He showed it to an expert, who found the needle-and-thread theory "entirely original, " says Mr. Humphrey, whose own scholarly work has examined arenas for Roman chariot racing.

WSJ: On Pins and Needles: Stylist Turns Ancient Hairdo Debate on Its Head

Because of their relative proximity, the three airspace cylinders affect one another significantly, which creates congestion not just because of volume but because pilots have to thread the needle and fly needlessly intricate approach routes in order to comply.

ECONOMIST: Business travel

From the outset of his administration, Mr. Obama has been trying to thread the needle between national security policy and his ideological affinity with civil liberties lawyers and human-rights activists, meeting with and consulting them prior to making detainee-related decisions.

WSJ: Burlingame: Shoe Bomber Richard Reid Sues to Resume Jihad from Prison

The last scrutineer pierces each ballot with a threaded needle through the word "Eligo (elect)" and places it on the thread.

NPR: The Papal Transition: An Overview