One of the most difficult things about writing music is the sheer number of distractions: mobiles, email, Twitter, YouTube.
I try to stay focused and sometimes succeed, but mostly, I'm the parent who immediately feels a swell of guilt when a friend posts an article about how today's parents are too disconnected from our kids due to the sheer volume of distractions and our inability to manage them.
He leaves, though, driven to distraction by the sheer competitiveness of Hewitt, whose desire remains as strong as it ever was.
The argument seems to be whether charred flavours are desirable, as Hawksmoor believe, or, in Hugh's words, "a distraction from the sheer joy of eating the very best steak".
Still, it's a tribute to this restaurant, and to the vision and skill of its owners and chefs, that none of these distractions diminished the sheer radiant energy of the food, which will leave a glow in your mouth long after you've gone home.
A compelling story is the best way to cut through the sheer mass of choice, data and distraction in our lives today.
The Nutcracker Tchaikovsky's ballet may be a Christmas favourite, but the concert performances by Andrew Gourlay and the Hallé provide an opportunity to appreciate the sheer mastery of the complete score without the distraction of dancing.
Cottrell Boyce had wanted for ages to spread the gospel of getting people to read for the sheer pleasure of it, pleasure in a deeper sense than distraction from life's chores and bores or simple fun.
The sheer stickiness of the stickers has driven many New Yorkers to distraction over the years.
The sheer fact of A***'s sensual nature is appealing, as it offers a distraction from the tedium of school.
