MCP wrote:
> http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,31500-13288445,00.html
>
> Women find it difficult to read maps and park cars because of their
> experience in the womb, it has been claimed.
> They are generally exposed to less of the male hormone testosterone
before
> birth than men.
>
>
> Scientists say this reduces their spatial ability in later life.
>
> It also leaves a tell-tale imprint on their hands.
>
> Low prenatal testosterone can cause the wedding ring finger to grow
> significantly shorter than the index finger.
>
> People whose ring and index fingers are close to the same length make
better
> navigators, according to the research.

It also helps if one can point to two spots on the map at once.

> Spatial skill is the ability to assess and orientate shapes and
spaces.
>
> Map reading and parking cars are two spatial skills often cited (by
men) as
> lacking in women.

Whenever I see a couple in a car, the man is always driving.  What a
misuse of his ability!  This leaves the woman to navigate, and she
can't use the map, so she winds up stopping to ask for directions,
getting information from store clerks that is on the map.  Of course,
she blames him for getting lost, which is a bit like an airplane
navigator blaming the pilot for going off course.  The pilot must tend
to the controls, to make sure the plane doesn't crash, which is why
there is a navigator.

Anyone can drive, if properly trained, which women generally are.
Hence, she should drive, which leaves the man free to read the map,
observe the crossroads, and watch the odometer.  Then they get better
information than the guy at Chevron can give them, and they don't have
to stop in dangerous neighborhoods to ask directions.



--- UseNet To RIME Gateway {at} 2/1/05 2:09:30 PM ---