July 1, 2001

Article on quirky, unique local expressions that flavor English language as it is spoken in various Asian nations as people adapt their own tongues to world's dominant second language; Singapore's Singlish quoted as example; photo; map; 350 million people around world are native English speakers, but more than one billion, mostly in Asia, are estimated to speak at least some English as well (M)

Lawrence K Altman news analysis says that optimistic picture presented by Vice Pres Cheney's doctors after implantation of pacemaker-defibrillator is based on studies of similar cases, but is shadowed by frequent cardiac episodes Cheney has suffered since election; cardiologist Jonathan S Reiner terms prognosis 'terrific,' but recent episodes raise questions about whether Cheney's condition is deteriorating; he is now 60 and had first heart attack at 37 (M)

At the 1916 Astor Court co-op at 89th Street and Broadway, the private interior garden was part of the original design. By Christopher Gray 7

Offense in major league baseball declines, coinciding with attempt to bring strike zone more in line with what is described in rule book; photo (M)

Clash between religion and science in debate over embryonic stem cells, which have potential to grow into any tissue or organ and therefore hold promise for treating disease; photo; Sen Orrin Hatch's account of his own soul-searching, as devout opponent of abortion and legislator, quoted (M)