exurb1r
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Hai
🕑 Added 2021-06-03 17:29:47 +0000 UTCWell hello. It’s been a little while.
The exciting bit first then, and really what I’ve been waiting to write for ages: the new book is out and finished – or, as much as it can be without me committing ritual seppuku. I won’t spoil the surprise, but hopefully it’s enough to say it’s a sort of mythological sci-fi, and there’s talking bears. It should be attached to this message in pdf, mobi, and epub form below as promised. I really hope you enjoy it, and as always, feel free to drop me a line if there’s something in there you dislike/hate/despise. (If you’re after another format, just let me know and I’ll try to make it happen. The paperback should be coming out soon also.)
To the second bit. Sorry about disappearing for a few months. I wish I could boast of climbing mountains or substance addiction or something, but the reality is pretty dull. Up until about December last year I still thought I could finish the book by maybe January. I’d work on it in spurts in the evenings and everything was going relatively all right. By the time January arrived, it was clear I’d bitten off more than I could chew. I realised with quiet horror that it was going to take months to finish, even at full steam, and making videos would have to go out the window for a while. And by then I was too far in to back out. So I just had to shut up and get on with it. I’m hardly going to lecture you on oh poor me, effort is so hard, etc, I’m sure you work and have your own trials – but that was the least pleasant period of my life in at least a decade. Most days I was convinced I could never fucking finish the thing, and went fairly mad. Luckily I have friends I don’t deserve, and they'd gently put me back on the road when things got wiggly.
But it’s done, and I’m not – biologically speaking, so that’s enough moaning then. Hi. Hello. How are you?
Wherever you are in the world, I hope the last 6 months have been treating you well. Bulgaria has sure been a trip. I was fairly amazed to find out I could walk about ten seconds from my apartment to the local hospital and say, “Hi, one vaccine please,” and get a vaccine. I’m not sure if it’s the relatively high rate of vaccine scepticism here, or decent medical negotiating or what, but I’m just really thankful that jabs are freely available. Obviously I hope you’ve got access to vaccination too – I know the UK is slowly getting around to the younger population at least, which is neat. (If you’re curious, I got the Pfizer version, and felt literally zero side-effects. Except for the tail. ((To be honest, I had covid a while back anyway, so who knows what the relationship with fewer side-effects is there.))
I hope you liked the Buddhism video, if you know what I’m talking about. I was sort of on the fence about making it for months. It seemed like a bit of a departure from the usual science is amazing blah blah to….pop-spirituality? But to be honest, it just turned into one of those scripts that wrote itself, and that almost never happens. So I was hardly going to say no. I also hope I haven’t pissed off the Buddhist community. Considering they’re generally the most chill of the religious bunch in my opinion, that’d be quite an achievement.
Righto, anyway, I’m alive, I hope you are too, and again – if you want to read it, you’ll find the book attached. You’ll also find cat photos attached because…does there really need to be an explanation? She’s been an extremely faithful helper throughout the editing process, and if she wasn’t the best feline that ever there was, and mine, I would certainly lend her out to you. But she is, so I can’t.
And lastly, recommendations then. (Yours would be much welcome also.) Here’s an anti-recommendation actually. Do not play Dyson Sphere Program. Do not even flirt with the idea of downloading Dyson Sphere Program. It will eat all of your time. It will create new time and eat that too. I got into a little habit of playing it at the end of the day and would regularly look up to notice that the fucking sun was rising. It’s too good and too satisfying (think Factorio but 3D and with DYSON SPHERES.) Do not play Dyson Sphere Program.
Oxygen on Netflix – that was a good one. I expected nothing and was really pleasantly surprised. There’s a twist you might see coming, but the payoff makes it all worth it. Big recommend.
I am Mother – also on Netflix, that was rather good too.
Above everything, what kept me sane the last few months was going walking in the evenings and listening to the Ricky Gervais Guide to – whatever. There’s a few of them, on philosophy, medicine, etc, and there were a number of occasions when I thought I was going to get a hernia laughing. The one on the arts is the best in my opinion.
Above all really, I hope you’re doing well, and I just wanted to say thank you for sticking around all this time. I’m more grateful than I can say. So, I’m not really sure what happens next. I’ll take a few days off and just try to enjoy not worrying about the book, then get back to work, promise. I’ll also try to get back to the Catastrotivity series (if you know what I’m on about), but the last few months were not exactly the time to be doing that. There’s a special irony to self-importantly lecturing the internet on how to solve writing problems, while you’re sitting in your pyjamas all day crying over the keyboard and failing to write. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this month’s digital offerings in any case.
Once again, thanks for sticking around, that’s enormously appreciated. Massive love, and I hope things are chilling out a bit covid-wise wherever you are in the world, and that you and your loved ones are well.
All the very very best,
Ex.
Comments
cab404
hope yr alive, fellow human. really loved geometry for ocelots, even tried creating a group in telegram. you wouldn't believe this, but 3 random non-bot-people actually got around to search for it. I honestly didn't post it anywhere else, they did it by themselves.
Vyse
How are you doing mate? Please don't stress yourself regarding posts. Your content is pure purrrfection and gives a lot of daydreams <3
Daniel Chapin
Your the best!
Wilson
Hello. Any update on the paperback version?
SL4W
Hey ex, any update on audiobooks? I *think* I remember you mentioning about them!
Finn Unverhau
Very good book, I have nothing to complain about. The ending left me a bit sad, but in a good, intentional way.
Sairagav .
Just finished GfO. It was solid. I loved the first half! The characters were a bit hollow, yet relatable and loveable! Towards the ending of the plot, it went all a bit ape shit, but I liked the debate stuff. The actual ending was... sobbingly disappointing. But reading the "why this was written", it totally makes sense. Thanks for writing the thing. Only you will know what it took to breath life into that story, and while I can sit my arse hear and poke holes in a story that I ultimately cherished regardless, I'm more inclined to say: Good job bud. PS. I like that Freya has a guest appearance in the book UwU PPS. My favorite work of yours is still Logic beach... simply because how it relates to my personal life.
Holden Higgins
Hi Ex, Geometry for Ocelots was a great read, the epigrams especially made me smile. I do think that Mirga could have argued more convincingly for his side, but overall excellent content. Thank you as always for doing what you do.
Eli Valtus
I just finished Geometry for Ocelots, you outdid yourself Exurb1a, amazing book. When is it gonna drop on physical?
Scott Young
You are my favourite tortoise and frankly, your content means the world to me, I love the philosophy, I love the abstract angle, I love the existentialism. You're one of my favourite content creators full stop so don't beat yourself up too much about a wonky script, we've all been there! I do think a bit of a tighter script might help though, I found myself a bit overwhelmed by fascinating incredible ideas, I'll have to re-watch the video a couple of times to properly catch and digest them all, which I guess is a win for you anyway haha.
exurb1a
Hello there Margot. I am delighted that I could even indirectly ruin your friends' days - though I must take issue with your declaration that your cats are even more beautiful. (I'm sure they're lovely in all seriousness.) Also, I'll check out the interview later today, thank you kindly for that - I had a watch of your compliance bias lecture, that was absolutely fascinating. The part on the belief about fruit and vegetables being 'nutritionally void' was particularly eye-opening to say the least.
exurb1a
Monsieur Robot - I have passed your kind words onto the feline firstly, of course. Thank you for those, she is delighted. So, the tutorial idea sounds fantastic - will that be a youtube thing or otherwise? I'd certainly be curious to check them out. Also, best of luck with the job searching, always a strange time, certainly. I'll be checking out The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up; considering the current state of my apartment, the cat and I could....both stand to benefit from, you know, not living in squalor. Above all mentioned there about stories, I really, really hope you like Dune. It can be a bit of an acquired taste, and I had a bit of a hard time on my first read through, but I promise it's worth it. The film is looking to be....amazing, much as I'm trying not to jump on the hype train. And finally, I have been hydrating and digesting adequately, I believe - I trust the same can be said for you. (As always, thanks for the thoughtful and lovely message, hope all's well :) )
exurb1a
Hey there Silas - thank you kindly indeed. So, I'll certainly put the word out when the new one's in print, and the audiobook is done - shouldn't be long now, promise. All the best :)
exurb1a
Hey, massive congratulations Ezekiel, that's fantastic news! Onto exciting new paths, I hope. And really glad you checked out the new stuff, that's super kind of you. Again, congratulations on graduating, all the best of good luck.
exurb1a
Thank you kindly!
exurb1a
Thank you Stephen - apologies for the absence there
exurb1a
Thanks Samuel - massive love your way, hope all's well with you too :)
exurb1a
Hey there Scott - a massive thank you first of all, and you're absolutely spot on, to put it less charitably than yourself it was quite the rambling mess really. But if your noggin jogged, then I am a happy tortoise indeed.
Scott Young
Hey Ex, bloody good new video you've got there mate, if I may offer a modicum of creative criticism, I'd have enjoyed it more if the Buddism tangents had been a little more coherent, script seemed a little all over the place and a touch hard to follow Otherwise, excellent video as always, set my noggin a joggin which is always a pleasant experience!
Danny F. Mainville
Argh dammit!
Danny F. Mainville
Sorry for the bas orthograph. It’s kind of hard on a little phone.
Danny F. Mainville
It havé nothing to do with the post. I just want to write that you deserve more than a 1,50$ from me. BUT I’m poor. You Guy is a rare unknown talent who, I home get reckognition. Va bene.
Wilnoxer
Hey Ex, I think you need to address the everything of https://www.photoandgrime.com/blog-1/2020/11/25/pieke-roelofs/youtuber-exurb1a-exposed-sickening-truth-about-an-abuser. Of course, you can choose to keep your silence on this, as you already have in the months since this piece was published. You have every right to remain silent on the matter. However, please be aware that your community will draw their own conclusions. This community adores you Ex, and want to believe in you. The content you create helps countless people get through seemingly impossible times for them, myself included. However, that does not mean we will bury our heads in the sand. It’s innocent until proven guilty and and as of now there is a lot of undisputed allegations brought against you. You’ve made us question many ideas in your videos; science, existence, morality. Now we look back upon you with these same ideas in mind. Please respond Ex, for better or worse.
Margot Finn
here's the other best thing i've watched in pandemic, a 2.5 hr interview with the Tom Tom Club I thought I might be in for 10-15 minutes of, but which instead was utterly captivating: https://youtu.be/WhUq52YmeLA and if yr curious what kind of neurotic superfan you've acquired, i'm a way-less-entertaining youtube content creator (aka non-tenure-track college instructor): https://youtu.be/bZEib7Tx2rA
Margot Finn
discovering your videos during the pandemic has sustained or rescued or buoyed me or something and I'm pissed I don't have enough free time or childcare to cram every thought you've shared with the internet into my eyeballs and my friends are SICK TO DEATH about hearing about how the moon is a door to forever and our sacred purpose is to be matter that wakes up and feels anxious and writes poems and feels anxious. I think I love you but I have attachment issues so I would think that and your cat is the most beautiful cat that has ever existed, except for my cats, who my then-4-year-old, now 5, son named Waffleman and (once painstakingly convinced not all cats could be named Waffleman, at least until he reinvents the world), Mystery (she's the longhaired torbie, the real glamourpuss but he does have the better name) and sorry if sometimes you attract the fans you deserve. I like you.
Ezekiel Rohan
I graduated basic training yesterday to find out there was a video, a post and a book all out while I was gone. I am so happy. Many thanks :)
Okwss
Loved the new vid.
Okwss
fake
Stephen Mann
I had already come to terms with your passing... and now you’re alive again.
Samuel Vilz
I am happy that you're well. Thank you for sharing how you've been 💚
Munkhtuvshin.T
Mannn, we missed you. Btw will you post more video on your how to art series on your 2nd channel?
M. R.
Nice to see you back.
Okwss
YASS YOUR BACK!
Nici
Dear Exurb1a... No, Alex. I caught wind about the accusations made against you involving Experiment A in which you were allegedly the main perpetrator. I request for you to explain yourself. Deny it, confirm it, whatever. Just give me something. Else I will be inclined to believe the accusations are true. That you raped a woman. If any of it is true or not I still want to give you my thanks. Your advice in the form of youtube videos has helped me grow as a person. I commend you for that. So please stand by your actions, acknowledge them or deny them, grow as a person. Do what is right. Kind regards Nicolas Details: https://www.photoandgrime.com/blog-1/2020/11/25/pieke-roelofs/youtuber-exurb1a-exposed-sickening-truth-about-an-abuser Video that showed me this: https://youtu.be/T0rS5LvdFa4
Tom Cayford
Nice to have you back Ex, I was starting to worry... My recommendations include Call My Agent (with English subtitles), some of the best dry-humour comedy I’ve seen in a long time. Also I met a hippie who made me read a book called The Four Agreements which is an interesting (and short) book on how to be happy literally all the time. Stay safe my G xx
Lacksi
Hey, I like you. Thanks for being around and making stuff. Cant wait to read the book (maybe in a warm forest) when I get some free time soon :)
Nicolás Bitar
Glad to hear from you and congratulations on finishing the book!
Silas Raye
Heyo, congrats on finishing the book! And srsly no worries about vanishing off the face of the earth. It happens to us all from time to time :) Anyway, I would literary kill for any of your books and audiobooks. If there's anything I can do to make that happen, please let me know Wishing you a relaxing couple of days to just chill <3
Arman Ghanaat
Thanks for the effort! Massively appreciated. Got hard times incoming and I already know your book will help, thanks for putting yourself out there. Hope you get to feel better the coming days. All the best. Sincerely.
RobotWobot
It is absolutely delightful to hear from you again, you truly deliciously beautiful tortoise of space! Firstly - I am so happy to hear you've finished the book! I hope all that hardship paid off and your brain is satisfied. No worries that it took so long. I'm just glad to hear you're well after so long! ^_^ The feline is also looking beautiful, as always. Meanwhile, o'er in the UK, ol' Wobot took lockdown as a time ta work on 'imself. In early 2021, I discovered the magic of To-Do lists... and I don't think I've ever been so consistently happy. I found new hobbies and I'm fixing errors that have been sprinkled around my life. (For example, deleting online accounts I don't need anymore and having a decent sleep schedule. The sleep schedule took years to solve though.) It actually turns out I'm pretty much obsessed with self-improvement, but I want to branch out and help other people with what I've learned. That's why I've taken a week off of work next week to seriously start making tutorials. I made a fault log filled with a bunch of solutions to problems I've found this past year and I will use that to make those tutorials. Now onto recommendations! I've been reading "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo. I think I like this one because I've been so focused on self-improvement. I Haven't read the whole thing, but I've been seriously into the idea of tidying and throwing nonsensical things away... mostly because I daydream about moving out of my parents' house though! 😅 Speaking of which - I've been having interviews because my contract at my current place of work expires in July. Fingers crossed I can get further employment! 🤞 I've also been listening to as many episodes of the "Cortex" podcast as humanly possible - something about listening to two self-employed people talk about work really gets *me* excited about work. I have also added your recommendations to my list and I am excited to watch them! In terms of other books - I took out a massive book containing 5 Philip K Dick stories, and I've been sloooowly wading through it over the past few months. I've also taken out Dune (because I want to read it for the movie releasing. Also so I can watch your Dune video), and a few other books that I either don't recommend or haven't started. ---------------------------------------- May the force be with you and live long and prosper and all that. Remember give the feline lots of cuddles and kisses. Ensure our great lord Cthulu's thirst is satiated with a sufficient amount of blood. Hydrate yourself and don't forget to digest your food. Much love and kindness, Robot x ^-^ ...And lastly! It was my birthday in May. I'm planning a VRChat party this Sunday (6th June) approx. 2pm-8pm (UK time). Everyone reading this message is invited. Add me on Discord if you want to join. I'll send an invitation when I start it: Robot#1627
Radoslav Sotirov
Oh hello, you're alive... <3
Gaston Marian
Brand new just posted 3 minutes ago on his YouTube: "Buddhism is Kinda Out There, Man"
Gurumaru
Catastrotivity back!!!! I can't wait. Good thing you're doing well now and back on track. Hella excited for the new book as well. I'm still not sure tho if I wanna just fuck it and read the pdf before anyone else or wait for the beautiful paperback.... Will think it through, unless you would provide the possible paperback release date?
Matthew Greene
I may be extremely stupid, but what Buddhism video?
Mitchell Keenan
Good to have you back! Can’t wait to give your book a read, hopefully sometime this week. Still amazing how you pump out so many books. I wouldn’t even know where to begin. I got Pfizer as well and felt no side effects other than tiredness the first night.
Bernd Lehahn
Reading? I am not paying you to make me read dammnit. You are supposed to read think and digest it all for me! Best wishes, including a strike of luck and creativity!
Masa Zara Ličen
you are amazing i love you
Finn Unverhau
Finally a book I can read, I'm very excited! Been rereading logic beach and the prince of milk, two of my favourite books of all time (Still waiting on part two of that first one by the way, although it's not urgent).
Johnonymous
The man is back! Praise the sun!!
Alex Taifas
He’s alive!!! Good to hear from you. It’s been too long
