How and when did you learn Latin?
I started when I was 11. I went to Classical High School, where Greek and Latin were compulsory subjects. After my degree in medicine, I went on to study journal-linguistic studies, as I have always been very interested in the European Language, and later took an examination in Latin grammar.

What is Latin like? Does it have offshoot dialects, or is it a straightforward language?
The Latin I use and teach is Classical Latin. Classical Latin is pure Latin. However, one or two centuries ago, there were other, older forms of Latin—Medieval Latin, Church Latin and lingua fracas. The pronunciation is very different from pure Classical Latin.

When did you start teaching Latin, and why?
About two years ago. I was part of the Italian Culture Institute, the cultural center linked to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore. It’s used to promote the Italian language and culture in Singapore. Well, some students inquired into the possibility of me teaching Latin, and I guess that’s how it all started.

What sort of people come for your classes?
All sorts. They are graduates in different fields of studies. There is a one student who is taking his “O” Levels in the UK, and another girl who’s doing her PhD in the US researching on a particular chapter of history. Teachers, architects, all sorts.

What are some uncanny reasons for wanting to learn the language?
Some learn it for personal interest, to learn more about the Roman culture with no intention of using the language at all. Others take it up to learn more about the Roman architecture, Egyptian mythology and anthropology.

Would you say Singaporeans pick it up easily?
Not all. The Latin grammar is more complicated than Italian, but the difficulties seem to stimulate the students to learn more. Chinese students find it more difficult to grasp the language compared to their Indian counterparts. There is an old Indian language called Sanskrit similar to Latin, so Indian students find it easier to pick up the language.

Does Latin ever come in handy for you, like to secretly poke fun at someone?
Some Latin proverbs. Sometimes when I meet people who laugh very easily, I say “stupid people laugh easily” in Latin. It’s a joke. In Africa when there were wars and the military defeated the enemy, the troops would report back to the general, saying, “I came, I saw and I won.” In Latin, it’s “Veni Vidi Vici.” That’s my favorite.

Can you swear in Latin? If so, what are some of the more polite ones?
Oh no, I don’t! There’s a book called the Golden Donkey full of impolite Latin though.

Do women find you sexy when you speak Latin?
Oh, yes. Definitely! Latin helps me look sexy. I’m not particularly attractive, but being Italian and knowing Latin makes me appear more attractive.

Duck Rock is the DJ’s DJ. Having cultivated a legendary reputation from 16 years on the decks, this Japanese beat masher is as unpredictable as he is innovative. Whether twisting classic rock with drum and bass, new wave with breaks, or disco with indie pop, Duck Rock’s style can’t be confined by any single genre, and his fans wouldn’t want it any other way. He’s in Bangkok to show off his skills during the Tokyo Nights series, along with his other compatriots.

Describe yourself in 3 words.
Enthusiastic music lover.

What’s up with your name?
“Duck Rock” is the title of a 1983 record by Malcolm McLaren produced by Trevor Horn. Trevor Horn had a big effect on me. The Duck Rock album is composed of electro, scratch, ethnic music and various other genres all rolled into one. My DJ style is similar, so I am “Duck Rock.”

Do you feel that you are a typical Japanese person?
I like typical Japanese things, yes. Of course I like sushi, shiitake, rice and other washoku (Japanese cuisine). I like hokusai katsushika (Japanese painting) and Japanese traditional performing arts, too.

However, when it comes to music, I am not traditional. My favorite kinds of music come from overseas. Here, everybody says, “Oh, you only listen to Western music? But there’s so much good Japanese music.”

But I like ‘50s-‘60s rock ‘n’ roll, country, folk, reggae, Indian music, new wave, electro, old and new skool breaks, and all pop music. My collection is 95% overseas and worldwide music. Exclusively from Japan, though, I like Yellow Magic Orchestra from the 70’s. I guess I am a typical rock fan.

You were born in Oita, Kyushu. Does that have any influence on your music?
Born in Oita... just dumb luck. I come from a family of music lovers. My father and my younger brother always listened to classical music. My oldest sister always listened to overseas rock, pop and new wave so I listened to FM radio programs everyday. My mother always said to me, “Don’t be glued to the radio!”

You were cutting up rock with electronic beats long before it was fashionable. How do you feel now that it has become popular?
I think that good music never goes out of style. Good music stays, regardless of current trends. I don’t deny that it’s a trend right now, but for me it goes far beyond that. I simply like the rock-meets-electronic style.

When was the first time you felt that the electronic sound could blend well with rock?
When I first started my DJ career. I haven’t changed my DJ style or music selection for 17 years.

Which clubbers do you love the most? How different are they?
All in all, clubbers are great all over the place. My most memorable event was in Moscow. In Moscow, Japanese culture was really popular. There were many Japanese restaurants and anime. I played some 1980’s Japanese electro—”We Are Ninja (Not Geisha)” by the Frank Chickens. It had a more far-reaching effect on people than I ever imagined! They loved it! I like Matsumoto City in Nagano, Japan, and of course Ruby Room in Tokyo, as well.

What should Thai people expect from you?
Whatever is necessary... increased frantic effort!

Where will you be when you are 60 years old?
Oh, that’s a tough one. Probably still in Tokyo, or somewhere else in Japan.

Kondej Jaturaurasmee is the latest Thai filmmaker to go inter. His film, Cherm (Midnight My Love), was awarded Best Picture and Best Director by the Bangkok Critics Assembly last year, and was recently awarded Best Screenplay at the Asian Film Festival in Deauville, France. The 34-year-old has done many things in his life, but this multitalented dynamo remains modest, still considering himself an underdog. In addition to directing films, he has also written screenplays (The Letter) and music with his indie band, Si Tao Thur.

I’ve wanted to produce films since I was a high school student.

Making films is more than just entertainment. I consider it a significant career.

Movies about underdogs are my favorite because I feel like I am one of them. I have an inferiority complex and sometimes I feel this attitude drives me to work harder on things to prove that I’m not mediocre.

Making music is a joyful relief. If I don’t like the way something is coming out, or I don’t believe in it, I don’t have to do it. There is no need to fake it with music.

Making a film requires much more compromise because it requires a lot of money—most of which isn’t mine. I need to understand what moviegoers want and then form my ideas around that.

Columns about readers’ experiences in porn magazines inspired me to write the screenplay for Sayew. I think magazine writers, not readers, write those letters because the writing style is so smooth.

It doesn’t matter if Ton, the male lead in The Letter, exists in the real world or not. The Letter’s message is that we should do whatever we can for the ones we love when they are still alive and with us.

My philosophy is one of escape. I believe all people like to escape—even confrontational types. Escape facilitates our dreams and gives us hope. It only becomes a problem when we can’t balance our dream world with our real life.

After seeing Cherm (Midnight My Love), someone asked me if I believed in karma. Karma is a complicated thing. Sometimes people do the right thing, but they don’t see it pay off. It’s a matter of faith, and we shouldn’t lose our faith.

The feedback for Cherm and Sayew at the Asian Film Festival was terrific. It was great to know that Thai films could speak to foreigners.

I’ve always created films for a Thai audience and have never thought about how foreign viewers would react to them.

Recently I’ve been working on a screenplay for Nu Hin The Movie. It’s interesting because I’m summarizing a long cartoon series into a two-hour film.

I’m writing songs for Pakorn “Dome” Rum’s fourth album. I’m making the songs as mainstream as possible because his third album only communicated to a niche audience. We need some hit songs to sell it.

Right now, the best things in my life are my twins. They are nine years old. I finally found that the purpose of being human is to give birth.

What is your current state of mind?
I’m still excited over Motorola SUPER-Style Mix, which was just over. It has been my dream for the last 20 years to do something like this.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be Ultraman when I was about three or four. Of course, as I grow older, I dreamt of owning my own beauty salon, and develop it into a popular hair salon chain, like Studio V.

What is your greatest achievement?
Work wise, it has to be SUPER Style-Mix. This showcase is all about how style and the fashion have evolved, and ultimately leading to the current industries that are so integrated in our lives. As for my personal life, I feel that my greatest achievements are having so many great friends around me, and of course, my partner and family.

What inspires you?
Plenty of things inspire me: Museums like The Palais de Tokyo, Pompidou Centre in Paris and Colette in Fourbre St-Honore, and fashion designers like Rei Kawakubo, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior and Paul Poislet.

What personal traits do you appreciate the most in others?
Creativity, initiative. I admire any person who has attained a state of mind and has no concern for material pursuits. For example, a fisherman, who may not possess expensive labels like Cartier, BMW etc, but who feels completely happy and at peace with his life.

Do you have a cause or do you support one?
Yes, I’m trying to help disadvantaged kids. I do not have children myself, but I love kids who dare to dream and have ambitions. I want to help these children.

Which living person do you admire most and would like to invite for dinner?
Hanae Mori, the great lady of Japanese fashion and Parisian haute couture, and my godmother, who is my mentor and idol.

What are you reading?
Han Nya Shin Gyo, a very popular Buddhism bible.

How do you spend your Sunday mornings?
Either snuggling in my blanket till late morning, or recovering from late night parties. I might also go for a swim or work out in the gym.

What is your idea of hell?
To constantly want more. I really want to stop this craving. If I’m 50, and still wanting, that’ll really be a living hell.

What is your guilty pleasure?
That will have to be my bad habit of splurging money. I simply love to spend, but most of the stuff that I have bought were never worn or used. Even after all these crazy buys, I still feel so empty.

What’s playing in your iPOD/MP3/CD player?
Too Many DJs and Coldcut.

What do you collect?
I buy everything in excess, mostly 10 of the same item every time. So right now, I have about 100 over books on photography, architecture and fashion, more than 300 T-shirts, 50 pairs of sneakers, and more than 200 jackets, shirts and toys combined.

What is your favourite item of clothing?
T-shirts, jeans and jackets.

What accessory sets you apart?
Everything! My combination of belts, shoes, necklaces, watches, rings and handkerchiefs.

What about you that scares others?
I tend to get over enthusiastic about everything and would go all the way to achieve what I feel is good. I’m a bit of a perfectionist.

What did you believe at 18 that you wish you still believed now?
Money is not important. We can’t let materialistic gains rule our heart, but we must be driven by passion.

Are you a storyteller by trade or is this just a hobby?
I’m a professional storyteller, so I get paid to tell stories. I teach, I tell stories and I write as well. Being a storyteller is almost like being an alcoholic; you don’t really put it on your card! There are some people who would look at your card and say “So … what? You mean you just tell stories?”

Can you make a living out of storytelling?
Part of being a storyteller is knowing that you can live with more or less, and it should not matter. It’s not a fancy living, but you manage to get by.

Why did you become a storyteller?
It’s something I feel so passionate about; something that stirs me.

There used to be a lot of storytellers before, but they sort of died out. Why do you think that happened?
I think people associated it with something that was old-fashioned, and was lost in our quest to modernize.

Why do you think that storytelling is making a comeback?
I think there’s a re-emergence of all the arts in Singapore. I think all of us recognize that it’s very innately a part of us. There’s a revival throughout the world. It’s also become a very important tool in business.

How is storytelling used in business?
It’s very hot in business! It’s … something you can’t measure. What facts and figures can’t persuade a society to do, myths can. The facts are not enough to move your soul.

Is there any training involved in becoming a storyteller?
There is a certain amount of training and there’s a certain amount of innate ability. Just getting a certificate is not enough. The storytellers’ course, in a sense, gives you more information on the tradition of storytelling. There is an art to it and you recognize that what you’re doing is something quite valuable to society. There are various techniques and no one technique is the only way to do it.

Are there any particular kinds of stories you tell?
The storyteller will tell the story he or she wants to tell, and will shape the story to his or her own needs.

So, you don’t read the stories from a book?
No self-respecting storyteller will pick up a book and recite it. That is not storytelling.

Do you have to tell the stories in a specific place?
NS men share their stories everywhere, so why does anyone imagine it has to be in a specific area?

Do you do funny voices?
(In a squeaky voice) Yeah, sometimes I do funny voices. (In a deep voice) I could do voices if I have to.

From Latin to samba, rock ‘n’ roll to mambo, expect to be impressed by some of the world’s best dancers. We stared with mouths agape at the quick and fiery footwork ravaging the dance floor, before sitting down with Harry Medcalf—the veteran producer who has worked with Elton John, Carlos Santana, Queen, Frank Sinatra, Alanis Morrisette and more.

What inspired you to produce the dance musical Burn The Floor?
It began at Elton John’s 50th birthday event in London in 1997, where young ballroom dancers entertained. I was surprised at how they stopped a high- powered room in its tracks. Later, I met the dancers and was inspired. I wanted to work with them, and the idea of combining their talent with modern theater technology began there.

Tell us, what are some of the notable points of Burn The Floor?
We have incredible, young dance talent who are of world champion standard. It is an incredibly energetic and inspirational show. The choreography is complex and breathtaking to watch, but it is not a show for dance lovers only, but a show for everyone. 
  
What are the different genres of dances we can see?
We have a two-hour infectious marathon of rapidly shifting dance styles – swing and jive, tango and Paso, rumba, classic waltz to a turbo-charged, rock-jive.

Why the theme, “Would you like to dance with me?”
We want to be one with the audience, dance with them, and send them home happy, smiling, their feet dancing all the way.

How is the show different from other dance musicals?
I am flattered that we have been compared to other shows like Riverdance, but our show is full of different dance styles and levels of energy. The waltz scene is so beautiful that it can bring tears to your eyes, and the jive so energetic that it gets your feet moving.

Where has Burn The Floor traveled to so far?
Famous venues around the world, such as the Royal Albert Hall in London, Radio City Music Hall in New York, the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. We have played in 93 cities around the worlds.

Top brands such as Gucci, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Issey Miyake and Moschino sponsored the shoes and costumes. Why the decision to use high fashion to complement the dance?
The colors and fabrics are an inspiration for us. High fashion has a way of accentuating movement and style.

What is the most encouraging comment that you have received about Burn The Floor?
I received a letter from a man who had brought his very elderly grandfather to the show. It seems that one of our dancers had gone over to his grandfather during the show, reached over and held his hand. This man loved dance all his life, but was never allowed to dance himself. The dancer going over to him to hold his hand was very special, and for him, it was like a dream come true.

Musical West Side Story tells the classic tale of star-crossed lovers separated by a long-standing feud. Set in New York in the 1950s, it follows the story of Maria (Kirsten Rossi) and Tony (Josh Young). The Puerto Rican Maria belongs to the street gang The Sharks, the sworn enemies of the American-born Polish-descended The Jets (Tony’s crew). In a plot highly reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, Maria and Tony swear their undying love to each other even as the feud among their friends escalates violently. I-S chatted to director and choreographer Joey McKneely.

What makes a good musical?
First a good story, then memorable music. From there it’s all up to the director and choreographer. They can make or break a show.

Why is it that particular Broadway musicals are so universally loved? What makes them stand out?
I believe it is because they act as a form of escape for an audience. Plus the performance is live. Something magical happens when everyone in the theater is feeling the same thing at the same time. A musical tries to do this with music, visuals, and words all at once. When it works, there is nothing else like it.

Why do you think West Side Story has had so much resilience after so many years?
Basically it is the love story. The first love, this is something all of us once lived. And the depth of that love story told against the conflict of hate is something that has gone on since man discovered he was not alone.

What’s your favorite bit in the musical and why?
It has to be the ballet. It just has such beauty and hope. It is love on stage.

Which scene is the hardest to choreograph? Why?
I think the opening is the most difficult to get right. It starts the show. No word. All dance. And the entire conflict it lays out, with each character being shown for the first time.

If you had to choose, would you be a Jet or a Shark? Why?
If I was a boy, a Jet; if I was a girl, a Shark. Each has the best choreography in the show.

Do you think the end is realistic? Could these two gangs really reconcile after all the bad blood that has passed between them?
Well, no. But one can hope that maybe one day the world will. That’s why it’s a musical!

Do you think the underlying message of the story has more relevance today than it did in the past, especially given the state of global current affairs?
Pick an era, there will always be conflict. It is human nature.

If you could choose any musical to choreograph and direct next, which would it be and why?
Actually, I don’t choose the musicals, they choose me.

How long have you been swallowing fire?
We have been doing this for the past 10 to 11 years. We started off as traditional dancers at first until one day we caught a Maori fire dance on television. After that we decided to add that extra fiery element in our dance.

How often do you train for this?
Usually between four to five hours a day. There have been some changes in our dance moves and fire acts since we first arrived in the Night Safari, so we had to adjust and re-choreograph our moves.

Do your parents approve of this?
(Smiles) Definitely not at first. But they eventually gave in … about two to three years later.

Would you allow your children to follow the same footsteps?
Yong is the only one who has children, two daughters aged four and two and both of them can twirl a firestick. He doesn’t mind and I won’t mind either.

What qualities and equipment do you need to pick up this hobby?
You have to have the willingness to learn and you have to be brave, of course. We actually make our own equipment. This is because the equipment is customized according to our height and arm length. In addition, we want to be responsible for our own act and by using our own handmade equipment, we can ensure the quality and safety of our act.

Doesn’t the fire eating burn your tongue?
It did at first. But we have been doing this for eight to nine years now. We have mastered the technique and trust us–it is not black magic or any spiritual mumbo-jumbo.

Do you only use kerosene and has anybody experienced side effects from accidentally swallowing kerosene?
We have used other liquids like turpentine and alcohol, but kerosene thus far has been the best option. It is suitable for indoors and it burns slower, which gives us more control over the flame. We can gauge when the flame is getting too close when we blow fire so we know when to stop. The side effect from swallowing kerosene is usually diarrhea, yet interestingly, back home in East Malaysia, we actually use small amounts of kerosene to prevent constipation, especially in babies.

What are some of the painful incidents you guys have experienced when training?
It’s the usual minor burns around the mouth and lips but we have been careful so far. However, we have seen other friends who have been admitted into intensive care. Breathing is an important aspect in a fire act like this. If you breathe in too much, you run the risk of burning your organs, which has happened to our friends.

I realized most of the guys have long hair. Has anybody’s hair ever caught fire?
Definitely, burnt hair, eyebrows and other facial hair.

What is your current state of mind?
I’m feeling very at ease with my current status in life. I’m healthy, have a beautiful wife and I represent my country in a sport that I am very passionate about.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I think I was born to play rugby though I played football for a short spell too. Growing up, I’ve never thought of becoming anything else.

What is your biggest achievement?
Helping Fiji to win the Rugby World Cup Sevens Championship.

How do you spend your Sunday mornings?
If it’s not a competition or training weekend, I like to sleep in and laze around.

What is your idea of hell?
Going shopping with a group of women.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Afternoon naps.

How do you recharge?
Going on holidays.

What’s playing in your Ipod/MP3/CD player?
Mostly hip hop and pop music.

What are you reading?
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.

What do you collect?
Tries and victories.

Where would you like to live?
Nowhere but Fiji. As players, we spend a fair bit of time on the road, so I’d really like to spend as much time in my homeland as possible.

What inspires you?
The person who inspires me the most is my mentor, Waisale Serevi. He taught me all that I know about the game. Without him, I am nothing.

What personal trait do you appreciate the most in others?
Godliness.

Do you have a cause or do you support one?
None at the moment, but I think I’d like to be involved with something to do with kids and serve as some form of inspiration to them.

Which living person do you admire most and would like to invite for dinner?
Nelson Mandela.

What about you that scares others?
My speed and the hunger I have to win each time I step on the pitch. When I get on the pitch, I feel happy and really want to fight, like a lion that wants to eat its prey. As soon as I hold the ball, I want to take it to the try line because I know that I can make it.

If you had to play a character in a movie, which movie and which character?
I like Russell Crowe’s character in Gladiator.

What did you believe at 18 that you wish you still believed now?
That size is all that matters.

DIARY OF A (SORT OF) NON-SMOKER

Week One

Used to smoke 1.5 packs per day. As of now, will be cigarette-free.
I am very determined that I shall quit smoking. I threw out all my lighters, cigarettes, ashtrays and cigarette butts (you never know how desperate you’ll get). From this day on I’ll have beautiful skin, white teeth and I won’t wheeze while trying to put my shoes on. I’ll be a glorious supermodel. I will start walking one kilometer every morning at 6:30am. I feel good. I can’t wait to tell everyone about the brand new me.

Later in Day One

Lasted only 10 minutes on my walk and had to rest. I tried watching American Idol without puffing away at 30 cigarettes. It just wasn’t the same. But it’s only the first day after all. I’ll be better tomorrow.

Week Two

Number of real cigarettes smoked: Zero. Number of imaginary cigarettes smoked: 2,159.
I’m feeling quite sanctimonious. I told everybody I was quitting and all were impressed. This now means I can eat all the chocolate I want.

I’ve been looking at myself in the mirror every five minutes to see if I look 10 years younger, if my teeth are any lighter, or if my skin is any better. People at work say I look a lot fresher and that I’m glowing (come on, it’s not like I’m pregnant) but I think they’re lying. I know for a fact that my butt is definitely at least five centimeters wider since last week. How can it be possible to put on this much weight in one week?

I might need glasses because everything looks like a cigarette. My favorite perfume is cigarette smoke. Thank goodness for those chocolates.

Week Three

Cigarettes smoked: 1 pack.
I was doing really well. Then I suddenly decided I had to have two cigarettes. I went to 7-Eleven and bought a pack and smoked five in a row. I came back to the office, told my office neighbor that I had smoked one cigarette, and she forced me to give the cigarettes away. When my boss found out, he was so mad he threw a pen at me. I promised that it was the last stick I was going to have.

Now I can’t stop. I’ve been hiding out and smoking with a mint in my mouth and a bottle of perfume in hand so no one will know. But every time I return to my desk, there is a photocopied newspaper article on quitting via laser treatment staring back at me.

I am on my way to quitting, it’s just that I’m having a little setback. I’m definitely going to quit tomorrow. Then I’ll have a healthy body, more money, and all those wonderful things. This is only a temporary lapse.

Week Four

Cigarettes smoked: So many I have lost count.
This was supposed to be my glory week: Week Four of Quitting Smoking. Now I’m sneaking at least 1.5 packs a day. It’s like the whole world is disappointed with me. My boss says he’s really annoyed that he has to spend so much time listening to my whining. My office neighbor casts looks of pity at me.

I was exercising but now I can’t bring myself to look at my new running shoes anymore as it’s too depressing. The only reason I still swim every day is so that I won’t forget that I actually do have lungs in my wheezy chest. Why is it so difficult? It’s not like I am smoking crack.

Week Five

Cigarettes smoked: I can’t be bothered to count. But I have gone up in strength.
I am imagining myself lying full of needles in an acupuncture studio in Chinatown and being rid of this smoking addiction. And if that doesn’t work, then I will next try acupuncture combined with hypnotherapy. I am willing to try any form of torture necessary. It’s just that I’m too busy at the moment to actually do it.

I should never have told anyone at work that I was quitting. My colleagues have plastered my entire cubicle with information on how to quit smoking. And the one who is giving me the hardest time is a smoker himself.

The entire exercise plan has collapsed. My shoes still look brand new and the hand weights I bought haven’t even been taken out of their plastic pack. Plus I’m eating all that extra junk I was using as a reward for quitting. Not only am I a smoker, but now I’m a fat one as well.

Just Do It

Quitting smoking using sheer willpower alone is notoriously difficult. Thankfully there’s now an array of different sources smokers can turn to for help with stubbing out the habit.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture focuses on applying pressure to the pressure points that will circulate qi to calm the nervous system. This helps to treat cravings, irritability and restlessness. Physicians treat patients according to their specific smoking habits, so treatments are designed specifically to suit individual needs. Registered TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) Physician and Acupuncturist Amy Liang (Kiat Siong Clinic and Acupuncture, Blk 465, #01-30 Crawford Lane, 6733-0777) suggests that initially the patient should have three visits on three consecutive days for 30 minutes. After this, treatments should be twice weekly. Liang charges $35 per treatment. Treatments that also incorporate weight management cost $48.

Laser Therapy

A bit like acupuncture without the needles, laser therapy works on a similar philosophy to the older science. A laser is applied to pressure points on the ears, nose, hands and wrists to stimulate the release of endorphins. The idea is to give the smoker feelings of relaxation, calm and well-being, thus reducing stress levels and the urge for a cigarette. Phoenix Laser Therapy Centre (26/F, Tower B, Ngee Ann City, 391B Orchard Rd., 6836-9305) claims their Quit Smoking Program is completed after only three hour-long sessions over three days. But quick fixes don’t come cheap: The total cost for the sessions is $640. Counseling is provided.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

The way the Nicorette products work is to provide low levels of clean nicotine (nicotine without the harmful tar and carbon monoxide of cigarette smoke, the primary causes of cancer and cardiovascular disease), to help smokers curb their withdrawal symptoms.

There are three kinds of product. The Nicorette Gum is a sugar-free gum that can be consumed whenever cravings are experienced. The gum releases nicotine into the bloodstream through the mouth’s lining. They are available in two strengths. The 2mg product costs $19.90 for 30 pieces, and $58.80 for 105 pieces; the 4mg product costs $29.95 for 30 pieces, and $88.20 for 105 pieces. A full course of the gum usually takes around 16 weeks to complete.

The Nicorette 16-Hour Patch is designed for use throughout the day, so it’s put on in the morning and taken off before bed. It delivers a controlled dose of nicotine throughout the day, and as the smoker is slowly weaned off them, dose levels should be decreased. It’s available in three doses ($34.65 for seven 15mg patches; $31.50 for seven 10mg patches; $28.90 for seven 5mg patches) and it’s recommended that these are used for about 12 weeks.

To address the behavioral aspects of smoking, the Nicorette Inhaler allows smokers to still mimic the hand to mouth inhaling action of smoking, through a mouthpiece with a replaceable cartridge of nicotine. The amount of nicotine released is about eight to 10 times less than that in a cigarette. It’s recommended that six to 12 cartridges be used per day for a minimum of eight weeks, and then the number should be reduced. A box of 18 cartridges costs $26.25. None of the Nicorette products should be used for longer than six months.

Hypnosis

The theory behind using hypnosis to quit is that it puts the smoker in a state whereby the conscious mind is bypassed. By changing habits in the subconscious, it is supposed to be easier to change conscious behavior. But success depends largely on the smoker’s willingness to go into a hypnotic state. Certified Hypnotherapist El Solaris RP (9615-3348) suggests social smokers will need two sessions ($330) to stop smoking, while other smokers will need four sessions ($660). Single sessions are also available ($200).