May 21, 2002

New York Yankees defeat Toronto Blue Jays, 6-3; photos (M)

Stephen Jay Gould, Harvard University evolutionary theorist whose research, lectures and prolific output of essays helped reinvigorate field of paleontology, dies of cancer at age 60; was one of most influential evolutionary biologists of 20th century, perhaps best known since Charles Darwin; Gould touched off numerous debates forcing scientists to rethink sometimes entrenched ideas about evolutionary patterns and processes; his best known theory of punctuated equilibrium, developed with Niles Eldredge, argued that evolutionary change in fossil record came in fits and starts rather than in steady process of slow change; brought forsaken paleontological perspective to evolutionary mainstream; photos (M)

Amster Yard, eclectic collection of apartments and offices on Manhattan's East 49th Street that won landmark status in 1996 and was home to community of artistic tenants, is demolished as part of construction project; Landmarks Preservation Commission says site's developer, Instituto Cervantes, nonprofit cultural group created by Spanish government, did not violate any laws or regulations while preparing to build auditorium under yard and renovate buildings around it; questions remain about whether public was informed properly about various steps in demolition, and whether necessary permits were issued before corner of city once hailed as 'blueprint for the future' was razed; photos (M)

Ben Brantley reviews Mike Leigh play Smelling a Rat, directed by Scott Elliott; Terence Rigby stars; photo (M)

Harvey Araton Sports of The Times column on Jerry West, new president of basketball operations for struggling Memphis Grizzlies who went from building perennial champion Los Angeles Lakers to nursing Grizzlies, hoping that New Jersey Nets' rise to success means his small-market team can follow suit; photo (M)