Compare and Contrast: long and short term memory

2 Things to Compare: Long term and Short term Memory
3 Ways to Compare them: How memory is affected in children, adults, and seniors.
Occassion: Compare how long term memory and short term memory develops and changes throughout three different stages of life: youth, adult, senior.

Audience: psychologists, undergraduates studying psychology.

Purpose: To inform students and people who want to know about the subject.

Draft

Stebbing 1

Stephanie Stebbing
Mr. Ken Kerr
EN 101-1
9/12/10

The Practice and History of Fortune Telling

Fortune can be defined as wealth, riches, luck, or things that are to happen to a person in his or her life. In comparison to luck, fortune is a positive prediction about one’s future. Luck can be either positive or negative, and is usually unpredictable. Bad luck is defined as an “unfortunate state resulting from unfavorable outcomes”, or an “unpredictable outcome that is unfortunate”. Good luck is very closely related to good fortune, with the exception that good luck is not often predicted because it is something that happens to someone randomly, and in contrast, one’s good fortune is believed to be their destiny, or fate. It is possible, yet not too often that bad luck or misfortune is predicted in fortune telling since it is a random occurrence. Fortune telling is a controversial practice, and increasingly so in today’s modern society because there is such a versatile population of believers, non-believers, and critics who each have their own opinions about the practice. Some believe that it is a science, mainly those who believe in astrology and numerology. Those who do, would say that there is a scientific explanation for why things happen the way they do, and that these predictions are just observations of that science at work in people’s lives. Some believe that it is merely a prediction made by specialists based off of certain objects and character analysis, and those people who don’t believe at all in the works of fortune telling might say it’s a scam.
There are many different beliefs, opinions, and types of practices involved in fortune telling. These beliefs and practices differ from one region of the world to another. However, fortune telling is practiced all over the world, even if it is a minor form of it, such as a booth at a carnival with a supposed gypsy who predicts your future through tarot cards. Fortune telling was practiced in ancient China, Egypt, Chaldea, and Babylonia as long ago as 4,000 BC. It was also widely spread throughout Greece, and was practiced by many ancient Greek philosophers such as Nostradamus to predict the occurrence of events in the future. Fortune telling played an important role in ancient religion and medicine. During the time when we didn’t have cures for illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia, many families used gypsies and psychics to predict weather or not a member of the family who suffered from a like illness would live or die.
Certain countries believe in and rely on fortune telling more than others. For example, Nigerians rely heavily on fortune telling by the gods to predict their future state of being. They believe that gods bring good fortune to those who worship them. In Nigeria, their faith with one god is not very sacred, because they are allowed to change faith to another god, or add an extra god to the one they already worship if they believe that another one would bring them better fortune than their first. Different gods bring different fortunes, so in time of need, one would worship the god that will bring them good fortune to accommodate them in the way they need. If rivers overflowed and floods were expected, worshipping Oya, the river goddess, would keep you safe.
Fortune telling is often associated with character analysis, and can take such forms as graphology (the study of handwriting), physiognomy (study of facial characteristics), phrenology (study of contours on the skull), and palmistry (study of the lines on the palm of the hand). Some of the methods used for fortune telling are astrology, numerology, and the utilization of objects such as playing cards, tea leaves, crystal balls, etc… Tarot reading is a well-known method of fortune telling because it is widely practiced among the united States. Another well-known method is psychic and astrology readings.
Believers in good fortune and luck often have one object that they believe is their “lucky charm”, or something that would bring them good fortune when it is near. This also differs from one country to another. In China and other Asian countries, a cricket serves as a watchdog because it stops chirping when danger is near. It is considered unlucky to kill or injure a cricket in Asian and European countries, as well as in the far east. Ladybugs bring good luck and prosperity to your daily life. The number of spots there are on a ladybug indicate how lucky it is. A ladybug with a lot of spots is very lucky, as opposed to one with very few spots which is not as lucky. In Ireland, four-leaf clovers are considered very lucky. An Irish blessing states, "For each petal on the shamrock this brings a wish your way. Good health, good luck, and happiness for today and every day." A rainbow is also a lucky symbol because there is supposedly a pot of gold at the end of one. A few animals are thought to be signs of good fortune as well, such as dolphins, turtles, frogs, elephants, rabbit feet, and alligator teeth.
Fortune telling is practiced all over the world, and some countries rely on it more heavily than others. Many Asian and European countries use fortune telling in their religion and in their medicine practices as well. It has not been proved to be a scientific technique, though some people believe it is. Fortune and luck are similar, but fortune is usually a positive prediction, while luck is not a prediction at all, but an event that occurs in someone’s life that may be positive or negative. Fortune telling is used today in many societies and cultures for various reasons, and will most likely always be around as a connection to our unknown future.


Works Cited:
“History of Fortune Telling” Parapsychology and Magic

http://www.audioenglish.net/dictionary/good_fortune.htm“Good Fortune” Online Dictionary from AudioEnglish.net

“50 Signs of Good Luck From Around the World” from Squidoo

“Bad Luck” Online Dictionary from AudioEnglish.net
http://www.audioenglish.net/dictionary/bad_luck.htmhttp://www.squidoo.com/goodlucksignshttp://istina.rin.ru/eng/para/text/614.html

Frederick Community College Ebrary: Culture & Customs of Nigeria.
http://site.ebrary.com/lib/frederick/Doc?id=10017928&ppg=53

The Practice and History of Fortune Telling; Final

Stebbing

Stephanie Stebbing
Professor Kerr
EN 101-5
September 12, 2010

The Practice and History of Fortune Telling

Fortune can be defined as wealth, riches, luck, or things that are to happen to a person in his or her life. In comparison to luck, fortune is a positive prediction about one’s future. Luck can be either positive or negative, and is usually unpredictable. Bad luck is defined as an “unfortunate state resulting from unfavorable outcomes,” or an “unpredictable outcome that is unfortunate.” Good luck is very closely related to good fortune, with the exception that good luck is not often predicted because it is something that happens to someone randomly, and in contrast, one’s good fortune is believed to be their destiny, or fate. It is possible, yet not too often that bad luck or misfortune is predicted in fortune telling since it is a random occurrence. Fortune telling is a controversial practice, and increasingly so today because there is such a varied population of believers, non-believers, and critics who each have their own opinions about the practice. Some people believe that it is a science, mainly those who believe in astrology and numerology. Those who do would say that there is a scientific explanation for why things happen the way they do, and that these predictions are just observations of that science at work in people’s lives. Some believe that it is merely a prediction made by specialists based off of certain objects and character analysis, and those people who don’t believe at all in the works of fortune telling might say it’s a scam.

There are many different beliefs, opinions, and types of practices involved in fortune telling. These beliefs and practices differ from one region of the world to another. However, fortune telling is practiced all over the world, even if it is a minor form of it, such as a booth at a carnival with a supposed gypsy who predicts your future through tarot cards. Fortune telling was practiced in ancient China, Egypt, Chaldea, and Babylonia as long ago as 4,000 BC (History of Fortune Telling). It was also widely spread throughout Greece, and was practiced by many ancient philosophers such as the French philosopher, Nostradamus, to predict the occurrence of events in the future (History of Fortune Telling). Fortune telling played an important role in ancient religion and medicine. During the time when we didn’t have cures for illnesses such as the flu or pneumonia, many families used gypsies and psychics to predict weather or not a member of the family who suffered from a like illness would live or die. One country whose religious beliefs are based heavily on fortune telling is Nigeria.

Nigerians rely heavily on fortune telling by the gods to predict their future state of being. They believe that gods bring good fortune to those who worship them. In Nigeria, their faith with one god is not very sacred, because they are allowed to change faith to another god, or add an extra god to the one they already worship if they believe that another one would bring them better fortune than their first. Different gods bring different fortunes, so in time of need, one would worship the god that will bring them good fortune to accommodate them in the way they need. Oya, the river goddess, offers protection from flooding waters, therefore one who worships Oya in time of need would be kept safe.

Fortune telling is often associated with character analysis, and can take such forms as graphology (the study of handwriting), physiognomy (study of facial characteristics), phrenology (study of contours on the skull), and palmistry (study of the lines on the palm of the hand). Some of the methods used for fortune telling are astrology, numerology, and the utilization of objects such as playing cards, tea leaves, and crystal balls. Tarot reading is a well-known method of fortune telling because it is widely practiced among the united States. Another well-known method is psychic and astrology readings.

Believers in good fortune and luck often have one object that they believe is their “lucky charm,” or something that would bring them good fortune when it is near. (50 Signs of Good Luck from Around the World). In China and other Asian countries, a cricket serves as a watchdog because it stops chirping when danger is near. It is considered unlucky to kill or injure a cricket in Asian and European countries, as well as in the far east. Ladybugs bring good luck and prosperity to your daily life. The number of spots there are on a ladybug indicate how lucky it is. A ladybug with a lot of spots is very lucky, as opposed to one with very few spots which is not as lucky. In Ireland, four-leaf clovers are considered very lucky. An Irish blessing states, "For each petal on the shamrock this brings a wish your way. Good health, good luck, and happiness for today and every day." A rainbow is also a lucky symbol because there is supposedly a pot of gold at the end of one. A few animals are thought to be signs of good fortune as well, such as dolphins, turtles, frogs, elephants, rabbit feet, and alligator teeth. (50 Signs of Good Luck from Around the world).

Fortune telling is practiced all over the world, and some countries rely on it more heavily than others. Many Asian and European countries use fortune telling in their religion and in their medicine practices as well. It has not been proved to be a scientific technique, though some people believe it is. Fortune and luck are similar, but fortune is usually a positive prediction, while luck is not a prediction at all, but an event that occurs in someone’s life that may be positive or negative. Fortune telling is used today in many societies and cultures for various reasons, and will most likely always be around as a connection to our unknown future.
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　

　

What I've learned

Dictionary.com's definitions of fortune:

1. position in life as determined by wealth: to make one's fortune.
2. wealth or riches
3. chance; luck: They each had the bad fortune to marry the wrong person.
4. fortunes. things that happen or are to happen to a person in his or her life.
5. fate; lot; destiny: whatever my fortune may be.

Dictionary.com




Good Fortune:
1. an auspicious state resulting from favorable outcomes
2. a stroke of luck
Described by audioenglish.net as good luck, prosperity, and successfulness.

http://www.audioenglish.net/dictionary/good_fortune.htm



Bad Luck:
1. an unfortunate state resulting from unfavorable outcomes
2. an unpredictable outcome that is unfortunate
3. unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from an unfortunate event
Described by audioenglish.net as misfortune.

http://www.audioenglish.net/dictionary/bad_luck.htm


The differences between fortune and luck:

the word "fortune" is usually used to describe a good event or a favorable outcome that occurs. It can be predicted, typically by a fortune teller or a tarot card reader. Those who believe in fortune believe that it is destiny, and is not cooincidental.

The word "luck" can be used in a positive or a negative connotation, however, when describing the opposite effect of good fortune, "bad luck" is the correct term to use. Bad luck may be predicted as well by a fortune teller. It is not as often that negative predictions are made, but it is possible.

In fortune telling, nothing is actually set in stone. It is the choice of those who practice in this activity to believe weather or not their fortune determines their future. Some believe that fortune telling is a science, others believe it is a mere prediction, and some don't believe in the practice at all.




Nigerians believe that gods bring good fortune to those who worship them.
If your god disappoints you or doesn't satisfy whatever wants or needs you may have, you are allowed to pledge alliegance to another, or add a new one to their worship whom they believe will bring them better fortune.Certain emergencies may call for more attention to one god instead of another. For instance, war and violent situations will privilege the worship of Ogun, the god of iron; prolonged rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning will privilege Sango; if rivers overflow and floods are expected, this is the time for Oya, the river goddess.



Falola, Toyin. Culture & Customs of Nigeria.
Westport, CT, USA: Greenwood Publishing Group, Incorporated, 2000. p 53.
http://site.ebrary.com/lib/frederick/Doc?id=10017928&ppg=53
Copyright © 2000. Greenwood Publishing Group, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
 
 
 
 Many people believe that certain objects bring them good luck or fortune, and the objects differ in symbol and meaning from one region of the world to another.

Insects
In many asian countries such as China, a cricket serves as a watchdog. These natives believe that when there is danger, the cricket stops chirping. It is considered unlucky to kill a cricket in many European countries and in the far east.
Ladybugs bring good luck and prosperity to your daily life. Their spots indicate how lucky they are.

Lucky Charms
"For each petal on the shamrock this brings a wish your way. Good health, good luck, and happiness for today and every day." - Irish Blessing
Many people believe that wearing charms representing lucky symbols such as turtles, shamrocks, four-leaf clovers, or horseshoes will bring them good luck.

Acorns, rainbows, and eggs are all believed to be good luck symbols found in nature. Eggs represent fertility, purity and rebirth. Rainbows are considered lucky because of the idea which originated with the Irish that at the end of a rainbow, there is a pot of gold. In Nore folklore, the vikings associated acorns and the oak tree with good luck because it protects them from the lightining's wrath.



Animals

Dolphins are considered lucky in Ancient Greece cultures, Sumer, Egypt, and Rome.
Pigs are considered lucky to German-natives because they are a symbol of wealth, good fortune, and prosperity.
Other animals that are believed in certain cultures to be lucky are tortoises, elephants, tigers, rabbit's feet, alligator teeth, and frogs.



There are many different techniques for fortune telling. Fortune telling was practiced in ancient China, Egypt, Chaldea, and Babylonia as long ago as 4000 BC. These fortune telling predictions played an important role in ancient religion and medicine. Some of the methods used in fortune telling are astrology, numerology, and the utilization of objects such as playing cards, tea leaves, crystal balls, etc...
Fortune telling is often associated with character analysis, and can take such forms as graphology (the study of handwriting), physiognomy (study of facial characteristics), phrenology (study of contours on the skull), and palmistry (study of the lines on the plam of the hand).



Fortune tellers are often portrayed as gypsies dressed in colorful garments and scarves, and gaudy jewelry.

Fortune

Is there good fortune and bad fortune?

What gives fortune tellers their ability or power?

How does fortune work? Is it scientific...? Religious...?

Which countries are big believers in fortune?

Eagles

1.) Are eagles endangered?
2.) Where do eagles live? (Country, state)
3.) What is their habitat?
4.) What do eagles eat?
5.) Why is the eagle the symbol for the US?