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Recent News- Super Bowl - Monday, February 5, 2007
The super bowl didn't turn out like I wanted. Oh well I'm not a big football fan anyway. I do have to say the commercials totally sucked. I remember in years past the commercials were the reason to watch the game. This year they were terrible. My vote for the best commercials was Career Builder.com - Bandwidth painfully low - Saturday, January 27, 2007
Since I've had to move my server from the EMC datacenter the badwidth has sharply decreased. I'm sorry to inform everyone that download speeds from this website will be a painful 15kb/s until I can get something else lined out. It might be a while though. - 2007 Storm Vacation Cancelled - Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Due to uncontrollable circumstances Scott Sims and I are forced to cancel our 2007 storm chasing vacation. We were both laid off from Evolution Multimedia and obviously don't have the resources for the 2007 vacation. We hope to have several local chases this year, but no vacation. - Unemployed - Tuesday, January 16, 2007
As of Friday January 12th 2007 I no longer have a job. Evolution Multimedia closed their doors and laid everyone off, around 20 people. We had no warning that company wide layoffs were impending and therefore couldn't prepare for the event. I really enjoyed working for EMC, the people I worked with, and the work I did. I will truly miss working there.
The facts have finally sunk in and I need to move on and try to find another job. I've been working on my resume, portfolio, and a few other items. I've started to make a list of jobs I would be interested in. Hopefully I'll be able to find something similar to my old job without having to move.
If you are interested in me working for you, please contact me! - Black Friday - Friday, January 12, 2007
A big portion of my world came crashing down today. I'll have more of an explanation up when I can find some time and motivation. - Several website updates today - Thursday, January 4, 2007
I've had some free time and did several updates to the website today. These updates include RSS news feed, About Me, Boating, Career, Computers, Firefighting, and Storm Chasing. I updated most of the pages to current information, and took out some old videos and pages that were taking up space. I also added a random gallery thumbnail and link at the top right of the page. Click here for the news feed. - LFPD trains with Arch Helicopters - Monday, October 23, 2006
Check out the pictures. I also have a video available here. - Fall harvest pictures posted - Sunday, October 8, 2006
I've posted pictures of fall harvest 2006. Click here to see them. - Storm chase yesterday - Saturday, September 23, 2006
Yesterday's chase yielded a funnel cloud and several rotating wall clouds. See the chase log. - Dangerous weather expected - Friday, September 22, 2006
Today and tomorrow will pose a dagerous severe weather threat as a deep low pressure area causes an outbreak of tornadoes across the Mississippi valley. The SPC has issued a MODERATE RISK of severe weather for Friday. For a list of current watches click here. - New office pictures - Thursday, September 21, 2006
I've uploaded some current office pictures here. - Severe weather outbreak possible - Thursday, September 21, 2006
I'm monitoring the severe weather situation for this Saturday the 23rd of September 2006. For several days now the computer models have been forecasting a high chance of severe weather and tornadoes from Texas into the Great Lakes. Illinois will be in the warm sector. Moisture and instability will be enough to support rotating supercells and possibly tornadoes. Stay tuned for more information. For more information see the Storm Prediction Center. - New server and website in the works - Thursday, September 14, 2006
I'm finally starting to give my website some attention again. I plan to redo the majority of the website and install a dedicated server. Website updates are great winter projects, so it might be February before the new site is online. - New Mattoon FD Ladder 24 - Monday, August 28, 2006
I took some pictures of the new Mattoon Fire Department Ladder 24 that was delivered Friday, August 25th 2006. Check out the BIG pictures here. - Propane Burn - Tuesday, August 22, 2006
LFPD Propane burn on Saturday September, 19 2006. Big fire...
View the video - Suggestions please - Saturday, August 12, 2006
I'd like to entertain both positive and negative criticism to my current website and what you think it should be. Just send me feedback! - New website being developed. - Saturday, August 12, 2006
I'm in the preliminary stages of designing my new website. Don't expect the new site to be up soon. I'll decide when / if the new site will be uploaded. - We need rain!!! - Saturday, August 12, 2006
We needed rain about 1.3 months ago!!! - Florida vacation pictures uploaded - Monday, July 3, 2006
I've uploaded all of the pictures we took on our Florida vacation last week. We had a great time and it was nice to see family. Barb thanks again for the great food, place to stay, and entertainment! - Slacking off on my website - Monday, July 3, 2006
Sorry to all of you that visit my website frequently. I've been slacking off quite a bit on my website over the last 6 months. I'm trying to bring everything back up to date, but that will take a while. - This weather sucks - Sunday, May 14, 2006
The wx has been cold, rainy, and generally crappy. Not what you'd expect for the middle of May. This weather pattern has serious implications for my storm chasing. KILL THE DEATH RIDGE! - First tornadoes of the year captured today - Sunday, April 16, 2006
I captured my first 2 tornadoes of the year today east of Humboldt, IL. I will post my chase log sometime tomorrow morning as I'm beat from 8 hours on the road. - Farm damage pictures posted - Monday, April 3, 2006
I've been working out at the farm all day helping with damage control. We took several pictures this morning of the damage. View them here. - Chase log posted - Monday, April 3, 2006
I've posted my chasing log for yesterday. Check it out here. - Wind damage to farm - Sunday, April 2, 2006
Today's storms have caused some wind damage to my family farm. The chimney has been torn off, trees are down, and a large section of our biggest grain bin has been pushed in. More information tomorrow... - Chase results - Sunday, April 2, 2006
Today Scott and I intercepted a nice supercell with a rotating wall cloud. More information to come soon. - Severe storms expected tomorrow... - Saturday, April 1, 2006
The spring severe weather season is coming! Tomorrow we have a moderate risk of severe weather. There could be an outbreak of strong tornadoes. I'm monitoring the situation.. - Still alive - Wednesday, December 28, 2005
It's been months since I've posted anything due to the fact I am so busy. Work has kept my free time to a minimum lately which is why there have been no updates. Hopefully soon I'll update my website. - New video posted - Tuesday, September 13, 2005
I've uploaded a video that shows all of the Lincoln Fire Protection District apparatus. Click here. - We purchased our first house. - Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Check out the images! - 2005 Storm Chase Vacation - Sunday, May 29, 2005
My 2005 Storm chasing vacation is now officially over. Scott Sims and I set off after work on friday the 20th of May. Days one and two were a bust, but we were able to put faces on almost 20 chasers that are active on http://www.stormtrack.com. Monday the 23rd and Tuesday the 24th were huge days for us, check back soon for videos and images. - Moderate risk today... - Wednesday, March 30, 2005
There is a moderate risk of severe weather today for Central Illinois. I hope to be chasing today, all of my equipment is ready! - Firefighter II water shuttle video - Saturday, March 19, 2005
I've posted a quick video of our firefighter II water shuttle practicals. Click here to see it. - Proud owner of a 2005 Nissan Xterra - Monday, March 7, 2005
Today I purchased a 2005 Nissan Xterra SE. I got the following options: body side moldings, mud flaps, in-cabin microfilter, and carpeted floor mats. I purchased my new X from Warden-Martin in Savoy, IL. Thanks for the great deal guys! - X-mas day tomorrow! - Sunday, March 6, 2005
Tomorrow I will be a proud owner of my long awaited Nissan Xterra SE. - Today sucks - Wednesday, March 2, 2005
Today was more like a monday from hell than it was a Wednesday. When I started my car at the fire department to go back to work it wasn't running right. It was running on 5 out of the 6 cylinders. Great. I called the local pontiac shop and was able to take it for diagnostic. The number 1 fuel injector was bad, and it would be $388 to fix it. The worst part about this entire thing is the fact that I am trading the damn car in 5 days! 5 DAYS! To make matters worse, I walked into my office and sat down in my nice executive leather chair and it broke. I quit. - Not chasing today - Sunday, February 20, 2005
After more research I've decided that I will not be chasing today. - Today might be first chase of the year - Sunday, February 20, 2005
I might be chasing today. Southern Illinois has a slight risk for severe weather. SPC mentions risk of supercells in the afternoon. Right now it looks like I might be heading towards Mt. Vernon or Salem, IL. - New Xterra ordered - Thursday, February 10, 2005
I've been waiting since late July of 2004 for the new Nissan Xterra's to come out. Finally Nissan has finalized all of the specifications and prices. Today I ordered one from North Shore Nissan. I ordered a Silver SE 4x4. My options included the towing package, splash guards, protection package, and microfilter. I was told that the order would be placed today, and it would be built this month. - 5 inches of snow - Saturday, January 29, 2005
We got about 5" of snow on January 29, 2005. It snowed about all day, with a break around 12:30. I was able to use the snow blower twice today, as it snowed another 2" by 8:00 P.M. Click here for the video. - Little Mexico catches fire - Saturday, January 29, 2005
I video taped this small fire at my favorite resturant, Little Mexico. It wasn't very exciting or extensive, but it did do some damage to the kitchen area. I imagine that the resturant will be open again in a few days or so. Click here for the video. - What about the Illini? - Monday, January 17, 2005
ESPN and expecially Dick Vitel need to get their head out of the ACC and start paying some attention to the Illini! We're 18-0 AND ranked number one. WAKE UP! - Taking Firefighter II Class - Monday, January 17, 2005
I am currently taking a Firefighter class that will give me state certification as a firefighter. By the middle of April I should have my Firefighter II certification. - Happy birthday Fayanne - Wednesday, January 5, 2005
Fayanne is 25 today. Happy Birthday! - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year - Wednesday, January 5, 2005
The Emel family wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! - 2nd LCD Monitor... WOW - Sunday, January 2, 2005
I was able to order my second LCD monitor last week thanks to a Christmas gift from my parents-in-law. At last my dream has been fulfilled. Words cannot describe how awesome it is to have two LCD monitors at my workstation. My work productivity will probably increase about 5-10% since I don't have to share a single monitor any more. - Illinois Fighting Illini ranked number 1 - Monday, December 20, 2004
GO ILLINI!
- New LCD monitor - Wednesday, December 15, 2004
I ordered a new 17" Sony SDM-S73 LCD monitor for my home office. I'm replacing my old crappy 19" CRT with this 16ms wonder. What a difference! I can't wait until after Christmas when I order a second one! - Head-on collision narrowly avoided - Friday, October 15, 2004
This afternoon I was eastbound in the left lane on route 16 (2 lane divided highway) between Wal-Mart and Staples when I saw a truly horrific sight. In heavy traffic an elderly male was traveling THE WRONG WAY down 16! I looked up to find him directly in front of me, a classic head-on in the making. I slammed on the brakes and we both stopped about 15 feet from each other. I activated my emergency lights after coming to a complete stop. I then exited my vehicle and spoke with the elderly male. He had absolutely no idea he was traveling the wrong way. I explained to the man that I would block traffic so he could turn around. After I blocked both lanes with my car, he was able to turn around and get on his way. I can't even begin to imagine what would have happened if I didn't stop this elderly man. He was less than 400 feet away from a busy intersection, and since there are no stop lights on that side of the road he probably would have driven right through it. How insane is that? - New office pictures - Friday, September 17, 2004
I've posted pictures of my new office setup and furniture. - In memory of all who lost their lives on 9-11 - Saturday, September 11, 2004
Please take a moment to remember those that lost their lives on September 11th. - I have a new cousin - Wednesday, September 8, 2004
As of 10:45 A.M. Madigan Maye Wildman was born to my cousins Jason and Teesha Wildman. She weighed 7 lbs 9 ounces, was 20 inches long, and had dark hair. Congratulations to you both! - Many new photos posted - Friday, September 3, 2004
I've upload a bunch of old photos in the photo gallery section. - Read about my latest programming task. - Friday, September 3, 2004
I'm the lead programmer on EMC's latest task. - Good luck to all who are affected by Frances this weekend. - Friday, September 3, 2004
My thoughts and prayers are with eveyone who is affected by Hurricane Frances this holday weekend. - Getting ready for more severe weather. - Wednesday, August 25, 2004
It's looking like today will be another active day for severe weather. I've got my vehicle ready and I'm monitoring the situation. - Very exciting two days - Friday, August 20, 2004
I've had a very exciting past two days. With the chase on Wednesday, the structure fire that night, a vehicle fire on I-57 marker 184, and a tree over power lines, I have been very busy! - Two in one special - Wednesday, August 18, 2004
I had a two in one special today. There was a large rotating wall cloud and a lightning caused structure fire. - Waiting for my new vehicle - Wednesday, July 28, 2004
I've decided to wait a few more months until I purchase a new vehicle. I planned to buy a 2004 Nissan Xterra, but the 2005 model has several new features I really want. For example, the 2005 is bigger, wider, and has at least 75 more horsepower than the 2004. Looks like that is the vehicle for me! - Embrace open source - DOWNLOAD MOZILLA - Tuesday, July 13, 2004
I encourage everyone that visits this website to download and install Mozilla. Mozilla is an open source (totally free) application developed by programmers interested in the common good of people on the internet. Open source is the way of the future. It seems that Microsoft wants to keep a monopoly on everything. Maybe this is why they do not have any functions that disable popups by default? Seriously though, you should really give Mozilla a try! Mozilla also has a brand new, extremely fast sibling in beta stage. It is called Firefox and is available here. - Firefighting items for sale - Thursday, July 8, 2004
I've got a few firefighting items for sale. Click here for more information. - We made it back from our honeymoon - Sunday, July 4, 2004
Very tired now, time to get some much needed sleep. I'll add pictures and some highlights tomorrow. - New Lincoln Fire Protection District pictures posted - Thursday, June 24, 2004
I've taken pictures of the eqipment at LFPD Station 3. They are available here. - Major server change - Wednesday, June 16, 2004
I'm in the process of a major server change. The website service may be sporadic until 6/18/2004. - I made it through my bachelor?s party - Sunday, June 13, 2004
Just hung over now. - Firefighting page now online - Wednesday, June 9, 2004
I've uploaded a new page about my firefighting career, which is available here. - I'm a firefighter again! - Saturday, June 5, 2004
I've just learned that the Lincoln Fire Protection District St 3 has accepted me as a firefighter. I've got a couple more hoops to jump through, but everything should be official in the next month. - Explosive severe weather oubreak today. - Sunday, May 30, 2004
The Storm Prediction Center is forecasting an extremely dangerous tornado outbreak over portions of Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Kentucky. I'm loading up my equipment for the chase. Check out my chase log. - Fayanne has a new teaching job! - Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Almost two years after graduating, Fayanne has finally been offered a teaching job. In fact, she was offered two within an hour! She accepted a 7th grade position at Mattoon where she will teach math, reading, and social studies. - Significant severe weather outbreak today. - Sunday, May 23, 2004
The SPC is forcasting a significant severe weather outbreak today over portions of Central and Northern Illinois. Fayanne and I went on our second chase of the year. Check out the chase log here. - Strep throat sucks - Sunday, May 23, 2004
I could have spent this weekend storm chasing. Instead I'm stuck @ home with strep. - Severe weather today! - Tuesday, May 18, 2004
We've finally got our first shot at severe weather today! The NWS issued a severe thunderstorm watch #215 for all of Central Illinois until 7:00 p.m. I'm probably going to go chasing here in the next hour or so. Read my chase log here. - To the men and women who have lost their lives batteling our oldest enemy...fire. - Tuesday, May 11, 2004
To the men and women worldwide who have lost their lives batteling our most feared foe, I extend to you my gratitude. As a firefighter I sincerely appreciate the ultimate sacrifice each and every one of you have made against the devil\'s flame. I am honored to be a firefighter, and I will never forget the price you have all paid.
Signal 5-5-5-5
May you all rest in peace. - New storm chasing pages online - Monday, May 10, 2004
I've got my new storm chasing pages online now. There isn't a lot of content yet, mainly due to the lack of severe weather this year. - New HAM callsign is KC9GAV - Friday, May 7, 2004
I've been issued my new ham callsign, which is KC9GAV. Now I am licensed by the FCC! - Passed my technician test with flying colors - Sunday, May 2, 2004
I've been studying for the past few days (the correct questions this time) and it has paid off. Today I passed my technician test with flying colors (35/35). Just another week and I'll have my new FCC license! - Technician test screw-up - Monday, April 19, 2004
I've just learned that the questions in my amateur radio study booklet have expired! That means I have been studying 385 questions that will not be on the test! Now I've got to put back my exam date until the 2nd of May in Decatur. - New Website - Saturday, April 17, 2004
I've finally had some time to get my new website going. Hopefully this one will be easier to maintain than the old one. It's not very graphic intensive, but it gets the point across. I have a few more pages to get done, which are storm spotting, firefighting, and RC airplanes. Hopefully I can get these done in the next week. - Studying for technician license - Monday, April 5, 2004
I've been studying for my amateur radio license (technician level). Now that I live up in central Illinois, I am going to be much more successful storm spotting over ham radios. The National Weather Service in Lincoln regularly monitors 146.655 during severe weather. After I get my license I will have a better link with the NWS. - I've moved! - Friday, March 5, 2004
I've moved to central Illinois this week. We're getting settled into our new house! I finally have a yard to mow! I wonder how long it will take me before I don't want a yard any more. - More News |
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