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  • Founded in 1962, the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition continues this year without the presence of its iconic namesake. But organizers and contestants believe the contest — as well as its high standards and ability to boost careers — will remain.
  • Bees and flowers communicate in colors, scents and shapes. Now scientists have discovered that bumblebees can also sense flowers' electric fields. This sixth sense helps them remember and recognize nectar-rich blooms while foraging.
  • The first pope in about 600 years to voluntarily step down is headed to a life out of the public's eye. Now, the church's cardinals turn to the task of selecting a successor.
  • Nobody knows exactly how many jobs the economy added (or lost) last month. Here's how to make an educated guess.
  • NPR's Neda Ulaby takes a stroll through Toy Fair, an industry event where adults get to preview acres of new toys.
  • A giant lot of Captain Kangaroo memorabilia goes on the auction block this week in Los Angeles. Among the items up for auction are several of the captain's signature jackets, Mr. Green Jeans' famous jeans and the life-sized costume worn by Dancing Bear.
  • Microsoft has had few blockbuster successes in recent years. On Tuesday, when the tech giant is scheduled to introduce its new Xbox, it will be targeting more than just hard-core gamers. Analysts say Microsoft will also be aiming to make its console the center of entertainment in your living room.
  • Enzo Vizcaíno looks like a busker, strumming away on his ukulele as he roams a Barcelona metro car. But he sings of his bachelor's degree and postgrad diploma. "I'm the King of Microsoft," he croons. He's not looking for a handout. He just wants a job. And his creative approach may be paying off.
  • Reversing a trend that dates back to the 1990s, the lobbying industry is becoming more secretive. And campaign money now looms ever larger as a critical element in the persuasion business.
  • The burden for retirement planning has shifted dramatically, from traditional pensions run by experts to 401(k)s that require decisions by "gravely undereducated investors, Vanguard founder John Bogle says. He says the government should set minimum standards to protect retirement plans.
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