Make HowStuffWorks your homepage
Have you ever felt singled out for being a "lefty" in school
or sports? If you favor your left hand over your right when writing
or throwing a baseball, you may actually have, well, the upper
hand. Recent studies show that left-handers are quicker than
right-handers when processing information and performing certain
tasks. Celebrate International Left Handers Day and learn about the
advantages of being left-handed.
Related Stuff:
How Your Brain
Works
Search HowStuffWorks and the web:
HowStuffWorks Presents: This Month In History
Featured Content
The 1936 Olympic Games were notable for several reasons. Held in Berlin, they introduced the famous torch relay and were the first to broadcast live on television. Adolf Hitler had also risen to power in Germany, and he attempted to use such an opportunity to promote the Nazi ideology and "Aryan superiority." African-American sprinter and long jumper Jesse Owens proved him wrong, however, winning four gold medals. Learn more about the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. Read More
Related Articles
August 5,
1962: Nelson Mandela Arrested
Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, spent almost 28 years in jail as an international symbol for the struggle against apartheid. Learn the history behind Mandela's struggle. Read More
Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, spent almost 28 years in jail as an international symbol for the struggle against apartheid. Learn the history behind Mandela's struggle. Read More
August 6,
1945: First Atomic Bomb Dropped on Hiroshima
On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped the first atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima in an attempt to end World War II. Learn about the science behind nuclear bombs and their dangerous effects. Read More
On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped the first atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima in an attempt to end World War II. Learn about the science behind nuclear bombs and their dangerous effects. Read More
August
13, 1936: First Roller Derby Held
Roller derby, which enjoyed its first exhibition on August 13, 1935, is roller skating on steroids. The sport has a reputation for being rough and aggressive. Find out how a roller derby bout works and how to train for roller derbies. Read More
Roller derby, which enjoyed its first exhibition on August 13, 1935, is roller skating on steroids. The sport has a reputation for being rough and aggressive. Find out how a roller derby bout works and how to train for roller derbies. Read More
August 15,
1969: Woodstock
In the summer of 1969, nearly 500,000 people gathered at the legendary Woodstock Festival to celebrate peace and music. Learn about the weekend of Woodstock and a generation of flower power, free love and rock 'n' roll. Read More
In the summer of 1969, nearly 500,000 people gathered at the legendary Woodstock Festival to celebrate peace and music. Learn about the weekend of Woodstock and a generation of flower power, free love and rock 'n' roll. Read More
August 16,
1977: Elvis Dies
Elvis Presley, legendary American singer, musician and actor, passed away in his Graceland home on August 16, 1977. Learn about the King's life and how he changed the face of rock 'n' roll. Read More
Elvis Presley, legendary American singer, musician and actor, passed away in his Graceland home on August 16, 1977. Learn about the King's life and how he changed the face of rock 'n' roll. Read More
August 24,
79 A.D.: Mt. Vesuvius Erupts
Mt. Vesuvius destroyed the Italian city of Pompeii when it erupted in 79 A.D. Find out what’s happening during a volcanic eruption and learn about different volcano shapes and sizes.
Read More
Mt. Vesuvius destroyed the Italian city of Pompeii when it erupted in 79 A.D. Find out what’s happening during a volcanic eruption and learn about different volcano shapes and sizes.
Read More
August 31,
1997: Lady Diana Dies in Car Crash
Diana, Princess of Wales, captured the attention of both the public and press during her marriage and subsequent divorce to Prince Charles. This month marks the 10th anniversary of her fatal car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997. Read More
Diana, Princess of Wales, captured the attention of both the public and press during her marriage and subsequent divorce to Prince Charles. This month marks the 10th anniversary of her fatal car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997. Read More
Video: This Month In History
Featured Video:
Civil Rights: August 1963
The March on Washington took place in August 1963. Watch as blacks and whites gather on the Washington mall to protest racial inequality and MLK delivers his famous speech.
Other TMiH Videos for August:
The First Atomic Bomb
Galleries and Historic Sites