Researchers at Western Sydney University have revealed results of a study showing that frequent nose-pickers may have a higher probability of developing Alzheimer’s disease. WION-TV reported on Feb. 7 that the habit introduces germs into the nasal cavity that trigger the brain to produce beta-amyloid as a defense. An abundance of beta-amyloid is believed to be the leading cause of Alzheimer’s.
“It is essential to note that the temporary relief obtained from nose-picking is not a substitute for proper nasal hygiene,” the report said, proper nasal hygiene being “regular cleaning and maintenance of the nasal passages through gentle methods such as saline nasal rinses or blowing the nose.”
Sweet revenge
Paul Gibbons, 63, of Kingsclere, England, paid about $32,000 to have his kitchen remodeled a year ago, the Basingstoke Gazette reported. Wickes, the company he chose to do the work, bungled it, according to Gibbons: “The finish throughout is so poor, and half the kitchen doesn’t fit as it should. I agreed to the contract and what I was told would be two weeks of work, and … I am left with a kitchen which I can’t even use as you should.”
As a result, Gibbons demanded a refund, but when he couldn’t get that, he parked a decommissioned 1963 gun tank that he had borrowed from a friend outside the store. Wickes called that “unacceptable and aggressive behavior” and threatened to have the tank removed.
But Gibbons isn’t budging: “I want my money back and want them to take that kitchen out of my house so I can get a new one.”
Consumer report
After 2 1/2 years, Jackie Nguyen of Seattle “just didn’t like” her couch anymore, USA Today reported on Feb. 1. After checking with Costco’s return policy, Nguyen returned the couch to the store for a full refund.
“We just didn’t like the color anymore,” she admitted on a TikTok video.
Nguyen didn’t even have a receipt, but she did have a good memory and could tell the clerk the date she bought the sofa. The clerk looked it up and refunded $900 to her card. Costco told Nguyen that returned items are donated, resold, returned to the manufacturer for a credit or refurbished.
Field report
On Jan. 20, as an Amish couple from Shipshewana, Ind., shopped at a Walmart in Sturgis, Mich. Lona Latoski, 31, allegedly climbed inside their buggy and directed their horse away from the parking lot, MLive.com reported. A witness saw the woman drive off and thought it was odd that she wasn’t Amish, but didn’t report the theft. When the couple came out and realized their ride was gone, a truck driver offered them shelter from the cold and alerted police, who tracked down the buggy at an Admiral gas station, where it was parked. Latoski was located in the motel next door, hiding under a pile of clothing in a shower. She admitted taking the horse and buggy and said she had “instant regret … but she was cold and needed to get home,” the officer said.
“I asked her if she had ever had any training with equestrians,” he said. “She did not know what equestrian meant.”
(Apparently, nor did the officer.) Latoski was charged with larceny of livestock and general larceny.
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Source: Berkshire mont