We do plenty of things without giving them much thought: writing, cutting paper, using a computer mouse, opening a can. But the “we” does not necessarily include lefties. “Yes, the world is designed for right-handed people,” says Greenbrae orthopedic hand surgeon David Nelson. “Even our language reflects this: sinister has the left hand as its root, and dexterous has the right hand as its root.” So on August 13 in 1992, International Left-Handers Day started as a way to bring attention to the issues that about 10 percent of the world’s population faces every day, as well as to celebrate this unique disparity. Although being left-handed poses challenges, it also has a number of perks. Research shows lefties are better at divergent thinking and that the majority of them are drawn to careers in art and music — like this magazine’s very own art director. The pluses don’t stop there, either. “Right-handed people are 10–15 percent (physically) stronger on the dominant side, but left-handers are equal,” says Nelson. On August 13, right-handers are encouraged to do everything with their left hand — prepare for ink smears.
Kasia Pawlowska loves words. A native of Poland, Kasia moved to the States when she was seven. The San Francisco State University creative writing graduate went on to write for publications like the San Francisco Bay Guardian and KQED Arts among others prior to joining the Marin Magazine staff. Topics Kasia has covered include travel, trends, mushroom hunting, an award-winning series on social media addiction and loads of other random things. When she’s not busy blogging or researching and writing articles, she’s either at home writing postcards and reading or going to shows. Recently, Kasia has been trying to branch out and diversify, ie: use different emojis. Her quest for the perfect chip is never-ending.
