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Posted-By: auto-faq 3.1.1.2 (test mode)
Archive-name: lefty-faq

                       FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
                                  FOR
                       THE LEFT-HANDED POPULATION
                                  AND
                         FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS


I Table of Contents
  Welcome
  Introduction
  Credits
  Frequently Asked Questions
  Questions and Answers

II Welcome

Welcome to official Usenet Guide to Frequently Asked Questions for the
Left-Handed Population. It is posted periodically to the alt.lefthanders
newsgroup and the general newsgroups alt.answers and news.answers. It is
available via anonymous ftp from:

    ftp://ftp.cs.ruu.nl/pub/NEWS.ANSWERS/lefty-faq
    /[email protected]:/pub/rtfm/usenet/alt.lefthanders/

Also, you can find a URL version on the World Wide Web at:

    http://www.cs.ruu.nl/wais/html/na-dir/lefty-faq.html


III Introduction

There exists in the world a very special group of individuals who is left
handed. This group has had to spend its life conforming to a world that
was not designed for its benefit. In addition, this group has had to put
up with insults and derogatory comments aimed in its direction. The intent
of this document is to provide a source of information for the left-
handed population and to serve as a consciousness raising tool about
issues of special concern for lefties for the population in general. It
is sincerely hoped that it serves its goal.

IV Credits

This FAQ is maintained by Barry D. Benowitz ([email protected])
All corrections, additions (including new questions) and suggestions
are welcome.

===== Copyright 1995 - 2000 by Barry D. Benowitz.  Use and
copying of this information are permitted as long as (1) no fees or
compensation are charged for use, copies or access to this
information, and (2) this copyright notice is included intact.  ====
=====================================================================
[NOTE: this is information collected from many sources and while I
strive to be accurate and complete, I cannot guarantee that I
have succeeded. ]
=====================================================================

V Frequently Asked Questions

Q01. What does being left-handed mean?
Q02. What does being ambidextrous mean?
Q03. What percentage of the population is left handed?
Q04. Is lefthandedness inherited?
Q05. Are lefthanders naturally clumsy?
Q06. Is there a quick test to determine eye dominance?
Q07. Is there a quick test to determine handedness?
Q08. What makes a cup right or left handed?
Q09. What makes scissors right or left handed?
Q10. What makes a bowling ball left or right-handed?
Q11. What makes bowling shoes left or right-handed?
Q12. Do Lefties have an advantage in Bowling?
Q13. Do Lefties die younger than right-handers?
Q14. Are Lefties brain damaged?
Q15. Do Lefties make better athletes?
Q16. Do Lefties make inferior athletes?
Q17. In baseball, what makes left-handed hitters so successful?
Q18. In baseball, what makes left-handed pitchers so successful?
Q19. In cricket, what makes left-armed Batsmen so successful?
Q20. In cricket, what makes left-handed Bowlers so successful?
Q21. In fencing (sword fighting), what makes left-handers successful?
Q22. Is there a store catering to left-handers in my area?
Q23. Where can I acquire left-handed guitars?
Q24. Are there any publications for left handers?
Q25. Are there any recommended books for left handers?
Q26. What is brain dominance anyway?
Q27. Why does women's clothing button the opposite way of mens (left vs. right)?
Q28. Are there any left-hander advocacy organizations?
Q29. Why is left handedness considered something sinister?
Q30. Will you name some left-handed celebrities?
Q31. When is International Left-handers Day?
Q32. I'm rightie, my child's lefty. How can I teach him/her to tie shoe-laces?
Q33. Where can I get a left-handed fountain pen?
Q34. Where can I learn left-handed Calligraphy?
Q35. Why do we wear our wedding bands on the third finger of the left hand?
Q36. Where can I get a lefthanded joystick?
Q37. Where can I get a Left Handed Computer Keyboard.
Q38. Where can I get a left-handed mouse?
Q39. Why are there more Lefthanded Males than Females?
Q40. Do Lefthanders tend to have a specific blood type?
Q41. What percentages of Lefthanders exist in different societies?
Q42. Why do some lefthanders use Mirror script?
Q43. Why do Lefthanders hold the paper differently when writing?
Q44. Why are Lefthanders sometimes called Southpaws?
Q45. Are there any organizations concerning golf and left-handers?
Q46. Which sports banned left-handers?
Q47. What are left-handed playing cards?



VI. Questions and answers.

Q01. What does being left-handed mean?

       A very good question. For the purposes of this document, being
   left-handed means having a preference for using your left hand for
       a variety of tasks, including reaching, throwing, pointing,
       catching. It also implies a preference for using your left foot
       for tasks such as kicking, as well as the preferred foot with
       which to begin walking, running and bicycling. However, there are
       no hard and fast rules for determining which hand or foot the
       Lefthander prefers to use for a particular task. Most will prefer to
       use the left hand or foot for delicate work.

       One may also have a dominant left eye, preferring to use the left
       eye for telescopes, camera sights, and microscopes.

       In general, being left-handed means having a dominant right side
       of the brain.

       M.K. Holder <[email protected]> clarifies that this dominance
   does not apply in the area of brain hemisphere specialization for
   language abilities: According to a neurological study published by
   Branch, Miller & Rasmussen in 1964 (Journal of Neurosurgery
   21:399-405) indicates that perhaps half of all left-handers
   have the same left-hemisphere specialization for language
   abilities as do right-handers. See:
       http://www.indiana.edu/~primate/refs1.html for more information.

Q02. What does being ambidextrous mean?

       To be ambidextrous means to be equally dextrous with either hand.
       That is, the ability to use both hands with equal skill and coor-
       dination.

Q03. What percentage of the population is left handed?

       There have been many different numbers put forth, with the most
       common numbers we have seen being in the area of 13 percent. However,
       we have seen numbers as high as 30 percent, when you allow a
       very loose definition of left-handedness.

Q04. Is lefthandedness inherited?

       While lefthanders doubtless runs in some families, scientists
       are unsure that the issue is completely resolved. Part of the
       problem has to do whether a person's hand preference is the result
       of genetic determination or some other reason ie forced to switch
       because of convention, accident, what ever.

Q05. Are lefthanders naturally clumsy?

       An emphatic NO to this. The problem most lefthanders have is that
       the world is configured for right handed people. Lefties, in the
       act of accommodating to this opposite world, may appear awkward
       using tools that have right hand preference designed into them.
       However, right-handers display even more awkwardness using left
       handed tools than lefthanders do using right handed tools. This
       is probably because righthanders are less used to adapting.

Q06. Is there a quick test to determine eye dominance?

       Try the following to determine eye dominance. With both eyes
       open, line up the tip of your finger, at arm's length, with a
       distant object. Close each eye separately. The eye that results
       in the object and you finger remaining aligned is your dominant eye.

Q07. Is there a quick test to determine handedness?

       No, there is not. In fact, the only sure way to determine brain
       dominance is to anesthetize one half of the brain and then see
       what functions are still handled by the still functioning hemisphere.
       There have been interesting results obtained, such as people able
       to respond to visual cues but not verbal cues. I don't know about
       you, dear reader, but I am not willing to submit to this test just
       to definitively answer the question.

       However, you can try this: Sitting comfortably, fold your hands
       together and notice which thumb is on top. Lefties will have the
       right thumb on top.

       Readers should note that this test is not completely accurate. We
       have heard about a significant number of lefties on alt.lefthanders
   who fail this test. Readers should also note that hand preference
   is usually not evident until children are age 4-6. Some children have
   been known to exhibit a preference as early as age 2.

   According to J.B. Sattler ( Das linksh�ndige Kind in der
   Grundschule, page 17) a better test to determine which hand is
   dominant is to note which hand is usually/preferably used to...
        - be put up in school
        - switch on/off lights
        - brush teeth
        - comb hair
        - hammer
        - water flowers
        - throw dice
        - pick up/count things
    - open window/door
        - use a screwdriver
        - sew
        - throw a ball etc.
    - draw ,paint, write

       Thanks: Inken B. Spreda <inken@wolnetdotde>

Q08. What makes a cup right or left handed?

       First, you must realize that (drinking) cups come in two varieties:
       symmetric and not symmetric. Cups that are not symmetric may have
       a lip to ease pouring the contents. If this kind of cup is right
       handed, the lip will be on the side of the cup which is away from
       the body, which allows for a easy neat motion. If this cup is
       picked up with the left hand, the lip is toward the body, which
       makes it awkward and messy to pour.

       For symmetric cups, the problem is that when the decoration is only
       on one side. When the right handed individual picks up a right
       handed cup, he is able to see and enjoy the decoration. A leftie
       using that cup presents the decoration to the world; he is unable
       to see it.

       Lefties would benefit with symmetric cups with designs on both sides;
       cups with lips would have to be made in both right and left handed
       varieties.

Q09. What makes scissors right or left handed?

      You can see the difference easily, by placing the scissors on
      the table like this:

     \  /
      \/
      /\
     O  O

     For right-hand scissors, the part of the scissors lying `on top' at
     the intersection of the two parts, will be the one from top-left
     to bottom-right, whereas for left-hand scissors, the uppermost will
     be the part from bottom-left to top-right. Turning the scissors around
     or up-side down won't change this relationship.

     Secondly the reason for this difference lies in the way the
     scissors are opened and closed by your left or right hand. When you
     close the scissors,  the cutting edges close and the cutting edges
     are pressed together because your fingers holding the scissors bend
     and your thumb stretches. If the cutting edges are pushed away from
     each other, the material being cut slides in between, and is definitely
     not cut. This is what happens when you use a  right-hand scissors
     with your left hand.

     Since your left hand is a mirrored version of your right hand,
     your scissors should be `mirrored' as well. This is why the cutting
     edges are made on the opposite side of each part, and the parts
     are assembled just the opposite way, giving you perfect left-handed
     scissors.

     Thanks to: Jurgen van Engelen <[email protected]>

Q10. What makes a bowling ball left or right-handed?

       Left-handed bowling balls are different in two respects.
       The first, and most obvious, is the placing of the finger holes
       in relation to the thumb hole.  What follows is the first (and
       last) square bowling ball you'll ever see <G>:


               0                       0
                  0                 0
                +                     +

                0                     0



       The view is from the top and the spacing is highly exaggerated.
       Mark Hideo Fujimoto <[email protected]> points out that
       while this configuration is true for a vast majority of people,
       one cannot say it is true in the general case.



       The ring finger is held behind the middle finger, as it is then
       the last thing to leave the ball - imparting spin.  Using a right-
       -handed ball, the middle finger, or the thumb, would be last.
       Neither of these digits will impart any spin at all to the ball.
       Spin is important to make the ball curve, or hook, into the pins
       and the rotation of the ball stabilizes it as it drives through.

       The second consideration, which I cannot draw (do I hear cheers?)
       is the location of the center weight with relationship to the spot
       where the holes are drilled.  The ball is drilled so that the weight
       is slightly ahead of the thumb hole and to one side - left, for
       left-handers.  This balancing weight provides extra momentum and
       spin to the ball.

       Mark Hideo Fujimoto <[email protected]> disagrees:
       I have to disagree here, too.  The "center weight", or more correctly,
       the center of gravity of the weight block, is usually placed to the
       *left*  of the (+) in my diagram for a left-handed ball. This is known
       as "positive weight", which combined with lift and spin imparted by the
       bowler, gives the ball a more pronounced hook than a ball without this
       type of weighting.  Once again, this isn't the only way to drill
       a bowling ball, but it is one that tends to be conducive to getting the
       ball reaction that produces more strikes.There will be times when other
       types of weighting will prove to be more beneficial than "positive"
       weights.

       Throwing the ball fairly normally for a beginner, one should
       ideally see some clockwise rotation as the ball tends to drift
       toward the center (a strike!).  Throwing a right-handed ball with
       your left hand places the weighting on the left side - meaning the
       ball will go straight, or even back up (a reverse curve).  This
       kind of delivery makes it almost impossible to get the ball to the
       center with force and momentum, unless you are a 300-pound gorilla.

       Mark Hideo Fujimoto <[email protected]> clarifies:
       you don't have to be a "300lb gorilla" in order to overcome the effects
       of various ball weightings.  If a left-hander imparts a clockwise ro-
       tation to the ball, regardless of whether it's a right-handed or left-
       handed ball, the ball will hook from left to right.  The weights may
       alter the way the ball hooks (i.e., earlier, later, stronger, weaker.),
       but not the direction in which it hooks.  Many bowlers use "negative
       weight" (placing the weight block's CG closer to where the ball rolls)
       in order to reduce the amount of hook on lanes that promote hook (i.e.
       "dry" lanes, lanes with little oil on them).

        Most bowling establishments have a couple of left-handed balls
       for use.  These are usually in poor shape, but a lot better than
       trying a right-handed ball, for the reasons stated above.

        The good news is - a left-handed ball, drilled by a professional,
       costs EXACTLY the same as the right-handed one.  And, to spur your
       confidence, don't forget that the first man to earn a million dollars
       in bowling, Earl Anthony, is left-handed.

       Thanks to: Bob Snyder          <[email protected]>
                  Mark Hideo Fujimoto <[email protected]>


Q11. What makes bowling shoes left or right-handed?

       Bowling shoes are "handed" by the type of sole that is on the sliding
       shoe. Since (most) left-handed bowlers slide with their right foot, the
       right shoe is soled with some type of leather or buckskin to aid in
       sliding.  The left shoe will usually be rubber-soled with a leather or
       a textured rubber toe piece. This toe piece is added for extra traction
       when "pushing off" on the next-to-last step.  Right-handed shoes are
       basically mirror images of the left-handed shoes.  Most bowling shoes
       come in this configuration; however, some manufacturers produce their
       low-end bowling shoes in ambidextrous versions -- both shoes have some
       type of sliding sole, so they can be used by either left or
       right-handers. House shoes are typically this way.

       Thanks to: Mark Hideo Fujimoto <[email protected]>

Q12. Do Lefties have an advantage in Bowling?

       While there is no consensus that such an advantage exists,
       here's the debate in a BIG nutshell:

       The surface of a bowling lane is oiled for various reasons, one
       of which is to provide a "condition" on which to bowl.  Second
       only to a bowler's skill level, the manner in which lanes are
       oiled (called the "lane condition" or "oil pattern" or "shot")
       greatly determines what type of bowler and his corresponding
       style most often will prevail.

       Most of the time, the "shot" will be symmetric with respect to
       the middle of the lane lengthwise, i.e., the oil pattern from
       the 20th (middle) board out to each respective gutter will be
       similar in a mirror-image fashion.  Thus it appears that being
       left-handed is of no advantage over being right-handed, and vice
       versa.  However, there are two things that create an eventual
       disparity -- one, there are more right-handed bowlers (RHB) than
       left-handed bowlers (LHB) in most situations.  Two, the lane oil
       isn't static.  It migrates as bowling balls roll through it and
       gets deposited in new places on the lane before eventually get-
       ting carried off the lane.  These two factors are the basis for
       argument between RHB's and LHB's.

       RHB's argue that LHB's have an unfair advantage because:

       *Bowling is a sport of repetition and consistency, and when the
       playing conditions remain stable, it is easier to maintain the
       muscle memory in order to repeat motions.  Since there are fewer
       LHB's in general, the condition for them doesn't change as much
       or as dramatically as it does for the RHB.  Thus a RHB must con-
       stantly adjust to the changing conditions, thereby destroying
       any consistency he has tried to develop in earlier frames or
       games.

       LHB's counter with:

       *WHEN (more correctly is IF) the "shot" is tough (an oil pattern
       that tend to make it difficult to get the ball to the pocket),
       LHB's get stuck with dealing with it for the duration of bowling;
       whereas RHB's on a tough shot have the greater numbers in which
       a shot can be "broken down" into something more score-able.

       Ultimately, it comes down to a matter of respect.  Many RHB's don't
       respect LHB's because they feel that the accomplishments of a LHB
       are tainted because of the unfair advantage of easier, more consis-
       tent bowling conditions than what RHB's (often) get.  IMHO, it's a
       valid point, although I don't feel that this is the case 100% of
       the time.

       OTOH, LHB's can't argue the flip side because there is no equivalent.
       LHB's generally resort to defending themselves by asking things like
       "why do RHB's assume that when a LHB bowls well, it's because they
       have an easier "shot", and not because the LHB is talented or made good
       shots?", or "I can't help it that I'm left-handed, I don't oil the
       lanes".  As you can probably figure out, this is a sore subject with
       many LHB's, as RHB's outnumber them and dare I say most RHB's have
       some sort of animosity or envy towards LHB's and their conditions.

       Thanks to: Mark Hideo Fujimoto <[email protected]>

Q13. Do Lefties die younger than right-handers?

       Stanley Coren, who is the author of "The Lefthander Syndrome" found
       statistical evidence of this, and didn't believe it for the longest
       time. However, he remains unable to disprove it. He was able to
       demonstrate a possible reason for this might be that a left hand
       startle reflex would be much more dangerous when driving a car
       on US or Canadian road since the car would end up pointing
       against traffic while a right hand startle reflex would simply
       cause the car to drive of the road.

       As a double check, Coren did find a statistical difference in
       left handed traffic fatalities in countries where they drive on
       the left, such as Great Britain or Australia.

Q14. Are Lefties brain damaged?

Q15. Do Lefties make better athletes?

Q16. Do Lefties make inferior athletes?

Q17. In baseball, what makes left-handed hitters so successful?

       This may not be a true statement, but here is a possible ex-
       planation:

       A left-handed hitter faces the home plate from a different side.
       For a pitcher who is not yet used to pitching to lefties, His
       standard arsenal of pitches do not have the same affect. A  normal
       outside fast-ball to a right-hander becomes an inside fast-ball
       to a leftie and the same is true for an inside fast-ball. Also,
       a curve ball curves out for a rightie would curve in for a lefty.

       The resulting confusion is what makes left-handers better at
       hitting.

       Edward Brekelbaum  ([email protected]) adds:
       Also, batters in the right side of the plate (lefties), are about
       one step closer to first base (a righty must step over the plate to be
       where a lefty started).  This may not seem like a huge advantage, but
       how many times has a runner been out "By one step".

       John Mianowski <[email protected]> points out that
       LH hitters are generally more successful against RH
       pitchers.  As noted, a RH pitcher's breaking balls (i.e. curves,
       sliders, cutters) will break in toward the hitter.  It's
       always easier to hit a ball that's breaking in on you than
       breaking away.  LH hitters are therefore perceived as being more
       successful than RH hitters because the great majority of
       pitchers are right-handed.

Q18. In baseball, what makes left-handed pitchers so successful?

       There are three factors here. First, left-handed pitchers
       stand on the mound facing first base, making it much easier to
       spot base-stealing attempts, and to throw out the runner. Secondly,
       the throwing arm of a lefty pitcher is more hidden from view of a
       righty batter, making it difficult for the batter to gauge the pitch
       as it's being thrown. Finally, lefties naturally tend to throw the
       ball towards the left side of the plate (from the batter's
       perspective), placing the pitch inside for a righty batter (which is
       more difficult to hit).

       Ironically, the perceived success of LH pitchers is primarily
       due to their inherent advantages over the LH hitters that the
       other teams put in their lineups to hit off the RH pitchers!
       Often, managers will bring in a pitcher to face just one
       hitter (LH-on-LH or RH-on-RH matchup), because of which
       hitters are coming up soon, or even to try to force the
       opposing manager to pinch hit to get HIS favorable matchup (the
       hitting team gets to make the last change), but taking a good
       hitter out of the game to do it.

       Thanks to: George Feil <[email protected]>
              John Mianowski <[email protected]>


Q19. In cricket, what makes left-armed Batsmen so successful?

       Left-armed Batsmen enjoy the same advantages as left-handed
       hitters do in baseball.  See the answer regarding baseball
       hitters above. Note that many left-armed batsmen prefer
       to hit from the left side, for an unknown reason.

       Roy Lakin <[email protected]> provides some additional
   information:

   The rough patch formed by the right-arm pace bowlers is
   further away from the off side of a right-hand batsman than a
   left-hander; a (right-arm) bowler bowling over the wicket is
   closer to the stumps than one bowling round the wicket, and will
   therefore tend to run on to the pitch in the follow-through.

       Thanks to: Roy Lakin <[email protected]>

Q20. In cricket, what makes left-handed Bowlers so successful?

   The success of the bowlers and batters is obvious and closely
       related to the similar success of the baseball players. When bowling
       against a left-handed batsman, especially if there is a right-handed
       batsman at the other end of the cricket pitch, it places the fielding
       side at a disadvantage when ever runs are made. The whole fielding
       side has to swap around to accommodate the left-hander. Similarly the
       left handed bowler, especially a spin bowler can cause havoc against
       the right-handed batsman because the ball will break opposite to a
       right-handed spinner. Also the left-handed spinner can pitch the ball
       into the rough patches on the pitch formed by the right handed pace
       bowlers on the opposite side of the wicket. This ensures an uneven or
       unpredictable bounce or movement of the ball.

       Roy Lakin <[email protected]> adds that Bowlers generally
   bowl to a batsman's off side in order to provoke a catch in
   the slips, so the left-hander will suffer from pitches in the
   rough more than would a right-hander, who would ofter leave
   wides or near-wides alone.

       Thanks: David Wiles <[email protected]>
           Roy Lakin <[email protected]>

Q21. In fencing (sword fighting), what makes left-handers successful?

       Fencing is a sport where the very best practitioners don't think,
       but react. This requires practice, practice, practice in order to
       develop an instinctual approach. The scarcity of left-handers means
       that right-handers don't get a chance to practice (usually) and fail
       to develop that edge. Conversely, left-handers practice against right-
       handers frequently which give them more chances to develop a high skill
       level.

       Thanks:
   Malcolm Glennie Holmes <[email protected]>

Q22. Is there a store catering to left-handers in my area?

       We have heard of the following places, but since we have not been
       able to try them, the following list does not constitute a recom-
       mendation. They are listed in no particular order:

                               Left Hand World, Inc.
                                       Pier 39
                               San Francisco, California
                               Phone: (415)433-3547

                    The Left Hand Supply Company
                           P.O. BOX 20188
                         OAKLAND, CA  94620
                            510-658-LEFT


                     Anything Left Handed Ltd.
                          57 Brewer Street
                               London
                              W1R 3FB.
                        Tel: 0171 437 3910.

                            ZURDOlandia
                Cl Bolonia, 10 (Esq. Cte. Sta. Pau)
                          50008 - Zaragoza
                               Spain
                         Tel : 976 22 63 80
                         Fax : 976 22 63 80
                    E-mail : [email protected]
                 Contact : Jesus Capapey, Ana Lombo

                       DE DRETA A ESQUERRA S.L.
                      Copernico 85 (Tienda 2)
                          08006 Barcelona
                               Spain
                        Tel/Fax: *-34-(9)3-201.93.92
                        email: [email protected] (English)
                                       [email protected] (Castellano)
                   [email protected] (Problems)

             Left Handed Products
             29a Playfair St
             The Rocks
             Sydney NSW 2000
             Australia
             phone :02 9247 6374

                               On the Other Hand
                               6907 Woodtrail Ct.
                               Fort Wayne, Indiana 46835
                               phone: (219) 486-2702
                               fax:   (219) 486-7428
                               WWW: http://www.ontheotherhand.com

                               The left gender corporation
                               d/b/a A diestra & siniestra,
                               la tienda de los zurdos
                               Local 5D Pueblo Xtra Building Plaza Carolina
                               Fragoso Ave., Corner Pueblo Xtra
                               Carolina, Puerto Rico, USA  00983
                               Tel:  (787) 750-9098
                               Fax: (787) 750-9168
                               Email:  [email protected] or [email protected]
                               Toll free:  1-888-Excite2, extension 787 750 9098
                               Website:  www.leftgender.com

       Also, an extensive list of shops in Germany, Swiss and Austria (in
   German language) can be found on "Die deutsche Linksh�nderseite:
   Gesch�fte":<http://www.wolnet.de/lLinkshaender/geschaef.html>

Q23. Where can I acquire left-handed guitars?

       We have heard of the following places, but since we have not been
       able to try them, the following list does not constitute a recom-
       mendation. They are listed in no particular order:

                          Route 66 Guitars
                      3579 E. Foothill Blvd., #321
                      Pasadena, California  91107
                                USA
                        tel: (213) GUI TARS

       Vintage, Used & New Left and Right Handed Instruments
                     Vintage Amps & Accessories
              Lists available via US Mail, FAX & eMail
                   ([email protected])
               (http://www.southpaw.com/route66/)

                               Southpaw Guitars of Texas
                               5813 Bellaire Blvd.
                               Houston, TX 77081
                               (713) 667-5791


Q24. Are there any publications for left handers?

       There are several. One is called Lefthander Magazine and it is
   published six times a year by Lefthanders International. It is
   written in English so that the words appear left to right, but the
   columns are presented right to left and the pages are numbered
   right to left. Its a little disconcerting at first, but Lefties
   will soon get used to it.

       It contains articles about lefties of note, plus many helpful hints
       for leftie adaption problems. It contains advertising for some
       catalog items plus other products of interest to lefthanders.

       It is available only to members of Lefthanders International, but
       there is no additional charge to receive the magazine.

       Left Hand Corner -Infos, Bilder, Texte, Songs f�r Links- und Rechtsh�nder-
   The only German magazine for left-handers. It is published 4 times
   per year, DM 4 per copy.  Order:
               Norbert Martin
               Left Hand Corner
       Platzhoffstr. 13, D-42115 Wuppertal
       Tel/Fax 0202-305156.  Info:
       <http://www.sinergo.com/linkshaender/katalog8.htm#LT17/2>

       The Left-handers Club:
        Anything Lefthanded Ltd.
        18 Avenue Road
        Belmont, Surrey SM2 6JD, England
        They publish a magazine "The Left-Lefthander", which is published
    quarterly and costs �2,50 per copy.

Q25. Are there any recommended books for left handers?

       Unicorns Are Real, by Barbara Meister Vitale
       Warner Books ISBN 0-446-32340-4

       The Lefthander Syndrome, by Stanley Coren PhD

       The Natural Superiority of the Left-Hander, by James T. deKay

       The Left-Handed Book, by James T. deKay

       Left-Handed in a Right-Handed World, by Jeff Goldsmith

       The Left Handers Guide to Life, by Leigh Rutledge and Richard Donley
       ISBN: 0-452-26845-1

       Germar Saule tells us of the following German language books, he is
       not aware of any translations into other languages:

       Linkshaendig? Ein Ratgeber (Lefthanded? An adviser)
       HRSG: Rolf W. Meyer, Fachliche Beratung,
       Dr. Johanna Barbara Sattler,ONRS;
       1991;Humboldt-Taschenbuchverlag Jacobi KG, Muenchen;
       ISBN 3-581-66669-3;

       Das linkshaendige Kind in der Grundschule
       (The lefthanded child in the primary school)
       HRSG: Dr.Johanna Barbara Sattler/ Staatsinstitut fuer Schulpaedagogik
       und Bildungsforschung, Muenchen;
       1993; L. Auer-Verlag; Donauwoerth;
       ISBN: 3-403-02532-2; 4.Aufl. 1994;

       Der umgeschulte Linkshaender oder Der Knoten im Gehirn
       (The "translearned"(learned from left to right) lefthander
        or The knot in the brain)
       HRSG: Dr. Johanna Barbara Sattler
       1995; L. Auer-Verlag; Donauwoerth;
       ISBN:3-403-02645-0;

       Linkshaender sind bessere Menschen
       (lefthanders are better humans)
       HRSG: Nora Babel;
       1992; Eichborn Verlag; Frankfurt am Main;
       ISBN 3-8218-2283-X;

       Das Linkshaenderbuch
       (The lefthander-book)
       HRSG: Diane Paul
       1990; Bloomsbury, London;
       Uebersetzung: 1994 Droemersche Verlagsanstalt Th. Knaur Nachf.,
       Muenchen;
       ISBN 3-426-84037-5;

       Alles mit der linken Hand (Geschick und Geschichte einer Begabung)
       All with the left hand (skill and history of a talent)
       HRSG: Rik Smits
       1994; Rowohlt
       ISBN 3-87134-096-0

       Selim oder Die Gabe der Rede
       (Selim or The gift of the speech)
       HRSG: Sten Nadolny
       1990, R. Piper GmbH&Co.KG, Muenchen;
       ISBN: 3-492-02978-7;

       Geni Cabre <[email protected]> recommends the following book (in Spanish):

       El Nino Zurdo by Dr. Cesar Cabre and Elicia Rios

       Thanks: <Germar Saule> [email protected]

Q26. What is brain dominance anyway?

       The term "brain dominance" was historically used by neurologists to
       describe which side of the brain (which cerebral hemisphere)
       played the greatest role in human speech & language.  Neurologists
       currently prefer the term hemispheric "specialization" to describe
       how one side of the brain's neural function is specialized for a
       particular function, usually language ability.  But even language
       tasks occur in both hemispheres, so this description is simplistic.

       Thanks: <M.K.Holder> [email protected]
       See: "What does Handedness have to do with Brain Lateralization?"
   at: http://www.indiana.edu/~primate/brain.html

Q27. Why does women's clothing button the opposite way of mens (left vs. right)?

       This goes back to the Victorian age. It seems that a proper gentleman
       would dress himself while a proper lady would require the services
       of a dresser. In order for the motion of securing a button to be the
       same, and to account for the fact that the clothing of a man would
       be fastened from behind while the clothing of a woman would be
       fastened while facing the clothing, the buttons on men's clothing
       would have to be opposite of women's.

Q28. Are there any left-hander advocacy organizations?

       The one we have heard about (and of which we are a member) is
       Lefthanders International. They are located in Topeka, Kansas
       and can be reached at the following address:

                       Lefthanders, International
                       P.O Box 8249
                       Topeka, Kansas 66608
                       USA

       The local telephone number is: 1-785-234-2177.


       Annual dues run about US$15.

       There is an organization available in Germany. They can be reached
       at the following address:

                             ONRS e.V.
                         Sendlinger Str 18
                            80331 Munich
                              Germany

Q29. Why is left handedness considered something sinister?

      First, let me say that the Latin word for left is sinister. The
      connection between the the English word and the Latin word are
      obvious, but this reasoning breaks down when other languages are
      examined. Raymond <[email protected]> tells the following
      story:  Roman priests/fortune-tellers used to point a square wooden
      frame towards the sky and thus watch birds fly by. If the birds came
      from the left (sinister),it meant trouble (sinister).If they came from
      the right (latin dexter if I remember well),everything was OK.

      Raymond <[email protected]> also tells me that the French word
      "sinistre" means sinister with the obvious Latin root. Also, someone
      who is considered not skillful is called "gauche" (left) in French.

      Rob Jordan <[email protected]> offers this explanation.  It
      also has to do with shaking hands.  It seems that one explanation
      for the origin of shaking hands (according to a Latin teacher at the
      high school I went to) is that people would shake hands on meeting
      to show that they didn't have a dagger (or similar weapon) in their
      (right) hand so they couldn't stab you right off as they met you.
      However if you were left handed, you could shake someone's hand
      (with your right hand) and still be able to effectively use your
      left hand to stab someone. Therefore left-handed people were considered
      potentially more dangerous and "sinister".


      Erica <[email protected]> tells me that in Hebrew, "Yemin" is
      right and "Smoll" is left. A right-handed person is
      referred to as "yemani," which means "right-handed;" a left-handed
      person, on the other hand (no pun intended. Well, ok, maybe it
      intentional), is referred to as "Eetair yad Yemino" or "Eetair" for
      short, which means, in essence, a person who is not right-handed.
      (Connotation: a shortcoming).

      Balthasar <[email protected]> tells me that in german you call
      someone 'linkisch' (meaning 'leftish') if he/she is either weird,
      strange or even mean in an antisocial sense.

      Wei-Hwa Huang <[email protected]> responds that a bit of
      research on Chinese etymology has turned up some interesting
      facts.  The Chinese word for "left," when traced back to
      ancient pictograms, is a drawing of a hand with a drawing that
      means "work."  The idea apparently was that the left hand did
      work by helping the right hand. Bruce Balden
      <[email protected]> points out that the symbol "gong1" means
      work because it looks like a carpenter's set square, which
      would be held in the left hand (of a right handed person) while
      the other hand draws or saws.

          Wei-Hwa resumes: On the other hand (pun intended), the
      character for "right" was a picture of a hand next to a mouth,
      indicating that the ancient Chinese probably used the right hand to eat.

      Now an interesting fact emerges.  Although there are many more words
      derived from a hand on the right side than there are words on the left
      (i.e., whenever a new word was formed and it needed a hand, it was
      invariably on the right side), at some point all the "right-handed"
      words were flipped to their mirror image!  This happened sometime in
      the last 2000 years, and now all words that are "hand"-derived have
      the hand on the left side.  (For etymology buffs, these characters are
      not to be confused with the ones with the actual "hand" radical, which
      went a different route.) It is an interesting fact to note that since
      Chinese writing proceeds top to bottom, then right to left, that
      left-handed writing may actually be easier.  (Virtually all Chinese
      writers are taught to write with the right hand only, though...
      traditional Chinese calligraphy is done without the hand touching the
      paper.)

      Paul Batey <[email protected]> tells us that an ancient
      Romany Gypsy word for left is bongo, which means evil.

      Feico Nater <[email protected]> provide these insights:

      In Dutch, Recht means right, straight, privilege (as in human rights),
      Link means left, stupid, awkward, but also keen, skilled. Een linke
      jongen means a skilled criminal, a bad criminal, or a keen man.

      Edward A. Spaans <[email protected]> offers the following idiom:

      De linker, de flinker
      De rechter, de slechter

     In Dutch, the 'er' as in linker, flinker, rechter, slechter' is the
     superlative.  The meaning of 'slecht' is bad, criminal. The words
     'link' and 'recht' are assigned a quantitative content here, which
     makes strict translation a bit difficult. The idiom could be roughly
     translated as:

     The more (to the, or possessing of) left, the better,
     The more (to the, or possessing of) right, the worse

         Paddy O'Neill <[email protected]> reports that the Gaelic
     (Irish) word for lefthanded is "Ciotach". It has two meanings as
     well:

         1) lefthanded
         2) Awkward or difficult

        Chris Owen <[email protected]> reports that in Welsh
        (Cymraeg), the word for left is 'chwith', which also means
        strange.


        According to  Simone Cortesi <[email protected]>, In Italian, the word
        for clumsy is "maldestro", the word for training is "addestrare", an
        evil face is a "faccia sinistra", and according to your insurance
        company a car crash is a "sinistro".


    Please respond to the FAQ maintainer a similar analysis
    of the same words in your favorite language (pro or con) for
    inclusion in this section.

    Second, we are able to trace this link back to the Middle Ages and
    the Renaissance. In the great religious art of the period, it was
    common for the "good" guys to be portrayed as being right-handed while
    satanic characters to be portrayed left-handed as sort of an
    antithesis to the good. It is interesting to note that Leonardo
    a Vinci painted "good" images like Jesus and  Mary to appear left
    handed, but Da Vinci is a fabled Lefthander.

    There are examples of people appearing to
    be left-handed in earlier art, but these are not considered to be
    symbolic of anything. Later on, handedness was considered an important
    test to determine if a person was a witch or war-lock theoretically
    because of the link to Satanism.

    You would think that in the twenty-first century, this sort of thinking
    would be non-existent, but even today some people have a hard time
    with left-handers.

Q30. Will you name some left-handed celebrities?

     A list of more than 500 well-known left-handed people from
     around the world is maintained by Mauri Haikola
     <[email protected]> and it can be found at

     http://stekt.oulu.fi/~mjh/lefties.html

     Some familiar names from the list are Bill Clinton, George Bush,
     Ronald Reagan, Pablo Picasso, Fred Astaire, Charles Chaplin,
     Greta Garbo, and Marilyn Monroe . Check it out.

         In addition, MK Holder <[email protected]> maintains a similar
     list called FAMOUS LEFT-HANDERS at

         http://www.indiana.edu/~primate/left.html

         This one is translated into French an Spanish as well.




Q31. When is International Left-handers Day?

       According to Left-handers International, August 13th has been
       designated as International Left-handers Day.

Q32. I'm rightie, my child's lefty. How can I teach him/her to tie shoe-laces?

       Try this. In order to have the child see the hand movements in the
       proper direction, sit opposite the child rather than next to him or
       behind him. This will probably work for tying a necktie as well. I
       am also told that it applies to teaching knitting as well.

Q33. Where can I get a left-handed fountain pen?

        Parker still offers this service by mail order. You can opt for
        needle point which is so sharp that it has no bias.

       Platinum Fountain Pen sets are available for left-handed people. Sets
       include nibs, barrel, cartridges and converter. John Neal, Bookseller
      (a mail order company specializing in calligraphy books and supplies)
       stocks these sets. They also provide left-handed grinding which
       converts right-handed nibs into ones suitable for left-handed use
       and can special order other left-handed materials.

       In addition to the fountain pens they carry left-handed nibs(dip pens).
       John Neal, Bookseller can be reached at: [email protected] or
       [email protected]. Toll-free at 1-800-369-9598.


       Note: Appearance here does not constitute a recommendation.


       Thanks: Gerald McMullon <[email protected]>

Q34. Where can I learn left-handed Calligraphy?

       We have heard of the following  books:

         "Insights into Left-Handed Calligraphy" by Betsy Rivers-Kennedy 1984.
         "Pen Lettering" by Ann Camp
          the Speedball manual that comes with their pens
          AND "Left Handed Calligraphy"...


       Bella <[email protected]> recommends the following book:

       "Mastering Calligraphy" by Timothy Noad, published by Simon &
       Schuster 1995. It contains chapters on the origins and development of
       calligraphy, materials and techniques, A-Z step by step and
       projects. For the first time this calligraphy a book also provides
       special notes and diagrams for left-handed calligraphers for every
       stage alongside information for right-handers, by the famous
       left-handed calligrapher Gaynor Goffe.

       K <[email protected]> makes the following suggestion:

       If you would like to take a class ask the teacher whether he/she has
       taught lefties before. They will either tell you it can't be done, be
       willing to work with you or have already taught "one of us."

       Thanks: Isabella V. Chang Fong <[email protected]>
               K <[email protected]>



Q35. Why do we wear our wedding bands on the third finger of the left hand?

       The custom dates back to the early Egyptian belief that the vena amoris
       (vein of love) ran directly from the heart to the third finger of
       the left hand.

       Thanks to  Erica Hamel <[email protected]>

Q36. Where can I get a lefthanded joystick?

       While you should note that real commercial and military pilots
       fly according to where they sit in the cockpit and thus must be
       able to fly equally well with either hand, this question
       is asked very frequently.

       According to a Usenet Survey, It is downright impossible to have
       a true lefthanded joystick. There are several ambidextrous ones
       that people use, with the consensus being that the products by
       a company called CH were the best. The complete list follows in
       no particular order:

       CH Flightstick Pro
       CH Flightstick
       Suncom 2000
       TM Action Controller XL
       Kraft Thunderstick
       Gravis GamePad (has a switch)

       Quickshot claims to have a model called GenX 500L which has a
   left-handed handle.

       Note that this does not represent a reccomendation.

Q37. Where can I get a Left Handed Computer Keyboard.


       Peter Wood <[email protected]> tells us that he has
       had good success using inexpensive peripheral equipment, since
       its not designed in a way that would make it uncomfortable for
       left-handers to use (or for right-handers) but avoids the
       re-learning process. He thinks that left-handed adaption
       skills are sufficient as long as the device doesn't exhibit a
       a strong bias.


Q38. Where can I get a left-handed mouse?

    Logitech used to supply left handed versions, but have
    discontinued this. Symmetrical versions are getting rarer. Not all
    left handers use the mouse left handed. Many like typing or writing
    left handed using the right hand to always hold the mouse.

    Look for alternatives such as the Glidepoint or tracker balls. But
    where ever possible try before buying and make sure that the drivers
    for the operating system(s) that you use are available or the
    'standard' MS software (Win3, Win95, NT) etc will work.

    Swap the buttons to use the left index finger with the right
    button. This confuses the hell out of right handers so much that I
    have seen fared tempers at not being able to use it even when
    explaining to them that the reason that the mouse was on the left
    was because you are left handed.

    Thanks: Gerald McMullon <[email protected]>

    We have recently heard of the following source for a left-handed mouse:

    The Contour Mouse for left-handed users can be ordered directly
    from:
                           Contour Design
                   254B North Broadway, Suite 204
                          Salem, NH 03079 USA
                       phone 1-800-462-6678
                       phone: (603) 893-4556
                       fax:   (603) 893-4558
                     email: [email protected]
          World Wide Web site (http://www.contourdes.com).

    Listing here does not constitute a recommendation.


Q39. Why are there more Lefthanded Males than Females?

      Recent research has looked at the amount of Testosterone
      present in the fetus and amniotic fluid during
      pregnancy. Scientists have speculated that an excessive level
      of testosterone slows the development of the left side of the
      brain, which allows the right side of the brain to achieve and
      maintain dominance.

      Adult females normally produce a small amount of testosterone
      which will find its way into the amniotic fluid during
      pregnancy. A male fetus produces some testosterone in the
      uterus during development while a female fetus will produce no
      testosterone. Therefore, the chances of testosterone
      reaching excessive levels are much higher in a male fetus than
      in a female fetus simply because the normal levels of
      testosterone for a male fetus are higher in the first place.

      Males are about one and one half times more likely to be
      lefthanded than are females.

    Thanks: Gerald McMullon <[email protected]>

Q40. Do Lefthanders tend to have a specific blood type?

     Some one in Cambridge questioned all blood donors about their
     background. Looking at the couple of hundred forms the distribution
     for the A, AB and O groups looked the same in the LH group as in
     the RH group.

     Thanks: Gerald McMullon <[email protected]>


Q41. What percentages of Lefthanders exist in different societies?

    Middle class western (white) society is more tolerant of LH than
    some cultures. In many cultures eating with the left hand is an
    insult to the host. This is so strong that even those educated
    and living in the west does not adjust this view point. [
    possibly related to hygiene - which hand is used for toiletry etc].

    Thanks: Gerald McMullon <[email protected]>

Q42. Why do some lefthanders use Mirror script?

    Da Vinci and others  often write right to left and in mirror
    script. They feel that the writing is more fluid this way.

Q43. Why do Lefthanders hold the paper differently when writing?

    Lefthanders turn the paper in order to more completely mimic
    the right hand style.  Included in this method is using  the twisted
    hand over the top of the line of writing method adopted by some
    left handers.

    With the advent of the biro some left handers push the nib in front
    of the hand movement. Others hold their arm at right angles to the
    line of writing and so don't cover up the writing or twist the arm
    over the top. Various forms of positioning the writing pad at right
    angles to the line of the desk or inclined at 60% are also used.

    Young left-handers should be encouraged to try all these styles to
    find the best fit for themselves.

Q44. Why are Lefthanders sometimes called Southpaws?

    This is a baseball term. It seems that on many (most) baseball diamonds
    the left hand side of the pitchers mound would face south.At one
    time, most ball-parks were constructed so that the setting sun was
    behind the batter so as not to be in his eyes.  The LH pitcher's
    throwing arm would then be toward the South as he faced the plate.
    With larger grandstands in modern stadia (not to mention indoor
   baseball) this is less of a concern than it once was.

    Thanks: Jeff Snyder  <[email protected]>

Q45. Are there any organizations concerning golf and left-handers?

       We have heard of the National Association of Left-Handed
       Golfers (NALG).  It is " a nonprofit organization that
       promotes and enhances left-handed golf." Dues are US$20 per
       year. Phone number is: 1-800-844-NALG
                   in Canada: 1-880-844-NALG
       and the URL: http://www.dca.net/golf

Q46. Which sports banned left-handers?

       I don't know the answer to this one, precisely, but I believe it
   to be Polo. My reasoning is that the horses are trained to expect
   the mallot to always to be swung from the right side. To do it on
   the left would spook the horses and cause safety problems.

       Albert Prete <[email protected]> thinks that the sport is jai
   alai. In jai alai a ball is thrown at walls at a very high rate of
   speed. A gourd (cesta) is used to throw the ball.  I guess they're
   concerned about someone getting hit with the cesta.

   Marty <[email protected]> mined this tidbit from the Dania
   Jai-alai web site: Due to the centuries-old tradition of the game
   of jai-alai, all players ("lefties" included) are required to wear the
   cesta on their right hand.  Also, because of the side wall being on
   the left side of the court, it would be dangerous and almost
   impossible for players to throw with their left hand. For more
   information, try http://www.dania-jai-alai.com

       Scoop <[email protected]> tell me that when he was in school in
   the UK he was not permitted to play Field Hockey lefthanded and that
       there is no such thing as a lefthanded Hockey Stick. He also told me
   that the  Grand National Archery Association, which is the only
       such organization in England, requires lefthanders to be segregated
   to one side during competitions. Similarly, The National Smallbore
   Rifle Association in the UK and The National Rifle Association in the
   UK segregates the lefthanders to one side during competitions as well.

Q47. What are left-handed playing cards?

       Left-handed playing cards are cards where the numbers are printed
  on all four corners of the card. That way, no matter which way you
  fan them out, you can see the numbers. Standard cards must be
  fanned in a right-handed manner for the numbers to be visible.

       According to Elisa <[email protected]> A brand name for which you
   can search is: WADDINGTONS Number 1 Playing Cards - Superior
   Quality - Linen Finish.


       Thanks: Elisa Carlos <[email protected]>


--
Barry D. Benowitz - FAQ maintainer for alt.lefthanders
Email:[email protected]
Phone:+1 609 866 1000 x3354
Snail:Telesciences Inc, 4000 Midlantic Dr., Mt. Laurel, NJ, 08054-5476

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