Something interesting... Taliesin_2 Thu Dec 24 23:21:03 1998 It comes from an article called "Fortune*br*Tellers Never Starve," by William L. Gresham, published first in Esquire*br*magazine in 1948. Gresham constructed the following outline to show how*br*fortunetellers can apply psychology and stereotypes to their trade to*br*approximate what their clients most want to know about or to hear.. *br*Here's the outline:*p*I. Young girl*br* A. Wild type*br* 1. I can't catch, or hold, my man.*br* 2. My conscience is bothering me.*br* 3. I'm in trouble.*br* B. Wallflower*br* 1. I'm afraid of men.*br* 2. I'm afraid of life and responcibilities.*br* 3. I'm afraid of Mom.*br* C. Career girl (Usually jealous of a brother)*br* 1. Under 25: I'm ambitious. I hate and despise men and*br*marriage!*br* 2. Over 25: I'm panicky. Maybe no one will marry me!*p*II. Mature woman (30-50)*br* A. Still Wild*br* 1. Why isn't this as much fun as it used to be? I'm lonely.*br* 2. I'm afraid of getting my face scarred, or burning to death*br*in a fire. (This never misses.)*br* 3. I've got to believe in something--the occult, a new*br*religion that doesn't include morals, or YOU Mr. Fortuneteller!*br* B. Wife and Mother*br* 1. Is my husband seeing another woman?*br* 2. When will he make more money?*br* 3. I'm worried about the children.*br*III. Spinster *br* A. Still presentable*br* 1. When will I meet him?*br* B. Given up hope*br* 1. My best friend has done me dirt.*br* 2. I'm crushed! A gigolo has got my savings!*p*IV. Young Man*br* A. Wild-oats farmer*br* 1. Is there a system for beating the races?*br* 2. What do you do when you get a girl in trouble?*br* a. Is she playing me for a sucker?*br* B. Good boy*br* 1. Will I be a sucess?*br* 2. How can I improve my education?*br* 3. Is my girl two-timing me?*br* a. She's mixed up with Type A.*br* 4. I'm afraid of Mom!*p*V. Mature Man*br* A. Wolf, married or single*br* 1. Girl trouble*br* a. I can't get her!*br* b. I can't get rid of her!*br* c. Her male relatives are after me!*br* d. Does my wife know?*br* B. Businessman*br* 1. Where's the money going to come from?*br* 2. Will this deal work out?*br* 3. Did I do right in THAT deal?*br* 4. What does my wife do all day?*p*VI. Elderly people*br* A. Woman*br* 1. Will my daughter get a good husband?*br* 2. Will THAT CREATURE be a good wife to my son?*br* 3. W#ill the children (or grandchildren) be all right?*br* B. Man*br* 1. Will I ever have enough money to retire on?*br* 2. I'm afraid to die.*br* C. Both*br* 1. Am I going to need an operation?*p*VII. Wise guy*br* A. Toughie*br* 1. Make one false move, Fortuneteller, and I'll bust ya*br*one! (Ease him out quickly!)*br* B. Defensive bravado*br* 1. I'm smarter than most people, I see through you. *br*(Flatter him, he'll end by eating out of your hand.)