I ran across something today that I found interesting. I am sure, at one time or another, everyone has seen this: (or something close to it)

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Suspendisse ac risus ut velit vestibulum dignissim. Integer in magna. Donec ut est sed diam luctus ultrices. Quisque pretium fringilla nisi. Praesent interdum. Morbi est. Fusce tincidunt mauris non purus. Proin sollicitudin est et ligula. Phasellus pharetra magna eu pede. Suspendisse potenti. 

I am also fairly certain that many have looked at it and thought “What the heck is that, and is it a real language, is it saying something?” (My boss asked me that once.) Anyway, apparently, Lorem Ipsum text has quite the history, dating back to 45 BC. Our beloved philosopher buddy Cicero is the originator of the (once thought) nonsensical text. His book, “de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum” (The Extremes of Good and Evil), contains the culprit text, which happened to be discovered by a Latin professor out of Virginia.

Ok, so I’m not going to steal the thunder from the people who are behind my little lesson of the day, so you can read up on this topic at Lorem Ipsum - All the Facts and while you’re at it, generate your own Lorem Ipsum!

The actual nonsensical text apparently was originated around the 1500s and was used much like we use it today, as filler text. And, believe it or not, there is a method behind the madness. Designers and layout artists have been filling pages with lorem ipsum for the right reason - text distracts viewers from design elements and layout. If a person is able to view and understand the text shown to them, they are visually attracted to those particular areas. So, it really does have a purpose…it is responsible for allowing designers to show a final product to a client, or respective authority without attention given where it need not be.

For more info on the Lorem Ipsum riddle, check out:Wikipedia: Lorem Ipsum.