On some airlines, those new smokeless electronic cigarettes are permitted. Smokers can get their nicotine hit by puffing and breathing in a small cloud of chemicals. Allegedly they don’t bother people sitting next to them, although the jury is still out on that question.

Now, the Department of Transportation is considering a total ban on the Ecigarettes on all flights originating in the U.S. The Tobacco Vapor Electronic Cigarette Association is objecting to the plan, claiming that the devices only emit water vapor and create nothing like second-hand smoke.

If the total ban goes into effect, Ecigarette users will just have to join regular smokers in those little rooms provided for them in airports. Then, whether their flights are for one or a dozen hours, they’ll have to refrain from their habit in the air, get a patch or chew some nicotine gum.

Sorry, smokers, but you may be in a losing battle. Amtrak now forbids Ecigarettes on trains, and the U.S. Navy won’t permit them on submerged submarines.

About 90 miles south of San Francisco is Carmel, one of the most beautiful towns in the U.S. Movie stars and other celebrities have been frequent visitors there for the past century. Two who’ve put down roots as local citizens are Clint Eastwood and Doris Day.

Several years ago, Clint served as mayor of Carmel, and now he runs an inn there called Mission Ranch. It’s a seaside resort composed of quaint 150-year-old bungalows on a cliff featuring breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. For information, go to www.missionranchcarmel.com

Doris Day is the owner of Cypress Inn, a seaside resort that gives visitors the feeling they’re at a French Riviera vintage millionaire’s estate. Because the singing star is known for her advocacy for animals, guests with pets are always welcome and given royal treatment. For more information, go to www.cypress-inn.com