
Totem Soup
I like to take photos, nerd about tech,
and worry about the current state of the planet.
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Tis the season... #insects #nature #naturephotography

The hunt. #spider #hunting #nature #naturephotography

Friday, May 12, 2023
Palworld By Pocketpair: What ever happened to this anticipated 2023 release?
Palworld is a multiplayer, open-world survival crafting game
where you can befriend and collect mysterious creatures called "Pal"
in a vast world. The game is developed by Pocketpair, the same studio behind
Craftopia. Palworld has attracted a lot of attention for its unique gameplay
features, such as making Pals fight, breed, farm, work in factories, or even
eat them.
The game was first announced in June 2021 with a trailer that went viral for its controversial depiction of Pals being used as weapons, shields, and factory workers. Since then, the developers have been sharing more details and gameplay footage on their Twitter account [@Palworld_EN](https://twitter.com/Palworld_EN).
Palworld is a game that promises to offer a lot of freedom and variety to players who love creature collecting and open-world exploration. Whether you want to live a peaceful life with your Pals, or engage in life-and-death battles with poachers and other players, Palworld has something for everyone. If you are interested in this game, you can add it to your wishlist on Steam and follow the official Twitter account for more news and updates.
- The game is facing technical challenges due to its
ambitious scope and scale.
- The game is waiting for feedback from the community and
testers before launching.
- The game is affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its
impact on the gaming industry.
Whatever the case may be, we hope that Pocketpair will provide more updates on Palworld soon and deliver a satisfying and enjoyable experience for all players. Palworld is a game that promises to offer a lot of freedom and creativity for its fans, and we are eager to see how it will turn out. For now, we are all just posed to wait, with our steam wishlist sufficiently armed.

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- The one, The ONLY, Holytotemic
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The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - What You Need to Know

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- The one, The ONLY, Holytotemic
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Thursday, May 11, 2023
ChatGPT: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

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- The one, The ONLY, Holytotemic
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Wednesday, May 10, 2023
The Current State of Covid-19
The covid-19 pandemic has been affecting the world for more than two years now, and it is still not over. Despite the availability of vaccines and treatments, new variants and outbreaks continue to pose challenges and risks to public health and safety. In this article, we will provide some updates on the current state of covid and what you should know to protect yourself and others.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of May 10, 2023, there have been more than 300 million confirmed cases of covid-19 and more than 6 million deaths worldwide. The most prevalent variant of the virus is the Omicron variant, which was first detected in South Africa in November 2022 and has since spread to more than 100 countries. The Omicron variant is considered to be more transmissible and more resistant to some vaccines and treatments than previous variants.
However, this does not mean that vaccines and treatments are ineffective or unnecessary. The WHO and other health authorities still recommend that everyone who is eligible should get vaccinated as soon as possible, as vaccines can reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death from covid-19. Additionally, booster doses may be needed for some people to maintain their immunity against the virus, especially against new variants. The WHO also advises that people should continue to follow preventive measures such as wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands and avoiding crowded places.
Furthermore, it is important to stay informed and follow the guidance of local authorities regarding travel restrictions, testing requirements and quarantine rules. As the situation may change rapidly depending on the spread of the virus and the availability of resources, it is essential to check the latest information before planning any trips or activities. If you have any symptoms of covid-19 or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, you should isolate yourself and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
The covid-19 pandemic is not over yet, but we can all do our part to end it sooner by getting vaccinated, following preventive measures and staying informed. Together, we can overcome this global challenge and restore normalcy to our lives.

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- The one, The ONLY, Holytotemic
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The War Between Russia and Ukraine: What You Need to Know
Russia and Ukraine are engaged in an ongoing war that
started in 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatist rebels in
eastern Ukraine. Since then, the conflict has escalated into a full-scale
invasion, with Russia launching missile strikes on Ukrainian cities and
deploying tens of thousands of troops and mercenaries on the ground. The
fighting is concentrated around the eastern city of Bakhmut, where Ukrainian
forces are resisting a Russian offensive. The war has killed or injured
thousands of people on both sides and caused widespread damage and disruption.
The international community has condemned Russia’s aggression and imposed sanctions but has failed to stop the violence or find a diplomatic solution. The war is seen as a test of Russia’s ambitions and power in the region and beyond, as well as Ukraine’s sovereignty and resilience.
Most people around the world are closely following the news about the war and think it poses a significant risk to their country and the world as a whole. Most people also support taking in Ukrainian refugees and agree that their country should avoid getting involved militarily in the conflict. However, opinions on economic sanctions and providing weapons to the Ukrainian military differ widely across countries. Some countries, such as Poland, Sweden, and the Netherlands, are more supportive of these measures, while others, such as Turkey, India, and China, are more opposed.
Many people have a negative view of President Vladimir Putin and Russia, especially in Western countries and Ukraine’s neighbors. They see Russia’s invasion as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability. Some people have mixed feelings or reservations about supporting the Ukrainian military, fearing the consequences of a prolonged war or a nuclear escalation. They may also feel patriotic pressure or historical sympathy for Russia.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the key aspects of the war between Russia and Ukraine, such as:
- The origins and causes of the conflict
- The current situation on the ground
- The humanitarian and economic impact of the war
- The international response and involvement
- The possible scenarios and outcomes for the future
Origins
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has multiple and complex causes that involve historical, political, and geopolitical factors. One of the main causes is the disagreement over Ukraine's orientation towards the European Union or Russia, which sparked a popular uprising in 2014 that ousted a pro-Russian president and triggered Russia's annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. Another cause is Russia's fear of losing its influence over Ukraine and its strategic interests in the region, especially its access to the Black Sea and its naval base in Sevastopol. A third cause is Russia’s resentment of NATO's expansion and its perceived encroachment on its sphere of influence, which led Putin to accuse the West of using Ukraine as part of an "anti-Russia project" and to demand guarantees that Ukraine would not join the alliance. A fourth cause is Putin's ideology of Russian-Ukrainian-Belarusian unity, which denies the legitimacy of Ukrainian identity and statehood and claims that they are the product of foreign manipulation. Putin views Ukraine as part of a historical and cultural continuum with Russia and Belarus and seeks to restore a political union among them.
Current Situation
The current situation on the ground in the Russian Ukraine conflict is dire and unstable. Russian forces have launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, attacking locations across the country by land, air, and sea. A number of people have been killed and thousands have fled their homes. Ukraine has declared martial law and severed all diplomatic relations with Russia. The UK, EU and other Western allies have vowed to impose tough new sanctions to punish Moscow but say they will not send in troops. The conflict has also escalated in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, where Russian-backed separatists have been fighting a war with Ukraine's armed forces since 2014. Russia has recognized the two regions as independent states and ordered Russian troops there, tearing up a peace deal. The crisis poses a serious threat to regional and global security, as well as to human rights and humanitarian law.
Humanitarian and Economic Impact
The war in Ukraine, which began with the Russian invasion in February 2022, has had devastating humanitarian and economic consequences for millions of people. According to the UN refugee agency, more than 13 million people have been displaced by the conflict, with over 8 million refugees living in neighboring countries. This is the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. The war has also caused thousands of civilian deaths and injuries, as well as widespread damage to infrastructure and public services. The World Bank estimates that the cost of reconstruction could reach up to $641 billion.
The conflict has also affected the global economy, especially the food and energy sectors. Ukraine and Russia are major exporters of agricultural products, such as wheat, corn, and cooking oil. The disruption of trade routes and supplies has led to higher food prices and shortages in some regions. Russia is also a major producer of oil and gas, which are vital for many countries' energy needs. The sanctions imposed by the international community on Russia have reduced its oil and gas exports, but also created challenges for alternative sources and conservation efforts.
The war in Ukraine has also triggered a geopolitical realignment, with implications for regional and global security. The invasion has reinvigorated NATO's role and commitment to defend its allies and partners. It has also prompted some countries, such as Finland and Sweden, to pursue NATO membership after decades of neutrality. However, the war has also strained relations between some NATO members and Russia, as well as between Turkey and other NATO allies. The war has also raised concerns about the risk of nuclear escalation, given Russia's large arsenal of nuclear weapons.
International Response and Involvement
The international response and involvement of the Russia Ukraine war has been a complex and controversial issue. On one hand, many countries have condemned Russia's military intervention and annexation of Crimea and have imposed sanctions and diplomatic pressure on Moscow. On the other hand, some countries have expressed support for Russia's actions, or have remained neutral or silent on the matter. The United Nations, the European Union, NATO, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe have all played important roles in mediating the conflict and providing humanitarian aid to the affected regions. However, the war remains unresolved and poses a serious threat to regional stability and security.
Scenarios and Outcomes for the Future
The Russia Ukraine war is a complex and dynamic conflict that has been ongoing since 2014, with varying levels of intensity and escalation. The war has resulted in thousands of casualties, millions of displaced people, and significant territorial losses for Ukraine. The war has also involved other countries, such as Belarus, Poland, Moldova, and NATO members, as well as non-state actors, such as mercenaries and cyber hackers.
The future of the war is uncertain and depends on many factors, such as political will, diplomatic efforts, military capabilities, economic pressures, public opinion, and external influences. Some possible scenarios and outcomes for the future of the war are:
- A frozen conflict: This scenario would involve a prolonged stalemate between Russia and Ukraine, with occasional flare-ups and violations of ceasefires. The conflict would remain unresolved and unstable, with neither side willing or able to make significant concessions or changes. The status quo would be maintained by external actors, such as peacekeepers or monitors, but without a clear mandate or authority. The conflict would continue to pose security risks and humanitarian challenges for the region and beyond.
- A full-scale war: This scenario would involve a major escalation of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, with direct involvement of other countries or alliances. The war would be characterized by large-scale military operations, heavy casualties, widespread destruction, and humanitarian crises. The war would also have severe geopolitical and economic consequences for the region and the world. The war would likely end with a decisive victory for one side or a forced intervention by a third party.
In Closing
The war between Russia and Ukraine has entered its ninth year, with no sign of a peaceful resolution. The conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives, displaced millions of people, and destabilized the region. Despite international condemnation and sanctions, Russia has continued to annex parts of Ukraine's territory and support separatist forces in the east. The recent escalation of violence and air attacks has raised fears of a wider war that could threaten global security. In this article, we have examined the causes, consequences, and possible solutions of this complex and ongoing crisis.

Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Monday, November 16, 2020
I'm selling my photos now!
Posting some of my work to a site that lets people choose their options a little better. Have a frame sitting around empty, just grab the poster prints and frame it yourself!
https://holytotemic.darkroom.tech/
Check it out, I will be actively adding a ton to this.
Posters, framed, canvas, or even metal!
#like #share #comment