasion of the US proper.

Vietnam showed us what our government was and made us rightful cynics.

Re: All Of These Things In One Breath

Observer — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 12:48:27 -0000

haha....i think i know who is the act dumb girl you are referring to

Re: Being A Blogger Does Not Make You King Of The World

Observer — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 07:41:36 -0000

bwuahaha you must be talking about (edited)..... did you know that (edited) personal name card has 'BLOGGER' on it..... so thick skin..... not like (edited) blog damn nice or wat. make money blog nia

Re: Hello CR and CM

Observer — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 01:58:22 -0000

Your emo posts are some of the best writing i've ever seen. Please don't change anything about your blog

Re: Weekend Open (3/21-3/22)

Observer — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:07:52 -0000

333 3rd.....terrible interior layout! Strange up & down stairs on the back of the house. Dated, bad flooring (very noisy!), no view, terrible housing market....if I have to guess, this house won't move until the price is around 1.2~1.3m....good luck.

Re: Graceful exit from center stage

Observer — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 07:36:37 -0000

In Jakes last 2 losses he didn't have Tatum Bell. I agree with #31 how can all of the Jake haters overlook this? I'm not a coach but everytime Mike Bell came in Seattle was expecting pass. Tatum Bell is the key to Denver's offense. Mike Bell is tough but he has 2 left feet and can't break tackles. The Cutler era has begun. Give Jake a Healthy Tatum Bell and Denver is 10-2. Shanny's offensive mind is not a great as the media says it is. Example: OPENING DRIVE, Tatum 1st 5 yards
2nd 4 yards
3rd PASS

HUH! RUN THE BALL. Guess I'll be watching the Nuggets

Re: http://blog.inc.com/pondemonium/2008/03/turning_threats_into_opportuni.html

Observer — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:27:45 -0000

I have been at a "family" company that fell on bad times and was sold. The parallels here are interesing.

The term "to free up cash" means that they are in an asset based lending situation. I suspect that they are right at the top of their availability at a time in the season when they historically have had much more cash available. They probably had to go ask for more cash over and above there standing bank agreement to buy inventory for this season. Keeping this in mind.
I suspect that TD was not hired by choice, he was placed there by the nervous bank. His mission is to fix the P&L short term, no matter what the cost in human suffering, even if it is not sustainable. He will look to find a buyer or investor to relieve the bank of this exposure. It will not matter what the buyers intentions are, he is looking out for the bank's money. He may earn a bonus from the sale, in addition to the $400.00 an hour he's taking now (just a guess). After the sale he will be placed into another company in a similar situtation.
Mean time the company is working on new projects not realizing that they are caught in a perfect storm. New expensive building, waning interest in the watergardening fad, increased competition, and a falling dollar.
The best thing to do is load the warehouse with product, cut everyone bonus and vacation checks and file for protection in bankruptcy court.

That's what I see
The observer

Re: The White House Farmers' Market Opens to an Excited Crowd

Observer — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 08:39:31 -0000

" The Secret Service and the D.C. police brought in three dozen vehicles and shut down H Street, Vermont Avenue, two lanes of I Street and an entrance to the McPherson Square Metro station. They swept the area, in front of the Department of Veterans Affairs, with bomb-sniffing dogs and installed magnetometers in the middle of the street, put up barricades to keep pedestrians out, and took positions with binoculars atop trucks. Though the produce stand was only a block or so from the White House, the first lady hopped into her armored limousine and pulled into the market amid the wail of sirens. Then, and only then, could Obama purchase her leafy greens. "Now it's time to buy some food," she told several hundred people who came to watch. "Let's shop!"

"....Obama, in her brief speech to the vendors and patrons, handled the affordability issue by pointing out that people who pay with food stamps would get double the coupon value at the market. Even then, though, it's hard to imagine somebody using food stamps to buy what the market offered: $19 bison steak from Gunpowder Bison, organic dandelion greens for $12 per pound from Blueberry Hill Vegetables, the Piedmont Reserve cheese from Everson Dairy at $29 a pound. Rounding out the potential shopping cart: $4 for a piece of "walnut dacquoise" from the Praline Bakery, $9 for a jumbo crab cake at Chris's Marketplace, $8 for a loaf of cranberry-walnut bread and $32 for a bolt of yarn."

-- Washington Post 9/18/2008

http://tinyurl.com/nwbcmb</p>

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/12/craigslist-ranter-charged-with-libel.html

Observer — Sun, 31 May 2009 18:09:17 -0000

What they dont say is that the victim and her attorney are both former employee's of the DA's office

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/04/wife-shooting-bondage-guy.html

Observer — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 12:22:01 -0000

Wife described herself as bondage chick.

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/03/suspected-utah-myspace-rapist-arrested.html

Observer — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:55:55 -0000

victoria,
how did this happen numerous times for you.What would take you to a rapest house more than once.why would you put yourself in that situation again and again. I don't believe that he did anything harmful to you.

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/03/suspected-utah-myspace-rapist-arrested.html

Observer — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 07:28:19 -0000

I have just a few more things to say.
For Victoria,You say up above that This happened with AAron a few times,You had sex with him and wasn't strong enough to say no!!! Soooo......How was AAron susposed to know that you didn't want it if you didn't say no.
And for ....... , YOu say that You told AAron no,and it took him a minute to actually stop and realize that no means no.Well,the fact is,he did stop,he didn't rape you. He was prob really hot at that moment and it took a moment to actually stop but he did stop. What made you different,why did he not rape you? If he was a rapest he probably would not have stopped.
And for all the rest of you.
The media is saying that AAron took these girls home and raped them. Well,I know for a fact that there is always someone home at AArons house so why didn't these girls ever yell for help. And why did they always come back to visit with AAron and his family.Why would they sit and have conversations with AArons family over and over again.That doesn't make any sense to me. If I was raped by someone,I would never come back and I would have screamed loudly if someone was violating me and there was someone there that could stop it from happening.
Just doesn't make sense to me................

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/03/suspected-utah-myspace-rapist-arrested.html

Observer — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 06:39:11 -0000

Everyone is going to have opinions here. The outsiders,the people that love AAron,the people that hardly know AAron. That is what a blog is for. I have to say that for myself,I have always been quick to judge a sexual offender. I think that any man who hurts a woman or little girl in that mannor should fry in hell. I think that there is no room for them in this world. I think they are sick.
I am just taking a wild guess here when speaking for Kim, K ,and Tiffany. I know Kim.I do not know the other two girls, but I am sure that they feel the same about any man that would hurt another person in that way.
If I didn't know AAron. If I didn't know what kind of kid AAron was,I would be like all of you saying the same things you have been saying here in this blog about him.But I do know him and I do not think that he did what the news said he did.
See,You ,along with the media,are seeing AAron as going onto myspace,finding girls,getting to know them,meeting their families,gaining trust just to take the girls to his house and rape them.
Here is another way to look at this whole thing.Try to imagine what I am saying here ok.
AAron,like millions of other people surfing the web,came across myspace,found out that he could meet girls on the internet right here from utah. He met lots of girls,met their families because he was dating them.gained trust because he was a good kid to the parents of these girls thats why they let their daughters leave the house with him. He did have sex with many of them I am sure.I am not saying that its right. First of all,you don't need to sleep around like that.I do not know how anyone can have sex freely with so many people today with all of the STDs going around but it is happening.AAron is like any hormonal guy out there and was acting like most guys do. Yeah,apparently a few of them werent of the age 18 when this took place,that again was wrong.So,they call that rape. But,these charges started when AAron was 17 years old. Do you understand,he wasn't even an adult yet!!And like I have said before,these girl had to lie about they're ages to even have a myspace account. You have to be 18 to have an account.And why did the mothers let there daughters go with AAron to begin with. You think that they would have said something about the age differance. How do we know that AARon really knew how old these girls were.
I believe there is a very big differance between taking sex violently from a person without there consent "raping them" and having sex with a minor. Two very different hings there!!! Now,I can see if the guy is 30 and the girl is 13. That is just wrong and there has to be something mentally wrong with that man. But AAron was 17 when these charges started.
As far as kim giving you details from the court room,and facts that you asked for,that would just be stuipd of her. That could hurt her brothers case.And its really a family matter,not to be discussed with the public.When it is all said and done,I am sure you will hear all about it.
And for D...........
AArons biggest mistake was ever messing around with girls like you. This is why he is in trouble now.Girls like you with very big mouths and no self respect.

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/03/suspected-utah-myspace-rapist-arrested.html

Observer — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 11:50:05 -0000

Dan,
YOu and I are talking about two of the same yet different stuff here.The difference is that your bringing the phycologic point of view into the discussion. I am just stating the facts that girls at he age of 13 and below are having sex and that these girls do not all come from messed up backgrounds. I first commented here because of your comment that stated that 13 year old girls do not like sex. I don't care what phyco bull shitt you post,it doesn't change the fact that both boys and girls are having sex at a very young age today and it doesn't matter what kind of parental influencing they have.
Laurie,
You have no right to say that there has to be something wrong with AArons family due to the fact that you don't know them.I, however,do know them and have for many many years and AAron has a great family.AAron is a great kid.you have no right to say different because you don't know him or his family. And no body knows what happened with aaron and those girls except for AAron and those girls so how can you judge him until you know all of the facts.
I for one have just learned from this case that the news and media do tend to blow things way out of proportion. I know from this case that i will no longer believe everything that the media says. I feel that this is a great lesson for all of us to learn.

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/03/suspected-utah-myspace-rapist-arrested.html

Observer — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:39:46 -0000

Thank you R!!! I knew that there would be someone in here that had to agree with me on this. See,I,like you,have actually over heard conversations that these little girls are having about sex. I have also had friends when I was in junior high school that had even experimented with differant kinds of sexual positions and toys at the young age of 12 and 13. And not all of them had been sexually abused or from broken families.And this was 15 years ago. Today,girls are actually having sex and enjoying it at a much earlier age.I am not saying its right,it scares the hell out of me if you want to know the truth,because I have little girls. But it is the fact.
I agree with R. Dan,are these girls your talking to really telling you the truth. It sounds like you are a counselor or something and these girls are not going to tell you that they really do have and enjoy having sex. But have some children of your own and then listen up on a conversation when they don't know your there then you will hear what they really think.

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/03/suspected-utah-myspace-rapist-arrested.html

Observer — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:26:54 -0000

I now see how these discussions can get obsessive. this is a very touchy subject.the only differance here between you and I dan,is that I know AAron and you don't. Someone in here said that Kim and Tiffany should stay out of this blog.I think they have more of a right to speak out about aaron than any of you who do not know him and who are you to tell someone that loves him to not defend him,when you,who either don't know him,or barely know him, are here to condemn him.

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/03/suspected-utah-myspace-rapist-arrested.html

Observer — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:22:10 -0000

I think that you are getting me wrong here. You keep saying that it doesn't give a grown man a right to prey on them as if I think that it does. As if I think that rape is ok. No one is saying that here dan. I am merely saying that girls are not innocent in their thinking,and that they do want sex at a young age. I am not saying that its right for a man to take it from them. You said in a earlier comment that 13 year old girls think eww when they think of sex.I was just saying that its not true. girls are enjoying sex at a young age these days. I am not saying its right. And I sertainly don't agree with rape. I also don't think that AAron raped anyone!!!

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/03/suspected-utah-myspace-rapist-arrested.html

Observer — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:04:36 -0000

dan,your livin in a closet buddy. YOu don't know a thing about teenage girls or at what age they are thinking of sex. I am a girl,and have had many of friends think and act in a sexual way before the age of 13 and this was back 15 years ago. Now days,its even worse than back when I was in school. I don't know where you get your info but You need to find a new source because you clearly have been mislead.

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/03/suspected-utah-myspace-rapist-arrested.html

Observer — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:20:40 -0000

so,dan,
what kind of expert are you. where is your degree.Thats all I am sayin

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/03/suspected-utah-myspace-rapist-arrested.html

Observer — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:56:19 -0000

Dan,
still don't agree with you about little girls these days,but not going to spend all of my free time arguing the issue with you.You have your opinion,and I have mine. I know I am not alone here.

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2007/07/michael-dugan-todd.html

Observer — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 08:19:38 -0000

Knowing who sold him the drugs, prosecuting them and sending them to jail....or just executing them...would make society a lot better. We are a nation of addicts.

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2007/07/michael-dugan-todd.html

Observer — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 08:12:01 -0000

Yeah, why don't the police ask Dugan who was selling him drugs?

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2007/04/teen-arrested-in-calgary-plot_17.html

Observer — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 07:40:47 -0000

These people have serious problems, no question, but i think as society we should do our part to make it easier. Social stress and academic issues are just as big a factor as pop culture. Maybe if someone had taken the time to understand these kids, this wouldn't of happen. Stop blaming websites and Marilyn Manosn, blame yourselvesl.

Re: Question of the day

Observer — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 00:04:56 -0000

IDOTs TM or MS or someone had to sign on that powerwash contract whats up with that in addition the MS family is now making over $170,000 after the current raises and he worked for RM when the contract was signed someone had to see something nobody is that stupid oh well tell on the teamsters why not tell on fellow employees????

Re: Evans sidelined

Observer — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 22:23:51 -0000

In 1982 Evans got elected in a heavily Republican district, through happenstance, when Representative Railsback was defeated in the Republican Primary. Ironically, in 2006, through happenstance, the Republican nominee will win back the seat in a heavily Democratic district.

Re: Weather

Observer — Tue, 21 Mar 2006 14:37:32 -0000

I think this could bode well for Dairy King. He base of support is hardcore. I think JBT support in these areas might not be as high as on a non-weather tampered day. I am sure the Blago people are hoping for an upset.

Re: This just in… Lane Evans to retire

Observer — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 22:14:48 -0000

Zinga is probably the best known person in the 17th District except for Evans.
Her Democratic opponent better not get his hopes up.
Zinga is also a national personality. The day she is elected, she will weild more influence than Evans ever did. If the Republicans control the House, as expected, she will be on some major committes. (The Veteran's Committee is just a back water. Look at who's on it. None of the major players).
Zinga will put the Illinois Quad Cities on the map and bring home the bacon like it was never done.

Re: A tangled web, or an innocent gift? – Updated x6

Observer — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 11:31:49 -0000

The Governor's problem is that no one is willing to give him the benefit of the doubt any longer. He has squandered the good will and ethics fatigue that went along with his first victory. Blagojevich is now a mere cartoonish charicature of a corrupt Illinois politician. What a waste.

Re: The Stroger beat goes on and on and on

Observer — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 16:54:13 -0000

You may note that the 8th ward dems and the two John Stroger committees have filed non participation reports for the coming election. Does that mean they can't provide financial support or endorsements for a candidate in November? What are the legal restrictions of the non participation declaration?

Re: The Stroger beat goes on and on and on

Observer — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 18:35:38 -0000

My question about non participation reports was rhetorical. The Illinois Board of elections web site says to file the Non Participation Report when, "If a committee does not participate in a particular election, that committee may file a Statement of Nonparticipation in lieu of filing the pre-election report." The fact that John Stroger's two committees and the 8th Ward dems just filed such reports implies they are going to have nothing to do with this election, when one could make an educated guess "dat ain't so". The $1+ million or so that had been sitting in those funds -- are not going to be used in this campaign? Who would believe that?

Re: The Stroger beat

Observer — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 12:32:16 -0000

To: "What Gives"
Since you are on Peraica's case, you might also want to check out the non participation report of the 8th ward regular democrats. I guess they aren't going to support Todd Stroger for President of the County Board. Do you believe that?

Re: New poll has “dead heat” in guv’s race

Observer — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 19:16:18 -0000

The sang d party have helped more rs get jobs than ds when you ask then about all the city jobs to rs they say the city is non partisan i hope they remember those words during the next election of m dablin, now that we know it is non partisan we can help the non partian candidate who runs against dablin sorry todd and tim and tim you lost your dem base and we will not let you forget it. it never has been about r and d with you guys all for yourself good job youre the new hogs but not very good at it

Re: New poll has “dead heat” in guv’s race

Observer — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:20:20 -0000

Rs your last gov is going to jail la la la la la la la!!!!! get over it you lost, will loose again and more of you wil loose your jobs the tidal wave is coming grap the tree quick. but please take martin and doubet and stout with you

Re: VFW commander blasts guv’s veterans care program

Observer — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 13:19:22 -0000

Gee i am no genius but arent the va hospitals run by the fed and i guess since we cant promise care for infinity that we dont start with one year at a time isnt one year better than none

Re: VFW commander blasts guv’s veterans care program

Observer — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 17:56:18 -0000

Mr unsound reasonning you had 25 yrs in office why didnt you build a WWII memorial

Re: VFW commander blasts guv’s veterans care program

Observer — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 21:52:11 -0000

First of all mr lm there are not 11 million homeless veterans in illinois there are only around 12.7 million people in the whole state. If you are saying tessa that the vet centers like we have on 9th street in spfd is state run that is also not true it is 100% federally ran we will not buy your false claims get it right or shut up

Re: Breaking… * Updated x4 *

Observer — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 17:49:28 -0000

Is the Wiliam Bahr mentioned a former Corrections empolyee? Thaks

Re: Open thread

Observer — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 16:47:14 -0000

come on guys tell the truth the payment cycle is more current than when ryan was in period and levine was brought to us by edgar i guess we should just assume your are all a bunch of crooks and give no one a chance like we got for 20 years, you lost and will loose again and you have no clue what you will do in 4 yr against lisa madi or whoever runs, your goose is done cooked. if you think blago names is hard to spell you all better start learning how to spell alex Gs name while you are at it. And while we are on the subject only one individual from this admin has been charged with anything and we will give you him he is a looser like you all. Merry Christmas

Re: Open thread

Observer — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 17:56:53 -0000

If you dont think Lisa M will win in 2010 you guys keep smoking what you have been and her chances will keep getting greater and greater

Re: Naive or co-opted?

Observer — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 07:51:37 -0000

This blog, and apparently everyone else,seems to accept everything that appears in the media about Cellini and Kjellander as gospel, although all of it comes from the single source named Stuart Levine. Had it ever ocurred to anyone that Mr. Levine has every reason to lie or embellish? Why is he, given his admissions, so worthy of belief without question? Is it because you want to believe his claims about the others? Is it because you have some perverse facination with allegations of scandal? Is it because you are just careless or biased?

Re: Reform and renewal

Observer — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 00:14:59 -0000

Anon again, you don,t like that guy do you. Us IDOT employees at aero would like to know why his wife gets to go on his IDOT trips at state expense????

Re: If you’re heading home from session…

Observer — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 21:27:23 -0000

Anon,
None of the IDOT employees who were let go in the material re-organization were highway maintainers. And it would appear that the jobs of those who were are getting done without those positions being refilled.

Re: Things that make you go “Hmmmm…”

Observer — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 01:01:55 -0000

I think hes got you lou even mr obvious could see that

Re: Another possible “vote-buying” episode?

Observer — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 11:58:51 -0000

Are comments on?

Re: Another possible “vote-buying” episode?

Observer — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 12:07:36 -0000

Waguespack has little room to speak when he and his supporters cry about "nasty" or "mudslinging" campaigns. I think the record shows that he started it.

First, in January, he took a page from the Claypool-Lechowicz campaigny by sending out mailings trashing Matlak early, smearing him with accusations of "corruption".

Second, apparently not picked many places, Waguespack had an interview published in the gay press (Windy City Times) alleging that Matlak, in his first race, ran a "smear campaign" against Lorna Brett and "attacked the [gay] community". That accusation is completely false, and was itself a smear.

So Waguespack's folks seem free to dish it out, but quite unable to take it.

Re: Election day thoughts and open thread * Updated x5 *

Observer — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 19:29:35 -0000

CalsteelD brags about Matlak's loss despite important endorsements, like Lisa Madigan.

However, Waguespack wasn't so comfortable playing the maverick: in his last campaign piece he circulated, he crafted a visual that made it look like he was endorsed by Lisa Madigan... and by Obama and Fritchey as well.

Waguespack will be a four-year wonder. Speculation is that he was a stalking horse for Fritchey who may exploit Waguespack's incompetence by running for committeeman in 2008 and then ditching Wague's in 2011. We'll see... in the meantime, Daley & Co. will keep Wagues in political Siberia.

Re: Obamarama – Trib breaks little new ground

Observer — Thu, 03 May 2007 12:43:08 -0000

The latest round of early-state primary/caucus polls shows Obama in 3rd in Iowa, 3rd in New Hampshire, 3rd in Nevada and 2nd in South Carolina. His staff is making rookie mistakes, like using Senate staffers to fax fundraising call-lists to Newsweek reporters. Seems like they should hire staff with gray hair and get serious. On a brighter note, the candidate continues to razzle and dazzle and may continue to make up for staff screw ups. A good candidate can carry a mediocre staff a long way.

Re: Question of the day

Observer — Fri, 11 May 2007 12:51:42 -0000

Jones - SingleA
Blagojevich - OnTheDL
Madigan - 95MPHFastball

Re: Question of the day

Observer — Wed, 16 May 2007 22:48:28 -0000

YES Slots at the tracks has shown to be a proven economic developer in other states (and in Canada as well). The growth in the agriculture industry around the state would be tremendous if only the tracks got slots - as opposed to a loss of jobs if the racing industry is not allowed to regain its vitality.

Re: Shutdown rumors persist, inflamed

Observer — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 19:37:17 -0000

I work for the state and I get so tired of the mindset that we are "underworked and overpaid." It's just not true. Sure, there are a certain percentage of slackers, but every company in the private sector with lots of employees has the same situation. We do work hard providing the services that allow the state to function. The taxpayers expect services quickly, efficiently, and accurately. Most of your state employees are working doubly hard to make sure Illinois remains a viable and functioning monolith. As the signs beside the construction zones say, "Give 'em a break."

Re: Firing further deepens already bitter Statehouse divide

Observer — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 15:27:57 -0000

Rains does absolutely top-notch work. DHS, Social Security, disability applicants, and taxpayers were fortunate to have her and that may be the reason DHS kept her eventhough she did not meet the new criteria. This happens alot with federal programs--federal regs change, states appeal, federal regs change again. On any given day, agencies are out of compliance with many federal regs, but the state continues to get federal funding. Can't even imagine how much her replacement will cost. It's all very unfortunate.

Re: Question of the day – Blagojevich and Bush

Observer — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:56:41 -0000

How much does Madigan pay you to write these articles? Does he invite you to to go to Church with him too? In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Sprit; What can Rich write for me now.

Re: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY – Hendon; Froehlich; Hospitals; Laws (Use all caps in password)

Observer — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:08:42 -0000

Jerry Lack's has turned up the heat on Mike Boland in their race for the State House. Lack's first mail piece arrived today and it was slick. The mail piece calls for "a new direction in Illinois" and touts Lack's experience as Lane Evan's Economic Development Director. The mail piece is designed to boost Lack's name identification and tout his ties to organized labor.

Re: Question of the day – Political mailers

Observer — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:54:12 -0000

Jerry Lack sent out third pieces of direct mail today. The first piece arrived last week and the second arrived Saturday and another fell today.

The second piece was a killer. It featured a personal endorsement from Congressman Lane Evans to the voters. The ad featured a photo of Lane Evans wearing Jerry Lack's campaign shirt. As most people know Lane Evans is a true icon in Northwestern Illinois and this piece will clearly move voters. The piece today is all about Jerry Lack's work to help establish health care center in the counties of Rock Island and Whiteside.

Re: This time the gloves really come off, and it shows

Observer — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:24:53 -0000

Rich, you better hold onto this guy. Straight up, great job, Kevin.

Re: A whiff of panic among Republicans?

Observer — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 12:15:56 -0000

Saviano--ever the opportunist--is just trying find a place to tell Barack he "was" should Obama win ("my people went with Barack, and I couldn't stop'em, Andy/Dan"). He ain't worried about GOPers in his area pulling ballots for Barack. Good grief.

Re: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY – Gordon; Connelly; Jacobs; Gay politics; Steans (Use all caps in password)

Observer — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 10:52:05 -0000

Mike Jacobs beat Rumler by 1,500 votes last time. This time Mike Jacobs defeated Rumler by 2,400 votes.

Re: Some things to discuss while I take a nap

Observer — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 09:38:47 -0000

Obama lost like 7 downstate (southern Illinois) counties, I believe:

Hardin 54% 33% 11% 1%
Calhoun 53% 39% 7% 1%
Pope 53% 38% 7% 1%
Gallatin52% 40% 7% 0%
Johnson 52% 39% 7% 0%
Massac 51% 42% 6% 0%
Perry 50% 44% 5% 0%

Hilary's numbers first. I may be wrong.

Schock can be beat if Colleen Burns is the candidate.

Re: No Greening of Illinois

Observer — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:00:14 -0000

Huckelberry. So you will "do the work" to make the Green Party more respectable? One thing you will have to do is deal with the likes of new Green Party Committeeman Nathan Peoples. He is a former political hack who is in it for the dough alone. If that is the tenor of your party leadership, good luck in your "work".

Re: Strange, that

Observer — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:40:29 -0000

Pete's correct. MJM et al can deliver for whomever they choose.

By the way, where was the Secretary of State White in all this? The top vote getter; the only african american statewide office holder.

Interesting silence.

Re: Morning shorts

Observer — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:15:17 -0000

People are playing politics with state jobs? Oh my. What's next?

Re: Afternoon odds and ends

Observer — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 22:02:03 -0000

Reeder is slippery and a bit greasy, but that's the business he's in. I recommend anyone that deals with Scott use caution and put on a "buyer beware" button. Sometimes it's hard to ell when Scott is your friend and when he's making news.

Re: Being Todd Stroger * UPDATED x1 *

Observer — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:56:01 -0000

The thing with the media today is they want to tear everyone down. They turn ordinary people into cartoon characters and then can't understand why nobody of any values wants to be involved in public service. Go figure?

Re: Greenberg’s campaign is a mess; Plus, Tribune whacks Halvorson

Observer — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:59:50 -0000

Obviously whoever wrote that editorial was not in Room 212 for the hearing. Sen. Silverstein was rational during that hearing. The Trib should go after Jones, Martinez and Hendon for their immature comments. What an amazing missing of the mark by the Trib! Maybe the Trib is waiting for Sunday's paper to whack those three 'kindergarten' senators!

Re: Fresh Emil Jones retirement thread * UPDATED x10 * Jones personally confirms retirement, son’s appointment * Hendon plays super-nice * Jones issues statement ***

Observer — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:59:42 -0000

I'd like to see a Jones successor with the following qualifications:
1. Is a bridge-builder, can facilitate dialogue on both sides of the aisle
2. Is humble, but an eloquent speaker
3. Has above-average intellect, especially understands BUDGET, PUBLIC FINANCE, & MACROECONOMICS
4. Is squeaky, squeaky clean
5. Is respected upstate & downstate, and across all racial and ethnic constituencies

Which Dems in the Senate fit that criteria?

Re: This just in… See AG Madigan’s case for yourself * UPDATED WITH PRESSER TRANSCRIPT *

Observer — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:44:31 -0000

"Appoint Dawn Clark Netsch to the seat"

C'mon it's almost dinner time and now I lost my appetite.

Re: This just in… Gov signs autism bill

Observer — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:52:26 -0000

Doesn't Blago has a website he could issue some type of statement. By the way, is anyone on suicide watch? I hear he might be the type to lose it that way.

Re: Much ado about nothing? We shall see * UPDATE: AP claims Emanuel “not a target” *

Observer — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:25:40 -0000

A press feed like this leads me to believe the US Attorney is trying to take some heat off Emanuel which leads me to believe he is in cahoots with them.

Re: Question of the day

Observer — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:52:03 -0000

I think all politicians have something in them that causes them to focus only on the positive and ignore the negative, but Blagojevich seems to have that quality to a hyper-extent. He is in such denial that one has to question whether he is in control of his faculties.

Re: This just in… Burris heads to IL Supreme Court * House posts elections bill, cancels hearing *

Observer — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 11:02:02 -0000

Happy New Year. Curious, what's the opinion of how all of this has affected Emil Jones? Is he now outta the picture post retirement? At DHS, we're all wondering what kind of changes we might see and when.

Re: McKenna, ILGOP try to take advantage

Observer — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:10:03 -0000

McKenna has his issues but he is right on this one. What a spectacular failure of leadership has the democratic control of Illinois become. I used to think Madigan was the "old fox" and was a master politician. He sure did bungle this one didn't he? To be associatied with Blago as his re-election chairman and then to completely mis-handle the situation on the impeachment. Why wasn't there a bill immediately passed to strip the appointment power of the guv. MAdigan just sat back and let it all happen. And don't even get me started on the complicity of Emil Jones in this.

Re: * UPDATED x1 * Late afternoon videos

Observer — Thu, 07 May 2009 19:41:28 -0000

Could not the great reformer quinn done this without a law, i hate to agree with the speaker but talk was cheap and we have seen no action

Re: * UPDATED x1 * Late afternoon videos

Observer — Thu, 07 May 2009 22:58:51 -0000

ten years of problems maybe the speaker is the common denominator

Re: * UPDATED x1 * Late afternoon videos

Observer — Thu, 07 May 2009 23:20:49 -0000

we couldnt be so lucky diane but we could all go work against cullerton next election 500 workers in one district could probably really help the Rs

Re: * UPDATED x1 * Late afternoon videos

Observer — Fri, 08 May 2009 00:48:42 -0000

it was a nice thought

Re: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY – Balanoff; JGordon; Dillard; Quinn; Statehouse Roundup (use all caps in password)

Observer — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 01:21:49 -0000

Just because Carlin received some consulting fees from Dillard doesn't mean those payments were made for services towards a run for Governor. As pointed out they were made in 2008. I don't know many "prospective" candidates that start paying staff till they get in the race.

The way I see it is Carlin is giving a hand to someone that has helped support a lot of good GOP organizations over the years. Many of which Carlin played a successful and major role in.

Re: http://hgamer.blogspot.com/2007/01/meet-new-everquest-2-community-manager.html

Observer — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 09:38:00 -0000

vmxbkafwI left EQ2 last year after utter disgust with the game changes and the fanboism that prevailed in defense of those changes.

I think it's ironic that the things that displeased me most are actually being rectified from what I've heard now.

But, it's too little, too late for this gamer.

The only advice I can give Grimwell, is you have some pretty big idiots in that "Community", mouthing off right and left on those forums without so much as a hand slap. Kendricke and his ilk come to mind. This was the nail in SOE's coffin for me, those jerks. Complete ignoramous's with barely any knowledge of the game nor experience of MMOG's.

Now I know one could say that WoW has an equally irritating forum-line, but what differs is the fact that with so many people, no one voice can "take over" and dominate a forum as well as those punks did and continue to do.

So, I'm just giving you a heads up as to why I left for good and don't intend to go back either, EoF or no EoF.

I don't like "communities" who berate knowledgeable players with 10+ years experience that date back to MUDS because they have nothing to do when they are at work cheating their employers of what they pay them for, and gloatfully admit it.

My advice: Don't always defend the fanbois. It may come back to bite you like it did Ryan.

Impressions of a game are not only limited to the game but also the disruption caused by defenders of bad game mechanics.

Re: http://hgamer.blogspot.com/2006/05/vanguard-beta-in-trouble.html

Observer — Mon, 29 May 2006 03:58:00 -0000

Speaking of NDA-breakers, there's a post put up on the official VG boards encouraging those in beta to talk about how they test. http://www.vanguardsoh.com/forums/showthread.ph... OP confirms that when he says "I posed a question to those that are currently participating, or are wanting to beta test."

LOL! Then they start answering with stuff like "I'm in beta and.."

Breaking the NDA, one day at a time. ahahhahaha!

Disqus - Latest Comments for Observer

Re: How do you decide which vlogs to watch?

Re: How do you decide which vlogs to watch?

Re: How do you decide which vlogs to watch?

Re: BREAKING: Dem Chair Doesn’t Want Senate Primary

Re: Clinton Appointee Becomes Chief of 10th Circuit

Re: Clinton Advisers Whack Obama Over Mailer

Re: Clinton Advisers Whack Obama Over Mailer

Re: Clinton Advisers Whack Obama Over Mailer

Re: Fox News: Al Qaeda is causing the CA wildfires

Re: Bill spins Rosie

Re: Tony Snow On Fox’s “Perceived Bias”

Re: FOX, Conservatives/Republicans, and George Orwell

Re: FOX, Conservatives/Republicans, and George Orwell

Re: Bill spins Rosie

Re: USA Today/Gallup Poll: Bush Officially Worst President Ever

Re: USA Today/Gallup Poll: Bush Officially Worst President Ever

Re: FOX Attacks Decency… with Bill O’Reilly Leading the Way

Re: Tom Lantos, 1928-2008

Re: Palestinian PM: ‘Open and Democratic’ Palestine Is Crucial

Re: When War Seems Unwinnable: Why Tet Matters

Re: All Of These Things In One Breath

Re: Being A Blogger Does Not Make You King Of The World

Re: Hello CR and CM

Re: Weekend Open (3/21-3/22)

Re: Graceful exit from center stage

Re: http://blog.inc.com/pondemonium/2008/03/turning_threats_into_opportuni.html

Re: The White House Farmers' Market Opens to an Excited Crowd

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/12/craigslist-ranter-charged-with-libel.html

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/04/wife-shooting-bondage-guy.html

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/03/suspected-utah-myspace-rapist-arrested.html

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/03/suspected-utah-myspace-rapist-arrested.html

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/03/suspected-utah-myspace-rapist-arrested.html

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/03/suspected-utah-myspace-rapist-arrested.html

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/03/suspected-utah-myspace-rapist-arrested.html

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/03/suspected-utah-myspace-rapist-arrested.html

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/03/suspected-utah-myspace-rapist-arrested.html

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/03/suspected-utah-myspace-rapist-arrested.html

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/03/suspected-utah-myspace-rapist-arrested.html

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2008/03/suspected-utah-myspace-rapist-arrested.html

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2007/07/michael-dugan-todd.html

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2007/07/michael-dugan-todd.html

Re: http://www.crimene.ws/2007/04/teen-arrested-in-calgary-plot_17.html

Re: Question of the day

Re: Evans sidelined

Re: Weather

Re: This just in… Lane Evans to retire

Re: A tangled web, or an innocent gift? – Updated x6

Re: The Stroger beat goes on and on and on

Re: The Stroger beat goes on and on and on

Re: The Stroger beat

Re: New poll has “dead heat” in guv’s race

Re: New poll has “dead heat” in guv’s race

Re: VFW commander blasts guv’s veterans care program

Re: VFW commander blasts guv’s veterans care program

Re: VFW commander blasts guv’s veterans care program

Re: Breaking… *** Updated x4 ***

Re: Open thread

Re: Open thread

Re: Naive or co-opted?

Re: Reform and renewal

Re: If you’re heading home from session…

Re: Things that make you go “Hmmmm…”

Re: Another possible “vote-buying” episode?

Re: Another possible “vote-buying” episode?

Re: Election day thoughts and open thread *** Updated x5 ***

Re: Obamarama – Trib breaks little new ground

Re: Question of the day

Re: Question of the day

Re: Shutdown rumors persist, inflamed

Re: Firing further deepens already bitter Statehouse divide

Re: Question of the day – Blagojevich and Bush

Re: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY – Hendon; Froehlich; Hospitals; Laws (Use all caps in password)

Re: Question of the day – Political mailers

Re: This time the gloves really come off, and it shows

Re: A whiff of panic among Republicans?

Re: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY – Gordon; Connelly; Jacobs; Gay politics; Steans (Use all caps in password)

Re: Some things to discuss while I take a nap

Re: No Greening of Illinois

Re: Strange, that

Re: Breaking… * Updated x4 *

Re: Election day thoughts and open thread * Updated x5 *

Re: Being Todd Stroger * UPDATED x1 *

Re: Fresh Emil Jones retirement thread * UPDATED x10 * Jones personally confirms retirement, son’s appointment * Hendon plays super-nice * Jones issues statement ***

Re: This just in… See AG Madigan’s case for yourself * UPDATED WITH PRESSER TRANSCRIPT *

Re: Much ado about nothing? We shall see * UPDATE: AP claims Emanuel “not a target” *

Re: This just in… Burris heads to IL Supreme Court * House posts elections bill, cancels hearing *

Re: * UPDATED x1 * Late afternoon videos

Re: * UPDATED x1 * Late afternoon videos

Re: * UPDATED x1 * Late afternoon videos

Re: * UPDATED x1 * Late afternoon videos