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Alex the African gray parrot could do more than speak and understand he could also count, identify colors and develop an emotional relationship. When Alex died in September 2007, his last words to scientist Irene Pepperberg were "You be good. I love you."

Retail analyst Howard Davidowitz says the economy has forced many retailers to again offer layaway. Most retailers had stopped because it was not economical for them. Davidowitz tells Ari Shapiro that layaway has some advantages for consumers — but they better make sure they will be able to make the final payment, or they will lose the money they already have paid into the item.

In Pakistan's northwestern frontier, two men recently battled for the hearts and minds of people in Swat Valley. That's where the Pakistani government is trying to push back Islamist militants. One man is a leader of the Taliban, who is believed to be in hiding now. The other works for the publicity arm of Pakistan's military.

How is New Orleans holding up four years after Katrina? Author Tom Piazza's new novel City of Refuge traces the journeys of a handful of locals — some who died, others scattered across the country. Piazza tells Guy Raz that New Orleans is slowly getting to be New Orleans again.

Author Tracy Kidder recounts the story of a refugee from the war-torn African country of Burundi in the new book Strength in What Remains. When Deogratias "Deo" Niyizonkiza arrived in New York City in 1993, he had little beyond the clothes on his back.

Po Bronson, co-author of NurtureShock, explores some of the thornier issues of child rearing — including the phenomenon of "overpraising" kids and tactics for confronting children who lie.

Forget the Steven Spielberg fish tale. Author Lizzie Skurnick says she'll take Peter Benchley's salty novel — and its swearing sailors — over its cinematic adaptation any day.

If you're stranded somewhere dangerous and remote, and you're not sure how you're going to survive — maybe you should read a book. Author Jake Halpern suggests three that will get you out of any tough spot.

Bill Streever's new book, Cold, is a collection of chilly vignettes about frozen Arctic explorers, killer blizzards and icicle frogs — among other icy topics.

Food writer Nigella Lawson doesn't much care for shopping in the summer. "[It] is really so much worse than cooking," she says. Her solution? Feta cheese. The aged, salty, grainy cheese keeps well and goes nicely with a variety of summer vegetables.