It's not just the tinny noise that leaks out of the puny ear buds but the barrier the device erects between people.

BBC: Has the iPod made us anti-social?

His tough approach to separatism was codified last year in the Clarity Act, which erects big legal obstacles to any break-up of Canada.

ECONOMIST: Canada

Such protection erects a double gate against unwanted interception.

CNN: Bush email hacking a wake up call

Ecuador Erects New Financial Structure.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The Colombian hostage crisis

India still erects hurdles.

WSJ: Apple Acts to Crack India Market for iPhone