But for many other hutong, the future of their slow-paced, village-like way of life hangs precariously in the balance.

BBC: Old Beijing at its timeless best

Whether we choose to recognize it or not, today as in 1863, the very "life of the nation" hangs in the balance if we fail to defeat the coming nexus of weapons of mass destruction in the hands of Islamofascists.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Treacherous "Agitation"

"In the balance hangs the life of Milke, " Kozinski said, explaining the importance of his decision to overturn her convictions.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

If ever a man is to receive credit for the good he has done, and his immediate misconduct assessed in the context of his overall life hitherto, it should be at the moment of his sentencing, when his very future hangs in the balance.

FORBES: What Judge Rakoff Will Consider Upon Sentencing Rajat Gupta