Pictures of You, Pictures of Me

Such a funny picture


Hoover Dam


Vegas

The happiest place in the world!

Splash mountain with zombie faces

I honestly thought I'd pull it out this time

Pirates of the Caribbean or Indiana Jones

Graduation!!!!!

My building - the SWKT

The stole makes a good tie

I am a graduate, like my father before me

Moving

Leaving PP8 like we came in, minus Bravin, the gorlock and guitars

Baseball

Wheelchair basketball

Gosh, we should have totally done it. Drawn stashes on people as they are frozen in the flash mob

A sighting of Elder Kaiser

General Conference

Zombie faces

Bike riding

Freaky

Leaving the Festival of Colors

Don't worry, I got her pretty good too.

Awwwww, poor baby

I always like doing these type of pictures

Taking a picture of Em's building, the Widtsoe from my building, the SWKT

Playing frisbee on top of the SWKT.

I've decided that McCain isn't such a bad guy. I mean I disagree with a lot of policies and stuff, but this article: http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080508/D90H5S3O0.html convinced me that he's at least a good guy.

I still need to write more in here about stuff. Real quick, me and my professor have been running statistical tests all morning on the data and we have found a POSITIVE CORRELATION. Here's what he said:

"good news! i plugged in the basic numbers from Table 1 in the paper and did a chi^2 test, which is the right test to compare cross tabs, and it shows a very strong statistically significant relationship. i don't know if the formatting will change, but the table is pasted in below. note that the probability is Pr=0.000, which means we can reject the null hypothesis. so this is *very* good news. even without dropping the gleditsch and ward cases, there is a statistically significant relationship. we should still think about how we can explain the deviant cases, but statistically, we're ok. . tab var1 var2, chi var2 var1 0 1 Total-----------+----------------------+---------- 0 61 15 76 1 53 58 111 -----------+----------------------+---------- Total 114 73 187 Pearson chi2(1) = 20.0414 Pr = 0.000"

"k, i just did the chi^2 test with the table you sent and the results match perfectly with what i did (i essentially created fake data derived from the aggregate numbers you gave me). so this is great news. we definitely have a story to tell. next steps: 1. do a SSCI search for Owens/Straus2. figure out an option for the riot and protest data"

LOL, I feel so grown-uppy, political scientist-ish.

Um, so when we were taking pictures last week, a guy from the Salt Lake Tribune took a picture of me and it's in their BYU graduation slideshow:
http://166.70.44.68/multimedia/2008/byu_graduation/

Here's a picture of me and Kayla. She's graduating elementary school and I'm graduating college. When I graduated high school, she graduated kindergarten and so we got a cute picture, this picture was more a reenactment of that pic. Maybe I'll graduate law school or grad. school when she's graduating high school. If ya click on the pics, you can see them closer up.

Lol, yeah:

Wow! Wow! Wow!

I have Sooooooo much to be grateful for right now. Holy cow, so much is going on, so much to write about, where to begin?

Ok, so I finished my last final last week Monday. About 12:00 noon, I walked up the stairs of the JFSB, put my hands in the air, looked up and yelled, "I'm done...whew!" I've seen a couple people do that after their last tests and so I decided to do it too. Gosh it felt good. It was my final for National Security Affairs. All my finals were scheduled: Civil wars was on Friday at 3, American Government was Saturday all day, Political Islam was Monday morning, followed by National Security Affairs. I studied Saturday night in the library and as I was walking home I realized that was my last time studying in the library, my last time listening to the creepy music that is played 15 minutes before it closes. It was really sad actually. I walked home, the moon was full, it was nice weather with a little wind, everything was set right to create a mood of nostalgia and remembrance. It was weird having one chapter of my life close like that. Sunday came and then midnight I pulled an all-nighter and studied for Political Islam and Nat'l Security. I'm guessing that'll be my last all-nighter. So yeah, school is over...done...for...ev...er! Well, maybe forever, right now I'm thinking forever, but I do want to get a masters in something or a law degree.

We all had to move out of Park Place #8 by Wednesday at 5 ish. It was kind of a fun end, we all had been cleaning and packing all day and then we just sat around, drank Big K's, talked about the memories in Moon Apts. and Park Place, and waited for our check outs. So now, me, Cannon, and Jared are in #7. It's alright, I dunno, it's just not the same, but give it time probably.

Graduation came and went. The fam came out, it was cool. It was weird being in the ceremony, getting my fake diploma, and wearing the robes of a false priesthood. Elder Bednar gave an awesome talk. It was really cool walking into the Marriott Center. The professors and administration were there at the entrances, kind of like we were being presented and accepted by them. You had to have been there. Lots of pictures and funny moments.

On graduation day, I heard back from Dept. of Veteran's Affair in Salt Lake, and I got the job! That was a relief. It felt really good knowing that that was now secure. But I didn't want that job as much as another that I had applied for. So the company is called Lane Links. It was formed out of D&H about a year ago. D&H is a fortune 500 company, or something like that. Let me tell you about Lane Links...there are companies like Walmart that have private fleets to ship goods from distribution centers to local stores. But on the way back, these fleets are wasting gas and money because they're bringing nothing back. Lane Links coordinates it so they bring back goods for other companies. It is a really interesting, innovative, creative idea where everyone saves money. As far as I know there is no competition and lots of market for this company. They have doubled a couple times and the CEO is projecting them to have 200 employees and $300 million in revenue in 5 years. Right now they have like 12 employees, but they are expanding rapidly. Anyway, they are located in Orem, but moving to a bigger office in Provo and are looking for Logistics Account Executive trainees. I love logistics! I've always been pretty good at remember small details and have just loved planning things and remembering all the things that have been involved. On my mission, on transfer night, the zone leaders would be calling each other and pulling out train routes, trying to figure out how to get the missionaries transferred everywhere so they weren't traveling or waiting alone. It was always really fun and funny seeing missionaries plan stuff, only to get it ruined the next day due to delays, postponed rides, etc. Anyway, so I thought it sounded cool, and then the HR lady emailed me and told me she was really impressed with my resume. She called me, told me more about the job, and how they are looking for people with an entrepreneurship spirit/leadership in them. I fell in love with the company from that first phone interview and she scheduled a second interview. It turns out that she was the old HR lady for HELP Int'l, who I went to Uganda with last year. So we knew the same people and such. Anyway, went in for the second interview last week Thursday and job shadowed, and met the CEO---awesome, humble, great guy. He's just a really nice family man. Yesterday I went in for an hour and a half third interview and I fell in love with the company. Seriously, I told my mom and Emily how I almost even felt the Spirit in there. Everything just felt right, it sounds like that would be an exciting place to work, LOTS of growth opportunity, excellent pay and benefits, and everything. And it would work out cause I really don't want to drive up to Salt Lake everyday and I could stay here in P-town and get a scooter to drive to work everyday. Anyway, so I REALLY wanted the job. I was nervous all day yesterday and this morning, cause she was going to call today to let me know. I even dreamed about it. Anyway, she emailed me that they wanted me! So I have my dream job! It all worked out so perfect, so fast, I am just so grateful for everything. Of course it doesn't have anything to do with my BA in political science degree, but I've always been a business guy deep inside and this job is perfect because it wants creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship/leadership type people. So yeah, I am super excited! It means that I will most likely be here for at least 10 years, so I'll be here when Dallas, Colby, Jamie, Kayla, and all the cousins come out here. I'll try to save up for a couple of years and then get a house with several rooms for all the family and friend visitors that are guaranteed will be coming. But yeah, it feels Sooooooo good.

Ok, there is so much more to write, but I'm really hungry right now, so I'll write tomorrow or Monday or something. I don't start work until May 19th, so I have two weeks to play. Me and Em are going to do some fun stuff before I become a boring businessman. But here are some things I need to write about still in my next entry:

-my last class period, my professor said we should ask for our money back because everything we've learned in political science classes isn't real...um, gee, thanks.

-My capstone project. My professor wants to co-author it and get it published in journals and thinks NGO's and IGO's like the UN would love the data I've come up with.

-NGO is officially started in Uganda. Empower Lives- Uganda. Lots of goals including teacher training and starting some schools. But right now we're working on a water sanitation project.

-Disneyland trip

-It's about time to buy a jet ski and a scooter.

-Those Dems, Obama is having HUGE problems.

Yeah yeah yeah...A post is coming, but things are SOOOOO busy. But it's coming. Stay tuned.

Seriously folks, I am getting so excited about football next year. Not only am I SUPER excited about BYU football, but it's really looking like John Beck will start for the Dolphins, so I'll finally get back into NFL football, after like a 10 year break. And then Colby will be the last Beck for awhile to play organized football so I'll want to go out there for a game as well.

Oh football...football, my football, I love you. Lol.

Grandpa and Grandma Richardson have a blog! http://jayandlavona.blogspot.com/
So does Ben Ure, a mission friend. He thinks he's cool cause he's moderate. http://urereport.blogspot.com.
But still use Becca's blog as the hub.

If you want to get onto Sara's blog, maybe leave a comment with your email address and she can invite you...if she likes ya enough ;)

A few things...

I'm really liking George Will right now because of two articles. A couple years ago he wrote about how Conservatives are happier than liberals...and by like 13%. And it's been like that ever since this poll has been taken since 1972. It's a really interesting article. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/22/AR2006022202012.html

He says: Conservatives' pessimism is conducive to their happiness in three ways. First, they are rarely surprised -- they are right more often than not about the course of events. Second, when they are wrong, they are happy to be so. Third, because pessimistic conservatives put not their faith in princes -- government -- they accept that happiness is a function of fending for oneself. They believe that happiness is an activity -- it is inseparable from the pursuit of happiness.

Today an article came out about how conservatives give MUCH more than libs in time, money, and blood.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/03/conservatives_more_liberal_giv.html
The study was actually done by an independent, but he has lots of interesting findings and then says: -- People who reject the idea that "government has a responsibility to reduce income inequality" give an average of four times more than people who accept that proposition.

Will ends with: In 2000, brows were furrowed in perplexity because Vice President Al Gore's charitable contributions, as a percentage of his income, were below the national average: He gave 0.2 percent of his family income, one-seventh of the average for donating households. But Gore "gave at the office." By using public office to give other peoples' money to government programs, he was being charitable, as liberals increasingly, and conveniently, understand that word.

Interestingly enough, libs are actually wealthier than conservatives. Most think it's the other way around, but it's not. Funny huh? Conservatives have less, but give more and are happier. Honestly, we rock!

I think this is such a funny web site, I found it on Caitlin's blog, but it's Stuff White People Like:
http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/full-list-of-stuff-white-people-like/

And introducing an additional link to my blog- Justin and Sara Skidmore's blog- http://sjskidmore.blogspot.com/

Chillax

Ok, so I stole the title from Becca's gmail status, who stole it from the Office, I'm guessing. We got pictures!!!!!


Snowboardin it up!

Cilia got a little dog- Toby, and he's 6 weeks old

Holy cow I love this dog

I would totally understand if you didn't look at anymore pictures

Busted! You're so in trouble!

For the love! Life seriously can't get any better up there.

I did it! I'm a boarder.

Hey there, boarder.

Attaboy, Cannon.

They're not glasses, they're shades...

Yo

Cannon's trying to strangle himself.

Here Kyle! Proof that Alan pushed over Becca

There are 8 types of people in this world

Here's some free advice to the people that voted in my poll:

I love it and I love you! - Thanks man, not so bad yourself

I like it. Attaboy- Let's hang out sometime.
Sure, whatever, eh- Come on man, be more passionate! You won't get anywhere in life with that kind of attitude!

It'll take some getting used to- Your face needs some getting used to
Keep trying, kid- I was thinking about changing it, but ya know what, now I'm not!

You just ruined my life Come on, let's be honest...you actually voted for this one cause it was the funniest. How long are you going to be dishonest with yourself? 2 Nephi 9:34, bud.
I hate it and ya know, I've never really liked you and here's an opportunity to finally tell you that Yeah, well, ya know what...my Mommy loves me, so there!

It really doesn't matter what I say cause I don't think you'll change it anyway- Ya know me too well, and that's kinda creepy.

J/k ya'll. Haha, ok, sorry if I was a little harsh on ya'll. There's a reason my advice is free. At least I appreciate ya for voting.

Introducing Two New Links

Katy's blog- http://katyseagull.blogspot.com/. She let me put her link on my blog if she could be my running mate when I run for president.

Weston and Megan's blog- http://wmwhit.blogspot.com/. Weston lives in Park Place 7 and Megan lives in #4. They're getting married in a month and 5 days.

...But remember, don't use my blog as a hub, use Becca's- http://theschmec.blogspot.com. :)

For the Freakin Love

New York's governor, Elliot Spitzer, resigned last week because of his involvement in a prostitution ring. So he was replaced with David Paterson who will finish up his term. Within hours, Paterson admitted to having had an extramarital affair with another woman for years. His wife admitted to having had an extramarital affair too. FOR THE FREAKIN LOVE!

Grand Re-opening!

Welcome to the new and improved "Council Bluffs' blog!" I've made some changes as you can see and this first entry is going to explain the changes.

The colors: yeah, I know they're different. I don't particularly like the white background, I'd rather it be light blue, but I couldn't find another template that I liked much. I like the red, blue, and black lettering.

The addition of a scripture or quote: I hope that everyone will read this. I guess this is my way to share what touches or inspires me and why it does.

The addition of a slideshow: I really like these sunset pictures, I'll probably change it to some other pictures someday but for now we'll stick with the sunset. I'm a sucker for nature pictures, they really relax me.

The addition of a survey: This'll keep things fun...and democratic.

The addition of links: I'm not trying to take traffic away from Becca's, Chelsea's, nor Cannon's blogs. These have been my hubs in the past, but this way people who visit my blog can visit the blogs of my friends and get to know them a little bit. I think readers of my blog should pretty much just open up all these links and read what I read everyday. I don't think I need to explain why I added those particular links, to find out, just click them.

The addition of a picture I really like: Also to keep things fun.

The addition of a news feed: President Hinckley said that we should find out what is going on in the world. In case readers don't click on the news links then maybe they'll get a brief summary from here at least. It's pretty cool, though, I can add different words and google will find articles related to the words. So I have: politics, Council Bluffs, BYU, John Beck, and Romney. You can click on those words and see the most recent news about those items. If you want me to add items, leave a comment on my latest post.

The addition of a google ad: I don't honestly think I'll make money from my blog, but it doesn't hurt to make a couple extra sense here and now. Maybe someday I'll be able to buy 3 del tacos from my google revenue.

The reason for change: A couple reasons: 1) I got a little tired of my old format. 2) This might help me climb higher on hits for "Kasey Beck." 3) I also now look at my blog as a way to spread the Gospel a little and do my part to improve the world. I'm not sure if this will mean that I'll post more often, but I am trying to get more people to visit the site and maybe interest them a little and do what I can to help out people. You never really know if you helped some random person on the internet have a better day or come closer to Christ. The notes to the article at the end helped with this too.

We had an awesome trip to Council Bluffs for P-dub's wedding. Here are some pics that somewhat tell the story:

Friday morning when we were driving, we hit a big snowstorm in southeast Wyoming, so we had to go down to Denver and then take I-76 back to Nebraska. At the Flying J in Julesburg, Colorado there was this awesome sunrise.


The sun was doing some weird and cool things Friday morning.

It was a weird sunday on a Friday.

Maybe I thought too much of it.

It was just awesome, though.

K, last Friday morning sun picture.

The good ole Midwest. You can't really see it, but there were lots of birds in the sky and there was a lot of mist coming from the ponds to the side of the interstate.

Here's a picture of the Winter Quarters Temple at 12:15 PM, I think, Saturday morning, while Sara and Justin were getting married.

This is the Sealing Room I think they were in. ETERNITY!!!!!

We had a lot of fun with the cameras at the reception while we were waiting for the food.

We had a lot of fun when we got the food too. This is the chocalate covered Budha strawberry.

Alan saw the strawberry and lost it.

I don't think I've ever seen him laugh so hard.

I thought the chocalate covered alien strawberry was funnier.

It's almost creepy looking.

On the way back I was driving and this huge semi jumped the median, came onto our lanes and played chicken with me. I won...and got a picture of it in the process.

I've always wanted to get a picture of this. It's at about mile 32 in Nebraska.

What's this supposed to even mean?

You can kind of see the bent mile marker. This is where the mile marker sign used to be until Trishy tore it up. I went off the road about 30 feet.

Fencing

This just cracks me up. Facebook has two purposes: to stay in touch with friends and to entertain. It is a toy.

The Daily Universe had a really good article about blogging. Here are some excerpts:

The foundation receives its name from Joseph Smith, who stated that Mormon meant "more good." The goal is to provide a non-authoritative voice that promotes LDS beliefs and encourages members to share their beliefs with the world. Richard Miller, executive vice president and BYU business graduate, said people often don't want to believe leaders or authorities but they will believe regular people. "I think members can provide that non-authoritative voice," Miller said. "I think the church membership can add a lot of credibility for the church by speaking about what they believe." The More Good Foundation decided that the Internet was a prime way to encourage discussion and to improve the image of the church. The foundation already has 80 different Web sites online; some of them are major projects. Lds.net, started about three months ago, is one of the foundation's premiere sites and already has nine thousand members, Miller said. This online network combines blogs, chats, forums, photos, and videos. Richard Miller said it is similar to myspace.com but isn't trying to compete with it.
Curtis, who is on lds.net and has his own blog, said he thinks the web is an easier venue for members to share the gospel. Even students can be sharing the gospel, he said, even though most of the people they live with are already members. With the web, students can reach out to people everywhere.

Another important project that the foundation is working on is Christ.org. This site will be solely about the man from Galilee, his life, ministry and doctrines about his importance.
The More Good Foundation also hosts Mormonwiki.com, the free online encyclopedia for people to read about the LDS church and find answers to questions. The site already has over one thousand articles in English and has hundreds translated into Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and other languages. This site is a dot com and not a dot org because mormonwiki.org is an anti-Mormon website.

The More Good Foundation also sponsored the LDS Facebook application and over 20 thousand people have already added it. With this application, members can share their testimony, favorite scriptures, and also check up on the latest in church news.

While the More Good Foundation started working with the Internet years ago, recently, several apostles of the church have encouraged members to use online media. Elder Russell M. Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve encouraged BYU-Hawaii students in December to use new media to promote discussion of the church. "May I ask that you join conversation by participating on the Internet, particularly the new media, to share the gospel and to explain in simple and clear terms the message of the Restoration," Elder Ballard said. "Most of you already know that if you have access to the Internet you can start a blog in minutes and begin sharing what you know to be true."

Why you shouldn't vote for Barack Obama

As your President, I will use the bully pulpit to urge states to treat same-sex couples with fullequality in their family and adoption laws. I personally believe that civil unions represent the bestway to secure that equal treatment. But I also believe that the federal government should notstand in the way of states that want to decide on their own how best to pursue equality for gay andlesbian couples — whether that means a domestic partnership, a civil union, or a civil marriage.Unlike Senator Clinton, I support the complete repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)– a position I have held since before arriving in the U.S. Senate. While some say we should repealonly part of the law, I believe we should get rid of that statute altogether. Federal law should notdiscriminate in any way against gay and lesbian couples, which is precisely what DOMA does. Ihave also called for us to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and I have worked to improve the UnitingAmerican Families Act so we can afford same-sex couples the same rights and obligations asmarried couples in our immigration system.