Scottish virtuoso percussionist Evelyn Glennie has been profoundly deaf since she was 12.

She's also Western society's first full-time solo professional percussionist. In fact, Glennie and her talents turn deafness on its ear (excuse the pun). You can see (and hear!), for yourself in the February 2003 TED Talk at the end of this article.

July 1st is my country’s birthday. Over the past 20 years, I’ve become a citizen of the world. Nevertheless, I love Canada, and I missed it during my 18 years as an expatriate.

(Needless to say I didn't miss using tax software and paying Canadian taxes from which being an expat freed me!)