Everyone has pride for their homestate, but how many students who are not from Connecticut know anything about it? Here are some fun facts about the state you spend a good portion of your year in.

-Connecticut’s state animal is the sperm whale. It is not bad enough I have never seen a bobcat here, let alone a whale. Thanks, Connecticut.

-The oldest newspaper in America that continues to print is the Hartford Courant, established in 1764. Connecticut also publishes about 144 different newspapers.

-New Haven is responsible for the machine that makes lollipops. And you thought the city had no innocence.

-America’s first cigars and friction matches were made in Connecticut. I guess that makes the boys who smoke cigars outside their dorm rooms that much cooler.

-The New Haven Telephone Company issued the very first telephone book ever. It had 50 names total.

-Connecticut never ratified the 18th Amendment, which prohibited alcohol. Party state?

-Pez candy comes in many colors, but it is manufactured in Orange.

-Cow-loving vegetarian? Hate to break it to you, but cattle branding in the United States is thanks to Connecticut farmers.

-Regrettably, that annoying tune “Yankee Doodle” is not only considered a song, but Connecticut’s state song.

-Not happy with the selection at Quinnipiac? If you go to Hamden News through Topix, you will find a Hamden Dating search. Just plug in your name and what age range you are seeking and find some cute singles in Hamden!

-Connecticut was the pioneer of all that makes America fun, the first hamburger and the first colored television. It also claims the first helicopter and Polaroid camera, which are pretty awesome too.

-In Hartford, it is illegal to cross the street walking on your hands. I’m sure there is a person to blame for this law, and I wonder if that individual made it to the sidewalk.

-Quinnipiac is correctly pronounced KWIN-uh-pe-ack, so next time you hear someone butcher it, kindly break it down for them.  The Native American translation means either “people from the long water land” or “a turning point.”

-It is a myth that killing a praying mantis will put you in handcuffs, but have some respect for Connecticut’s state insect.

-Colonial New Englanders who got their hair cut in New Haven were called “pumpkin heads” because beauticians used to cut pumpkins as guides for haircuts.  Maybe next time the Toad’s line is too long, kill some time getting a squash bob.

-Wallingford makes the world’s best silverware, but I don’t think they sell to the Café.

-Born and raised in Connecticut? Well then maybe you can explain to me what Connecticut’s motto means: “He who transplanted still sustains.”