Hunker Junker Chronicles: Hub Cap Bolts One Rattle at a Time

(Illustrative Only)

This is a little like what the 
car looks like but
the body is not as Shinny 
yet. 

Joking called
 "Guppy Gangsta Wagon"

The “hunker juner” 1985 Buick Riviera is still coming along nicely—most of the engine work is wrapped up, and attention has now shifted to the body.

Recently, while swapping between summer and winter tires, a mysterious clicking noise appeared. Naturally, this was not part of the original “luxury driving experience package.”

After some investigation (and a fair amount of staring, listening, and negotiating with the car), the culprit was discovered: the back of a hub cap bolt had popped loose and was bouncing around inside a tin bracket like it was auditioning for a percussion section.

This is the tin
backing to the
hub caps. 
The little nut pops off.

These are designed to keep people from stealing the hub caps. Since there was more than one it seems the garage made the mistake.

On this particular vehicle, each wheel has five bolts. Three of them are responsible for holding this tin bracket in place—and apparently, those same bolts also enjoy the freedom to occasionally detach themselves and start a new life rattling around inside the wheel assembly.

The fix is simple in theory: locate the loose nut on the inside, reseat it, and glue it back in place so it stops pursuing its dreams of independent movement.

Once secured, the noise disappeared—at least for now—making room for the next mystery sound this Buick plans to introduce. The restoration process continues, one rattle at a time.

4-Way Tire Lug Wrench Fixed. Looks like a solid basic wrench.

4-Way Tire Folding Lug Wrench. This will store well.

Morgan Stanley Midyear Economic Outlook 2026: Innovation, Energy, and Resilience

 It looks like technology is still driving the economy and with any luck it might improve GDP as well as human capital development. It depends on how we use it. According to this publication below we are seeing the impact of oil and investment in AI on the economy. General belief is optimistic

Keep in mind that projections are based on what we know at the time the projections are made, the history of economic behaviors under various factors. Also adding in consumer sentiment and social development can lead to greater perspectives of what the future might hold. 

Midyear Economic Outlook 2026: AI Drives Resilient Growth

• Global economic growth is expected to slow modestly to 3.2% in 2026 due to higher energy prices but avoid recession, with growth projected to recover to 3.4% in 2027 as energy markets stabilize.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) investment remains a major driver of economic expansion, particularly in the United States. Spending on data centers, power infrastructure, software, and related technologies is fueling business investment and supporting economic resilience.
• Higher oil and gas prices, driven by supply disruptions related to the conflict involving Iran, have temporarily interrupted the global trend toward lower inflation. However, inflation is expected to resume its downward path in 2027 if energy supplies normalize.
• Morgan Stanley expects the U.S. economy to remain relatively strong, supported by AI-related capital expenditures and spending by higher-income consumers. The firm forecasts that the Federal Reserve could begin reducing interest rates in 2027 as inflation pressures ease.
• Energy markets remain the largest source of uncertainty. If supply disruptions worsen and oil prices rise substantially above current forecasts, the result could be higher inflation, supply-chain disruptions, weaker consumer confidence, and a potential global recession.

Morgan Stanley. (2026, May 15). Midyear economic outlook 2026: AI drives resilient growth. Morgan Stanley Research. https://www.morganstanley.com/insights/articles/economic-outlook-midyear-2026

The Psychology of Persistence: Why Some People Keep Going

People often say that success is built on persistence, and there is a great deal of truth in that idea. Persistence can make the difference between achieving a goal and falling short, whether in business, education, community service, or nearly any other area of life.

What separates those who continue pushing forward from those who give up before they truly get started? Research helps us better understand that question. For example, many businesses fail within their first few years. Sometimes the reasons are financial limitations or a lack of necessary skills, but in some cases, people simply stop trying before they have fully explored their opportunities.

The same principle applies to education, personal development, and many long-term goals. Achieving meaningful results often requires consistent effort over time. Of course, persistence should not be confused with blindly pursuing a path that no longer makes sense. There are times when changing direction is the wiser choice because your time and energy can be invested more effectively elsewhere. That is strategic decision-making, which is different from simply giving up.

Evidence for a Behaviourally Measurable Perseverance Trait

• This exploratory study investigated whether perseverance (persistence in difficult, unpleasant, or frustrating situations) can be measured behaviorally using six experimental tasks, including cold-water immersion, handgrip endurance, impossible puzzles, a thread-and-needle challenge, and a boring video task.

• Results showed that perseverance appears to have two distinct dimensions: a physical perseverance factor and a mental perseverance factor. Together, these two factors accounted for approximately 37.3% of the variance in task performance.

• Performance across different perseverance tasks was more strongly explained by an individual's underlying perseverance trait than by resource depletion or fatigue resulting from completing earlier tasks.

• Evidence for the popular "depletion" hypothesis was limited. Participants who persisted longer in one difficult task also tended to persist longer in subsequent similar tasks, suggesting stable individual differences rather than rapid exhaustion of self-control resources.

• Physiological measures showed some relationship between physical perseverance and heart-rate-related stress indicators, but biological variables such as age, sex, height, and weight had only limited associations with perseverance performance.

Määttänen, I., Makkonen, E., Jokela, M., Närväinen, J., Väliaho, J., Seppälä, V., Kylmälä, J., & Henttonen, P. (2020). Evidence for a behaviourally measurable perseverance trait. bioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.05.05.079509

The Funeral Sail Painting

 This painting, titled The Funeral Sail, depicts a ship passing a lighthouse and rocky shoreline, with a buoy in the foreground. Rich colors and reflections across the water add depth and visual interest to the scene.

Its nautical theme and peaceful atmosphere make it well-suited for an office, study, or any space where a touch of the outdoors is appreciated. The artwork evokes a sense of open water, exploration, and the calming influence of nature.

The Funeral Sail is an original 8" x 10" painting on canvas board. Those interested in adding this unique piece to their collection are welcome to inquire for additional details. Gallery of Photos and Paintings

8X10" Acrylic
$110 Free shipping
Purchase on eBay

$10 discount by 
Paying Direct

A Connection Between Corruption and Societal Engagement and Development (The Story of the Clan)

We're going to continue discussing the various influences that contribute to strong economic and social development. Justice is one of the key forces that helps hold societies together. It enables people to engage with institutions and systems based on shared values, trust, and mutual understanding. When people believe the system is fair and that they have an opportunity to succeed, they are more likely to contribute their knowledge, skills, and abilities to society. The opposite could also happen...

Research suggests that as corruption increases, economic growth often slows and public engagement declines. When individuals lose trust in institutions, they may become less willing to invest, participate, or see all systems as helpful. This is why studying corruption and justice is important for anyone interested in building a strong and prosperous society. A healthy society depends on citizens who are willing to engage fully in its economic, political, and social institutions.

To explore these ideas, we will continue using the Hypothetical Story of the Clan as a thought experiment. Like Plato's Allegory of the Cave, it encourages us to examine our assumptions and consider that things may not always be as they first appear. As awareness and understanding increase, new perspectives emerge, allowing us to think more critically about the systems around us. More importantly, how to improve and enhance them.

The article below highlights a connection between a society's level of development and the quality of its institutions. As societies grow stronger and more complex, we generally expect institutions to become more effective, accountable, and responsive. When institutions lag behind, tolerate misconduct, or fail to address problems appropriately, public perception can suffer. Perception matters because it influences engagement in much the same way that consumer confidence influences spending and investment decisions.

At the same time, there is no universal solution to corruption. Anti-corruption policies must be adapted to the unique cultural, economic, and political realities of each society. What works well in one country may not be effective in another. Policymakers must carefully consider how regulations and reforms will function in practice, whether they will produce meaningful improvements, and whether the benefits outweigh the costs. Thoughtful, evidence-based approaches are more likely to strengthen institutions and encourage the public trust that supports long-term development.

As a thought experiment there is no right or wrong but only helpful or unhelpful. You come to your own conclusions. 

Corruption, Anti-Corruption, and Economic Development

• The study examines the complex relationship between corruption, anti-corruption efforts, and economic development, arguing that the effects of anti-corruption policies depend on a country's stage of development and institutional quality.
• Researchers found that while corruption generally hinders long-term economic growth, aggressive anti-corruption campaigns can produce mixed short-term economic outcomes, particularly in developing economies.
• Effective governance, strong institutions, and the rule of law are identified as critical factors that allow anti-corruption measures to support sustainable economic development.
• The article suggests that anti-corruption policies should be tailored to specific national conditions rather than relying on one-size-fits-all approaches, as countries face different political and economic realities.
• The authors conclude that successful economic development requires balancing anti-corruption efforts with policies that maintain economic stability, investment incentives, and institutional effectiveness.

Zhang, M., Zhang, H., Zhang, L., Peng, X., Zhu, J., Liu, D., & You, S. (2023). Corruption, anti-corruption, and economic development. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 10, 434. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-023-01930-5

Top Trends for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises-Technology Can Enhance Small Business

Looking at these trends, it is clear that technology is reshaping how businesses operate. Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are likely to benefit from these changes, which is important because a healthy economy depends on a balance between large corporations and smaller businesses. Large companies play an important role, but small and medium-sized businesses are often the source of innovation, experimentation, and new ideas.

Many of today's large corporations grew by acquiring or partnering with smaller firms that developed successful products, services, or technologies. In that sense, a vibrant MSME sector not only strengthens local economies but also contributes to the growth of larger companies.

For markets to remain dynamic and competitive, entrepreneurs must be able to enter and exit industries as opportunities and ideas emerge. Achieving that balance requires an environment where smaller businesses can compete, innovate, and grow. Technology may help create those opportunities by lowering costs, expanding market access, and improving productivity.

According to the International Council for Small Business, one of the most significant trends for 2026 is the growing impact of artificial intelligence on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. AI is increasingly becoming a tool that helps smaller businesses improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, expand their reach, and compete more effectively in a rapidly changing marketplace.

The Top 10 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Trends for 2026

• MSMEs are becoming more agile and globally connected, with solo entrepreneurs and micro-multinationals using digital technologies to compete in international markets from the outset.
• Human-centered business practices are emerging as a key competitive advantage, as customers increasingly value authenticity, personal relationships, and trust in an increasingly automated economy.
• Artificial intelligence is evolving into a strategic partner for entrepreneurs, helping small businesses improve creativity, decision-making, productivity, and customer engagement while complementing rather than replacing human capabilities.
• Local entrepreneurship continues to play a critical role in economic resilience, job creation, and community stability, particularly during periods of economic and environmental uncertainty.
• Despite advances in technology, regulatory complexity and bureaucratic barriers remain significant obstacles to MSME growth, increasing the need for simpler and more entrepreneur-focused public systems.

El Tarabishy, A. (2026). The top 10 micro, small, and medium enterprises trends for 2026. International Council for Small Business. https://icsb.org/icsb-trends/globalmsmestrendstopten2026/

Rethinking Justice as Part of the Democratic Process

 We are going to continue exploring the importance of justice within the broader economic and social systems in which we all live. Too often, people think of justice only as a system for punishing wrongdoing or as a place where people file complaints. While those functions are certainly part of the system, justice plays a much larger role in maintaining trust, stability, and fairness within society. The softer sell is often more important.

Criticism of the justice system is inevitable, and some of that criticism is well-founded: some not so much. Various measures of public confidence suggest that trust in legal and governmental institutions has declined over time. Historical social unrest and ongoing debates about fairness, accountability, and equal treatment under the law have raised important questions about how effectively these institutions are serving the public at various times in history and present.

To explore these issues, we use a philosophical thought experiment called The Story of the Clan. Loosely inspired by Plato's Allegory of the Cave, it is designed to encourage deeper reflection on how systems operate and how individuals become more aware of the forces that shape society. People were followed home, false rumors spread, threats, reputation damage, ostracization, enrichment, misuse of taxpayer dollers, pressuring minorities to leave and the creation of victims which actors in the system blocked from recourse while violating their human, civil, religious and freedom of speech. 

As people gain a greater understanding of these systems, they may also develop a stronger appreciation for the importance of preserving and protecting justice for future generations. A duty and oath by those who believe in the greater purpose of it all. The story is for illustrative purposes and should be thought of as a theoretical possibility. 

One way to strengthen justice is to recognize and support those who uphold ethical principles while also holding accountable those who misuse authority or violate public trust. Institutions have an obligation not only to uphold constitutional values and individual rights but also to address and correct harms when they occur. Good institutional leaders always try and improve and correct. 

In the allegory, certain groups are targeted and marginalized while others profit from division and prejudice. Whistleblowers face retaliation, wrongdoing is often concealed, and responsibility for correcting harm is shifted onto the victims themselves. The story raises questions about what happens when checks and balances fail and when institutions become more focused on protecting themselves than correcting injustice. In this story the actors within the system blocked victims and normalized misbehaviors.

Most people working within institutions are trying to do the right thing. However, when systems fail, it is important to examine why. One criticism often raised is that justice can become overly focused on legal procedures, regulations, and professional gatekeeping rather than its broader purpose of serving people and society. These aspects are often used by corrupt and/or extreme officials. Access to legal resources is often unequal, creating concerns that wealth and influence can affect outcomes.

Others argue that decisions are sometimes influenced by political, ideological, or institutional pressures rather than consistent principles of justice. Judges, attorneys, public officials, and policymakers are all human beings with their own experiences and perspectives. While many serve with integrity, the challenge is ensuring that institutions remain anchored to a clear commitment to fairness, accountability, and the rule of law.

This study below does not claim to provide a complete answer. Rather, it highlights the possibility that a more people-centered approach to justice could strengthen both democratic institutions and public trust. This connects to a broader distinction between the philosophical purpose of justice and its technical operation. While procedures and legal frameworks are important, they should remain tools for achieving justice rather than ends in themselves.

Reasonable people may disagree with the conclusions of this thought experiment. Some may believe the criticisms are overstated, while others may feel they do not go far enough. The purpose is not to demand agreement but to encourage thoughtful examination of how justice systems function and how they might be improved. Where there is commitment there is correction and striving for a higher purpose and performance.

Perhaps the most balanced conclusion is that the system continues to function, but imperfectly. It moves forward, often slowly, with significant room for improvement. At the same time, meaningful reform frequently encounters resistance. Without effective checks and balances, institutions can struggle to correct past wrongdoing, address abuses of power, or prevent individuals from using public systems and resources for private gain at the expense of others. Understanding these challenges is an important step toward building a more just and accountable society.

You don't have to agree with the study. It is presented for the ideas out there. 

Justice Work as Democracy Work: Reimagining Access to Justice as Democratization

• The authors argue that access to justice is fundamentally a democracy issue because meaningful participation in law requires people to understand, use, and help shape the laws that govern their lives.
• They identify three major barriers to justice: regulatory capture by the legal profession, administrative burdens that prevent people from accessing benefits and services, and institutional failures that reduce public trust in legal systems.
• The article critiques lawyer-centered models of legal services, arguing that restrictive rules on who may provide legal assistance limit public participation and hinder access to justice.
• The authors highlight legal empowerment and people-centered justice as emerging frameworks that prioritize community participation, legal literacy, and solutions designed around people's actual needs rather than institutional convenience.
• Community justice workers—trained nonlawyers who help people navigate legal and administrative systems—are presented as a promising way to democratize access to justice, strengthen civic participation, and rebuild trust in democratic institutions.

Burnett, M., & Sandefur, R. L. (2025). Justice work as democracy work: Reimagining access to justice as democratization. South Carolina Law Review, 76, 833–856. SSRN. https://ssrn.com/abstract=5365751