I was wondering if anyone here has been to him to quit smoking or if you know someone who has. He has a great reputation with celebrities such as Billy Joel and Demi Moore. I am considering taking the trek to see him and would like some encouragement.
Bert Gordon, the Mad Russian?
I am referring to this man:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/spotlight/2001-07-11-smoking.htm
and this:
http://www.fawnfitter.com/madrussian.html
I came here to ask the most intelligent group I know and respect. Unfortunately I have no willpower. I am a mere puddle of goo when it comes to controlling my urges. All I can say to myself is “you only live once” or “you could be hit by a bus tomorrow, then you would be sorry”.
C’mon, doesn’t anyone know anybody?
Eve, that was my first thought, too! Now I’m rather disappointed. 
From the USA Today link:
Congratulations on wanting to quit. Don’t give up. But talk to your doctor. He should have more effective things to try or prescribe.
I can’t recommend this Russian or anyone like him. The reporter may think it sounds like SF, but it’s a lot of fiction and no science. It’s complete hokum. Remember, celebrities are not experts in this.
There’s plenty of free things to try everywhere on the web. You’d probably get similar (i.e. basically random) results by chanting “nam myoho renge kyo” for an hour every day. Or “owa tagu siam.” 
rowrrbazzle,
owa tagu siam…ROTFL!!
If you can find me something that has half of the praise and success this guy has I will gladly try it. I want this to be the last time I quit. I have looked on the web and found www.quitsmoking.com which is a support group, but nothing else. Give me something solid.
H’uh. I thought this was gonna be about Gregori Rasputin-the REAL Mad Russian!
I also opened this thread expecting it to be about The Mad Monk.
Considering the tales of his hypnotic powers, he may have been successful in getting you to quit.
Then you could move on to more healthy pastimes, like cheap wine and prostitutes.
Well, that and exposing your genitalia to an entire restaurant full of nobility.
Oh, like there’s something wrong with that?
I’ve been letting my hair grow for the past year. I’ve been missing psychiatrist appointments for the past few months.
I’ve begun to feel rather Rasputin-ish. He was a nutcase from the Ukraine. I’m a nutcase with Ukrainian heritage. By following his example, I could go from unemployment to influencing government at the highest levels. Eventually, I’ll be assassinated and elaborate stories of my death will be told.
It’s thoughts like this that give me hope.