Happy Atheist Forum

Getting To Know You => Laid Back Lounge => Topic started by: xSilverPhinx on January 11, 2018, 07:34:19 PM

Poll
Question: Dominant hand?
Option 1: Right
Option 2: Left
Option 3: Neither
Title: Handedness
Post by: xSilverPhinx on January 11, 2018, 07:34:19 PM
I'm curious to see how many left-handed people we have posting here. We don't have a large enough sample size perhaps, but if population numbers are anything to go by, roughly 10% should fall into that category.

If you learnt to write with your non-dominant hand and can write very well with both, please vote for the option with the hand that you would write with before learning practicing with your other hand. 

Title: Re: Handeness
Post by: Tank on January 11, 2018, 07:49:49 PM
Right handed
Title: Re: Handeness
Post by: Dave on January 11, 2018, 08:04:04 PM
I am also dexterous.

Off thread: Thus shows the problems with Google rankings, search on "dexter" and you get pages about some TV series. You have to add "sinister" before you get any refrence to right and left - then it's in heraldry!
Title: Re: Handeness
Post by: Davin on January 11, 2018, 08:44:23 PM
I'm right handed, but not too bad with my left hand either. They are not equal, but my writing and drawing and well pretty much anything I can do with my right hand can be done (a little worse), with my left hand.
Title: Re: Handeness
Post by: Sandra Craft on January 11, 2018, 08:55:15 PM
I once tried brushing my teeth with my left hand -- it would have been comic gold had I filmed it.
Title: Re: Handeness
Post by: joeactor on January 11, 2018, 09:08:21 PM
I remember choosing to use my right hand when I was young. They both are pretty dexterous.
Both of my siblings are lefties...
Title: Re: Handeness
Post by: xSilverPhinx on January 11, 2018, 09:16:16 PM
Quote from: joeactor on January 11, 2018, 09:08:21 PM
I remember choosing to use my right hand when I was young. They both are pretty dexterous.
Both of my siblings are lefties...

Interesting. And is at least one of your parents right handed?
Title: Re: Handeness
Post by: joeactor on January 11, 2018, 09:49:50 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on January 11, 2018, 09:16:16 PM
Quote from: joeactor on January 11, 2018, 09:08:21 PM
I remember choosing to use my right hand when I was young. They both are pretty dexterous.
Both of my siblings are lefties...

Interesting. And is at least one of your parents right handed?

Both were right handed.
Title: Re: Handeness
Post by: Magdalena on January 11, 2018, 10:21:51 PM
I'm right handed and my man is right handed, but both of our sons are left handed.  :headscratch:
Title: Re: Handeness
Post by: Dave on January 11, 2018, 10:39:09 PM
On a point or order: the third option - " neither" - may give a misleading result.

One assumes it means "ambidextrous" but it could also include those with two inactive hands, neither being dominant. One admits that being born in this condition is unfortunate and, probably, rare but still a possibility. Such could still operate a computer on a forum in an manner that gives no indication of impairment to others forum members.

Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.
Title: Re: Handeness
Post by: xSilverPhinx on January 12, 2018, 12:11:16 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on January 11, 2018, 10:21:51 PM
I'm right handed and my man is right handed, but both of our sons are left handed.  :headscratch:

That means both you and your man are heterozygous. :grin:

In other words, you both have the recessive gene for left-handedness which you both passed on to your sons. They just don't get to express themselves in your case because you also both have the gene for right-handedness, which is dominant over the gene for left-handedness.

It's totally possible. What would be weird is if both you and their father were left handed and they turned out right handed. :smilenod:
Title: Re: Handeness
Post by: Icarus on January 12, 2018, 12:14:24 AM
I am really messed up I suppose.  I write or draw left handed. I throw a ball right handed, type with either hand or both simueltaneously, use a welding torch, or make engineering drawings ( the old fashioned way with pencil on vellum) with either hand with equal facility................but then the trouble began, a long time ago it was........ I cut the end of my right fore finger off in a woodworking machine. That hand was not nearly as versatile as before.  For years I had to retrain myself in the normal use of toilet paper.  My natural or habitual method was to use the right hand. Who knew that we are so habituated as to need to use one hand as preferential to the other. .

Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: xSilverPhinx on January 12, 2018, 12:25:32 AM
Quote from: Dave on January 11, 2018, 10:39:09 PM
On a point or order: the third option - " neither" - may give a misleading result.

One assumes it means "ambidextrous" but it could also include those with two inactive hands, neither being dominant. One admits that being born in this condition is unfortunate and, probably, rare but still a possibility. Such could still operate a computer on a forum in an manner that gives no indication of impairment to others forum members.

Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.


Sorry but you are not allowed to view spoiler contents.


:P

Yeah I wondered whether to put 'neither' or 'both', but thought it would be a little odd to consider both hands are dominant -- dominant over what? -- so chose to go with 'neither' for ambidextrous people (who were born without an innate preference). 
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: hermes2015 on January 12, 2018, 03:47:40 AM
I write and draw with the right hand, but for some delicate tasks prefer the left. I eat right-handed in the European sense, which means I hold the knife in the left hand and the fork in the right (no juggling of the fork between the left and right hand as some Usonians do (where did that originate?))
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: Dave on January 12, 2018, 09:01:58 AM
Quote from: hermes2015 on January 12, 2018, 03:47:40 AM
I write and draw with the right hand, but for some delicate tasks prefer the left. I eat right-handed in the European sense, which means I hold the knife in the left hand and the fork in the right (no juggling of the fork between the left and right hand as some Usonians do (where did that originate?)

Now, that's interesting, I'm a left handed forker and thought that was usual, cutting needing more control than forking. As it were...

I also cock my right leg over, when mounting a bike that is, just fall off or crash if I try the other way. But since we drive on the left... are American left leg cockers or does it go with their handedness?
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: hermes2015 on January 12, 2018, 09:19:18 AM
Quote from: Dave on January 12, 2018, 09:01:58 AM
Now, that's interesting, I'm a left handed forker and thought that was usual, cutting needing more control than forking. As it were...

Yes, that is usual for right-handed people. Perhaps it feels more natural for me to shovel food into my mouth with the right hand.
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: Dave on January 12, 2018, 09:40:42 AM
Quote from: hermes2015 on January 12, 2018, 09:19:18 AM
Quote from: Dave on January 12, 2018, 09:01:58 AM
Now, that's interesting, I'm a left handed forker and thought that was usual, cutting needing more control than forking. As it were...

Yes, that is usual for right-handed people. Perhaps it feels more natural for me to shovel food into my mouth with the right hand.

Which hand do you use with a scalpel, craft knife, saw etc?

Also, anyone, can you simultaneously pat your head and rub your tum - or pat your tum and rub your head - with either combinations of hands?
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on January 12, 2018, 10:01:55 AM
I'm left-handed.  Both my parents and both siblings are right-handed.  However, I'm right-footed - I kick with my right foot.  I can swing a bat with either hand, but I write and play guitar with my left.  There was never any attempt to teach me either way.

I have a story from the early 70's in Italy.  I had to get some visa papers notarized while I was living near Florence, and the notary was an old woman. She saw I was signing with my left hand.  She said "you are left-handed.  I've heard there were people like that."  Left in Italian is "sinistro".  Sinister.
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: xSilverPhinx on January 12, 2018, 10:02:20 AM
I couldn't use a fork with my left hand if I tried -- it would probably result in food smudged all around my mouth. Probably on my hair too.  ::) 
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on January 12, 2018, 10:04:46 AM
There is such a thing as sinistrophobia - fear of the left or left-handed people.
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: xSilverPhinx on January 12, 2018, 10:05:56 AM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on January 12, 2018, 10:01:55 AM
I'm left-handed.  Both my parents and both siblings are right-handed.  However, I'm right-footed - I kick with my right foot.  I can swing a bat with either hand, but I write and play guitar with my left.  There was never any attempt to teach me either way.

I have a story from he early 70's in Italy.  I had to get some visa papers notarized while I was living near Florence, and the notary was an old woman. She saw I was signing with my left hand.  She said "you are left-handed.  I've heard there were people like that."  Left in Italian is "sinistro".  Sinister.

I heard that in the olden days left handed people were forced to learn with their right, because it was believed that the left hand was sinister and the right was...well...right. 
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: Dave on January 12, 2018, 10:21:43 AM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on January 12, 2018, 10:04:46 AM
There is such a thing as sinistrophobia - fear of the left or left-handed people.

And, traditionally, the baddies in stage plays enter the scene from the left.

There's a sketch, probably Pythonic, where the legionaires are marching to the cadence, "Dexter, dexter, dexter, sinister, dexter..."
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: hermes2015 on January 12, 2018, 10:45:25 AM
Quote from: Dave on January 12, 2018, 09:40:42 AM
Which hand do you use with a scalpel, craft knife, saw etc?

Right hand.

Quote from: Dave on January 12, 2018, 09:40:42 AM
Also, anyone, can you simultaneously pat your head and rub your tum - or pat your tum and rub your head - with either combinations of hands?

Yes, I can.
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: xSilverPhinx on January 12, 2018, 10:47:49 AM
Quote from: hermes2015 on January 12, 2018, 10:45:25 AM
Quote from: Dave on January 12, 2018, 09:40:42 AM
Also, anyone, can you simultaneously pat your head and rub your tum - or pat your tum and rub your head - with either combinations of hands?

Yes, I can.

Me too. :grin:
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on January 12, 2018, 07:00:20 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on January 12, 2018, 10:47:49 AM
Quote from: hermes2015 on January 12, 2018, 10:45:25 AM
Quote from: Dave on January 12, 2018, 09:40:42 AM
Also, anyone, can you simultaneously pat your head and rub your tum - or pat your tum and rub your head - with either combinations of hands?

Yes, I can.

Me too. :grin:

Me three.
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: Dave on January 12, 2018, 07:02:41 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on January 12, 2018, 07:00:20 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on January 12, 2018, 10:47:49 AM
Quote from: hermes2015 on January 12, 2018, 10:45:25 AM
Quote from: Dave on January 12, 2018, 09:40:42 AM
Also, anyone, can you simultaneously pat your head and rub your tum - or pat your tum and rub your head - with either combinations of hands?

Yes, I can.

Me too. :grin:

Me three.

Any false starts, both hands patting or rubbing, before you get the rhythm?

Some do find this difficult but I found it possible to "practice/imagine it mentally" for a couple of seconds for a perfect start. I did wonder once if there were low level signals to the muscles and micro-movements during the "mental practice".
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: Biggus Dickus on January 12, 2018, 07:07:13 PM
On the Other Hand
(https://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/40868/title/On-the-Other-Hand/)Handedness, a conspicuous but enigmatic human trait, may be shared by other animals. What does it mean for evolution and brain function?
(https://i.imgur.com/hCfyYDd.jpg)
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on January 12, 2018, 08:56:28 PM
Quote from: Dave on January 12, 2018, 07:02:41 PM

Any false starts, both hands patting or rubbing, before you get the rhythm?

If I rub first, then start patting with the other hand, no problem at all.  A bit challenging to start both at the same time.
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: Dave on January 12, 2018, 09:11:17 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on January 12, 2018, 08:56:28 PM
Quote from: Dave on January 12, 2018, 07:02:41 PM

Any false starts, both hands patting or rubbing, before you get the rhythm?

If I rub first, then start patting with the other hand, no problem at all.  A bit challenging to start both at the same time.

Ah! Damn, forgot to specify that! You are suppised to stsrt both at the same time . . .

:picard facepalm:
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: Ecurb Noselrub on January 12, 2018, 09:23:51 PM
Quote from: Dave on January 12, 2018, 09:11:17 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on January 12, 2018, 08:56:28 PM
Quote from: Dave on January 12, 2018, 07:02:41 PM

Any false starts, both hands patting or rubbing, before you get the rhythm?

If I rub first, then start patting with the other hand, no problem at all.  A bit challenging to start both at the same time.

Ah! Damn, forgot to specify that! You are suppised to stsrt both at the same time . . .

:picard facepalm:

You are changing the rules in the middle of the game!  That's unconstitutional.  An ex post facto law.
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: Dave on January 12, 2018, 09:27:44 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on January 12, 2018, 09:23:51 PM
Quote from: Dave on January 12, 2018, 09:11:17 PM
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on January 12, 2018, 08:56:28 PM
Quote from: Dave on January 12, 2018, 07:02:41 PM

Any false starts, both hands patting or rubbing, before you get the rhythm?

If I rub first, then start patting with the other hand, no problem at all.  A bit challenging to start both at the same time.

Ah! Damn, forgot to specify that! You are suppised to stsrt both at the same time . . .

:picard facepalm:

You are changing the rules in the middle of the game!  That's unconstitutional.  An ex post facto law.

No, that was not a request or instruction, just an admission that a brain cell went missing at a crucial time! Like getting to the end of a joke and realising you have forgotten the punch line. I was face palming in shame...
Title: Re: Handeness
Post by: Magdalena on January 13, 2018, 08:09:58 AM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on January 12, 2018, 12:11:16 AM
Quote from: Magdalena on January 11, 2018, 10:21:51 PM
I'm right handed and my man is right handed, but both of our sons are left handed.  :headscratch:

That means both you and your man are heterozygous. :grin:

In other words, you both have the recessive gene for left-handedness which you both passed on to your sons. They just don't get to express themselves in your case because you also both have the gene for right-handedness, which is dominant over the gene for left-handedness.

It's totally possible. What would be weird is if both you and their father were left handed and they turned out right handed. :smilenod:
Thank you for the information, I did not know this...Very interesting...and complicated.

Heterozygous...Hmmmm.  :chin:
I wonder what my man's expression will be when I tell him, "I have a confession,  I think I'm heterozygous...And I according to rumors, you are one too."

:snicker:


Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: xSilverPhinx on January 13, 2018, 12:06:11 PM
^ :lol:
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: Biggus Dickus on January 13, 2018, 01:52:40 PM
I can see the Westboro Baptist Church folks with their signs, "Heterozygous People Doom Nations" or "God Hates the Heterozygous"!
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: Magdalena on January 14, 2018, 07:00:06 AM
Quote from: Papasito Bruno on January 13, 2018, 01:52:40 PM
I can see the Westboro Baptist Church folks with their signs, "Heterozygous People Doom Nations" or "God Hates the Heterozygous"!
:grin:
Yes, immoral heterozygous!
:snicker:
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: xSilverPhinx on January 20, 2018, 02:24:37 PM
Well it seems we have erm...a tendency here. Not exactly 10% lefties but close. :P
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: hermes2015 on January 20, 2018, 02:26:09 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on January 20, 2018, 02:24:37 PM
Well it seems we have erm...a tendency here. Not exactly 10% lefties but close. :P

That's amazing, considering the small sample size.
Title: Re: Handedness
Post by: xSilverPhinx on January 20, 2018, 02:30:34 PM
Quote from: hermes2015 on January 20, 2018, 02:26:09 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on January 20, 2018, 02:24:37 PM
Well it seems we have erm...a tendency here. Not exactly 10% lefties but close. :P

That's amazing, considering the small sample size.

:smilenod: I think some regular right-handed posters still didn't vote, I'll be leaving the poll open in case they want to. :grin: