August 28, 1995

From Tiananmen Square to Union Square, Cui Jian embodies China's counterculture. The rock star's Dylanesque blend of social and political messages and his Springsteen-like gusto have inspired thousands. After years of struggling to perform in America, he gave a concert in New York City on Saturday as part of a much-heralded four-city tour, his first in the West. A sold-out audience of 2,000, some from as far away as Hong Kong, turned out for their idol. Article and review, page B3.

For the sixth time in nine years, a Long Branch woman has won the annual Tomato Championship. The record-breaking tomato entered by Minnie Zaccaria on Saturday weighed 4.59 pounds and earned her $1,000 in prize money. This year's contest had 30 entries. Joe Heimbold, organizer of the contest, which began in 1978 as a promotional event for Bloody Marys, said extensive watering may be the key to Mrs. Zaccaria's success. "One time she told me she puts a gallon of water in every plant every day," he said. But when it comes to tomatoes, is bigger necessarily better? "It depends on the tomato," he said, diplomatically. TERRY PRISTIN

Anyone who has had to wade through knee-deep water or stew in traffic after a water main break may not believe it, but that sort of thing happens here less often than in other cities. There were about eight main breaks for every 100 miles of pipe in the New York City system in fiscal 1995, fewer than in Philadelphia, Chicago and Denver.

Spread regally across the rolling hills above Golden Horn Bay, Vladivostok has in just a few years become the garish showcase for all that ails modern Russia, and most of what could save it. No other city holds more promise for the future or greater potential for prosperity. Its mighty port, sprawling forests and vast mineral wealth have made trading partners from Seoul to Seattle drool. There are yachts in the harbor and $60,000 Range Rovers on the pitted streets.

Gov. Pete Wilson of California plans to announce today, yet again, that he is seeking the Republican nomination for President.