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.
What’s It Like To Find Out That Your Child Isn’t Yours
Seventeen years.
That’s how long I’ve been with her. High school sweethearts. We grew up together. Fell in love when we were just kids. Got married when we found out she was pregnant. I didn’t hesitate. I loved her, and I already loved the life we were starting to build. I was proud to be her husband. Proud to be his father.
And I was happy. I swear to God, I was happy.
Who Was Machiavelli and What Did He Believe?
There are historical figures who are misunderstood. Then there are those who are so deeply entangled in the mythology of their own name that the myth becomes the understanding. Niccolò Machiavelli is in the second camp. His name is shorthand for manipulation, deception, backstabbing, and political sociopathy—an entire worldview reduced to a sneer.
The Soundtrack of Rock Bottom
There’s a sound that shouldn’t mean anything. It’s just birds. Just some sparrows or finches or whatever, fluttering around outside doing what birds have always done—singing in the morning. Most people hear it and smile. They stretch, yawn, maybe make coffee. Maybe they open a window and say something like “what a beautiful day.”
Linkage
A Look At The Past. At The Way Things Used To Be – Ned Hardy
This has been my keyboard for the last 5 years and I have absolutely no complaints about it. Does its job and does it well! – Amazon
My Family Went Off Ultra-Processed Foods for a Month. The Results Surprised Us. – WSJ
Targeting Iran’s Leaders, Israel Found a Weak Link: Their Bodyguards – NYT
Outbreaks of rabies seem to be rising across the U.S., CDC surveillance shows – NBC News
See the whole Universe at once in this unique logarithmic view – Big Think
30 Relatable Memes That Hit A Little Too Close To Home – Ned Hardy
This is the mouse that I have been using for the last couple years and much like the keyboard, it does its job and does it well – Amazon
Is this the secret to understanding US foreign policy? How a powerful doctrine from 1823 reshaped America – HistoryExtra
The Best Under‑10‑Minute Movie Performances of the 21st Century – The Ringer
Is AI the end of software engineering or the next step in its evolution? – Archive.ph
The 31 most mind-blowing film twists of all time, explained – The Independent
The Thin Line Between Love and Hate: Lindsey and Stevie in Their Own Words – Rolling Stone
CEO apologizes for snatching tennis star’s hat from boy at U.S. Open: “Poor judgment and hurtful actions” – CBS News
Here Are the 10 Biggest U.S. Lottery Jackpots Ever – NYT
Man found dead in suspected homicide at Burning Man – NBC News
10 Of The Strangest Deaths That Occurred During Movie Productions – Linkiest
The Dumping Grounds
Poll of the Day
Poll not found
The Single Biggest Builder of Wealth: The Used Corolla
Wealth is what’s left over when you subtract ego from income.
That might sound simplistic, but it’s the best way I’ve found to describe how most people end up with financial freedom—not by winning the lottery or picking the perfect stock, but by consistently spending less than they earn and letting the difference compound over time.
“Husband wants to buy a $60K truck while we’re still renting”
Combined income: $95K. Current debts: $15K student loans, $8K credit cards. Savings: $12K emergency fund. My husband wants to finance a brand new pickup truck for $60K because his 10-year-old sedan isn’t reliable (200K miles, needs $2K in repairs).
His argument: He needs dependable transportation for work, monthly payment would only be $850, and we “deserve nice things after working so hard.” My argument: We’re paying $2200/month rent because we can’t save for a house down payment, and adding $850 car payments makes homeownership impossible for another 5+ years.
He thinks I’m being cheap. I think he’s prioritizing image over building wealth. What do you think we should do?
Linkage
5 Historical Photos That Speak Volumes – Ned Hardy
These headphones are an outstanding value for the price. Very strong mids and highs, and the bass is way better than it should be – Amazon
The Gold Digger Was an Archvillain. Now She’s an Aspiration. – NYT
Meta’s Already Bleeding AI Talent Two Months Into Hiring Spree – Gizmodo
Looted by Nazis, a 17th-Century Painting Resurfaces. But Not for Long. – NYT
The 10 Most Heartwarming Moments in Pixar Films – Listverse
The Forgotten Drink That Caffeinated North America for Centuries – Atlas Obscura
27 Memes That Won The Internet This Week – Ned Hardy
A lot of travelers sing the praises of this travel pillow that bucks the traditional travel pillow design and works quite well – Amazon
Skill Stacking: A Practical Strategy To Achieve Career Success – Darius Foroux
82 Words That Don’t Exist In English But That Are Used In Other Languages – Linkiest
‘It’s not what it used to be.’ Woman who makes $95k per year breaks down her take-home pay – Upworthy
Exclusive: Meta created flirty chatbots of Taylor Swift, other celebrities without permission – Reuters
How Does Gen Z Travel So Much? Payment Plans – Thrillist
Do Aphrodisiacs Really Work? I Tried 10 for the Sake of Sexy Science – Saveur