Great poetry is always written by somebody straining to go beyond what he can do.

It is not uncommon in modern times to see governments straining every nerve to keep the peace and the people whom they represent with patriotic enthusiasm and resentment over real or fancied wrongs urging them forward to war.

Patience means restraining one's inclinations.

Whether it's viewers of the show or readers of my columns and books I'm consistently impressed with their wit humor and insight. That goes for about 95 percent of the audience. The other five percent are why the 'Delete' option and restraining orders were invented.

You balance the budget by restraining the growth of government and encouraging the growth of the private sector.

Illegal immigration is crisis for our country. It is an open door for drugs criminals and potential terrorists to enter our country. It is straining our economy adding costs to our judicial healthcare and education systems.

I am fussy about my diet and straining my voice. I know sounds a bit over the top. But I'm not as bad as I used to be. These days I don't drink alcohol for five days before a show - very dehydrating for the vocal cords and all that acid reflux. I used to ban it for a fortnight. Nightmare.

Diplomacy: the art of restraining power.