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Q: Finding key from value in Python dictionary: Fairly new to Python, still struggling with so much information.
All the documentation I've seen about dictionaries explain various ways of getting a value via a key - but I'm looking for a pythonic way to do the opposite - get a key via a value.
I know I can loop through the keys and inspect their values until I find the value I'm looking for and then grab the key, but I'm looking for a direct route.

A: Since your dictionary can contain duplicate values (i.e. {'a': 'A', 'b': 'A'}), the only way to find a key from value is to iterate over the dictionary as you describe.
Or... build the opposite dictionary. you have to recreate it after each modification of the original dictionary.
Or... write a class that maintains both-ways dictionary. You will have to manage situations where duplicate value appears.

A: There is no direct route. It's pretty easy with list comprehensions, though;
[k for k, v in d.iteritems() if v == desired_value]

If you need to do this occasionally and don't think it's worth while indexing it the other way as well, you could do something like:
class bidict(dict):
    def key_with_value(self, value, default=None):
        for k, v in self.iteritems():
            if v == value:
                return v
        return default

    def keys_with_value(self, value, default=None):
        return [v for k, v in self.iteritems() if v == value]

Then d.key_with_value would behave rather like d.get, except the other way round.
You could also make a class which indexed it both ways automatically. Key and value would both need to be hashable, then. Here are three ways it could be implemented:

*

*In two separate dicts, with the exposing some dict-like methods; you could perhaps do foo.by_key[key] or foo.by_value[value]. (No code given as it's more complicated and I'm lazy and I think this is suboptimal anyway.)

*In a different structure, so that you could do d[key] and d.inverse[value]:
class bidict(dict):
    def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
        self.inverse = {}
        super(bidict, self).__init__(key, value)

    def __setitem__(self, key, value):
        super(bidict, self).__setitem__(key, value)
        self.inverse[value] = key

    def __delitem__(self, key):
        del self.inverse[self[key]]
        super(bidict, self).__delitem__(key)

*In the same structure, so that you could do d[key] and d[value]:
class bidict(dict):
    def __setitem__(self, key, value):
        super(bidict, self).__setitem__(key, value)
        super(bidict, self).__setitem__(value, key)

    def __delitem__(self, key):
        super(bidict, self).__delitem__(self[key])
        super(bidict, self).__delitem__(key)

(Notably absent from these implementations of a bidict is the update method which will be slightly more complex (but help(dict.update) will indicate what you'd need to cover). Without update, bidict({1:2}) wouldn't do what it was intended to, nor would d.update({1:2}).)
Also consider whether some other data structure would be more appropriate.

A: the first solution with the list comprehension is good.
but a small fix for python 3.x, instead of .iteritems() it should be just .items():
[k for k, v in d.items() if v == desired_value]

A: Building a opposite dictionary is not at all good manner as one or more key have same value but if you invert it you need to insert key:[value1,... ] structure which will lead you to another problem.


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Rainbow reads I purchased in October. Some steamy, some contemporary. Can't wait to start 'Not Your Sidekick' – think I'll start with that one first.
Diversity! Gay male protagonist. Bisexual protagonist. Lesbian Protagonist.
Absolutely loved 'Zeroes' and can't get into the sequel 'Swarm.' Think edgy, dysfunctional X-men teens… Yay!
Wrap up – Flat-Out Trilogy by Jessica Park
From tear-jerking angst to cute romance.
This series was spread over two and a half years, mainly because the first novel dragged out all the feels and left me with a book hangover; the second did little to add to the story and left me with disappointment; and the third, though a great read, did not live up to the heights of the debut.
I jumped into 'Flat-Out Love' when it had just been released and there was plenty of hype. At that time I had not read a novel dealing with grief and loss or mental disorders. The romance was unique for me as well. My reading habits were steeped in Adventure, Science Fiction and Horror; so this contemporary felt like something amazing and new, opening up a world in a new genre. As you can imagine I gave it a rave review, grabbed by the witty facebook status updates and Julie's angst over Finn and Matt.
I immediately jumped online and ordered a copy of 'Flat-Out Matt' hoping for more Park goodness… it was in the era where 'Midnight Sun' from 'Twilight' Author Stephanie Meyer got leaked, and many authors were starting to release books of the same plotline, but from a different character's perspective. After such a great high, I got a big dip. There wasn't a lot of new content, no new insights, it was basically a recap of 'Flat-Out Love.'
It took me another two years before I picked up the last title in this series from Park, the middle book had scared me off. But 'Flat-Out Celeste' managed to redeem the author somewhat in my eyes, although it was missing the wit and irony I had loved so much in the debut – and it took a little while to start liking the main character. There was also a watering down of angst and issues dealt with in 'Flat-Out Love.' It was in a word: charming. The great thing about it is that you get a jump six years into the future and get a snapshot of how things turned out from the first book.
Overall Park's writing is great. It has a lyrical sophistication that will engross you. It suffers somewhat with long inner monologues, and sometimes, repetition of particular phrases. But all are engaging and she can really set a great pace, building to a climax that is emotionally messy and satisfying at the same time. 'Flat-Out Love' is clearly the best by a mile, and I would only recommend the other books in the series to hardcore fans. They all have elements of Christmas, the loss of a loved one, and learning to live with mental blocks/disorders.
I want to say the characters are kind of quirky – but not in a cute way – in a damaged way. Jessica Park has lost her shine for me as nothing has lived up to the first novel, which I highly recommend (you can skip the rest). I might be tempted to try some of her newer releases 'Clear' and the 'Left Drowning' series, but they aren't anything I'm rushing out to purchase. With a great writing style, complex characters Park has a lot going for her writing, so maybe I'll cave and read some more next year. Watch this space.
'Flat-Out Love' – https://strokingfire.wordpress.com/2014/08/23/book-review-flat-out-love/
'Flat-Out Matt' – https://strokingfire.wordpress.com/2014/10/14/book-review-flat-out-matt/
'Flat-Out Celeste' – https://strokingfire.wordpress.com/2016/10/05/book-review-flat-out-celeste-by-jessica-park/
Book Review – 'Cursed' by Jennifer L. Armentrout
October 25, 2016 October 21, 2016 1 Comment
Another great addition to the JLA collection…
Dying sucks.
…and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand.
After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.
Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things–including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he's a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she's more than interested. There's just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. However, she's willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't?
But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not've been an accident at all, she's not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life.
For real this time.
'Cursed' hooked me from the first page. A great premise, well-paced, and a fast read. I could see this as a start of a series, though currently it is sold as a standalone. There were plenty of elements introduced that weren't tied up which could lead to many story arcs over a series. But having said that, it rounds up well enough to leave you with some satisfaction of a fun paranormal read.
I liked the supernatural aspect with abilities, but was wishing for more of the mythology and exploration of this aspect, maybe some origin stories.
Our protagonist, Ember, came off like a big emo/goth chick at first, and I thought I'd have some difficulty relating to her, but overall, I became invested in her story quite early on. She had her girly over-acting moments, which got me a little worried over the direction of her character, though, I found her to be level headed and intelligent.
I still would have liked to have found out about how Ember and the rest of the youngsters at the Cromwell place made up a unit of some kind. It was mentioned, but never fully explored. An X-men style gang sounds like a fun direction for the novel/series.
On the romantic side of things, it had a beautiful build to love, and a cute ending for Ember. Felt like a warm hug.
Her little sister was adorable, but infuriating. It bothered me how she always got her way and was oblivious of the cost… maybe a bit more realism would have rounded her out as a loveable character, other than someone I wanted to strangle.
I was disappointed about Adam – I really liked him and wanted more… We saw so much in the beginning chapters and then… *poof* gone in a cloud of smoke.
The love interest, Hayden, is a character I had a love/hate relationship with. The "misunderstood guy" storyline was dragged out a bit too much for my liking. But fun to have such a swoon-worthy man to drool over. Some of his over-protective qualities and stalkiness were a bit creepy and set of my alarm bells *Warning Will Robinson. Warning* I was really hoping Armentrout was going to deconstruct the trope that we see a lot in in YA, but alas, it remained true to the stereotype.
I definitely didn't like Mr Cromwell (who ran the Cromwell place,) and I don't think that will change – the way he operates is a little nefarious and does not match what he says he is trying to achieve. We never do understand why he behaves the way he does, even though his motives are explained.
The plot was mostly predictable, felt a little contrived, where some events seemed steered by the author for dramatic flair rather than unfold organically. It was a little light in tone, and could have gotten darker, angstier with the subject matter; but a lot of those opportunities were passed up – I guess if this was a debut of a new series Armentrout would have gone there, instead choosing a fun, exciting stand-alone. It's a pity, because with what was set up in 'Cursed' it could lead to a great new collection – I say this because as a standalone many things weren't resolved to my liking, and it would take another two to three novels to explore them fully in an action packed story arc.
Shame about the cover art – it didn't appeal to me that much – and doesn't match the Ember described in the pages… more effort could have gone into reflecting the main character and tone of the book succinctly.
Recommend to lovers of the paranormal, Jennifer L. Armentrout. This story is in the same vein of 'Shatter Me,' 'Zeroes' and 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.'
Overall feeling: Yeah. Pretty good.
Naked Man Covers
Shirtless men, hot men barely dressed flexing muscles… when I see them on book covers I get a small amount of titillation – but also get turned off…
Romance, erotica, and contemporary novels have become inundated with pictures of buff young guys in various states of undress (or completely starkers.) And while I appreciate the male form and get some A-grade eye-candy, or some fun from an occasional oggle. It puts an ironic smile on my face to see them adorn my favourite things.
While sometimes the attractiveness of the cover model will entice me to peek between the covers. (What am I looking for – a naughty look under his clothes? Saucy firsthand knowledge of his lovemaking skills?) Most of the time it's when I'm browsing online. I'd never pick it up in a book store! That's way too embarrassing. It might label me as the needy girl who only reads erotica… how dumb is that?
Another aspect to the scantily clad musculature of the male figure decorating literature is the fact that it practically yells "BUY ME!" Like a desperate attempt to get you to reach into your purse and fork over the money. Like you bought the guy all for yourself. There's a word for that…
So now, after such over-exposed collection of title after title, I get turned off pretty man covers. Maybe I've been desensitized?
It's a little embarrassing, and a lot insulting being barraged by so much skin as a selling point. This objectification is mostly romance, erotica, contemporary and some YA. Ultimately, if the cover art has become the most unimaginative way to market a book. And this girl ain't buying.
Can't we find some more artistic photography? Or symbolism? Or Typography? I don't want to sound like a snob, but this types of cover art feels a bit low-brow and does little to convey the concept of the plot within its pages, other than one of the protagonists (or the love interest) is a hunky guy. I want more than that from my reading material.
I'm not having a rant, rather just observing trends in the market. I've seen other covers that are stunning which do not have a parts of the male form, airbrushed, adorning the dustjacket. Usually they depict something intrinsic to the plot, something that makes me pick up the book for a closer look. Books that are character driven and not a collection of scenes of intimate encounters. I like a 'hot-damn' moment as much as the next girl, but I want a build up of ambience, some tension, angst, wooing. As well as an interesting storyline.
Naked man covers, while sexy and alluring, don't scream "intelligent plot and interesting characters" to me. Oh my gosh – am I becoming an elitist! Shoot me now!
What's your take on overt sexuality on book covers – is it getting too much or can't you get enough?
It might be great with the objectification of men rather than women for once, and I do enjoy a hottie now and then, but shouldn't we mix it up?
Food for thought – something to think about when you purchase your next novel – what part does the cover play in adding it to your shopping cart…
Royal reads I want to finish before the end of 2016!
Book Review – 'The Countdown' by Kimberly Derting
Alien abduction, hybrids, and government conspiracies… wrapped up in a teen romance.
Genre: Y/A, Science Fiction
She may no longer be human…but she's their only hope.
In the concluding book in the otherworldly Taking trilogy, Kyra struggles to understand who she is as she races to save the world from complete destruction.
Ever since Kyra was abducted by aliens and then returned to earth, she has known there was something different about her. Now she knows the truth: she is an alien too. Her alien captors replaced all her human DNA with their own—gifting her with supernatural powers like incredible healing, enhanced eyesight, and telekinesis. But when she's captured by an unexpected enemy, Kyra begins to wonder if her abilities are also a curse. And is she, as her enemies believe, meant to play some key role in helping an impending alien invasion? Is it programmed into her, something inescapable? Or can she fight that destiny?
No matter what the truth is, Kyra is sure of one thing: She just rescued the love of her life, Tyler, and she is not going to stand by and let anyone hurt him or her friends. Whatever it takes, Kyra will do everything in her power to save the world…even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice.
It's the Final Countdoooowwn! – sorry couldn't resist. With this final instalment in The Taking trilogy, I was looking forward to a mammoth dramatic end to what has been a fun sci-fi read. But there was a lot going on. A lot of characters and points of view in the narrative. It was confusing and made me dizzy. It took me half the novel to catch up and work out what was going on.
I've said it so many times before: I'm not a fan of multiple perspectives.
However, after a disappointing and slow first half, the storyline began to pick up. I could barely put the novel down as I neared the finish line. We got some great pacing and tension. For the last book in a trilogy it should be this way throughout – there are so many ends to tie up, questions to answer. It should be explosive.
There's still a tone of immaturity about Kyra and her friends, though I can see how she has grown as a character, I didn't get all that invested in her or the story. Which is disappointing. The attention the first book of the series really captured my imagination, but things went awry here.
Tyler, our love interest and cute in the-boy-next-door way, only had that going for him. I kept wanting to get more substance. For him to pony up. I hate to say it, but Tyler was a little… forgettable.
Simon, another of the returned and member of their 'Scooby Gang' started to grow on me. He was showing some moxy and putting a spanner in the works. This boy had back bone, and then at the end of the novel, I was like – where did all that go. Feelings like that aren't resolved in an instant…. The resolution felt like little bit of a cop out.
Adam (the alien), the only other character of note didn't give me that desperation to survive and be reunited with his race I was hoping for. There wasn't even thankfulness at Kyra and Tyler's sacrifice to help him escape… It really felt like all the nuance of characters we got earlier on wasn't carried through right to the end of the trilogy. Characters are the lifeblood of your story, and you need to pay them a lot of attention.
As far as plot goes, it was still light on the explanations; though we get all the relevant answers. Something about the explanation still doesn't sit right with me. I liked the ending, and considering the romanticism of it all, was surprised there wasn't an alternate conclusion – I think it would have been a much more impactful ending if it opened up this trilogy to a new world of possibilities. We love to dream about the what-if's in sci-fi!
Maybe it was the attitudes of the scientists – oversimplified and some forced to fit into the role of a villain… or not. It had me wondering where the complexity was…
As much as I enjoyed the experience reading this, the characters were pretty interchangeable and bland. Their personalities could have shined in obtuse, quirky ways to add a larger dynamic to the narrative. All in all, it was "just nice."
Great escapism for YA readers. I'd only recommend it to those who have been engrossed by the series, but don't get your hopes up. A light, easy to read narrative, even though a little scattered. I wanted much more from this final book, but it was still a satisfying conclusion.
Overall feeling: well that didn't go as planned…
Bloggers Beware!
The shine got taken off posting to my blog recently when I found someone had stolen my identity…
I love blogging, sharing stories, recommending great books, but in the past weeks all of my enthusiasm for this activity was soured when I came across a new blog. It only had one book review, which was intelligent, cited, and made some really good points. But on closer inspection, total click bait, posting links to other websites. And to make it worse, listed my details as the author – including links to all of my personal social media.
I just about threw up in my mouth. It was like a large block of ice formed in my stomach. I could barely believe what I was looking at. I clicked around on everything, to make sure it wasn't some type of computer error and ensure I could duplicate the results. But it was legit. Legit piracy. The author of the site had totally hijacked my identity.
It looked innocent enough, but where would it stop? It was endorsing other websites I certainly had no knowledge of, or interest in. It was reviewing a book I'd never read… and suddenly the prospect of my identity in the hands of a stranger had my nerves in knots.
As my best friend said 'That's just not cricket.'
I got the site taken down by the end of day, it took reporting it to WordPress admin, Gravatar Copyright Division, and the regulation board, and a firmly worded comment to the owner of the site explaining my actions and readiness to take legal action.
It turns out the site author took it down pretty quickly.
The whole experience left me a little gun-shy about posting for a while.
My social media is secure; they had never hacked any of my accounts. But someone had started a new blog, listed my information and linked it to my platform. That's some audacious human being. So, just a polite warning to my fellow bloggers out there – be vigilant, check out the author of blogs and articles you're liking to make sure they are legit. We need to keep our community 'real' and sift out fakers posting clickbait.
This is meant to be a fun safe place to share our thoughts and writing, and though it has been somewhat sullied by this experience, I still enjoy blogging and will continue.
I guess this was the best type of scare to give me a kick in the butt to overhaul my security (and privacy) online. Change passwords frequently, and use ones that are hard to guess. Use numbers and characters, change cases. Don't list or broadcast too much personal information. Occasionally do a search on yourself, or your image. It's not an ego thing – it's protecting your identity/brand. Choose to have added steps in authentication for your sites. I know it sounds painful and unnecessarily drawn out, but it is definitely worth it. If someone does hack your account or steal your identity to 'catfish' and are particularly stubborn; the lengths you have to go to to protect your content or image may be stressful, lengthy, and in some cases if legal action is taken, expensive.
Familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations of the medium you post your content to – and the avenues you have for appeal and policing.
It's simply the other side of having a presence on the internet we all have to be aware of.
So after you've done all of the boring stuff you can get back to being creative, sharing your thoughts and revel in writing again with the knowledge that you are protecting your stuff.
Happy writing and take care out there…
Book Review – 'The New Hunger' (# 1.5 Warm Bodies) by Isaac Marion
October 18, 2016 June 1, 2020 4 Comments
A great little teaser into the zombie romance blockbuster.
Genre: Y/A, Horror
The end of the world didn't happen overnight.
After years of societal breakdowns, wars and quakes and rising tides, humanity was already near the edge. Then came a final blow no one could have expected: all the world's corpses rising up to make more.
Born into this bleak and bloody landscape, twelve-year-old Julie struggles to hold on to hope as she and her parents drive across the wastelands of America, a nightmarish road trip in search of a new home.
Hungry, lost, and scared, sixteen-year-old Nora finds herself her brother's sole guardian after her parents abandon them in the not-quite-empty ruins of Seattle.
And in the darkness of a forest, a dead man opens his eyes. Who is he? What is he? With no clues beyond a red tie and the letter "R," he must unravel the grim mystery of his existence—right after he learns how to think, how to walk, and how to satisfy the monster howling in his belly.
A marvellous depiction of some of the main cast from 'Warm Bodies' before those events took place in Isaac Marion's breakout novel. I really enjoyed figuring out the timeline and how the cast fit into the storyline introduced in 'Warm Bodies.' Told in different perspectives of a young Julie and Nora, with the addition of the Tall Man. Those who know me are aware I'm not a big fan of "head jumping" or flashbacks and 'A New Hunger' has both. But I have to admit, it works. Which is surprising given that it is a novella, and needs to pack a lot of information into a small number of pages.
Julie lacked the substance she has in 'Warm Bodies' for me, but she is only twelve years old, and you get a sense of her accepting the bleak new world as normal. It was interesting to see the type of person she started out as and left me hungering (pun intended) for what happened to shape her into the Julie we come to know in 'Warm Bodies.' I loved her determination, desensitivity to gore and death, as well as innocence all mixed together… not qualities that gel, but on her, it worked so well.
Nora was much more interesting; she comes across as a realistic teen attempting to survive in this dystopian world. Reminding me of Cassie from 'The Fifth Wave.' I really liked how she stumbles and not everything goes her way. It added credence to the world and a desperation to the serious threats she faces. As with Julie, it was great to see the beginnings of her character, so different to the person we meet in 'Warm Bodies.' Out of all the cast, Julie has the greatest amount of development, and I was still wanting more.
The tone of 'The New Hunger' is different to 'Warm Bodies.' I was hoping for a little more insight to the start of the epidemic, or even the beginnings of the Boneys… but unfortunately they were left unanswered – I guess Isaac is leaving it for another book in this series. I'm really looking forward to see what unravels in the next release, 'The Burning World' next year. Even with the need for more explanation of the overarching plot from this novella, it was still very entertaining. Although I felt it lacked a bit of pacing and cohesion, mainly because it's just short snippets in time and doesn't cover the expanse of their lives or humanities downfall.
The sense of the zombies, the dark cloud with arms that was almost a sentient consciousness – we'll I'm not sure how I feel about that. It didn't make a lot of sense to me. I'm hoping it leads to something later in the series. It was only touched on in 'Warm Bodies' and lightly alluded to here, so I am desperate to learn about the mythology behind Isaac's dystopian world and uncover more about the origins. I liked the realism and hinting at some paranormal force behind the zombie apocalypse, but left it as a mere suggestion.
It did miss the humour I was expecting. The witty banter and comedy from 'Warm Bodies' is not present in this novella – you could read it as a standalone, but it doesn't go anywhere. I like the references to 'Warm Bodies' and the reveal at the end (though easy to guess.)
A cute addition to the collection and a strong novella. I'd recommend this to fans only, there's not enough to grab a new reader to this series, or genre. And definitely read 'Warm Bodies' first, even though 'The New Hunger' is a prequel, you need the setup of the dystopian world and establish the main cast to fully understand what is going on.
On a side note: loving the cover – the metallic sheen and pop of red. Totally captures the mood of the narrative.
I'm eagerly awaiting 'The Burning World.' C'mon 2017!
Overall feeling: Middle-of-the-road-zombie
Please stop! I want to get off!
Spinning, spinning, the world is shooting past at break-neck speed and all I can do is dig in, hold on tight and hope I don't get flung off before I can get to the end of the ride.
I'm still staring at the calendar in disbelief that October is here already. I see how much time is left of 2016 and then gaze over the monstrous 'To do' list and have a mini freak out. Have I been sitting on my expanding posterior all year?
The truth is, no I haven't. Upon review, I've been accomplishing quite a great deal, in writing, editing, reading, and other stuff called life of less importance. It's the addition of death and funerals, major house renovations, health issues, and the state of being human which has heaped a large helping to my plate – I've been gorging myself!
So I'm having a slightly delayed mid-year freak out.
If you have read any of my previous blogs centred around my writing life, or life in general, you'll know I'm a big list maker. I love setting massive goals, and am a little OCD about getting things done. What I wasn't prepared for was the continual addition of other bits and pieces preventing me from reaching my rather lofty writing goals.
It's now the third year in a row I've experienced mystical happenstance of "life" and it's getting ridiculous. Is the universe playing some practical joke on me? Universe?
I'm not some big adventurer, or have a demanding, high-stress career; and I moved to the Sunshine Coast to simplify life and concentrate on writing full time. I have a time limit to reach a modest goal, because if I fail to meet said goal, I'll be returning to full time employment. (That's the deal I made with myself) I'm confident about breezing over the finish line, but I was expecting to have more done this far into the journey. I haven't had so much happen to me with in a few years. Like, ever!
Did the Universe conspire – right, this girl looks like she could handle more, let's shake it up a bit.
I wish I had the power to stop time, or travel back in time, or work fast like The Flash, maybe the ability to duplicate myself, and have clones working on other projects simultaneously. There is never enough hours in the day. Especially with the extra helping of other life stuff which have nothing to do with writing…
When I look back over the past five years, it's been five deaths in the family, one each year, two relocations, one redundancy, and a number of road trips across Australia. I'm not whining or having a rant, I just think I'm taken a little aback at what's been going on. Am I at that stage in my life where relatives start dropping like flies, the body starts to show it's wear and tear, and just about everything you own needs to be replaced, renovated or restored? No wonder people have a mid-life crisis when the world starts to crumble around you. But I'm optimistic. It's an instrument for change, for new exciting challenges… and ultimately inspiration for my writing. I'd never written about grief or loss, I'd never described some of the landscapes and experiences I've recently had.
It's all good!
So while I'm loving life, embracing change, Universe, can we please hit pause on dropping those bombshells? While I'm enjoying the feast of wonder you are providing, I just want to finish a bit of writing before the next adventure.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
MP INVITES DRAG QUEEN CALLED 'FLOWJOB' TO SCHOOL, CALLS COMPLAINING PARENTS "HOMOPHOBIC"
Posted by admin | Feb 25, 2020 | Latest | 0 |
The Sun reports, "The drag queen has regularly uploaded graphic pictures to Twitter, including of simulating a sex act with a dildo and simulating oral sex."
Parents subsequently complained that they were not informed of the drag queen's visit and said the visit was "outrageous" and "disgusting."
"While I don't agree with the abuse being given, my kids go to this school, there was no information fed to parents about this happening. Surely that's a parents choice?" one parent told the Daily Star, accusing the 'woke' headteacher at the school of trying to further her own career.
"Their username is 'flowjobqueen' and their timeline is full of explicit images of them simulating sexual acts. Of course they've just just done a drag queen story reading to primary school children," another parent wrote on social media.
MP Mhari Black reacted to the criticism by declaring the parents "homophobic."
"You just know that the people pretending to be livid that a drag queen read a book in a school are also the people who run out to buy their kids the latest Grand Theft Auto on release day," she said. "Your homophobia is transparent."
However, children's rights group forwomen.scot sided with the parents, saying that 'Flowjob' was an adult entertainer.
"Questions about this are legitimate," the group said in a statement. "A male who dresses as a sexualised parody of a women, goes by the name "flowjob" is hardly a role model for primary aged children. Did no one check this?"
A Renfrewshire Council spokesman said the visit should not have occurred due to the sexually explicit nature of the content posted by 'Flowjob', but that it was arranged as part of LGBT History Month.
As we previously highlighted, there have been numerous 'Drag Queen Story Time' events at UK libraries, schools and museums in the past few weeks, including an event for under-5's at a library in Newham, London.
Last month we highlighted the words of an actual drag queen, Kitty Demure, who posted a viral video in which he expressed his amazement at why 'woke' parents are allowing their kids to be around drag queens, asking, "Would you want a stripper or a porn star to influence your child?"
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text:
Schiffnerula mirabilis är en svampart som beskrevs av Höhn. 1909. Schiffnerula mirabilis ingår i släktet Schiffnerula och familjen Englerulaceae.   Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Sporsäcksvampar
mirabilis

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Commentary/Blog Post
Elections….please – no more appointments by political masters
The people elected their leaders – their village leaders, and now the 'disputed' BN-government of Perak wants to sack them all…817 of them.
Hello – they were ELECTED – i.e. they are the people's choice – not some 'political appointee', and it is certainly wrong to even try to sack them.
What the 'disputed' BN-government of Perak, and all other BN or PKR governments should do is to learn from Perak and restore democracy at all levels of government. There must be ELECTIONS at all levels – no more appointments by the 'government' – the people are capable of choosing their own leaders…
Perak village chiefs who were elected during the previous government are giving Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir 48 hours to reverse his decision to sack them.
They have threatened to sue the government if their demand is not met.
Speaking on their behalf, former exco member Nga Kor Ming said the Barisan government could be sued for breach of contract for removing the 817 village chiefs before the expiry of their term of service in 2010.
"Although their term of service had only just begun, they received letters from their respective district officers last Thursday telling them that they no longer needed to turn up for work," he said yesterday.
The letters, he said, stated that the village chiefs and their respective village development and security committees (JKKKs) were officially dismissed beginning April 16.
"Barisan Nasional has no legal right to dissolve the JKKK just like that, for the JKKK is a government machinery that is enshrined in the Perak Constitution," he said after meeting more than 40 village chiefs who turned up at the Perak DAP headquarters here yesterday to protest against the dismissal.
"Unless they had committed some sort of offence, they cannot be removed from their posts without proper reason."
The village chiefs also claimed that the Barisan government had failed to pay their allowances of RM400 each for February, March and April.
Dr Zambry and State Secretary Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Hashim could not be reached for comment. – Star, 22/4/2009, Elected village chiefs may sue Perak govt over dismissal
When will we be having elections for Village heads and their committees for Selangor, Penang,…the other PR and BN States?
When will we be having Local Council Elections?
When will the people be able to elect their own Senators – surely, it is time for Senatorial Elections by the rakyat(the people) themselves.. ..
Posted By Charles Hector


text:
Q: Rotation of UIPageViewController in Container View Controller I have a UIViewController that contains other ViewControllers. Initial ViewController is set in viewDidLoad:
FirstViewController *first = [FirstViewController alloc] init];
first.view.autoresizingMask = UIViewAutoresizingFlexibleWidth | UIViewAutoresizingFlexibleHeight;
first.view.frame = m_content.frame;

[self addChildViewController:first];
[m_content.view addSubview:first.view];
[first didMoveToParentViewController:self];
m_activeViewController = first;

This Container Controller has implemented automaticallyForwardAppearanceAndRotationMethodsToChildViewControllers to return YES. It has also implemented to manualy forward rotation changes to non active ViewControllers
- (BOOL)shouldAutorotateToInterfaceOrientation:(UIInterfaceOrientation)interfaceOrientation
{
    return YES;
}
- (void)willRotateToInterfaceOrientation:(UIInterfaceOrientation)toInterfaceOrientation duration:(NSTimeInterval)duration
{
    for(UIViewController *vc in m_viewControllers)
    {
        if(vc != [m_activeViewController]
            [vc willRotateToInterfaceOrientation:toInterfaceOrientation duration:duration];
    }
}
- (void)didRotateFromInterfaceOrientation:(UIInterfaceOrientation)fromInterfaceOrientation
{
    for(UIViewController *vc in m_viewControllers)
    {
        if(vc != [m_activeViewController]
            [vc didRotateFromInterfaceOrientation:fromInterfaceOrientation];
    }
}

When menu button is tapped i make the transition between ViewControllers.
- (void)onMenuItemTapped:(id)sender
{
    UIViewController *vc = [m_viewControllers objectAtIndex:sender.tag];

    vc.view.frame = m_content.frame;
    [self addChildViewController:vc];
    [self transitionFromViewController:m_activeViewController toViewController:vc duration:0 options:UIViewAnimationOptionTransitionNone animations:nil completion:^(BOOL finished) {
    [vc didMoveToParentViewController:self];
    [m_activeViewController removeFromParentViewController];
    m_activeViewController = vc;
    }];
}

This transition works fine for my "normal" ViewControllers and they are displayed properly after orientation changes, even if they are not active. However, one of these Child View Controllers, called SecondCV, has UIPageViewController as a Child View Controller. I have UIPageViewControllerDelegate and UIPageViewControllerDataSource set to this SecondCV and in pageViewController:spineLocationForInterfaceOrientation: I return UIPageViewControllerSpineLocationMin for Portrait and UIPageViewControllerSpineLocationMid for Landscape. Rotation for this SecondVC works correctly when its active - there are two pages on the landscape and one on the portrait mode displayed correctly. But when this SecondVC is not active the rotation is incorrect. Even if pageViewController:spineLocationForInterfaceOrientation: is called, there is still one page in both Portrait and Landscape mode. I am trying to fix this for some time, but i dont see any other options. Do you have any ideas how to fix this?
Thank you.

A: I have solved this kind of tricky.
Actually the SecondVC was rotated correctly, or at least, spine location was changed correctly. So when I have rotated the device and the SecondVC was not active view controller in parent view, it HAS received rotation messages and pageViewController:spineLocationForInterfaceOrientation: was called also. I set the correct spine location for new interface orientation and called setViewControllers to SecondVC's page view controller. Problem was, that even if i set two view controller for UIPageViewControllerSpineLocationMid, after displaying SecondVC there was still just one, like in UIPageViewControllerSpineLocationMin.
I have "fixed" the problem, by setting view controllers to page view controller in viewWillAppear: again, because when this method is called, spine location for page view controller is correct and based on this information i set one, or two pages (view controllers)
- (void)viewWillAppear:(BOOL)animated
{
if(m_pageController.spineLocation == UIPageViewControllerSpineLocationMid)
{
    LeftPageController *left;
    RightPageController *right;
    if(m_pageController.viewControllers.count > 0)
    {
        left = [m_pageController.viewControllers objectAtIndex:0];

        right = [m_storyboard instantiateViewControllerWithIdentifier:@"rightPage"];
        [right loadView];
    }

    [m_pageController setViewControllers:[NSArray arrayWithObjects:left, right, nil] direction:UIPageViewControllerNavigationDirectionForward | UIPageViewControllerNavigationDirectionReverse animated:NO completion:nil];

    [m_left hideGallery];
}

if(m_pageController.spineLocation == UIPageViewControllerSpineLocationMin)
{

    [m_pageController setViewControllers:[NSArray arrayWithObject:[m_pageController.viewControllers objectAtIndex:0]] direction:UIPageViewControllerNavigationDirectionForward | UIPageViewControllerNavigationDirectionReverse animated:NO completion:nil];
}

[super viewWillAppear:animated];
}

- (UIPageViewControllerSpineLocation)pageViewController:(UIPageViewController *)pageViewController spineLocationForInterfaceOrientation:(UIInterfaceOrientation)orientation
{
if(UIInterfaceOrientationIsPortrait(orientation))
{
    LeftPageController *left = [pageViewController.viewControllers objectAtIndex:0];
    [pageViewController setViewControllers:[NSArray arrayWithObject:left] direction:UIPageViewControllerNavigationDirectionForward | UIPageViewControllerNavigationDirectionReverse animated:NO completion:nil];

    pageViewController.doubleSided = NO;

    return UIPageViewControllerSpineLocationMin;
}

if(UIInterfaceOrientationIsLandscape(orientation))
{
    LeftPageController *left;
    RightPageController *right;
    if(pageViewController.viewControllers.count > 0)
    {
        left = [pageViewController.viewControllers objectAtIndex:0];
        right = [m_storyboard instantiateViewControllerWithIdentifier:@"rightPage"];
        [right loadView];
    }

    [pageViewController setViewControllers:[NSArray arrayWithObjects:left,right, nil] direction:UIPageViewControllerNavigationDirectionForward | UIPageViewControllerNavigationDirectionReverse animated:NO completion:nil];

    return UIPageViewControllerSpineLocationMid;
}

return UIPageViewControllerSpineLocationMin;
}

I know i am doing the same thing twice, but thats the price i am willing to pay in this case. Why after calling pageViewController:spineLocationForInterfaceOrientation: and setting two view controllers for Landscape, when SecondVC is inactive, is only one ViewController in m_pageController in viewWillAppear: after activating SecondVC stays a mystery for me.

A: I included following code to solve this problem in iOS 6:
- (UIPageViewControllerSpineLocation)pageViewController:(UIPageViewController *)pageViewController spineLocationForInterfaceOrientation:(UIInterfaceOrientation)orientation
{

    NSArray *allPageControllers = pageViewController.viewControllers

    if (allPageControllers != nil) {
       [self setViewControllers:allPageControllers direction:UIPageViewControllerNavigationDirectionForward animated:NO completion:nil];
    }

    else {

       UIViewController *defaultViewController = [[UIViewController alloc] init];
       [self setViewControllers:[NSArray arrayWithObject:defaultViewController] direction:UIPageViewControllerNavigationDirectionForward animated:NO completion:nil];
       [defaultViewController release];
    }

    return UIPageViewControllerSpineLocationMin;
}

Hope it helps someone!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


GSA's Office of Professional Services and Human Capital Categories will host the Spring HCaTS Program Management Review (PMR) on June 18, 2019, in Tacoma, Washington. The PMR is one of several activities planned as part of a three-day industry event taking place June 18-20.
Industry Partners, Amendment 02 to solicitation 47QREB-19-R-0001 has been posted on FedBizOpps along with the questions and answers. See the synopsis of changes and Q&A here.
The HCaTS SB Pool 1 On-Ramp Request for Proposal is now available on FedBizOpps!
Hello, Industry! The HCaTS team is pleased to announce that the final solicitation for HCaTS SB Pool 1 on-ramp is now available on FedBizOpps under Solicitation Number 47QREB-19-R-0001. Proposals are due by February 8, 2019.
The HCaTS Program released a draft solicitation notice on July 20, 2018, on Federal Business Opportunities to conduct an on-ramp to HCaTS Small Business Pool 1. This on-ramp is being conducted to increase participation and expand competition within HCaTS SB Pool 1.
Questions and Answers in response to industry feedback for HCaTS SB draft solicitation #47QREB-18-R-0001 as well as the Presentation Slides have been posted on FBO. We hope to post the final solicitation by the end of September 2019. Thank you all for your input!
HCaTS Contract Access Fee Cut By More than 60 Percent!
The HCaTS team is pleased to announce the release of a DRAFT solicitation notice to conduct an on-ramping to HCaTS Small Business Pool 1 available on FedBizOpps. The response deadline for questions or comments is end of business day, Friday, August 3rd, 2018.


text:
Complete Coverage: WSU vs. ASU
WSU vs. ASU: Previewing the game with Yogi Roth of Pac-12 Networks
Sometimes we get a little insular in our coverage of the team. So we brought in an outside expert: Yogi Roth of the Pac-12 Networks, who will be on the sideline in Tempe on Saturday for WSU's matchup with Arizona State.
By Jeff Nusser@PodvsEveryone Nov 15, 2012, 10:01am PST
Share All sharing options for: WSU vs. ASU: Previewing the game with Yogi Roth of Pac-12 Networks
If you don't know much about Roth, he was a wide receiver at Pitt before coming out to Southern California, where he worked as a member of Pete Carroll's staff at USC, first as a video manager, then as a graduate assistant quarterbacks coach. He's since moved on to (mostly) a career in broadcasting (you can check out all of the stuff he does at his website). In addition to his work with Pac-12 (which includes this cool Xs and Os work at Pac-12.com), he's also the host and analyst of ESPN's Elite 11.
Oh, and he co-wrote "Win Forever" with Pete Carroll -- just a little book that reached No. 7 on the New York Times best seller list. No big deal.
In this 30-minute Google+ Hangout, we touch on a number of topics, starting with the ever-present Marquess Wilson saga, how he thinks Mike Leach is handling all of this, what he sees as the direction of the program, and whether Connor Halliday and Tyler Bruggman are destined for stardom in the Air Raid. You're going to want to hear what he thinks about whether Halliday's issues can be coached out of him.
Give it a watch. Once you get past our brief technical difficulties at the beginning, I think you'll enjoy it. And don't forget, you can subscribe to all of our YouTube videos here.
WSU vs. ASU: TV schedule, game time, previews and more
Hot Cougar Action: The morning after ASU
Previewing WSU-ASU with Pac-12 Networks' Yogi Roth
The scoreboard is the most important 'person'


text:
Steak fry brings political giants to Simpson's backyard
by Emily Schettler/Copy Editor and Jillian Bishop/Staff Writer
More than 1,000 people braved cold winds to attend the 31st annual Harkin Steak Fry Sunday, Sept. 14 at the Indianola balloon fields. Candidates from several local races were in attendance, but it was the upcoming presidential election that speakers focused on most.
First lady of Iowa, Mary Culver, set the mood for the day, which was largely an attack on Republican presidential nominee John McCain and his running mate, Alaska governor Sarah Palin.
"I haven't been this cold since John McCain announced Sarah Palin as his running mate," Culver said.
The keynote speaker for the event was Brian Schweitzer, the governor of Montana whose speech at the Democratic National Convention last month received high praise from party officials.
Schweitzer spent the day emphasizing America's need to break its dependence on foreign oil.
"The message of today is we need to produce American energy designed by American engineers, produced by American workers," Schweitzer said.
According to Schweitzer, America needs to focus on finding alternative sources of energy.
"We can't just drill our way to energy independence," Schweitzer said. "We have a lot of sources of energy in this country, but it's not all in the ground."
Schweitzer received applause and a standing ovation for his stance on renewable energy.
"[He's] big on renewable fuels," Harkin said.
Schweitzer discussed multiple ways of using less energy.
"I would say grow it, blow it, drill it or dig it," he said, "Just let it be American."
Also mentioned was the idea of using biofuels as an alternative energy source.
"Biofuels are here to stay," Schweitzer said. "Biofuels are the future of America."
As the national campaign for the presidential race gets into full swing, the views of John McCain and Barack Obama were addressed.
Harkin expressed to the public his thoughts on McCain and renewable energy.
"I have never seen him step forward in any way and help us with renewable energy," Harkin said. "Certainly not ethanol, he's been opposed to ethanol and biomass fuels."
Schweitzer also mentioned the importance young voters will play in the November election.
"A lot of young people don't have a landline, and you can't poll them," Schweitzer said. "So if you want to start talking about people who are under-polled, start talking about the college people."
According to Schweitzer, young people face greater challenges than their older counterparts did as young adults.
"We've given them the greatest challenges, and yet they're up for the challenge," he said. "This generation has more at stake than any of the rest of us generations, and they're going to vote for Barack Obama."
Young voters have been notorious for not turning out on election day in the past, but Schweitzer thinks this year will be different.
"It's never happened before, but I think it happens this time," he said of strong youth voter turnout.
Lucas Oglesbee, a sophomore at the University of Iowa came to Indianola to support Harkin. Oglesbee agreed that this election is important to young voters.
"We have a presidential candidate who is inspiring to youth in our country," he said. "If there was a time for young people to care about voting it's now."
Harkin is running for re-election to the Senate, where he is currently serving his fourth term. Bruce Braley, David Loebsack and Leonard Boswell are all seeking re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Becky Greenwald and Rob Hubler are trying to defeat incumbent House members Tom Latham and Steve King respectively.


text:
Meet Civic Investor Tami VandenBerg: Passionate advocate for access to housing
Kiran Sood Patel
commentary voices
Tami VandenBerg, co-owner of the Meanwhile and Pyramid Scheme and part-time director of Well House, said The Rapidian is another great outlet to get people talking about the issues.
Tami VandenBerg at That Early Bird on March 13, 2017. /Kiran Sood Patel
Support The Rapidian's Spring Fund Drive
This civic investor profile is a part of a series of stories introducing civic investors to the community. Each story features someone whose contributions have helped The Rapidian. Donate to the Spring Fund Drive, April 10-17, here.
Tami VandenBerg is co-owner of the Meanwhile and Pyramid Scheme and part-time director of Well House. Well House is a nonprofit that provides low-cost rooms for rent and places a priority on people that cannot access other housing for people that are homeless.
She is also a candidate for 2nd Ward City Commissioner. She is running against 2nd Ward City Commissioner Joe Jones.
VandenBerg said she is spending time listening and finding out from residents what they love and what they would like to see changed about their community.
As she has been actively listening, VandenBerg said housing is a primary concern for many residents.
"There's a feeling where we're not necessarily taking care of everybody, and we're not considering all of the unintended consequences of the boom, which is costs are rising for everybody, and not everybody's getting big raises and wages aren't necessarily going up as quickly as housing costs for everybody," she said.
People are also concerned about their neighborhoods changing, VandenBerg said. "Some people want more people in the neighborhood; some people don't."
VandenBerg grew up in Wyoming and lived there for 18 years before moving to Grand Rapids. To date, she has lived in the community for 23 years. She serves on the Board of Art and Museum Commission which oversees the assets of the Public Museum.
She is a passion advocate for housing reform.
The Meanwhile and Pyramid Scheme have supported nonprofits across the community, including The Rapidian and Spoke Folks. VandenBerg is also a supporter of Grand Rapids Red Project, which focuses on improving health, preventing HIV and reducing risk. She is a former chairperson of the organization.
To VandenBerg, community means spending time together. "It means talking about what we care about together," she said. "It means supporting each other's ventures. It means showing up."
Community also means "taking care of each other and looking out for each other."
As journalism has changed, the community has lost a lot of local and investigative reporting, VandenBerg said.
"It's more challenging to get the word out through some of the usual channels," she said. "Where I've seen The Rapidian step in and step up is shining a light on some important issues."
She noted the importance of Rapidian stories on housing and racial equity. She also noted investigations done by Rapidian community journalists on homelessness in the Heartside neighborhood.
VandenBerg also wrote a piece on her work as a drug policy reformer that was published in April 2015.
VandenBerg said The Rapidian is "another great outlet for us to get people talking about the issues."
pyramid scheme
tami vandenberg
Grand Rapids Community Media Center announces new, returning board members
Grand Rapids Community Media Center ringing in 2021 with WYCE countdown, Wealthy Theatre virtual marathon
Passing the Mic: Garfield Park Neighborhoods Association answers, "What are you most proud about in your neighborhood right now?"
The Rapidian to receive support to strengthen online platform


If during post-processing or inspection any damage occurs to the bore finish, Wolfram is able to go back in with the hone and clean it up.
Now, I hope to raise the profile of asset-based lending (ABL) across its current client base and also attract new customers, said Hone, ABL is growing increasingly popular among companies that recognise it is a cost-effective means of releasing cash from balance sheets and managing fluctuating business needs.
Like other staff, Dennis Hone received performance-related pay, but this was far from guaranteed and was measured against tough performance criteria, evaluated personally and in relation to the organisation he successfully led in the critical 18 months up to the Games, during London 2012 and immediately after.
Von Hone said the group will keep its website active, mostly to redirect Web visitors to the various artists' home pages.
Mr Hone was involved with motor racing as early as 1961 and first had the idea of a street race in Birmingham in 1966.
The honing gear is mounted on a floating stock to ensure dual flank contact of hone and gear.
Tonga-tapu is considered the first country in the world to greet the sun and so is regarded as the birthplace of all mankind," said Hone.
Precision ID grinding machines are several times more expensive than an equally capable hone.
Another type of hone can get hung in the port area and break off honing material, causing havoc when the engine is operated.
Mr Hone, who is now living with his parents in Dinas Powys, said: "I am glad she admitted she was disgusted with what she has done.
Certainly, the sequence, construction, and timing of the exercises help to access and hone skills.


Rings N' Things has simplified their blog partner program and Dave Robertson's email came today saying that this simplification has made me, yes, you read that right, me a Rings & Things blog partner. Take a lookie see to the left, right there at my little badge. I couldn't be more thrilled. Now, go forth to R&T and buy, buy, buy!
Before I went to the wonderful Bead Soup Party, I made this mutli-strand necklace of my own bead soup mix. It is 6 wonderful strands of mixed up pearl, gemstone and brass goodness.


LTAA Jr. Vikes Field Hockey is Back!!!
LTAA is happy to bring back our fall program under the new name LTAA Jr. Vikes Field Hockey to better represent our mix of players coming from all Voorhees Sending Districts, including Lebanon Township Schools. This is an instructional program for elementary and middle school players in grades K to 8. Our program accepts registrants from Lebanon Township, Califon, Hampton, High Bridge, and Tewksbury Township; Town of Clinton and Glen Gardner may choose Jr. Vikes or Jr. Lions. Registrants from other towns must receive written permission from the sending district's team administrator and League Administration in order to participate in LTAA Jr. Vikes FH. Mansfield players in Flex program are automatically waived.
During regular season for grades 2-8, practices will be one or two days/nights during the week. All games are Sundays, unless a makeup game is needed. Players are required to provide their own equipment including mouth guards, shin guards, sticks, cleats, and goggles (5-8 only), to be worn at all practices and games. Entry price includes a uniform that must be worn for all games.
The Grades 7/8 Division new FLEX program allows you to choose just the right amount of Field Hockey for your needs. Looking for some summer Field Hockey? Try our Summer Boot Camp. Playing on your school team? Get yourself ready by choosing our Get Ready option. Want to have a relaxed fun season of learning and playing Field Hockey. Choose the Full Fun Season Option.
a week-long preseason "Boot Camp" clinic for grades 2-8 (3 days K-1).
a league-wide play day against other towns for grades K-8.
a post-season tournament for grades 5-8 if applicable.


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There are 7 Biology/Biological Sciences Colleges in Nevada.


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A's Prospect Watch: Seeing Green
By Joseph Lopez
With the A's missing the playoffs this year for the fifth-consecutive season, many fans are wondering what to expect from the green-and-gold in the foreseeable future. Is their any hope for better days in Oakland?
Well, as noted before on this site, the A's have a few talented hitters waiting to make an impact on the big-league level. Oakland's pitching staff over the past few seasons has been a bright spot for an organization that hasn't had a winning season since 2006, but the team's offense has been the exact opposite of good.
It's been terrible.
General manager Billy Beane, who was portrayed by A-Lister Brad Pitt in the film Moneyball, has seen his critics grow in population over the past few years.
With the larger market teams implementing the same techniques utilized by Oakland in the early 2000's, the A's are once again at the opposite end of the baseball spectrum, struggling to find an even playing field with the higher-up's in baseball. As a result, Beane's efforts to put a winning team together have fell short.
In recent drafts, the A's have made a real effort in drafting talented young hitters. In this year's draft, the A's chose pitcher Sonny Grey, but overall, the A's have tried to address some of their glaring problems on offense.
In 2010, the Athletics chose OF Michael Choice with their first-round pick. In 2009, the A's chose SS Grant Green. Choice, a very bright young player, has the type of power Oakland covets. For a team like Oakland, power is a rarity. Choice has the raw-power to be a successful hitter on the big-league level, and his defense isn't too shabby either.
FanSided's Seedlings To Stars minor league site covered the Athletics organization recently, and the overall consensus was that Choice is one of Oakland's top prospects. While there was much love for Choice over at Seedlings to Stars, the feeling was not the same regarding Grant Green.
Green, a product out of USC, was once regarded as a top prospect in Oakland's organization. However, Green's production fell this year compared to his 2010 campaign with Single-A Stockton. In 127 games this year with Double-A Midland, Green has put together a slash line of .291/.343/.408 with 9 HR and 62 RBIs. While those are not terrible numbers—not by any means—they do reflect a bit of decline in power.
Oh yeah, he's struck out 119 times in 127 games this year. Nathaniel Stoltz, Senior Editor over at Seedlings to Stars even compares Green to a right-handed version of Oakland's Ryan Sweeney. It is also important to note that Oakland recently moved Green this year from short stop to the outfield. He committed 6 errors in total in the outfield compared to 21 at short.
Fans growing increasingly annoyed by the team's inability to score runs on a consistent basis should not fret—at least not yet. The A's have a very other possible role players looking for an opportunity to produce on the big-league level. Michael Taylor and Chris Carter are two bright young players Oakland hopes to keep around for years to come. Taylor possesses decent power, and Carter could provide the lineup with a little pop as well.
Overall, the A's and Billy Beane have made an effort to assemble a few players that have the potential to make an impact on the big league level. With guys like Choice, Taylor, and Carter on their way to the "show," Oakland fans may be able to finally breathe a little easier knowing that there's at least a little glimmer of hope on the horizon.
For more minor league news, please visit FanSided's Seedlings To Stars.
And for more Oakland A's-related news, keep visiting Swingin' A's and follow me on twitter @oaklandace75.


A secular choir without auditions or dress code. Belting out old songs right where they were born: farms, forests, barns, boats, streets.
Come join a new community chorus... with old roots and a new approach.
Some songs we learn and sing while being still- like any chorus- in what we're calling "All Sing" sessions. But this chorus is unique in that we also regularly visit farms, gardens and woodpiles - and sing there while we get simple projects done. In the fall, we will visit various community members and stack their wood or clean up their gardens. In the summer we'll row and sing aboard a 10-oar rowboat. And in the fall we'll practice the art of jogging while singing.
Members of the chorus choose which activities they would like to do, from stationary to strenuous- there are sessions for everyone.
Learn to find harmonies, volume, tone, and confidence in your voice!
Learn a certified bundle of cool songs.
It's a low-stress, low-pressure way to sing more.
Variety: Sessions rotate between farms, barns, boats and the streets.
Get your own work done: all-in participants sign up to get a work crew at their place fall 2018 to stack wood or whatever other song-suitable project they've got.
We will film our best songs for an online archive that anyone can use to brush up on songs, and so that people all over the world can learn and be inspired by them too.
The chorus is directed by farmer-musician Bennett Konesni, who brings 20 years of research, development and teaching worksongs from over a dozen countries.
Growing up on in midcoast Maine, today Bennett is recognized as a national leader in the exploration and development of traditional song. He has taught at Maine Fiddle Camp, Pinewoods Camp, Youth Trad Song, and at farms, conferences, workshops and festivals in America, Europe and Asia. Bennett is a Cultural Ambassador for the US Department of State, a TJ Watson Fellow, and TED presenter.
From time to time great song leaders from around the neighborhood and around the world will be guest instructors.
Like any community choir, yoga class, or gym session, fees go to paying instructors, printing, and other overhead costs.
The way this works is that everyone in the chorus comes to the All Sing sessions, where I teach the songs that we'll use out in the field, boat, and streets.
Four of the sessions will be at my farm, Duckback Farm, and will free of charge. You get free music and I get free help!
This is the way most people will be a part of the chorus.
Suggested $180 to $360 - choose the amount that works for you based on how many sessions you think you'll do and how generous you're feeling.
Remember, the All Sing sessions are strongly recommended they are our regular gathering of the entire chorus.
Then come to whichever of the other sessions you like.
First dibs on having a session in the site of your choice in the fall, while dates last.
After you've signed up here, please pay by June 30 with a check or cash. In person at one of the sessions is fine.
Email me with billing questions!
Pay online after you've signed up here.
Dabblers: folks in town for the day, or just curious.
Whatever you afford can per month, paid through Patreon. Go to patreon.com/worksongproject and sign up to be a supporter at whatever level makes sense.
I want it not to be. I just want you to come sing.
1. Consider spreading it out over a 12-month payment plan. I'm happy to accomodate that through my worksong project patreon campaign.
Decide how much you are going to pay and divide that by 12.
Go onto www.patreon.com/worksongproject and sign up to pay that much per month.
2. I like to barter- make an offer. Particularly seeking farm equipment, manure, frozen meat, rice, pickled delicacies, cedar shingles, pine 1x planking.
3. Maine residents age 20-35 sing for whatever they can afford per month. Please sign up on worksongs.org and donate via patreon as described above.
And remember, this is a sliding scale fee structure! Do what you can… but don't overextend!


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Lijst van gotische gebouwen in Limburg (België)
 Lijst van gotische gebouwen in Limburg (Nederland)