No more spin for barbers, and more

No more spin for barbers

The city of Thornton, Colo., has outlawed spinning barbershop poles. The tradition of marking barbershops with a red, white, and blue striped pole dates back to medieval times, but city official Robin Brown said the modern mechanized version poses a threat to public safety. “We don’t want signs to be distracting,” said Brown, “especially to motorists.”

New York state seeks to regulate Wiffle ball

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Under a new law in New York state, childhood games such as tag, Wiffle ball, and horseshoes may soon be designated “nonpassive recreational activities with significant risk of injury” subject to regulation by local health officials. Republican State Sen. Patty Ritchie says she’ll fight the proposal on behalf of her youngest constituents. “I’m just trying to save summer,” said Ritchie.