Pity the left-handed person. With something like 90 percent of the population right-handed, lefties are at a distinct disadvantage. But it’s not all bad news. In fact, lefties offer unique contributions to society.

You’re probably thinking, “Hey, Tom, what do you know about left-handed people?” Quite a bit, actually. I am one. Going on any many, many years, in fact. That’s a lot of living in a right-handed world. I have nothing against right-handed people, mind you. Just thought it’s time to stand up to the 10 – 15 percent of the population that favors the left hand.

What’s it like to be left-handed?

As I mentioned, it’s tough living in a right-handed world. Almost all coffee cups are made for right-handed people. No, I’m not talking about the placement of the handle. It’s the image or saying on the cup. When I grab a right-handed coffee cup, the saying faces away. I don’t get to enjoy the inspiring phrase along with my cup of joe.

Of course, the same holds true for a right-handed person who uses a left-handed mug.

Scissors are the same way. The majority are right-handed. We lefties have to search for a left-hand model. Or risk cutting at an angle or a curve.

Certain tools are right-handed, too. I’ve become somewhat ambidextrous from using power tools over the years.

When we write or sign anything, we have to hold the left hand at a weird angle so we can see what we’re writing. We call it the hooked position. Geez. I get writer’s cramp at those book-signing events.

Lefties offer unique talents

We left-handed people are indispensable. You should invite at least one left-handed person to every four-wheeling excursion. Occasionally, a task requires reaching into a left-hand corner or space. Those situations are a bit awkward for a right-handed person. Not so for a leftie.

If you have just one set of gloves, you can share a glove with a right-handed buddy. Each person gets a glove suitable for the strong arm.

Play baseball? You have some advantage over right-handed hitters, research shows. As a group, lefties have a higher hitting average. Due to their stance at the plate, they’re in position to punch a grounder to right center. And then get a jump on the throw to first base.

Food cooked in a Dutch oven tastes much better when prepared by a leftie. Stirring the pot in a counterclockwise motion brings out the flavors more effectively. I’m serious! My stews and peach cobblers are a hit during every outing. It’s that slow, methodical stirring and mixing with my left hand that brings out the best in those ingredients.

Notable left-handed people throughout history

We lefties are in good company. Here is just a sampling of famous or important left-handed people:

• Buzz Aldrin
• Babe Ruth
• Sandy Koufax
• Oprah Winfrey
• Jay Leno
• Paul McCartney

On top of that, at least one retailer in the nation is devoted to left-handed consumers. Lefty’s The Left Hand Store carries a wide assortment of merchandise for the office, home, school and more. Check it out online.

Are you left-handed? Don’t despair. Be proud, you’re part of a special group. Roughly 10 -15 percent of the population is left-handed. Keep your chin up, and remember our motto: Lefties Do It Right.

P.S. This Aug. 13 is International Lefthanders Day. Mark your calendars, and get ready to celebrate with lefties everywhere.

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Did you miss the previous articles?

2024

• 2024-01-13 How To Drive Safely On Gravel Roads

 

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Some Upcoming Events (click on the link for details)              

The 2024 schedule of clinics and adventures trips has been posted on the web site.

Now would be a good time to sign up for Death Valley, the Rubicon trip and a May trip to Utah.

See the entire 2024 Schedule

February 2024

February 10, 2024 Tire Repair and High Lift Mini Clinic – LA Area
February 11, 2024 Super Bowl Club Run
February 17, 2024 Starting Rock Crawling 

February 24, 2024 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
February 25, 2024 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
February 24-25, 2024 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area

March 2024

March 2, 2024 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
March 3, 2024 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
March 3-4, 2024 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area

March 13, 2024 Cal4Wheel Death Valley Experience 

March 16, 2024 AWD Off-Road Driving and Safety Clinic – SD Area

March 23, 2024 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
March 24, 2024 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
March 23-24, 2024 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area

April 2024

April 6, 2024 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
April 7, 2024 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – LA Area
April 6-7, 2024 Getting Started Two Day Package – LA Area

April 11, 2024 Death Valley Adventure

April 20, 2024 Tire Repair and Hi Lift Mini Clinic – LA Area

April 27, 2024 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
April 28, 2024 Day 2 Getting Started Off-Road Driving – SD Area
April 27-28, 2024 Getting Started Two Day Package – SD Area

May 2024

May 7, 2024 Utah Adventure

August 2024

August 12, 2024 Rubicon Adventure

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San Rafael Swell Off Road Guide Book & Companion Map $38.50

If you want to order one: https://www.4x4training.com/w/product/san-rafael-swell-off-road-guide-book/

At almost 300 pages, “San Rafael Swell Off Road: A Trail Guide to 42 Destinations for Automobiles, 4WD Trucks & ATVs” is a guide to the in the San Rafael Swell area of Emery County. The desert area is ringed by small towns like Price, Green River and Castle Dale.

“Every chapter includes helpful advice for novice or experienced explorers of the area, such as, “Easy dirt road for high clearance automobile, although four-wheel drive is recommended to several sandy sections along the road. “according to Ed Helmick the author.

The San Rafael Swell area of south-central Utah. This is an area that provides approximately 2,000 square miles of fantastic scenery, fascinating history, and fun off-road adventures. The only paved roads in the San Rafael Swell are Interstate 70, which bisects the Swell in an east-west direction for 67 miles, and a spur of I-70 called the Moore Cutoff. The major difference between off-roading in the Moab area and the Swell area is fewer people, and the area is more remote in regard to the distances to small towns with services. Utah towns that ring the Swell are: Price, Green River, Hanksville, Cainsville, Emery, Castle Dale, Huntington, and Cleveland.
The companion map, the National Geographic San Rafael Swell (#712) comes as a package deal with your book order.

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First Aid Kit

$65.95

https://www.4x4training.com/w/product/first-aid-kit/

The Rapid Response First Aid Bag comes with easy-to-use M.O.L.L.E. Straps with snaps at one end to attach to a belt up to 5″ wide. It can be worn in any other location with additional Alice clips (not included). It is a lightweight quality designed bag with multiple compartments.

This kit was custom designed by request of Elite military units desiring a more compact & light kit for their daily field operations.

Contents:

• SS Tweezers (x1)
• SS Hemostat (x1)
• 4″ x 4″ Sterile Gauze (x1)
• Conforming Gauze 4″ x 4.1 yards (x2)
• Multi-Trauma Dressing (x1)
• Bleed Stop Bandages (x2)
• Suture (x1)
• Pain Relievers (x10)
• First Aid Instructions (x1)
• Iodine Wipes (x12)First
• Butterfly Closure Strips (x5)
• First Aid Burn Cream (x1)
• EMT Shears (x1)
• Oral Airway (x1)
• 2″ Elastic Bandages (x2)
• 5″ x 9″ Abdominal Pads (x3)
• Latex Tourniquet (x1)
• 1″ Tape (x1)
• Pair BLK Nitrile Gloves (x1)
• Bandage Strips 1″ x 3″ (x16)
• BZK Antiseptic Wipes (x12)
• Triangular Bandage (x1)
• Ammonia Inhalants (x2)

Weight: 2.5 lbs.
Dimensions: 11″ × 6″ × 6.5″

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73 KI6FHA
I hope to see you on the trails!
Tom Severin, President Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc.
4-Wheel Drive School
310-613-5473
www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Keep it Safe.

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Copyright 2024, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.