As the rival stars delivered their lines, each promoting his own institution and view of the world, mildly praising while delicately knifing the other, it was hard to say who would collect the most applause.

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Lazard chief Bruce Wasserstein Bruce Wasserstein has been eagerly recruiting the stars of rival Wall Street firms for several years as he builds an advisory practice.

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Though Idol shed another 9% of its viewership and was out-rated by reality rival Dancing with the Stars on more than one occasion last season, it remains the no. 1 program by a sizable margin heading into its tenth year on the air.

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Unlike rival guitar companies, Taylor does not invite popular music stars to participate in their Road Show events.

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In addition, rival agents might be able to piece together confidential talks by observing the comings and goings of producers and movie stars.

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