left handers day 2009

Happy Left-Handers Day!

In case you didn’t know, I’m left handed and was completely unaware that such a day existed! Or maybe I did know and just forgot. Regardless – I think it’s an awesome thing to celebrate and for some reason, I do feel a bit of joy at meeting other lefties (surprisingly, most of the ones I’ve met have been computer science geeks like myself).

The official website talks about the history behind this day as well as other lefty-related information. Here are some facts & highlights:

• This day was first observed on August 13, 1976.
• No-one has come up with a definitive reason for WHY some people are left-handed, but about 13% of the population around the world are, and it is thought to be genetic – it definitely runs in families.
• The right hemisphere (LEFT HAND CONTROL) controls Music, Art, Creativity, Perception, Emotions, Genius, this is the HOLISTIC THINKING MODE
• I took a “How Left Are You?” test that they had: answered 7/20 with left!
• The Bible contains over 100 favorable reference to the right-hand and 25 unfavorable references to the left-hand.
• In other various languages, the word for left-handed often mean awkward, clumsy or crooked. (Gee thanks!)
• 4 of the 5 original designers of the Macintosh computer were left-handed
• There’s a song for lefties! “Left-Handers Lament” by Ian Radburn
• Famous Lefties include: Angelina Jolie, Marilyn Monroe, Leonardo da Vinci, Jimi Hendrix.

Check out the site for more info and if you know any lefties, wish them a “Happy Left-Handers Day!”