AP - The Walt Disney Co. has agreed to sell its Miramax Films to an investor group for about $660 million, ending a 17-year association with the studio and a six-month bidding process.

AP - As the lead singer of Twisted Sister, the costumed makeup-wearing heavy metal band, Dee Snider has spent most of his 34 years as a rock star all fired up.

AP - Attorneys were setting the stage for the trial of two doctors and the attorney boyfriend of the late Anna Nicole Smith, arguing about what evidence will be allowed in court.

AP - Former "Fly Girl" Jennifer Lopez is poised to return to television — this time as a judge on "American Idol."

Reuters - Every now and then a brave filmmaker can't resist the temptation to make a metaphysical movie that somehow will manage to portray everlasting love on the screen, that will somehow show a romantic idealism so great that it transcends even the boundaries between the living and dead.

Reuters - Walt Disney Co has sold film studio Miramax for more than $660 million to Filmyard Holdings LLC, ending months of talks between the media group and various bidders.

AP - Across four decades, Fairouz's songs of freedom, justice and love transfixed Arab audiences, moved millions to tears and gave hope to the Lebanese during the darkest days of their 15-year civil war.

Reuters - North Korean diplomats in Myanmar have confiscated hundreds of copies of a locally published biography on the Stalinist state's reclusive leader, Kim Jong-il, the book's author said Friday.

AP - It isn't much of a stretch for Jill Biden when she takes an acting turn in an episode of Lifetime network's "Army Wives."

AP - Capsule reviews of films opening this week:

Reuters - The group led by construction executive Ronald Tutor and investment group Colony Capital is closing in on the acquisition of Miramax Films for more than $650 million, but final deal points and financing specifics were still being worked out Thursday.

Reuters - World premieres by directors Sofia Coppola and Darren Aronofsky as well as the hotly anticipated adaptation of cult novel "Barney's Version" will be among the highlights of this year's Venice film festival.

Reuters - Actor Mark Wahlberg received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday as part of the promotion for "The Other Guys."

Reuters - Singer-songwriter Marc Cohn has notched his highest career rank on the Billboard 200 album chart, as "Listening Booth: 1970" debuted at No. 28 this week.

AP - Chris Nolan's "Inception" has been the No. 1 film every day since it opened earlier this month. Yet it could face a formidable challenge from the debuting comedy "Dinner for Schmucks" for the top spot at this weekend's box office.

Reuters - Steve Carell is attached to star in and produce an original comedy feature "Raised By Wolfs" at DreamWorks.

AP - Anne Rice has had a religious conversion: She's no longer a Christian.

Reuters - "American Idol" judge Ellen DeGeneres unexpectedly quit the top-rated television singing show on Thursday after just a year in the job, saying it was not the right fit for her.

AP - Ellen DeGeneres is leaving "American Idol" after one season as a judge for the hit Fox TV singing contest.

AP - Rapper-turned-underwear model-turned-Oscar-nominated actor Mark Wahlberg has been enshrined in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.