January 27, 1995

Whatever happened to global warming? The question was on many lips a year ago, when the northeastern United States suffered through its bitterest winter in years. Now an exceptionally warm winter has whipsawed perceptions about the world's climate once again. An answer has become apparent in annual climatic statistics in the last few days: global warming, interrupted as a result of the mid-1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines, has resumed -- just as many experts had predicted.

The Dr Pepper/Seven-Up Companies, the third-largest American soft-drink maker, agreed yesterday to be acquired by Cadbury Schweppes P.L.C., the London-based soda and candy colossus, for $1.7 billion, or $33 a share. The deal, if approved, would combine Dr Pepper with Cadbury, the fourth-largest competitor in the $49 billion United States market for carbonated beverages, giving Cadbury a 17 percent share behind the Coca-Cola Company and Pepsico Inc.

The House of Representatives voted tonight to amend the Constitution for the 28th time in 203 years, to prohibit the Federal Government from spending more money than it takes in. The vote was 300 to 132, with 3 Democrats not voting. That is 12 more than the 288 votes, or two-thirds of the House members who were present, that is required to adopt a constitutional amendment. Two Indiana Republicans, Representatives John Hostettler and Mark E. Souder, voted against the measure; 72 Democrats supported it. [ Roll-call, page A16. ]

ALMOST exactly a year ago, my college roommate and I agreed to rendezvous for a weekend at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, which is one of those yoga spas with a spiritual edge that can be ignored if you'd rather have a sauna. Set on 350 acres of wooded hills in Lenox, Mass., Kripalu was surprisingly cheap, peaceful and well-run, thanks to the disciples of the Yogi Amrit Desai, who did everything from cook the vegetarian meals to teach meditation and sweep the floors in order to follow in the guru's footsteps.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM MAY EXPAND The American Museum of Natural History, dogged by a reputation for stodginess despite recent renovations, is planning a major reconstruction and expansion intended to bring it into the realm of the latest generation of interactive science museums. The centerpiece of the plan is a huge sphere that would replace the 59-year-old Hayden Planetarium. A1. NEW YORK CITY