Bright week: for a bright spark

My last bright week post - this time dedicated to my brother. G is a mathematical genius - and has the credentials to prove it.

Have you noticed that people who are brilliant at maths are often very good at music, too? I think it something to do with the patterns in both maths and music. I've even had a conversation about the synergies between math and music with Nitin Sawhney in my local coffee shop. If you don't know who he is, he's a composer - and he used to be an accountant. He told me how he likes to do some kind of ancient Indian mental arithmetic - for fun.

G just sent me a CD for my birthday, of music which he composed using a computer programme that he wrote.

Now, it's fair to say that the music is 'interesting' at best - but I appreciate the effort! I received one last year too, and he's made one for both my niece and nephew to celebrate their births. It cracks me up, as I wouldn't quite say that the music is sophorific for a newborn - but it's the thought that counts.

That's what happens when you've got a mathematical genius in the family. So, in celebration of the bright spark of the family, a round-up of maths-related finds on Etsy. I especially love all the vintage items - in particular the old school books.

1. Pink geometry collage 2. 1946 school book 3. 1940 protractor 4. Calculator notepad 5. Vintage math notebook 6. Flash cards 7. 1880s arithmetic apparatus advert 8. Gas station sign 9. Blackboard coasters 10. Small vintage numbers 11. Typewriter key cufflinks 12. The Maths teacher is in love.