Takei leads revolt on no-gadget rule

LOS ANGELES » If you get frustrated when flight attendants make you shut down your electronic tablet or digital reading device during takeoff and landing, George Takei has got your back.

The actor who portrayed Hikaru Sulu in the "Star Trek" television series and films is so fed up with having to turn off his gadgets on flights that he launched a petition this month on the website Change.org, calling on federal officials to reconsider the policy.

"I suspect I’m not alone in feeling put off," Takei said in his petition letter.

He’s right. The petition has already collected nearly 17,000 signatures.

But the Federal Aviation Administration is already talking about lifting the ban on the use of personal electronic devices during takeoffs and landings. In August the agency announced that it was forming a committee to study when such devices could be used.

Mountain State boasts new ski area

CHARLESTON, W.Va. » A fifth West Virginia ski resort is open for business this year.

The ski industry reports that Oglebay resort in Ohio County opened for skiers and snowboarders on New Year’s Eve. Winterplace, Snowshoe, Canaan Valley and Timberline opened in November and December. For cross-country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts, White Grass Touring and Elk River Touring Centers report excellent conditions.

Besides the snow already on the slopes, snow-making at higher elevations is ensuring a layer of fresh snow on many runs. More than 20,000 tons of snow is being produced in West Virginia per hour at peak conditions.

Terry Pfeiffer, president of Winterplace and the West Virginia Ski Areas Association, says skiers and snowboarders from Virginia, North Caro­lina and Florida are enjoying West Virginia’s slopes.