Super Sunday

 First and ten, on the Patriots 45 yard line with the Giants trailing 17-9.  As Eli Manning drops back to pass, the picture suddenly turns black.  Did the lights go out at the Super Bowl as I quickly check my internet connection to confirm that I still have connectivity?  While I still have sound, I realize that someone at my parent’s house has turned on the television which my streaming video feed was being broadcasted over the internet to me.  Thus when someone turns on the television, I lose my picture.  To return the favor, I begin to change channels using my local remote control because I somehow still have control over that function.

 In the never ending race of innovation and changing technology, living across the pond and 4,500 miles away from Chicago, it feels as if am right at home at times.  From email and video calls with family and friends (and my parents dogs) to local and national news through the internet, it has never been easier to reconnect with people regardless of distance.  Although in some cases the distance is nice, especially not having to witness first hand the recent Illinois basketball and Chicago Blackhawks struggles.  My first month here was a little harder, as I did not have the internet at home, so my new was limited to the BBC and CNN re-runs.  And I couldn’t use my Playstation because I did not have a power converter just yet (although I did try once and almost fried the electronics).  However, one of my US DVDs did work in my European DVD player, and since I only watch this DVD during a certain time of the year, the timing was perfect…National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

 Once my internet was installed, I began streaming live video using my Vulkano Monsoon Solo (similar to Sling Media).  While I am not here to make sale pitches, the product is really simple and convenient (costs about $100 US).  Now I am able to broadcast Chicago TV from my parent’s home to my computer in real time to keep up with local events.  Although not HDTV quality, the picture and sound are good.  Slovakia is seven hours ahead of Chicago, which means my evening typically ends with quality mid-day television shows hosted by Jerry Springer and Maury-you are not the father-Povich, both which film a half mile away from my prior residence in Stamford, CT.  However, there are some good shows during the day which I keep up with, as well as the reruns of sports center, and I can record shows too (just hope that no one turns the TV on).  The weekend is a little different as my morning shows are typically info commercial heaven, such as the Cat Sack, Tiddy Bear (actual product which you think would have been something from Saturday Night Live), and the Ginsu Knife, which now I can slice my tomato, then walk to the balcony to cut through some sheetrock, then proceed to dice the tomato.  I can’t believe it took me so long to realize that convenience!

Cat Sack (With Mike Rowe!!)
Tiddy Bear
Ginsu Knife

 These latest technologies have really made my transition much easier, especially communicating with family and friends.  The TV is nice, however, I would prefer to explore the area of Slovakia and neighboring countries rather than stay indoors, especially now that the cold front which cause a lot of problems (more so in the neighboring countries) is moving and spring is slowly approaching.  I am in the process of planning my next trip to central Slovakia in the beautiful High Tatras Mountains with many castles and activities, which I am really excited for.

 Given the cold weather, these are some photo's from late fall, but I will soon have new ones to post from my next adventures here.

Opera House