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Also: There's a report that Syria used chemical weapons in the civil war; France's embassy in Libya is bombed; a hearing continues today for the suspect in the ricin letters case; and the beloved oaks at Auburn University can't be saved from poisoning and must be cut down.

Also: New bride, four other women die in California limo fire; jury resumes deliberations in murder trial of Philadelphia abortion doctor; cooler weather helps in fight against California wildfires; and the Senate is expected to OK internet sales tax legislation.

Also: There are reports that Boko Haram killed hundreds of Nigerians in one attack; pinging is heard from a submerged AirAsia jet; and gospel legend Andrae Crouch has died.

In terms of pop hits, the shadow of 2013 fell over most of 2014. But for NPR Music's Stephen Thompson, there were plenty of winners this year as well.

Also: Osama bin Laden's son-in-law due in Manhattan court; the two Koreas ratchet up rhetoric; Catholic cardinals expected to set date for start of conclave; Northeast braces for more snow and flooding.

Also: Suspect in ricin letters described as conspiracist and Elvis impersonator; North Korea "sets conditions" for return to talks; and former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords expresses her anger after gun bills fail in Senate.

Also: the presidential campaigns adjust for the superstorm; NPR's poll finds the presidential race is neck-and-neck; and the truce in Syria collapses.

Some people believe competition is an art, others say it is a skill. A recent book suggests it's neither — and there's actually a science behind winning. Host Michel Martin speaks with authors Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman about their book, Top Dog: The Science of Winning and Losing (This interview originally aired on Feb. 25, 2013 on Tell Me More).

It was an unusually strong year for great unknown artists. While bigger, more established bands continued to attract the most attention, smaller, lesser-known acts made the most memorable music of 2008. All of the great unknown artists featured here made music that was inspired, original and heartfelt.

The investigation of Zhou Yongkang is part of a crackdown on corruption being conducted by China's President Xi Jinping.