I'm making a new thread for Incorrect Locations as the old one is very dated now. As well as the fact that many new games have come out since then. It will also be a lot easier to keep track of with a new thread. I will close the old one.
If your ping to a server is way too low for it to be realistic the chances are its in the wrong location. For example I live in the UK if I see a ping in Seattle of 25ms its clearly not in Seattle(typically 150ms+) it must be near me instead. If you see this please post the following information in every post.
Please ensure you have auto&bleeding edge cloud ticked and applied to get the latest updates - unless I have specifically said to use certain numbers of the cloud.
these are a few that should be Dallas I believe.
Just realized those are pics of the same id. Will post the other later.
Tulsa Ok. with routing to Dallas.
This should probably be in Dallas.
Shows as Kansas but I don't ping anything in Kansas below 50ms due to routing of my ISP.
n since until now I always used PA only.
Usa id c72db984ca663a3f 554miles away only dedi ive seen in IW easr coast.
Keep it up guys! When Fraser gets back we'll get these all in the cloud system.
Welcome to the forum! Thanks for giving us those ID's, we'll get them updated for you soon.
Thanks for all the IDs so far. I've updated the cloud but not put it into auto/bleeding edge - its available under map number 26 just to ensure that there are no issues so please let me know how you get on and I can move it over for everyone.
Does is matter which game server or whitelist we choose? I'll be testing it tonight.
Pick the highest number for both.


The saga of Kim Kardashian's meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House concluded last Thursday with the announcement that drug offender Alice Johnson, serving a life sentence, was pardoned, per Kardashian's request.
In a Friday interview with CNN, Kardashian was asked if she felt she gave the president "legitimacy" or was used as a "political pawn" by working with him.
"At the end of the day, he heard me out. We got the job done. What could he really use me for?" Kardashian told CNN.
While gubernatorial and congressional candidates are running specifically anti-Trump campaigns in the midterm election cycle, Kardashian found a way to work with Trump, something not even Congress is willing to do.


The Spring Summer 2019 collection, dedicated and designed in Texas, was an homage to Brandon's roots. The collection was a fusion of color, symmetry, and meticulous construction. Warm reds and pinks came together with bright yellows and minty greens to create quintessential Texas glamour. The show took place the evening of September 8, 2018 at The Classic Car Club in Manhattan where guests were transported into a fantastical Texas tailgate. The motifs of the collection and the evening were lizards, cowboy hats, B-logos and champagne, of course.


Composed by James Pierpoint. Arranged by Andrew Henderson. Christmas, New Year's. Octavo. 2 pages. Published by Andrew Henderson (S0.190551).
Composed by James Lord Pierpoint. Arranged by Philip R Buttall. Christmas. Score. 4 pages. Published by PRB Music (S0.291459).
Composed by James Pierpoint. Arranged by Rodolfo Gonzalez. Repertoire, Classroom, World, Christmas. Score, Set of Parts. 12 pages. Published by Published by Rodolfo Gonzalez (S0.159541).
Composed by James Pierpoint. Arranged by Clark Cothern. Dixieland, Christmas. Score, Set of Parts. 21 pages. Published by Clark Cothern (S0.184264).
Composed by James Pierpoint. Arranged by Philip R Buttall. Christmas. Set of Parts. 12 pages. Published by PRB Music (S0.185603).
Composed by James Pierpoint. Arranged by Clark Cothern. Christmas, Old-time, Americana. Score, Set of Parts. 17 pages. Published by Clark Cothern (S0.185485).
Composed by Conrad Kocher. Arranged by Joel Raney. General, Creation, Gratefulness, Praise, Unity, Hymntune: DIX. Octavo. 12 pages. Published by Hope Publishing - Digital (H1.C57336DP).
Composed by James Pierpoint. Arranged by Philip R Buttall. Christmas. Set of Parts. 14 pages. Published by PRB Music (S0.185967).
Composed by James Pierpoint. Arranged by Stephen Bulat. Christmas. Lead Sheet. 1 pages. Published by Stephen Bulat (S0.421237).
Composed by James Pierpoint. Arranged by Stephen Bulat. Christmas. Lead Sheet. 2 pages. Published by Stephen Bulat (S0.421195).
Composed by James Pierpoint. Arranged by Philip R Buttall. Christmas. Score. 10 pages. Published by PRB Music (S0.185965).
Composed by James Lord Pierpoint. Arranged by John Hoesly. Christmas. 7 pages. Published by John Hoesly (S0.171779).
Composed by James Pierpoint. Arranged by David Cortello. Christmas, Children's Music. Individual Part. 2 pages. Published by David Cortello (S0.164809).
Composed by James Pierpoint. Arranged by Stephen Bulat. Christmas. Lead Sheet. 1 pages. Published by Stephen Bulat (S0.421201).
Composed by James Pierpoint. Arranged by Stephen Bulat. Christmas. Lead Sheet. 1 pages. Published by Stephen Bulat (S0.421199).
Composed by James Pierpoint. Arranged by Stephen Bulat. Christmas. Lead Sheet. 1 pages. Published by Stephen Bulat (S0.421197).
Composed by James Pierpoint. Arranged by Carlos A. Muñoz martinez. Christian, Method, Etudes and Exercises, Christmas. Score, Solo Part, Tablature. 2 pages. Published by Carlos Martinez (S0.297183).
Composed by James Lord Pierpoint. Arranged by Randy McGravey. Christmas. Lead Sheet. 3 pages. Published by Randy McGravey (S0.437259).
Composed by James Lord Pierpoint. Arranged by Simon Walters. Swing, Christmas. 36 pages. Published by Simon Walters (S0.237819).
Composed by Conrad Kocher. Arranged by Joel Raney. General, Creation, Gratefulness, Praise, Unity, Hymntune: DIX. Handbell score. Published by Hope Publishing - Digital (H1.C5733HB6DP).
Composed by James Pierpoint. Arranged by Philip R Buttall. Christmas. Score. 10 pages. Published by PRB Music (S0.185599).
Composed by James Lord Pierpoint. Arranged by John Hoesly. Christmas. 7 pages. Published by John Hoesly (S0.171781).


text:
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.IO;
using System.Linq;
using System.Text;
using Apimap.DotnetGenerator.Core.Generation;
using Apimap.DotnetGenerator.Core.Model;
using Apimap.DotnetGenerator.Core.Model.CodeGeneration;
using Newtonsoft.Json;
using Xunit;
using Xunit.Abstractions;

namespace Apimap.DotnetGenerator.Core.Test
{
    public class GeneratorTest : TestBase
    {
        public GeneratorTest(ITestOutputHelper output) : base(output)
        {
        }

        [Fact]
        public void CanGenerateCodeForSimpleMapping()
        {
            var tg = new JsonTypeGenerator();
            var source = tg.Generate(File.ReadAllText(TestFiles.Person), TestFiles.Person, "Foo.Bar");
            var target = tg.Generate(File.ReadAllText(TestFiles.PersonBasic), TestFiles.PersonBasic, "Baz");

            Write(source.Code);
            Write(target.Code);

            var mapping = JsonConvert.DeserializeObject<Mapping>(File.ReadAllText(TestFiles.PersonMapping));
            mapping.RebuildRelationships();

            var mappings = new Dictionary<int, TypeMapping>();

            var sourceItem = mapping.SourceInfo.Roots[0];
            var targetItem = mapping.TargetInfo.Roots[0];

            var resolver = new TypeResolver();
            resolver.Resolve(mappings, source.RootType, target.RootType, sourceItem, targetItem, mapping);

            var generator = new Generator();
            var sb = new StringBuilder();
            var writer = new StringWriter(sb);
            generator.Generate(writer, mappings, source.RootType, target.RootType, mapping.TargetInfo.Roots[0], mapping);

            var result = sb.ToString();
            Assert.True(result.Contains("target.FirstName = Source?.FirstName;"));
            Write(result);
        }

        [Fact]
        public void CanGenerateCodeForNestedMapping()
        {
            var tg = new TypeGenerator();

            var mapping = JsonConvert.DeserializeObject<Mapping>(File.ReadAllText(TestFiles.AToXMapping));

            var source = tg.Generate(mapping.SourceInfo.PhysicalSchema, "Mapping");
            var target = tg.Generate(mapping.TargetInfo.PhysicalSchema, "Mapping");

            Write(source.Code);
            Write(target.Code);

            mapping.RebuildRelationships();
            var mappings = new Dictionary<int, TypeMapping>();

            var sourceItem = mapping.SourceInfo.Roots[0];
            var targetItem = mapping.TargetInfo.Roots[0];

            var resolver = new TypeResolver();
            resolver.Resolve(mappings, source.RootType, target.RootType, sourceItem, targetItem, mapping);

            var generator = new Generator();
            var sb = new StringBuilder();
            var writer = new StringWriter(sb);
            generator.Generate(writer, mappings, source.RootType, target.RootType, mapping.TargetInfo.Roots[0], mapping);

            Write(sb.ToString());
        }

        [Fact]
        public void CanGenerateCodeForVariantMapping()
        {
            var tg = new TypeGenerator();

            var mapping = JsonConvert.DeserializeObject<Mapping>(File.ReadAllText(TestFiles.AToXVariantMapping));

            var source = tg.Generate(mapping.SourceInfo.PhysicalSchema, "Source");
            var target = tg.Generate(mapping.TargetInfo.PhysicalSchema, "Target");

            Write(source.Code);
            Write(target.Code);

            mapping.RebuildRelationships();
            var mappings = new Dictionary<int, TypeMapping>();

            var sourceItem = mapping.SourceInfo.Roots[0];
            var targetItem = mapping.TargetInfo.Roots[0];

            var resolver = new TypeResolver();
            resolver.Resolve(mappings, source.RootType, target.RootType, sourceItem, targetItem, mapping);

            var generator = new Generator();
            var sb = new StringBuilder();
            var writer = new StringWriter(sb);
            generator.Generate(writer, mappings, source.RootType, target.RootType, mapping.TargetInfo.Roots[0], mapping);

            var result = sb.ToString();
            Write(result);

            Assert.True(result.Contains("target.Z = MapNoTitleToZ(Source?.B);"), "Array was correctly passed as a parameter");
            Assert.True(result.Contains("public virtual Target.Z MapNoTitleToZ(IEnumerable<Source.Anonymous> B)"), "array was correctly added as method argument");
        }

        [Fact]
        public void CanGenerateCodeForJsonToXsdMapping()
        {
            // This test has some issues - specifically the class generated from the JSON schema is weird. Until that is resolved it won't pass.

            var tg = new TypeGenerator();

            var mapping = JsonConvert.DeserializeObject<Mapping>(File.ReadAllText(TestFiles.JsonToXsd));

            var source = tg.Generate(mapping.SourceInfo.PhysicalSchema, "Source");
            var target = tg.Generate(mapping.TargetInfo.PhysicalSchema, "Target");

            Write(source.Code);
            Write(target.Code);

            Assert.NotNull(source.Assembly);
            Assert.NotNull(target.Assembly);

            Assert.NotNull(source.RootType);
            Assert.NotNull(target.RootType);

            mapping.RebuildRelationships();
            var mappings = new Dictionary<int, TypeMapping>();

            var sourceItem = mapping.SourceInfo.Roots[0];
            var targetItem = mapping.TargetInfo.Roots[0];

            var resolver = new TypeResolver();
            resolver.Resolve(mappings, source.RootType, target.RootType, sourceItem, targetItem, mapping);

            var generator = new Generator();
            var sb = new StringBuilder();
            generator.Generate(new StringWriter(sb), mappings, source.RootType, target.RootType, mapping.TargetInfo.Roots[0], mapping);

            var result = sb.ToString();
            Write(result);
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Build a bear are now offering a variety of gift cards to choose from. These gift cards can be used to make any purchase from any of their outlets. These gift cards can easily be purchased from their website. Build a bear are known to offer a variety of gift items.
Currently there are no discounted gift cards for the Build A Bear Brand. However, we invite you to check other valuable gift card listings on CreditCardsLab website. And, please check back soon as our inventory is constantly growing.


Kathy Sanders Platnick teaches Legal Profession for USC Gould School of Law's online programs. Sanders Platnick recently retired as a partner of O'Melveny LLP and is now Of Counsel to the firm. During her 30 years of practice, Sanders Platnick was an international business lawyer with a broad-based transactional practice that encompassed all aspects of money management as well as corporate governance and risk management, structured funds, and mergers and acquisitions—particularly in connection with the acquisition and sale of money managers.
During her career, Sanders Platnick structured and negotiated approximately 100 investment funds aggregating approximately US$18 billion in commitments. These products covered a broad range of asset classes, including buy-out, distressed, credit opportunity, venture, hedge, energy, real estate, life settlements, permanent capital, fund of funds, and country specific (particularly China). Her clients ranged from start-up ventures to well-established fund sponsors. Sanders Platnick also acted as counsel to the independent members of the boards of several US-registered mutual funds with assets in excess of US$300 billion where she also advised on various governance issues. Sanders Platnick is particularly adept at advising on fiduciary and ethics issues.
Sanders Platnick is widely recognized by legal ranking guides as a leading fund formation lawyer. For example, Legal 500 US named her as a leading fund formation lawyer and a leader of a private equity fund formation practice that has achieved "impressive national spread" and "exposure to a diverse variety of fund products." In addition, Investment Funds by Expert Guides named Sanders Platnick as a "Leading Lawyer." She is also a member of Who's Who Legal (2007-present).
In addition to representing clients, Sanders Platnick also had an active role in managing O'Melveny. She was one of six elected members on O'Melveny's Partner Compensation Committee. Prior to that, she served on the Firm's Policy Committee, an elected 12-member body responsible for overseeing O'Melveny's general affairs and management. She is one of only a small handful of partners at O'Melveny to have been a member of both of these important firm governance structures. In addition, as co-chair of O'Melveny's Diversity Task Force, Sanders Platnick led a team of 12 in analyzing diversity issues within the firm and developing a long-term strategic plan to increase diversity. Sanders Platnick also served a record 15 years as a partner liaison on an O'Melveny committee focused on partner/associate relationships.
Sanders Platnick currently serves on the USC Gould School of Law Board of Councilors, the UCLA Department of Economics Board of Visitors, and the Board of Pediatric Therapy Network, a nonprofit which provides innovative services to children with special challenges. Previously, Sanders Platnick served a several year stint as Chair of the Board of Sierra Service Project, a nonprofit which allows teenagers to build and strengthen communities in service to those in Native American and underserved urban communities.
Sanders Platnick received her BA in Business and Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles and her JD from the University of Southern California.


These curved backdrops are distinctive and highly visual enough without costing an arm or a leg that a bespoke system would be.
Combine these curved backdrops with our Straight backdrop displays and connecting bridges.
These curved displays are a step up from your standard display systems and are a serious alternative to more expensive Bespoke Exhibitions Stands. They're sensuously curved and use one continuous graphic for the display eliminating the problem of visible join lines commonly encountered on the traditional multi-panel exhibition backdrops. The visual effect is extremely impactful.
These Curved backdrops are perfect for defining your exhibition area. They use one continuous graphic which means they completely eliminate the problem of visible join lines commonly encountered on the traditional multi-panel exhibition backdrops.


text:
Q: Creating new instance of subclass of unknown type I have a class, Measurement
package robokt.measurement

abstract class Measurement : Number() {
    /**
     * The abbreviation for this unit of measurement
     */
    abstract val units: String
    /**
     * The abbreviation for this unit of measurement
     */
    abstract val value: Number
}

How can I implement the unaryMinus() operator fun, given that there are other classes implementing measurement, for example Inches:
package robokt.measurement.length

class Inches(override val value: Number) : Length() {
    override fun toCentimeters() = Centimeters(toDouble() * 2.54)

    override fun toFeet() = Feet(toDouble() / 12)

    override fun toInches() = this

    override fun toMeters() = Meters(toDouble() * 0.0254)

    override val units: String = "in"
}

Length is a simple abstract class that extends Measurement.
I would like to have -Inches(5) return Inches(-5), but have that for any other class I create, like -Degrees(30) returning Degrees(-30). Is there any way this is possible? I have tried generics, which ended up being a dead end.

A: If you make Measurement cloneable, you can clone it and cast (LOL) back to Measurement
abstract class Measurement : Cloneable {
  abstract val units: String
  abstract val value: Number

  fun unaryMinus() : Measurement {
      val measurement = this.clone() as Measurement
      return measurement
  }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Condo Collapse Families to Receive Massive Initial Compensation
(TheConservativeNews.org) – On June 24, one of America's worst tragedies in recent memory struck Miami. A 12-story oceanfront condominium built in the 1970s fell to the ground as the building owners were preparing to undergo a 40-year recertification process. Nearly 100 people are confirmed dead. In 2018, an engineer warned that there were numerous structural deficiencies with the building and that the building needed immediate repairs.
A judge says victims and families who suffered losses in the Florida condo tower collapse will initially get at least $150 million in compensation.https://t.co/ClcBcny4QV
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) July 22, 2021
On Wednesday, July 21, a judge stated that the victims and families would receive a minimum of $150 million in compensation. The money will come from a combination of insurance held by the building owner and the sale of the property where the condominiums once stood. The judge added that the chief concern of the court is the victims. Included among them were condo owners, those visiting family and friends, and renters. He said their rights would be defended.
In addition to the monies coming from the building owner's insurance and sale of the property, survivors and families of victims began filing separate lawsuits. The judge stated that legal actions are being consolidated into one class-action lawsuit that will benefit all victims and family members if they choose to get involved.
monetary compensation
surfside condo
Chicago Police Vow to Take Legal Action Against Mayor
theconservativenews - August 29, 2021 0
(TheConservativeNews.org) - Chicago's Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot's relationship with the police in her city has taken a hammering lately. Lightfoot's policies have...
China Attacks US Over Tweet
(TheConservativeNews.org) - Last Sunday, August 15, the world's eyes were on Afghanistan as Taliban leaders captured Kabul, completing their sweep of the...
GOP Senator Blames Democrats for Future Inflation Issues
theconservativenews - August 8, 2021 0
(TheConservativeNews.org) - President Joe Biden has already been involved in numerous significant mishaps. The most obvious example is the border crisis, which...
Pelosi Says Joe Biden Cannot Cancel Student Loan Debt
(TheConservativeNews.org) - Student debt is a longstanding point of contention in Washington, DC. Some say it's an unfair burden to place on...

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Arthington Mall Plaza earns SITES certification
Arthington Mall Plaza has been certified by the Sustainable SITES Initiative. This is the first SITES certification for UIC and the University of Illinois System, and only the 10th SITES recognition in higher education nationwide.
The Sustainable SITES Initiative offers a comprehensive rating system designed to distinguish sustainable landscapes, measure their performance and elevate their value. It is used in private and public sectors all around the world. Just as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Rating has transformed the built environment, SITES transforms land development and use and believes these types of certifications are critical to ensure projects meet the highest standards.
Arthington Mall Plaza is a central crossroads on the UIC campus and is located directly outside of Student Center West in the Illinois Medical District. The plaza was renovated in 2020 from a stark paved courtyard in need of repair into a vibrant and welcoming outdoor space that encourages gathering, mitigates stormwater runoff, and provides critical urban habitat for pollinators and other species.
"Obtaining SITES certification is one of many third-party collaborations, highlighting the importance of sustainability here at UIC," said Carly Provost-Rizor, director of grounds services.
The renovation was a joint effort between UIC, the National Fish Wildlife Foundation and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. NFWF and MWRD generously provided $442,000 in funding for the project. The renovation included an intensive landscaping process guided by the UIC Climate Commitments, the Urban Transformation 2.0: Green Stormwater Infrastructure Implementation Plan and the UIC Master Plan.
"UIC's Climate Action Implementation Plan is an invaluable tool. This resource guides our sustainability and SITES certification goals, both of which are key components of every major landscape project," Provost-Rizor said.


text:
Q: Replace the last occurrence of a field in a csv I have a csv file like this
 KEY,F1,F2,STEP,LAST_OCCURRENCE
 100.101,a,b,STEP_1,<empty>
 100.102,c,d,STEP_1,<empty>
 100.103,e,f,STEP_1,<empty>
 100.101,g,h,STEP_1,<empty>
 100.103,i,j,STEP_1,<empty>
 100.101,g,h,STEP_2,<empty>
 100.103,i,j,STEP_2,<empty>

I am able to change the final field to whatever is easiest to parse so it can be considered as either blank i.e ,\n or containing the word <empty> as above.
From this file I have to replace "LAST_OCCURRENCE" field matching with last occurrence of [ KEY + STEP ] value with a boolean value (indicating that it's the last value for the tuple).
The expected result is this one:
 KEY,F1,F2,STEP,LAST_OCCURRENCE
 100.101,a,b,STEP_1,false
 100.102,c,d,STEP_1,true     #Last 100.102 for STEP_1
 100.103,e,f,STEP_1,false
 100.101,g,h,STEP_1,true     #Last 100.101 for STEP_1
 100.103,i,j,STEP_1,true     #Last 100.103 for STEP_1
 100.101,g,h,STEP_2,true     #Last 100.101 for STEP_2
 100.103,i,j,STEP_2,true     #Last 100.103 for STEP_2

Which is the fastest approach?
Would be possible to do it with a sed script or would be better to post-process the input file with another (perl? php?) script?

A: Using tac and awk:
tac file |
awk 'BEGIN{FS=OFS=","} $1 != "KEY"{$NF = (seen[$1,$4]++) ? "false" : "true"} 1' |
tac

After listing the file in reverse order using tac, we use an associative array seen with composite key as $1,$4 to figure out first occurrence of each composite key. Finally we do tac to get the file back in original order.
Output:
KEY,F1,F2,STEP,LAST_OCCURRENCE
100.101,a,b,STEP_1,false
100.102,c,d,STEP_1,true
100.103,e,f,STEP_1,false
100.101,g,h,STEP_1,true
100.103,i,j,STEP_1,true
100.101,g,h,STEP_2,true
100.103,i,j,STEP_2,true

A:  $ awk 'BEGIN{FS=OFS=","} NR==FNR{last[$1,$4]=NR;next} FNR>1{$NF=(FNR==last[$1,$4] ? "true" : "false")} 1' file file
 KEY,F1,F2,STEP,LAST_OCCURRENCE
 100.101,a,b,STEP_1,false
 100.102,c,d,STEP_1,true
 100.103,e,f,STEP_1,false
 100.101,g,h,STEP_1,true
 100.103,i,j,STEP_1,true
 100.101,g,h,STEP_2,true
 100.103,i,j,STEP_2,true


Jot a message of thanks, appreciation and encouragement on the back of an inspiring bookmark and make someone's day! Bookmarks are a perfect simple gift to thank volunteers, friends, co-workers and family. Your message of love and care can be tucked away in a book and not forgotten! An inexpensive way to pass on encouragement and to let your light shine.


text:
About DDBiographyBibliography / filmographyAuthor appearances and signings
NovelsShorter fictionFilm, TV, mediaComics & graphic novels
DD online
Not On My Patch
JD 2455501.625 / October 31, 2010: Just another Halloween in the Young Wizards universe…
…in which even the black cats are wizardly and the neighborhood "haunted house" is full of real magic (and way too much candy). But no one was expecting the zombies, or the Attack of the Killer Pumpkins. And as for the participants' costumes…
"I'm starting to feel like a walking wardrobe malfunction."
"Why?" Nita said. "You look great. You heard the people at the last house, they thought you were something out of the movies! And anyway, we haven't seen that many other pirates."
Kit snickered. "It's not that," he said. "I mean, look at them…" He gestured down the cross street at some of the other trick-or-treaters making the rounds, among whom there were a lot of long overrobes, pointy hats, souped-up broomsticks, and a positive superfluity of wands. "Half the planet's running around dressed as wizards."
Ronan grinned one of those lazy superior grins he specialized in. "One day of the year, sure we can cut them some slack," he said. "Since we dress as wizards the other three hundred and sixty-four…"
Tag along with Nita Callahan, Kit Rodriguez, Ronan Nolan, and Dairine Callahan in this Young Wizards novella as they do a little overage Trick or Treating in their own neighborhood, and find themselves going up against an old adversary with a peculiar new ally…
Not On My Patch is available from Ebooks Direct, DRM-free and in multiple formats, and from Amazon in Kindle format.
Not On My Patch is also included in the print and ebook editions of the Young Wizards compendium volume Interim Errantry. You can order the paperback edition of Interim Errantry here at Amazon.com, or the ebook edition DRM-free in multiple formats from Ebooks Direct or at Amazon in Kindle format.
"The Tie That Binds"
Fantasy Licensed universes Shorter fiction
"Aggie's Choice"
Licensed universes Science fiction Shorter fiction
A Wizard Alone
Novels Science fantasy Young adult Young Wizards
About DD
Diane Duane has been a writer of science fiction, fantasy, TV and film for forty years. She's best known for the 1980s creation of the Young Wizards fantasy series and the LGBTQ Middle Kingdoms epic fantasy series, as well as for her extensive work in the Star Trek TM universe, her work in comics and computer games, and her live-action and animated TV and film work on both sides of the Atlantic. Her biography is here: her bibliography and filmography are here.
All site contents © 2022 Diane Duane | All rights reserved


Dear Salvation Army, Are You A Manager Or A Leader?
Dear Salvation Army, many of you have just come from the mountain top while at Boundless 2015. God is moving in our army is He not? He has also entrusted us with such a great responsibility within His kingdom here on earth! I feel compelled to write on this topic today for all of us. A lot of what I am about to write on today comes from my own struggles…but I'm willing to venture a guess that I am not alone.
Do you remember the parable of of the talents (or minas)? The Master was going away for a while on a journey and so He entrusted his three servants with parts of his wealth to take care of while he's gone. To one the master gave five talents, to another two, and the last servant was given one talent. Then the master goes on his long journey and these servants, whom he entrusted with his valuables, are on their own to be good stewards.
This is a story about stewardship.
This is also a story about faithfulness and boldness.
Lastly, this is a story about Leaders and Managers.
I would like to tackle the third topic today here on Pastorsponderings.org.
Managers are those who "look after" things, but usually their intent is to preserve not increase. It is not in the manager's "makeup" to invest or risk or to explore any kind of future vision. For a manager, the risk of failure is too great, and so investing in what has been entrusted to them is not possible. A manager keeps the status quo and does not upset the "apple cart" when change needs to take place.
Leaders on the other hand, take calculated risks. They cast the vision for others to follow. Leaders are good stewards of the gospel, they recognize that this "investment/talent" is not static and was never meant to remain static. They go out and produce fruit for the kingdom. They invest in other people. Leaders set the pace for real tangible results that equate to success for the kingdom. It is more than just statistical "numbers" on Sundays. It is more than preserving the Women's Ministry or the Men's Ministry or whatever ministry…it is about developing disciples who will in turn make other disciples.
The road to a Manager is relatively easy. They watch over. They order. They take care of "what is theirs" to take care of…but it is predictably easier than the road of a leader.
The road of a leader is wrought with conflict.
Conflicts about stumbling blocks and those who would oppose them.
Conflicts about uncertainty and worry.
We were never called to be managers within this army of salvation!!
We were not appointed in this army to bury the talents and to simply "hold on".
Sometimes this happens more often than not.
Sometimes we fall into the trap of "holding down the fort" while we wait for someone else will do the hard work.
We are not should not be managers of this Army.
There should not be managers within our ranks.
We cannot afford to simply preserve the accomplishments of yesterday while outside our walls in our communities people are still in need of food, of clothing and of the good news of Jesus Christ.
This is a call to all the managers out there (including me from time to time)…STOP!
Stop "holding down the fort".
Stop squandering the resources of your corps or offices.
Stop wasting time by just sitting in your offices.
Stop pawning your responsibilities off on someone else.
Invest in the lives of those around you.
Set the pace for a mighty moving of the Holy Spirit by ACTUALLY believing He will move in your corps!
This Salvation Army is not static.
I don't want to be a manager…do you?
Something more for this Army to ponder on today.
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I worked for many years at a Divisional Headquarters and was disappointed in how many officers were sent to be the leaders of our division who were not qualified or capable. Out of the 7 "Bosses" that I had 4 were not "Leaders", not qualified for the job and/or not capable… meaning could not do the job. When you have a NON Leader in a position where a Leader is needed, the Officer then becomes Manger or Dictator. Too many times the employee is qualified but "the boss" is not, therefore, the boss manages the employees time rather than Leading. Or the boss dictates orders without understanding the job the employee is doing.
Officers are Called to be Pastors, and many fulfill that calling. And some Officers are also GOOD business people, and should use those gifts at DHQ. Too many times, the officers at DHQ, possibly even THQ, are not business minded, are not Leaders, and are detrimental to what takes place at DHQ or THQ which IS a place of business to support the Corps ( which would be the Center for Worship and Service).
I don't know what training is given to the Cadets that would prepare them for Leadership roles. I don't know if the Officers are interviewed regarding Leadership skills. But I do know that too many fall short of being a Leader in the Corps, Community, Centers, and Headquarters.
I viewed happenings of 'Boundless' remotely. But like most mountaintop experiences, I too pray delegates return with fresh wind, igniting leader fires, and not lapse quickly to manager mode …… or less. I will say an officer's role in our ever -complicated institutional culture makes management (just getting by) the path of least resistance. Easy to see how leadership becomes such a rare commodity.


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Button-tufted armchair newly upholstered in blue windowpane-print cotton. Topped with a goose down-filled cushion with hand-tied spring coil construction. Rests on splayed mahogany legs. Fitted armrest covers included, not shown. Seat, 19.5"H.