Archive
Author: Theodore Lee
Theodore Lee is the editor of Caveman Circus. He strives for self-improvement in all areas of his life, except his candy consumption, where he remains a champion gummy worm enthusiast. When not writing about mindfulness or living in integrity, you can find him hiding giant bags of sour patch kids under the bed.
The Truth About Those “You Don’t Have to Pay Taxes” Videos
Every few months, another video starts making the rounds online.
The title is always irresistible.
“Former IRS Employee Reveals the Truth.”
“The Income Tax Is Voluntary.”
“Everything You’ve Been Told About Taxes Is a Lie.”
“The Government Doesn’t Want You to Know This.”
Millions of people click because they want it to be true.
Confessions of a Professional Cuddler
I’ve learned something over the last couple of years that I don’t think most people realize until they experience it firsthand: touch isn’t a luxury. It isn’t just romance or sex or something reserved for the people fortunate enough to have partners. Safe, caring human touch is one of the quiet things that keeps us emotionally alive, and when it’s missing long enough, something inside you begins to harden.
That’s really what I do for a living.
“Caught my wife texting another man”
My wife and I have been together for nine years. Today I went to hug her from behind and noticed she was texting someone. I watched for a few seconds and saw the name was “Kal,” someone she said was from work.
I asked who Kal was. She immediately jumped and said it was a female coworker who had bought her shampoo, even showing me the shampoo as proof. But the name sounded like a man’s name, so I asked if Kal was a woman. She insisted yes.
There’s No Such Thing as Being Late to Your Own Life
You are not behind. Not in your career. Not in your relationships. Not in your purpose. Not in some imaginary race where everyone else seems to be sprinting while you are tying your shoes. That entire framework, the idea that you are supposed to be somewhere by now, is a story that was handed to you, not one you chose.
Linkage
QUIZ: Could You Climb the Ranks of Politics? – Ned Hardy
If you’ve ever cursed a wheelbarrow for tipping over or being awkward to dump, this is one of those purchases that makes every yard project noticeably easier – Amazon
Meet the Woman Who Stands to Inherit Much of Jeffrey Epstein’s Fortune – NYTimes
Influencer killed by husband after she accused him of pedophilia on TikTok – NBC News
US pauses Iran attacks after Trump advised to halt bombing – The Guardian
LeBron’s Final Decision Is a Massive Plot Twist for the NBA – The Ringer
How To Spot Toxic Candidates In A Job Interview – Forbes
I Used ‘Cover Your Tracks’ to See What’s Following Me Online, and Yikes – Lifehacker
Today’s Internet Rabbit Hole – Ned Hardy
If you have trees or overgrown shrubs, these make cutting thick branches feel almost unfair—they’re one of those tools that instantly makes you wonder why you struggled with cheaper loppers for so long. – Amazon
America’s Big Cities Are Rapidly Losing Kids – WSJ
How the Amish Let Technology in Without Letting It Take Over – MIT Press Reader
Actors are losing roles to AI knockoffs of themselves – Archive.is
World Liberty put $800 million in the president’s pocket. Justin Sun is alleging fraud. – NYMag
In China, people are renting out their faces to AI – Rest of World
Meta glasses are killing the vibe – Vox
How the Words We Teach English Language Learners Changed – Pudding
The Dumping Grounds
Confessions of a High-Functioning Alcoholic
By day, I look like the person you bring in when everything’s on fire. I’m the one who shows up early, hits targets, remembers birthdays, and answers emails with exclamation points so you know I’m fine. I have the job title that reassures my parents and a partner who says I look younger than my age. If you knew me only from daylight hours, you’d think I’d cracked some adulting cheat code.
“I’m afraid of being alone forever”
I am a 46 year old man, and I am terrified that I am going to be alone for the rest of my life.
I have never been married, and I do not have kids. I have been on a few dates over the years, but nothing has ever turned into a meaningful relationship. I am open to dating apps, but I have never had much success with them. Matches are rare, and even when I do get one, it usually does not lead anywhere. In person I am friendly and polite, but I have always struggled to show romantic interest or make the first move.
19 Creative Ways Retirees Make Social Security Last All Month
1) Free audiobooks from Libby (public library app) and LibriVox. Kanopy for free streaming movies, if your public library is part of the network.