"There was a guy who really took a risk with the rest of the company," Mr. Crystal said.

Mr. Crystal looked at the performance of 383 large companies where the same chief executive was in office from 1993 to 1997.

Mr. Crystal valued his 1990 compensation package at $3.9 million.

Mr. Crystal nodded when asked if it was turning out to be a difficult birthday.

Mr. Crystal also was president of the teachers' union.

Mr. Crystal said there was no reason for that protection.

Mr. Crystal was known for writing on culture and political commentary.

Three and a half hours later, it was hard to remember that Mr. Crystal had started off the evening on a such a high note.

Other companies are not waiting for Mr. Crystal to show up at their doors.

Mr. Crystal and others argue that competitiveness is a state of mind, achieved one step at a time.

"There was a guy who really took a risk with the rest of the company," Mr. Crystal said.

Mr. Crystal looked at the performance of 383 large companies where the same chief executive was in office from 1993 to 1997.

Mr. Crystal valued his 1990 compensation package at $3.9 million.

Mr. Crystal nodded when asked if it was turning out to be a difficult birthday.

Mr. Crystal also was president of the teachers' union.

Mr. Crystal said there was no reason for that protection.

Mr. Crystal was known for writing on culture and political commentary.

Three and a half hours later, it was hard to remember that Mr. Crystal had started off the evening on a such a high note.

Other companies are not waiting for Mr. Crystal to show up at their doors.

Mr. Crystal and others argue that competitiveness is a state of mind, achieved one step at a time.