Rewards for a stock-price decline "should be balanced against the potential misalignment with shareholder value, " Diebold said in its latest proxy statement.

WSJ: A Tougher Stand on CEOs With Bad Returns

Two utterly soul-crushing ties with our gentle, soccer-impaired neighbor to the north have been balanced out with wins against Italy and Mexico (in Mexico City, a first).

FORBES: It's Time To See What You've Got, Jurgen Klinsmann

Here, the softness of the peonies is balanced against the texture of the white nigella, with the elegant cascade of the Solomon's seal adding grace.

WSJ: Sweet Spring | Creating the Perfect Spring Floral Arrangement

Many of the women in the circle appeared to Liz to be close to tears, though some were more difficult to read, writing with expensive pens, their briefcases balanced against their slim ankles, their hair blown smooth.

NEWYORKER: Playdate

Madison and the Boys who created the U.S. Constitution attempted to guard against democracy running amok in this fashion by constructing a delicately balanced arrangement of limited government with separated and divided powers, and by erecting institutional checks and balances.

FORBES: The Fiscal Crisis Of The Welfare State