import random as random_module

def several_random(value, arg=1):
    "Returns one or more random item(s) from the list"
    try:
        arg = int(arg)
    except ValueError:
        return value
    if arg == 1:    
        return random_module.choice(value)
    elif len(value) > arg:  # Only pick if we are asked for fewer items than we are given
        return random_module.sample(value, arg)
    else:   # Number requested is equal to or greater than the number we have, return them all in random order
        new_list = list(value)
        random_module.shuffle(new_list)
        return new_list