December 5, 2004

Profile of and interview with American Sidney Rittenberg, 83, who lives on Fox Island, Wash; former Chinese Communist Party functionary has become high-priced global go-between for companies seeking to cash in on China's booming economy; photos (M)

Medical researchers caution overweight people who are already pinning hope of losing weight on new drug called rimonabant, which has not yet been approved for sale in United States or anywhere else; note lack of any published studies from clinical trials to justify any of claims for what some patients are already calling a miracle drug; its maker, Sanofi-Aventis, has not yet submitted its application for marketing to Food and Drug Administration; description of how rimonabant works; photos (M)

His right arm, Jets quarterback Chad Pennington conceded, felt so unfamiliar at times during practice last week that he said it was almost as if he were breaking in a new limb. Concerns about that strained rotator cuff notwithstanding, Coach Herman Edwards said he was just as worried about Pennington's footwork, his leg strength and his stamina.

Article explores question of whether Whitney Museum of American Art, dependent on largesse of patron Leonard Lauder, can sustain itself once he leaves; Lauder, 71, chief executive of cosmetics giant Estee Lauder and museum chairman, who has been running museum like family business for last 14 years, recognizes Whitney needs to prepare for his eventual departure, although he has no plans to retire; museum board, at turning point under new director Adam Weinberg, has committed to ambitious expansion plan by Renzo Piano; photos (L)

Lisa Belkin Life's Work column on how Americans who travel overseas for business communicate with home and work, and time mix-ups that often result (M)