[aristus]

Another n=1, but it depends. Outside interruptions when I'm on a tear are horrible. I don't often distract myself with a full-featured computer. In fact I often spin off into "research" or fiddling with fonts as a way to let my background brain do its work. I do a fair amount of editing on my phone (!) when on transit or generally goofing off.

[vorticalbox]

What does the parse “on a tear” mean I’ve never heard it before

[defrost]

From "tearing paper", a continuous ripping action, giving rise to the english idiom "he went on a tear" .. as in "started partying and didn't stop" or "started coding and didn't stop".