Back to Blogging (and Why I'm Blaming Xfinity for My Hiatus)

Hello there! It's been over a year since my last post. Shame on me, I know. I got sidetracked, but I'm back and ready to resume my blogging journey.

Symbolically, I'm blaming my absence on Xfinity. (Feel free to skip this next paragraph if you're not interested in the technical details.)

A year ago, I switched from Verizon FIOS to Xfinity, lured by promises of faster internet speeds, no DVR fees, premium channels, and a lower price. Unfortunately, the reality didn't match the hype. The internet speed was far below what was advertised, with frequent fluctuations and even complete blackouts. The Wi-Fi coverage was limited, the DVR interface was clunky, and once the promotional period ended, the price skyrocketed.

So, I'm back with FIOS, and everything is running smoothly again. The Wi-Fi is strong, the DVR fees are reasonable, the internet speed is consistent, and there are no more frustrating fluctuations. Fiber optic cables rule!

But enough about my internet woes. I'm eager to continue blogging and improve my writing skills. I'm always open to feedback and suggestions, so please feel free to leave comments. Let's get this blog rolling again!

Reflections on a "Socialist Childhood" and the Complexities of Freedom

Despite the generally negative perception of socialist societies, I have surprisingly fond memories of my childhood under communism. Thanks to my parents, I experienced a near-ideal upbringing. I didn't feel the restrictive hand of the regime; I had a comfortable home, plenty of food, toys, and engaging activities. My childhood was filled with family happiness, education, sports, outdoor adventures, and a love for reading, especially science fiction.

Growing up, I often engaged in philosophical discussions about the contrasting ideals of capitalism and communism. At the time, the concept of equality and universal wealth seemed logical and appealing. However, as I matured and witnessed the realities of both systems, my views began to evolve.

The idea that everyone, regardless of talent or effort, should receive equal compensation started to feel flawed. Could such a system truly motivate innovation, scientific breakthroughs, and societal progress? The revolutionary fervor of the early socialist era had faded by the 1960s, though echoes of it lingered during my youth.

I vividly recall the ban on wearing jeans in school. The authorities concocted various health reasons for this restriction (including erectile dysfunction!), but we understood the deeper symbolism. Jeans represented rebellion against the establishment, often accompanied by other symbols like heavy metal music or Jimi Hendrix. It seems silly now, but these small acts of defiance contributed to the eventual fall of the Iron Curtain.

These "symbols" were intertwined with the allure of Western consumer goods: stylish cars, fashionable clothes, and innovative gadgets that promised an easier life. Looking back, it's hard to say whether the desire for freedom or the yearning for material possessions was the stronger motivator. Perhaps it was a combination of both.

Twenty years after the transition to capitalism, many people in former communist countries are experiencing disillusionment. They've realized that while consumer goods are readily available, most are financially out of reach. The initial euphoria of freedom has given way to a sense of loss. People traded social and economic security, a low crime rate, and a sense of societal importance for a system where their influence is limited to voting and paying taxes.

The "aura of importance" has faded, replaced by the mundane realities of daily life. For many, freedom has become synonymous with routine, occasionally punctuated by affordable vacations. While material well-being has arguably improved since 1989, the increased personal responsibility and constant choices have created a new kind of stress and uncertainty.

There have been recent attempts to revive socialist ideals, thankfully unsuccessful. Studies show that while material conditions are better now, it will take more than 20 years to fully appreciate the complexities of freedom and build a new society that balances individual liberties with social responsibility.

To Blog or Not to Blog... That is the Question (and a Few Other Musings)

It's been two months since my last post. I was intentionally staying out of the election frenzy, trying to keep this space free of politics. When I started this blog, I vowed to avoid politics and religion, two subjects that tend to be highly personal and potentially divisive. I still stand by that decision, but I'm also open to exploring new ideas and shaking things up a bit around here.

So, two months later, the same president is in office, the economy is slowly improving, some tragic events have unfolded (pushing a few teardrops from my eyes and reigniting the gun control debate), and the world hasn't ended (yet again). The Christmas lights are twinkling, and I even saw a few snowflakes today. It's been an eventful end to the year, to say the least.

Looking back at my posts, I noticed that the most popular ones were about my career ("Career Move") and social networks ("Do Social Networks Stand to Their Promise?"). These two topics far outweighed the others in terms of reader interest. Should I focus on these themes, or continue exploring the quirky subjects that pique my curiosity, even if they don't attract as much attention?

I'm a patient man, and I enjoy pleasing others, but I also value self-expression. After some consideration, I've decided to stay the course and keep writing about the things that intrigue me, even if it's something as seemingly mundane as potatoes. After all, the initial motivation for starting this blog was to exercise my own voice.

However, I still haven't received any feedback—no comments, no critiques, nothing. I understand. I struggle with the same hesitation when it comes to commenting on other blogs, even when I have something to say. I overthink it, question my knowledge, and often end up abandoning my response.

But I'm determined to break this habit. Next week, I'm going to make an effort to comment on at least one blog post. Who's with me? Let's start a conversation!

Social networks - psychology behind blogging practice.

I am sitting on my folding chair on porch in my backyard, sipping coffee and having my laptop in my lap. Wonderful Sunday afternoon, almost autumn. Waiting for idea what to write about and hesitant whether to write at all. If you read one of my first posts - about write or not write the blog - you remember, I had this dilemma already. I speculated about why people write blogs and why it is good to write one. To me it was about the exercise. Well as it seems I didn't do many exercises, but...  there is always but. I did suffer with lack a feedback. As usually, authors want to see that someone did look at the the work and they anticipate reaction. Of course positive reaction is appreciated, but critique can help even more. Here I want to touch base with social networks. Frequently I read someones blog - opinion on something. Well, everyone is entitled to have an opinion. And if the opinion is expressed on public network with option to write comment, then anyone is entitled to write an comment on presented opinion. This is understood well. But the way how to present opinion and how to comment seems to be even more important than actual opinion. During reading many blog - opinions I already anticipate chain-reaction of comments. And yes they are there but after reading few I stop reading - vulgarisms, disrespectful comments,  strong counter -opinions (of the type - I know it better, you stupid and my opinion is louder and must be truth) - and many thanks to few with constructive opinion (there of course are still such a opinions. But as it seems in such loud environment I frequently inhibit my urge to write comment, because as it seems I am already afraid that I can't handle this opinion war. Then I realize - there is no constructiveness if I don't write, but I am still afraid to do so. So the same way I started to judge my most commonly used social networks - Linked In and Face book. For the second one I am going to make few comments - as it seems, many of us are just voyeurs, we like to watch, more private more dumpy is better and for the same reason we don't want to post, because - well - there are voyeurs that want to observe us you "dummy"... So the silence is the result. Why do we care then to have so many friends in friends list? First comes to mind is: more channels = more watching. Secondly many of us are  exhibitionists perhaps and we like to be watched??? Then maybe this is an answer - balance - like to watch and liked to be watched... Frequently I am thinking when I see people just trying to make an appearance that we mostly don't know how and what but we want people to know about us - we just press like button somewhere, thinking others will see at least what we like. Here I again see the problem with expression - we are afraid to express ourselves, because - what if the comments are not in favor of our expression? And here it is deep in us rooted - need for approval and worry of disapproval. So here I am with all my inhibitions - I will post some pictures - something that I like and maybe this wouldn't cause negative response. Then I look and voila - someone pushed like.... great - I am happy..... So little effort to make me happy...?...
And what about Linked in? It is professional network tool. What it is good for- maintaining contacts up to date, seeking people of certain professional background, presenting ourselves and showing our best, because this is what we anticipate of our contacts. Well this is at least what comes to my mind first thinking about Linked in. Of course human resources people (HR) love the "tool" for making their work easier when millions of people voluntarily offer information that otherwise they would need to gather some other way - more costly, more time consuming = more work. And then there is this self-promotion aspect. Well I can just post some general data and update it when I have some change, or - I can publish/update on daily or weekly base some information - which after each update shows my name in my entire linked to me network (this is analogue of FB - LIKE button). Then you can express your opinion, your critique - but wait - this is professional network - it is serious. They (superiors/bosses and potential bosses) can see you, what you think, what you dislike. They can see that you actually can express opinion and - is this always good? What if someone criticizes you in comments and everyone who matters can see it??? Well here is the problem of Linked- in and us and - Linked in being "social network". It is a tool so far to exchange CV data. It is big database. There are groups where actually social network idea can work, but being linked to our (not anonymous)  profile it will (or can) show our peers what we think...

P.S.: ups.... I guess you will be curious next time you see my FB pictures addition - or link to blog posting or my profile update on Linked in......

Is This Thing On? Re-Starting My Blog After a Break (and Why Your Feedback Matters)

Ever find yourself wondering if it's really worth it? I do, especially when it comes to blogging. I often struggle with the question: "Do I have anything valuable to say?" My personal motto is, "If you have nothing to say, say nothing." But even saying something worthwhile takes practice. And after a lovely, much-needed vacation, I'm facing that blank page (or screen) once again.

The thing is, I've learned that writing helps me clarify my thoughts. It's like my brain works best when I'm putting words down. So, even if I'm not sure where this post is going, I'm going to start typing.

Brainstorming is key, right? And even more important than brainstorming alone is getting feedback. That's where you come in! I'm hoping this post, this re-start after my break, will spark some conversation. I'm looking for fresh perspectives, new angles on old ideas, and maybe even some completely new ideas.

So, bear with me as I try to organize my post-vacation thoughts. Let's see where this goes! What are your thoughts on [mention a general topic you plan to cover in future posts, or a theme for your blog]? I'm eager to hear from you in the comments..

Finally Blogging! A New Space for Thoughts, Photos, and More (and a Bilingual Experiment!)

For a while now, I've been wanting to create a space to share my thoughts, photos, and other musings beyond the confines of Facebook. So, here it is – my very own blog! Consider this my first step into the blogging world.

I'm excited to have a place where I can connect with more people than just my friends in [mention your location/region, e.g., Slovakia]. I'm also toying with the idea of making this blog bilingual – a bit of an experiment, really. If anyone has any tips on how to manage a bilingual blog effectively, I'd love to hear them!