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After a record-setting Christmas, Hollywood wraps up the year with more than $9 billion in the till -- the second biggest box office total in its history. Film critic NPR's Bob Mondello says a large part of that money was well-earned: some of 2003's most popular movies were also among the year's best. He offers a list of his top movie picks for the year.

A dozen writers for America's Next Top Model, the hit reality show, are on strike. Their goal is to unionize reality TV writers. Without their efforts, Model maestro Tyra Banks and other reality show stars might sometimes be at a loss for words.

In an upsurge of Mideast violence, Israeli soldiers kill at least six armed Palestinians in raids in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. It was the first Israeli incursion deep inside the Gaza Strip since it withdrew settlers and troops from there last year.

The government says more than 60% of the president's daily intelligence briefing relies on information collected under a tool known as FISA Section 702. But Congress has struggled to renew it.

This summer, three Iranian teens and their coach have traveled the US to train in Olympic-level kayaking skills. The women had to overcome not only their first big, wild water, but also political and cultural obstacles.

For many, summer is a time of transition: weddings, graduations, job interviews. And that means it's also a season for thank-you notes. Despite the ubiquity of e-mail, experts tell Michele Norris that a handwritten note remains the best way to express your gratitude.

One of the world's leading brain research labs is switching from fruit flies to a tiny, transparent fish. The goal is to observe an entire animal's brain at work.

Lori Anne Madison is the youngest-ever competitor in the National Spelling Bee, which is being held in Washington, D.C., this week. She might also be the only competitor who often studies while swinging upside down.

Today is Murcia (Spain) Day!

The venerable New York investment firm Goldman Sachs has a long track record for producing political bigwigs. Treasury Secretary-nominee Henry M. Paulson Jr. has served as both chairman and CEO since 1999. The company boasts a return on equity of upwards of 40 percent.

Julianne Shepherd of The Fader discusses this week's new music releases, including albums by Sigur Ros, Three 6 Mafia, Hercules and Love Affair, and Ry Cooder.

Each year on Memorial Day weekend, West Virginia's best storytellers compete for the prestigious title of "Biggest Liar," in a tall- tale contest that draws large crowds. Two contest judges, including a five-time champion, spin a couple of whoppers.