I've learned countless random information while stumbling along on the Internet, but recently I've discovered a condition that is too interesting not to share. It's called synesthesia, which means "union of the senses." It's not a disease, and the person isn't on drugs — it's the rare phenomenon where the stimulation of one sense automatically triggers another. The person's senses frequently overlap, and the world is perceived in an entirely different way.

Seeing a certain color might make you feel angry, taste peppermint or hear an A sharp. The month of July might make you see yellow. Ice cream could taste blue. Every letter and number is a different color, and different music pitches can trigger colors, shapes, smells or tastes. Numbers can even appear to be in different positions in space, such as the number 7 being "closer" than the number 10. What senses connect to what depends entirely on the type of synesthesia the person has, some rarer than the others.

It's unknown just how common synesthesia is because many people who have it assume that this is the way everyone perceives the world. They don't realize they have a condition at all. The Synesthesia Project at Boston University has concluded that anywhere from one in every 100,000 people to one in every 5,000 could have a form of synesthesia. And while you might imagine the person miserable because of the constant colors, smells, tastes and sounds flashing in their heads, most people report it not being an issue at all. The experiences are commonly described as pleasant. It's viewed as a rare gift, usually greatly aiding the person's memorization skills and creativity.

What got me interested in this condition is Melissa McCracken's blog of her artwork. She listens to a song and then paints in oils and acrylics the colors she sees in her mind. If you're the least bit nerdy like me or an art lover, I'm sure you'll be into this. Here are a few songs she's painted.

John Lennon, "Imagine"

John Mayer, "Gravity"

Prince, "Joy in Repetition"

Many famous composers have seen colors, such as Franz Liszt, who used to demand his orchestra to play "a little bluer, if you please! This tone type requires it!” I'm sure everyone thought he was mad, but I would love to experience this sensation. I believe these people are extremely lucky. It's such a beautiful way to take in the world.

So this is the first time prowling around on the Internet didn't just lead me to something disgusting or vulgar. Hopefully I'll find more interesting things like this and will be able to nerd up your day even more.