1.   Sea bream, with shallot and red wine sauce, comes a close second in the restaurant.

2.   The Democratic Left Alliance, a party of former Communists, came a close second to the post-Solidarity party of former Prime Minister Tadeusz Mazowiecki, the Democratic Union.

3.   How long had it been since she had let anyone come this close, comfort her, try to ease her fears?

4.   Just me?

5.   But the reality of CMGI Field, with the finishing touches now being applied, comes a close second.

6.   But Wang, the secretary general of the Beijing Olympics Committee, knows that his city has come close before, only to be bitterly disappointed.

7.   For expending energy, Robert Dorfman, who plays Speed, another comic servant, comes a close second.

8.   Is that Joe Namath coming this close to guaranteeing a victory over the Sacramento Kings?

9.   Never before have North and South Korea come this close to a normal, peaceful relationship.