Vadim_Kovalskiy's recent activity
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Comment on We must keep age verification from killing anonymity online in ~tech
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Comment on We must keep age verification from killing anonymity online in ~tech
Vadim_Kovalskiy Link ParentThe Nederlands has something similar called DigiD. I agree the way you recommend if something must be implemented, then this is the least worst option. Honestly if any entity is going to resist...The Nederlands has something similar called DigiD. I agree the way you recommend if something must be implemented, then this is the least worst option. Honestly if any entity is going to resist the
briberylobbying of the effort, it will be the EU or countries within it which make it so. -
Comment on Which Linux distro do you use, and why? in ~tech
Vadim_Kovalskiy LinkCachyOS for my daily driver, Kubuntu for the family, and Ubuntu Server for my home lab and self hosts. I use Arch btw, but switched to CachyOS this year so I don't have to fuss over a lot of the...CachyOS for my daily driver, Kubuntu for the family, and Ubuntu Server for my home lab and self hosts. I use Arch btw, but switched to CachyOS this year so I don't have to fuss over a lot of the odds and ends.
I think it is a nice middle ground between the standard ironman old-school Arch install and adding in some smart optimizations/QoL features Arch just doesn't have baked in from the start. I know many love it or hate it, but I have grown to enjoy it on my desktop. It has successfully taken over to be my gaming machine so I could sundown using Win 11 which was a huge plus in my book. Runs games, software, and anything I throw at it with ease.
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Comment on Has anyone here tried bone conduction headphones? in ~tech
Vadim_Kovalskiy LinkI was in the same boat as you—very intrigued by the concept. The idea of having my ears completely open to my surroundings while still listening to music or a podcast. I bought a pair of...I was in the same boat as you—very intrigued by the concept. The idea of having my ears completely open to my surroundings while still listening to music or a podcast. I bought a pair of Aftershokz (now called Shokz) headphones to try them out.
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Situational Awareness: This is the main selling point, and it absolutely delivers. It's not like transparency mode on other earbuds, which can sometimes sound artificial.
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No Ear Fatigue: There's nothing in your ear canal, so there's none of that pressure or discomfort that can come from in-ear buds after a while. They just rest on your cheekbones in front of your ears.
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Comfort (Long-Term): While they were fine for a 30-minute walk, I found that after an hour or so, the constant pressure from the pads on my cheekbones and the subtle vibration started to give me a unique kind of tension headache. It wasn't a sharp pain, but a dull, persistent ache that would linger even after I took them off. This is obviously a very personal thing—many people use them for hours with no issue—but for me, it was a consistent problem.
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Sound Quality: It's okay, but you have to manage your expectations. Because they work by vibrating your bones, the sound, especially bass, is significantly weaker and less rich than what you'd get from traditional headphones. For podcasts and audiobooks, they're perfectly fine. For music, it can sound a bit thin and lacking in depth. If you're an audiophile, you will likely be disappointed.
Would I Recommend Them?
It's a qualified "maybe." I would recommend them to someone who:
- Likes not having in ear earbuds.
- Primarily listens to spoken-word content like podcasts or audiobooks.
- Has tried them and does not experience the headache issue I did.
For my personal use case, the headaches were a dealbreaker. I went back to just using a single Sennheiser earbud, which for me is the perfect compromise. I still have one ear totally free to hear my surroundings, but I get better sound quality and no head pressure.
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Comment on Does anyone have a digg invite code I can get ? in ~tech
Vadim_Kovalskiy LinkLooking forward to the reviews on how the platform progresses within the next 30-90 days. Will probably have a follow up comments if the reception is good from other Tilderinos.Looking forward to the reviews on how the platform progresses within the next 30-90 days. Will probably have a follow up comments if the reception is good from other Tilderinos.
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Comment on Posteo.de or Mailbox.org - Struggling to find an alternative to Proton in ~tech
Vadim_Kovalskiy Link ParentSo I name all of my networks, devices, and domains off of Greek Gods. Maybe you could use something similar or something like cycling(at)mountmammoth.com and such.So I name all of my networks, devices, and domains off of Greek Gods. Maybe you could use something similar or something like cycling(at)mountmammoth.com and such.
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Comment on Posteo.de or Mailbox.org - Struggling to find an alternative to Proton in ~tech
Vadim_Kovalskiy LinkI myself switched over from Proton to Mailbox.org on my two main email accounts. I really enjoy how to the point and convenient Mailbox.org is. I have a custom domain which is what ultimately let...I myself switched over from Proton to Mailbox.org on my two main email accounts. I really enjoy how to the point and convenient Mailbox.org is. I have a custom domain which is what ultimately let to me choosing them over Posteo.
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Comment on How often do you replace your phone? in ~tech
Vadim_Kovalskiy LinkI am in a similar boat to @DynamoSunshirt as I only replace my phone when it starts to have problems. I've had: 2008-2013: Motorola Razr V3 (Classic) 2013-2014: HTC One 2014-2016: Samsung Galaxy...I am in a similar boat to @DynamoSunshirt as I only replace my phone when it starts to have problems.
I've had:
2008-2013: Motorola Razr V3 (Classic)
2013-2014: HTC One
2014-2016: Samsung Galaxy Note 5
2016-2019 Google Pixel 1
2019-2024 iPhone XS
2024-2024: iPhone 15 (briefly before returning and deciding to getting out of the Apple walled garden)
2024-Present: Google Pixel 9I do miss the nostalgia of smaller phones and the simple life of the Motorola Razr flip phone. Alas, our advanced age has delivered us slabs of shiny glass which is far bigger than I could have imagined in 2008 (Which is a shame in my opinion).
I bounced around Android and hated the bloat HTC and Samsung had. When I grabbed the Pixel 1 I fell in love with the simplicity and sturdiness of the design. Ended up drinking the Apple cool-aid when the XS came out and decided to give it a go. The phone lasted me a good bit, but started suffering from being sluggish to the point of enraging me. I upgraded to an iPhone 15 and decided Apple is not for me.
Shortly thereafter, I grabbed a new Pixel 9 and put Graphene OS on it. I thought it was going to be a PITA and leave me wanting more or worse, going back to Apple. Thankfully, I am happy with what I have. It works for me and while the phone may be on the larger side, it is nice to have such granular control over my device.
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Comment on Proton CEO tweets support for Donald Trump's Department of Justice pick and the US Republican Party in ~society
Vadim_Kovalskiy Link ParentI made the jump over to Tresorit from Proton Drove today. The software is clean and easy to use. Getting to the individual plan was a pain imo. Navigating the site, you will find several services...I made the jump over to Tresorit from Proton Drove today. The software is clean and easy to use. Getting to the individual plan was a pain imo. Navigating the site, you will find several services Tresorit provides (aimed at a business level rather than a personal level) and a personal plan which does its job. Uploaded everything, shared links, shared files, and had no issues. Tresorit is not as snappy as Proton, but that is fine by me.
I myself like how the service is owned by the Swiss Post (the nation's postal service). Having a nation state supporting a E2EE service is kind of neat and gives me a feeling of permanence.
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Comment on Vivaldi 7.0 has been released in ~tech
Vadim_Kovalskiy Link ParentVivaldi is my favorite Chromium based browser, but Zen does look promising. My only concern with Zen is the small dev team and the potential for a less secure version of Firefox. I tend to...Vivaldi is my favorite Chromium based browser, but Zen does look promising. My only concern with Zen is the small dev team and the potential for a less secure version of Firefox. I tend to prioritize security above all in my browsers. If Zen could both remain up to date on security patches and maintain the current layout, then I will certainly become a donator for the cause. I am hesitant to jump on the band wagon as of now due to the lack of longevity with the product and how Zen develops in the coming months.
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Comment on What Is A Secure Note-Taking App? in ~comp
Vadim_Kovalskiy LinkI like using Cryptee. It is simple, clean, and easy to use. I liked Standard Notes back in the day, but I didn’t like how limiting the features were without a subscription. Cryptee lets me save...I like using Cryptee. It is simple, clean, and easy to use. I liked Standard Notes back in the day, but I didn’t like how limiting the features were without a subscription. Cryptee lets me save photos, write essays, and take notes easily with their Progressive Web App. If I am not mistaken, they are an Estonian based company. So do with that as you will and good luck finding a secure note-taking app!
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Comment on Polyamory: If there are any poly folks here, I would love to hear your stories! in ~life
Vadim_Kovalskiy Link ParentGreat question! So ENM means Ethical Non-Monogamy. Ethical Non-Monogamy is described as: "An openly non-monogamous relationship is one where partners agree that they want to be together and are...Great question! So ENM means Ethical Non-Monogamy.
Ethical Non-Monogamy is described as:
"An openly non-monogamous relationship is one where partners agree that they want to be together and are open and honest about the fact that they have other partners. For this reason, it is also sometimes referred to as ethical non-monogamy."The "ENM scene" is often used as a synonym to polyamory. ENM imo focuses more on relationship building, honesty, trust, consent, and looking at each relationship as its own unique web of social development vice a traditional exclusive polyamorous or monogamous relationship. Many of these labels are hard to find solid definitions on as many ENM/Polymarous labels are still being agreed upon and defined in a social setting. I use ENM mainly from the book The Ethical Slut which tries to codify and define many of these terms. From my own anecdotal evidence, people in the "ENM scene" are also involved in the kink scene. Thus, when I mean the "ENM scene" it is really practicing ENM while in a kink dungeon/scene setting. Hope this clears things up or at least gives you a bit to discover and digest in the world of ENM/Polyamory!
Sources:
The Ethical Slut, Dossie Easton and Janet Hardy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ethical_SlutNon-Monogamous-Relationships
https://www.brook.org.uk/your-life/non-monogamous-relationships/ -
Comment on Polyamory: If there are any poly folks here, I would love to hear your stories! in ~life
Vadim_Kovalskiy LinkHow visible is your lifestyle to others in your life (personal, professional, etc)? Personally, I tend to project myself as a raging polyamorous bisexual. I too did not know there was a term for...How visible is your lifestyle to others in your life (personal, professional, etc)?
Personally, I tend to project myself as a raging polyamorous bisexual. I too did not know there was a term for what ethical non-monogamy or polyamory is until the last few years, but have been at it for 8 years. I tend to only be out to other people in the kink, LGBT+, or ENM scenes just cause I dislike explaining to people who are curious (in the sense of wanting a short story, examples, and otherwise are interested enough to hear it in conversation, but not do their own research) or arguing with people who are judgemental. Professionally, I don't tell a sole and project as a boring cishet monogamous person as my workplace is not so open to ideals outside of the "traditional" family.Have you found love recently?
Been happily married for 4 years now. Recently ended up in a D/s dynamic with a new friend and have been loving every second of it! Additionally, have a room mate now where my nesting partner (spouse) and I have regular fun with. Room mate has it strictly platonic with me, but romantic with spouse.What do serious relationships look like for you? Is marriage on the table, or is it contrary to polyamory?
A serious relationship looks like having strong feelings towards someone, showing them a great deal of care and respect, and treating them with a priority above close friends or your best friend. My other bar for people who do still have parents (and have a good relationship with them) is if you introduce a new partner to your parents and they know you are polyamorous, then it is a serious relationship (cause imo I am not going to introduce a partner to family unless I really enjoy said partner). Being a person who is married, but polyamorous, I found the married portion is just a formality in the eyes of the government. Our relationship has a higher level of permanence due to marriage (which also eases my anxieties slightly of being left for whatever reason my brain decides that day), but it does not necessarily mean it is any more serious than a relationship with other partners.Thanks for sharing your own experiences and opening up this conversation to all!
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Comment on America’s therapy boom in ~health.mental
Vadim_Kovalskiy Link ParentMany therapists work in the public sector for government entities. The government tends to deem mental health professionals in a pay-scale which is cost effective for the government, but is...Many therapists work in the public sector for government entities. The government tends to deem mental health professionals in a pay-scale which is cost effective for the government, but is incongruous to degree requirements and prices charged for patients. In order to raise prices, there would need to be legislation signed off or have the gears of bureaucracy change slowly over time generally speaking.
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Comment on <deleted topic> in ~tech
Vadim_Kovalskiy Link ParentHere is a lovely link detailing all the ways you can donate and support! https://docs.tildes.net/donateHere is a lovely link detailing all the ways you can donate and support!
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Comment on Do you spend more time creating a Tildes reply than on other platforms? in ~tildes
Vadim_Kovalskiy Link ParentYou have to start somewhere! The first post / comment is always the most difficult. I can relate to the social anxiety of things and trying to avoid the urge to simply lurk through the posts /...You have to start somewhere! The first post / comment is always the most difficult. I can relate to the social anxiety of things and trying to avoid the urge to simply lurk through the posts / comments of the site. I find it challenging to come up with such great original posts / topics compared to other users who can crank out critically thought out, quality posts on a daily basis.
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Comment on What are you all drinking tonight? in ~food
Vadim_Kovalskiy (edited )LinkAn adventure to American brandy: I decided to try something new tonight. I have a €1,000 shipment of scotch whisky on the way (I don't have a drinking problem and I certainly don't condone the...An adventure to American brandy:
I decided to try something new tonight. I have a €1,000 shipment of scotch whisky on the way (I don't have a drinking problem and I certainly don't condone the drinking of alcohol) and in the meantime, was given a near empty bottle of E&J Grand Blue VSOP Superior Reserve Brandy.
I tried cognac (a type of brandy from the region of Cognac, France), and found the spirit to taste like rubber, phenolic-forward, and candied ash. It was one of the worst experiences I have ever had save grappa (it was a gag gift given at Christmas and gag I did when it went down). I expected the same when I popped the cork on the brandy this evening. I was shocked to find the brandy I had today was a pleasure. Notes of toasted marshmallow, white chocolate, nougat, cola, vanilla cream, maple, sherry. Palate and finish detailing Vanilla syrup, candy, sweetened fruit, thicker, maple, sherry, candied fruits, and a lingering tingling sensation. I found the spirit to be smooth and enjoyable. This is a spirit I would have for dessert or as a wonderful nightcap given the sweet fruity notes. I decided to take some time to research into the company and about fell out of my chair when I saw the price of the brandy at €15 a bottle and distilled in the USA. Down the rabbit hole I went. Researching about the differences and delicacies between Brandy, Cognac, and Armagnac. What an interesting tale to tell and I am glad to learn/be interested in brandy rather than scotch whisky in general. I am going to be looking for an XO or VSOP bottle of some form or another of brandy the next time I place and order for spirits. Cheers, to those who got this far in the read!
Side rant about Scotch whisky:
I was not expecting such a great experience from brandy, but it leaves me considering an adventure into brandy rather than spending my hard-earned coin on scotch whisky. The shipment incoming may very well be my last from Scotland, but I can't say I will miss it (I have had a wonderful time with scotch whisky by trying over 150 bottles and visiting dozens of distilleries in Scotland. I love the country but have found it increasingly difficult to visit with current global economic constraints). The price tag seems to just keep climbing and the scotch whisky I used to come to enjoy is lessened as of late due to the incongruent price tag.
Review:
E&J's Grand Blue VSOP Superior Reserve Brandy: 77/100
Owner: E&J Distilleries
Region: Modesto, California, USA
Nose: Toasted marshmallow, white chocolate, nougat, cola, vanilla cream, maple, sherry
Palate: Vanilla syrup, candy, sweetened fruit, thicker, maple, sherry
Finish: Fresh cola, tingling sensation, sherry, licorice, candy, candied fruits
Note: Aged at a minimum of 2 years in oak casks, 40% ABV, NAS, maybe a wee drop of e150a caramel added for color, a beverage I would drink for dessertGrading:
98 – 100 (A+) = Booze Nirvana
This is the promised land where every sense is satisfied and, unless it’s a perfect 100, you have to search and nit-pick for what’s wrong instead of what’s right about this whiskey because it’s so on point.93 – 97 (A) = Exceptional – Superior in every way
These are the best of the best and within spitting distance of Nirvana. They embody everything that category is about and then elevate it to another level. These are ones I HIGHLY recommend.90 – 92 (A-) = Excellent – want to buy a case
Whiskeys that hit this rating are extra awesome. They’re delicious and complex Daily Drinkers and even though they are not quite best-in-class, they’re among my favorite whiskeys and I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone at any time.87 – 89 (B+) = Great – always want to have a bottle
These are whiskeys that as soon as you taste them you say “I want to own a bottle” and if you already own the bottle you just smile because it’s yours. It’s not a record breaker by any means, just a good solid delicious whiskey.83 – 86 (B) = Good – not a “must”, but a nice-to-have
The majority of my baselines are found here. This range is where the “daily drinker” status starts to emerge and where I find whiskies that’re good to drink but may rotate in and out of my collection. They’re not something you’d miss when it’s out, but good enough to give a moment’s consideration when at the liquor store.80 – 82 (B-) = Not-too-bad – no major flaws, worth tasting
This is the stuff I’d recommend you try at the bar or at a friend’s house before buying a bottle. There’s nothing really wrong with it, it’s just not… quite… there.77 – 79 (C+) = Average – not good, not bad, just is
There might be some minor flaws, all-in-all it’s not offensive, but it might be boring. There’s just nothing at all noteworthy about this whiskey. Would recommend to starters.73 – 76 (C) = Below average – drinkable, but better as a mixer / party booze
It’s not like you or I actually WANT to drink this stuff, but sometimes you’re at a wedding or a shitty bar and it just happens to be there and a beer just doesn’t sound great so you grin and bear a glass or, when possible, ask for it in a cocktail. If the bartender sucks you might even take a bit of solace in the knowledge that they didn’t ruin a good whiskey with their terrible cocktail.70 – 72 (C-) = Not good – nearly undrinkable, wonder why the hell they made it
When I drink this stuff I wonder if the Master Distiller is actually proud of what they’ve put out or if it’s something they just shove out to make a quick buck. I then wonder about the person who habitually buy it and wonder what admirable qualities they find in it that I can’t.60 – 69 (D) = The only thing this should be used for is making Jungle Juice, and even then, Seriously, I start to wonder if it’s even safe for human consumption at this point. It’s just plain vile.
59 – 0 (F) = Horrifically flawed – the worst
This is when I call the FFA/FDA because I’m pretty damn sure it’s not safe to drink this swill. -
Comment on Reddit communities are switching to NSFW to create some friction and rob Reddit of ad revenue in ~tech
Vadim_Kovalskiy Link ParentIt is getting worse and I believe we will see things deteriorate more before the 30th. The 30th will most likely result in a small drop of users to the service and another wave of outrage in...It is getting worse and I believe we will see things deteriorate more before the 30th. The 30th will most likely result in a small drop of users to the service and another wave of outrage in threads about how people have to use the official app.
Credit to @Wes from the Reddit Megathread:
"The admins are now nuking entire mod teams for malicious compliance. /r/InterestingAsFuck, /r/MildlyInteresting, and /r/ShittyLifeProTips have had their entire mod teams removed, and suspended for 7 days.
It seems they're currently targeting subs that have switched to NSFW and allowed pornography, but things are now escalating dramatically."
Edit: Changed "from another post" to direct link of thread.
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Comment on Estonia legalizes same-sex marriage in ~lgbt
Vadim_Kovalskiy LinkIt is heart-warming to see a former Soviet state turn the page on history and progress society to a more equal, more diverse, and more welcoming environment. Kudos to Estonia and I hope they keep...It is heart-warming to see a former Soviet state turn the page on history and progress society to a more equal, more diverse, and more welcoming environment. Kudos to Estonia and I hope they keep it up with great legislature! The more I look into what they do, the more I see hope in the minor European nation. Sure, they are a bit flawed, but as are many democracies across the globe. Hope they can nudge the other Baltic states to follow suite!
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Comment on What do you think of Warhammer 40k 10th edition so far? in ~games.tabletop
Vadim_Kovalskiy LinkI think 10th edition has had a good launch. Personally, I found 9th too bloated with plenty of "gotchas" and "oh I have this fancy faction specific thing" which leads to an elongated rules lawyer...I think 10th edition has had a good launch. Personally, I found 9th too bloated with plenty of "gotchas" and "oh I have this fancy faction specific thing" which leads to an elongated rules lawyer discussion each turn. I have been playing since 7th and found 10th to be streamlined, simplified, and much more welcoming to those getting into the hobby. Surely GW will be adding in new things and most likely some unneeded bloat as the edition ages, but I love the lean set as is. Another pet-peeve of mine was the ludicrous number of stratagems which felt like they should just be special abilities. I always trimmed out half or more of my factions' stratagems for games (Hear, hear for the Space Wolves clan and long live the Golden Boys!). My last point to complain about 9th was how I required at a minimum 2 full single-spaced pages of content for my "one pager" in order to play a game effectively. I love that I can have a true "one-pager" in 10th and terms/vocabulary stretches across factions (I am looking at you Heroic Intervention).
Moving onto what armies I have been running. I have only gotten one game in with the Adeptus Custodes (My poor bikes god nerfed to all hell) and had an enjoyable time against an Orkz player. The game flowed well, didn't have lengthy turns, and left me feeling satisfied and powerful. The Custodes have some serious fight first opportunities and I really felt like they were an elite army on the battlefield. I was cleaving down Orkz in droves and taking on the hordes of hell for the Glory of the Emperor! I like how characters can join units and I was able to integrate my Blade Champion in with the Custodian Guard. Felt like he was leading a team of warriors he has known for millennia. The new battle shock mechanic was probably the most difficult thing for me to wrap my head around and get into the habit of. The Custodes actually have to worry about the mechanic vs the morale mechanic in 9th. I ultimately lost the game (the opposing player is just overall better than me and more dedicated at the game than I) but was left feeling happy. I enjoyed every second of the game and am glad we are going back to the basics and away from the endless books of rules to reference each turn.
Looking forward to the FW datasheets and to see what the new reference cards look like. Additionally, curious to try out some Space Wolves to see how they have changed.
Zero Knowledge would be the least worse option in theory. I don't believe a government or corporation would spend the necessary resources or have the desire to implement a zero knowledge system. As a person who personally advocates for zero trust systems in IT infrastructure (and personally implemented it over the years for several businesses), it should be the way, but often times the voice of reason / adult in the room advocating for IT infrastructure is often told things such as "not good enough", "we need it sooner and don't have time for zero trust", or "we took your recommendation into consideration and decided to go another way."
I agree if this was all for legitimate age proofs, it would be a different conversation. Unfortunately, I see this as a CIO / subject matter expert getting told to sit down and be quiet so the CEO or similar can bring in the profits.
Alas, my wording of the least worst option is meant for the pessimistic view personally held on how this may go. Unfortunately this movement seems to be malicious from the very start under the guise of "think of the children" despite age verification being a non-issue until now since the invention of the internet.