Film critic Roger Ebert won't be hitting the dance floor any time soon, but it seems that his wife knows how he broke his hip.

Chaz Ebert, his wife of 20 years, tweeted on Thursday, "Roger in hospital with hip fracture but he is doing well, asking for a computer, will probably tweet."

And tweeting is exactly what the 70-year-old did. He told his over 750,000 followers, "Yes, fracture. But no surgery needed. Details follow. :)"

The Chicago Sun-Times writer didn't miss a beat and still managed to post his reviews of this weekend's films, including Jessica Biel's new movie Playing for Keeps and Citadel.

This isn't the only health ailment for the beloved critic. He survived thyroid cancer after he was diagnosed in 2002, but he then suffered further setbacks in 2006 when cancerous tissue was discovered on the right side of his jaw. He lost part of his jawbone and the use of his vocal chords after multiple surgeries.

Ebert is still working steadily, but he now communicates with a text-to-speech program and he even has a chin prosthesis for on-camera appearances.

He is now cancer-free, but his fragile health has him reflecting on his life and pondering his own death.

In a 2010 Esquire interview, he said, "I know it is coming, and I do not fear it, because I believe there is nothing on the other side of death to fear. I hope to be spared as much pain as possible on the approach path. I was perfectly content before I was born, and I think of death as the same state. What I am grateful for is the gift of intelligence, and for life, love, wonder, and laughter. You can't say it wasn't interesting."

The good news is that his hip won't require surgery like the last hip fracture did in 2008, so hopefully his wife will see his "tricky disco moves" again soon.

Image courtesy of Nikki Nelson/WENN.com

One of the most mysterious deaths in rap history belongs to The Notorious B.I.G. On Friday, another chapter in the criminal saga was launched as the rapper's 23-page autopsy report was released by the Los Angeles County Coroner.

The Notorious B.I.G., also known as "Biggie Smalls," died in March 1997 after being gunned down in front of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. The music superstar was in the front passenger seat of a Chevrolet Suburban SUV.

The drive-by shooting occurred 15 years ago and the case has never been solved. There have been conspiracy theories surrounding his murder floating around for years, but Friday's autopsy report shed some light on the wounds that killed him.

The rapper was shot three times without a fatal wound. One shot hit his left forearm, finally resting in his wrist; another shot entered his left thigh and traveled to his inner thigh and scrotum; and a third shot hit him in the back, exiting through his left shoulder.

It was a fourth shot that turned out to be the fatal one. That bullet entered his right hip, where it hit vital organs from the colon to his liver, heart and lung. It settled in his left shoulder.

He was a taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery, but he did not survive his wounds.

Other notes from the report reveal that he had a tattoo on his forearm that read, "The Lord is My Light and My Salvation…" He was morbidly obese at 395 pounds, and his system was free from alcohol and drugs. He also was delivered to the hospital in full cardiac arrest, so his condition was critical.

The Brooklyn-raised music star was 24-years-old at the time of his death.

Back in 1997, his death rocked the music industry after losing West Coast rapper Tupac Shakur to a shooting in Las Vegas only months before Biggie's untimely death. These slayings were often blamed on the East Coast versus West Coast rap rivalry that went on for years. The hottest music labels at the time were Bad Boy Entertainment in New York and Death Row Records in Los Angeles, and they encouraged rivalries.

Ironically, the two deaths basically ended the fierce feud between the two coastal rap communities.

LAPD and FBI investigations took the search for both rappers' killers all across the U.S., but no one was ever charged with either murder.

Biggie Smalls' family did file a federal lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles when they discovered the city had withheld evidence in the case. In 2005, the court case ended in a mistrial and the family eventually dismissed the case in 2010.

The autopsy report was finally released after years of being sealed at the request of detectives covering the case.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

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It was all fun and games earlier this week when a pair of Australian radio DJs prank called King Edward VII Hospital pretending to be Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles to a hospital nurse.

Fast forward three days: The nurse, Jacintha Saldanha, was found dead Friday of an apparent suicide, the hospital confirmed in a statement.

Kate Middleton leaves the hospital >>

"It is with deep sadness that I can confirm the tragic death of a member of our nursing staff, Jacintha Saldanha," John Lofthouse, the chief executive of King Edward VII Hospital in London, said in a Friday morning statement. "She was an excellent nurse and well respected and popular with all of her colleagues. We can confirm that Jacintha was recently the victim of a hoax call to the hospital."

Prince William and Kate Middleton also expressed their sadness over her death in a statement.

“The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Jacintha Saldanha. Their Royal Highnesses were looked after so wonderfully well at all times by everybody at King Edward VII Hospital, and their thoughts and prayers are with Jacintha Saldanha’s family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.

Brits taking bets on the royal baby >>

Now, the two DJs — Mel Greig and Michael Christian from 2DayFM — have placed themselves in suspension and are in hiding.

"Chief executive officer Rhys Holleran has spoken with the presenters. They are both deeply shocked and at this time we have agreed that they not comment about the circumstances," a spokesperson for 2DayFM owner Southern Cross Austereo said in a statement.

"SCA and the hosts have decided that they will not return to their radio show until further notice out of respect for what can only be described as a tragedy."

The biggest question: Who — if anyone — is responsible for Saldanha's death?

Image courtesy WENN.com

Disney is moving forward with a sequel to 2010's Alice in Wonderland. We're not surprised they want to take another trip down the rabbit hole. The first film grossed over $1 billion worldwide. It was one of the most successful movies of that year.

Alice in Wonderland was directed by Tim Burton and written by Linda Woolverton, who adapted Lewis Carroll's famous books. According to Variety, Woolverton's been tapped to work her magic on a second installment. This will be the latest in a long line of family films she's helped make at Disney.

Woolverton's resume reads like a childhood dream. She's had a hand in some of the most successful and memorable films of all time. She worked on Beauty and the Beast, Mulan, Aladdin and the upcoming Maleficent starring Angelina Jolie.

First photo: Angelina Jolie gets horny as Maleficent>>

Original Alice in Wonderland producers Joe Roth, Suzanne Todd and Jennifer Todd are all set to return. Now, what about the actors? There's been no mention of Johnny Depp or his infectious alter ego, The Mad Hatter. There's also the question of Burton. Would he be willing to direct the follow-up?

Johnny Depp back for Pirates of the Caribbean 5?>>

With tentpoles, studios usually ask the talent to sign multi-picture deals. And we all know Depp has no problem with franchises. Pirates of the Caribbean anyone? The water-logged adventure, which is also produced by Disney, has four films under its belt.

So what do you say Johnny? Are you ready to revisit Wonderland?

Photo credit: WENN

Kim Kardashian is in mourning for a furry friend today. Word broke Friday that Mercy, the teacup Persian kitten she was often photographed carrying about, recently died.

E! News has confirmed Mercy's death, reporting the cause was a cancer-like virus often associated with breeding.

At the time of her passing, Mercy was living in her second home. Though Kim Kardashian's kitten dreams came true with her adoption back in September, the reality star reportedly discovered she was allergic to all of that adorable white fluff.

Making "the best of a difficult situation," according to an insider, Kim K decided to send Mercy across the country to a friend who was in mourning after losing her feline friend after a dozen years together.

While on a flight from Miami to L.A., Mercy was cared for by one of the Kardashians' assistants. All seemed well upon the arrival in the friend's home on Oct.16, though the feline's miniature size prevents routine shots being given during checkups a the vet.

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Shortly after Thanksgiving, Mercy's health took a turn for the worse.

Reportedly going from acting playful to being limp and not moving in a short period of time, the friend rushed Mercy to an animal hospital. There, she received the heartbreaking news that the beloved pet had a fatal virus in her stomach that acts like cancer.

E! reports that after learning that even aggressive treatment wouldn't help Mercy, they had the kitten euthanized.

"Kim is really upset," a source said. "She was upset about Mercy dying and upset that she was trying to do something nice... and then she fell into a situation where [the friend] had to grieve another kitty. Kim called the breeder and said they should be more responsible."

Kim Kardashian's divorce drags on>>

Though she wasn't Mercy's owner at the time of her death, Kim Kardashian is still feeling sorrow of the end of the teacup kitty's life. In a blog post shared Friday evening, she wrote, "It is with deep sadness that I have to tell you all that my kitten, Mercy, has passed away. My heart is completely broken."

Noting that her kitten was only 4 months old when she died, Kim Kardashian added, "Mercy was a gentle and loving kitten and we are all going to miss her so much. Thanks to Sydney for making Mercy’s short life one filled with love. RIP Mercy Xo."

Image via WENN

The preview for the second-to-last episode of Gossip Girl is a real nail-biter. Will Chuck Bass go down with the plane or is he just up to something major? Keeping with the theme of things coming to an end, here's a look back at other deaths that helped move the show along.

Just for fun...

Evelyn Bass/Elizabeth Fischer — Chuck Bass' Mother

Poor Chuck. Everyone he loves dies. Sort of. A major plot arch in the first couple seasons of the show was Chuck Bass' mother's death. He always felt responsible because he thought she died while giving birth to him. That is, until he stumbles upon a woman claiming to be his mother. It takes convincing, but he eventually turns Bass Industries over to her, only to find out it was just a woman working with his Uncle Jack. Eventually, though, we found out his actual mother is alive. We're still not entirely sure why she abandoned her son, though.

Bart Bass

We all remember the night Bart Bass "died," as well as Chuck's drunken outburst at the funeral. Despite their many grievances with one another, Chuck loved his father and it was never more evident than when he died. As it turns out, a few seasons later he reappeared with virtually no apology for the grief he put his one and only son through. Apparently, he faked his own death in order to protect Chuck and Lily from people who were out to hurt Bart. Sounds to us like, as always, he was merely trying to protect himself.

The Real Thing...

Pete

Man, season 1 of Gossip Girl was fantastic! Pete was our first GG death. It happened during one of Serena's and Georgina's wild nights. Georgina and Pete were in the midst of a scheme to score themselves a Serena van der Woodsen sex tape. They got her high on coke and then Pete tried to coerce her into a threesome. However, Pete partied a lot harder than either of the girls and soon began to convulse as the result of an overdose. Later, Pete's death and Serena's risky behavior would all come out when Georgina came forth with the "sex tape" she tried to make that night.

CeCe Rhodes

Just as conniving as the kids, CeCe Rhodes played Lily's scheming and controlling mother. First, she tried to pay Rufus to leave Lily alone. Later, we found out she convinced a younger Lily to give a baby she conceived with Rufus up for adoption, only to turn around almost two decades later and reveal the secret to Rufus. CeCe battled and beat cancer once, but in season 5, she lost the fight. In dying, she not only reveals Ivy's true identity, but sends her daughters into a fight to gain the estate back from Ivy. Only CeCe could cause such posthumous drama. And, of course, that's exactly why we loved her!

As the series draws to a close, will there be any more death in Gossip Girl? We know the answer, but we'll never tell.

Images courtesy of The CW

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Kat Von D's tattoo removal has begun! Looking to erase Jesse James from her body, the tattoo artist has subjected herself to the pain of laser treatments.

In a series of photos shared on Instagram Friday, Kat Von D can be seen lifting up her shirt, while a removal laser goes to work on the Jesse James portrait located on her upper left ribcage.

Along with the photos, the newly single 30-year-old wrote, "AND SO IT BEGINS! First round of tattoo removal well underway! :) #freshstart"

It's not only a fresh start, but a change of heart from the stance Kat Von D previously had.

Kat Von D obtains restraining order against "crazed" fan>>

After the pair called off their engagement, Kat Von D insisted of the portrait, "I think a lot of people get funny like 'oh you got a tattoo. I'm like, there's no regrets, man."

"I love my tattoo" she went on to say, asserting she had no plans to remove it despite their breakup. "It's more than just a portrait, it has a lot of meaning."

Jesse James' ex-mistress says "I told you so">>

Erasing Jesse James' portrait from Kat Von D's body is going to be a lengthy process. Yahoo reports that removing a tattoo takes anywhere from five to 15 laser sessions, with eight weeks of healing time in between.

Kat Von D's own Instagram followers are being, shall we say, less than supportive about her laser treatments. While one wrote simply "facepalm" in response, another chided, "First rule of love/dating: NEVER Absolutely NEVER get the other persons name or face tattooed. Maybe something that represents you both but probably not. Not even if you're married. You never know what will happen."

Do you think Kat Von D's tattoo removal is the right choice?

Image via WENN

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We'll be honest, though: We're more excited to judge the terrible gowns. Let's get ready for this year's show by taking a look back at past shows.

Lauren Alaina

Former American Idol runner-up Lauren Alaina has come a long way style-wise over the past couple of years, but she was still finding her footing at the 2011 American Country Awards. It's cute, but like teen dance cute, not awards show cute.

Carrot Top

Carrot Top's life is pretty much a worst-dressed list, so it's no surprise he looked like a demented Wendy's girl at the 2010 American Country Awards.

Jennette McCurdy

iCarly actress Jennette McCurdy is one of the most promising young comedians, but the outfit her stylist put her in for the 2012 American Country Awards is the joke. It's way too grown up — and tacky — for the talented teen.

Kaley Cuoco

We typically love Big Bang Theory star Kaley Cuoco's style choices, but the gray gown she chose for the 2010 show is just sort of blah.

Jewel

We're not exactly sure what Jewel wore to the 2010 American Country Awards, but we know we don't like it. She would have looked a lot better in a long, designer gown.

Images courtesy WENN.com

Who do you think will be worst dressed at the 2012 American Country Awards?

Let's get ready for the show by remembering some of the best-dressed stars from years past. Surprise, surprise: Carrie Underwood is on the list!

Jordin Sparks

Former American Idol winner Jordin Sparks is pretty much the most adorable girl in the world. Case in point? Check her out at the 2010 American Country Awards. Jason Derulo is one lucky dude.

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood typically has several outfit changes during awards shows and the 2011 American Country Awards was no exception. We particularly loved the Maria Lucia Hohan party dress she rocked on the red carpet. It's just fun and flirty — and totally Carrie.

Hillary Scott

Lady Antebellum singer Hillary Scott is hit or miss when it comes to her awards show looks, but her 2011 American Country Awards look is definitely a tic in the best-dressed column.

Kristin Chenoweth

How adorable is Kristin Chenoweth at the 2011 American Country Awards? Adorable enough to forgive her for dating that d-bag Jake Pavelka, that's how much. Will she top the look when she hosts the show for a second time? Let's hope.

Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert is another country lady who is hit or mess when it comes to her awards show choices. Luckily, Lambert — here with her Pistol Annies cohorts — looks amazing in this form-fitting dress.

Images courtesy WENN.com

Who do you think will win best-dressed at the 2012 American Country Awards?

gift basket ideas

When it really
is the thought that counts

Whether you want a truly personal gift for someone you love or just want to throw together some backups for last-minute gifts, homemade gift baskets are a fun and thoughtful way to brighten someone's day.

We chatted with Texas Realtor Janet Barnett, who uses a series of fun baskets as housewarming gifts for her clients, to get some great ideas for easy gift baskets people love to give as much as the recipient loves to get them. Here are some of her secrets for a truly special gift.

What makes a great gift basket

According to Barnett, the best gift baskets are well themed. Instead of just tossing in a bunch of cute stuff, find a theme and stick with it. A bath gift basket could include a unique bodywash, bath beads or salts, a loofa, bubble bath, candles and lotion. But don't just stick with a theme. If you're doing a gift basket full of scented items, choose a single scent, like lavender, rose or cucumber-melon.

She also recommends picking up unique baskets of various sizes wherever you can. Try thrift stores, dollar stores and discount stores for the best deals. After all, they only need to look nice and last long enough to deliver your goodies. If you keep an eye out while shopping, you can pick up great baskets as you go and store them in the closet until you need them.

You'll also need some filler, like straw or Easter grass, to lift the items up and make them look nice. To cut down on expensive fillers in deep baskets or for extra support for heavy items, use a block of green floral foam in the bottom of the basket and cover it with filler.

Tie up your basket with clear or decorated plastic and a large bow that matches your theme. Instead of a bow, you could also use Christmas ornaments or other baubles that go with the theme.

Chicken enchilada soup gift basket

Barnett's favorite basket, especially for the chilly holiday season, is her chicken enchilada soup gift basket. She's designed it to be made easily by new homeowners who haven't yet unpacked, so it's even great for people who don't really cook. The recipes she's given us here have been a closely guarded secret for years, but we managed to get her to share them with you.

Supplies:

• 2-cup measuring cup
• 2 cans shredded chicken
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can chili beans
• 1 can whole kernel corn or hominy
• 1 baggie special seasoning
• 1 small can black olives, sliced
• 1 bag tortilla strips
• 2 soup mugs or bowls
• 2 spoons
• 1 soup ladle
• 2 cloth napkins
• 1 large basket
• Decorative rustic packing straw
• Hole punch
• 1 block green floral foam, plus several small blocks
• Craft wire
• Card stock or recipe cards
• 1 large sheet clear or Mexican-themed wrapping plastic
• 1 large Mexican-themed bow

Instructions:

1. Place the green floral foam in the bottom of the basket and cover it with packing straw or another filler.
2. Neatly fill the basket with the gift items, making sure the heavier items are on bottom and in the back. Arrange and rearrange the items until they make a beautiful presentation. Using a basket that's just large enough to hold the items will help them stay in place. You can use the craft wire or smaller blocks of green floral foam covered with your packing material to leverage items in place. Don't forget to make sure breakable items are insulated against breakage with extra packing material.
3. For a special touch, print the words "Chicken Enchilada Seasoning Mix" and "Tortilla Strips" on card stock long enough to fold over a blank flap behind the printed flap and staple it to the baggies of seasoning and tortilla strips.
4. Print the cooking instructions on a card, punch a hole in the corner and affix it to the basket.
5. Place the basket in the center of a large piece of wrapping plastic and fold it up over the entire basket, including the handle.
6. Tie it off with a beautiful bow to secure.

Chicken enchilada soup seasoning mix recipe

Make this seasoning mix ahead as part of the gift basket.

Yields 1 

Ingredients:

• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried cilantro
• 4 tablespoons dried minced onion
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 6 teaspoons chicken bouillon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a small plastic snack bag, close and shake to mix.

Print the following instructions on a recipe card or card stock so your recipient will know how to make the soup.

Chicken enchilada soup recipe

Serves 2-4

Ingredients:

• 2-3 cups water
• 1 chicken enchilada soup seasoning packet
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can chili beans
• 1 can whole kernel corn or hominy
• Grated cheese
• Tortilla strips
• Sour cream
• 1 can black olives
• 1 avocado, sliced

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring water to a boil.
2. Add the seasoning packet, chicken, tomatoes, beans and corn or hominy and simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with black olives, tortilla strips, cheese, sour cream and avocado slices.

Janet Barnett is one half of the husband-wife Re/Max realty team affectionately known in their hometown of Abilene, Texas, as "Spouses Selling Houses." Among the top agents in the area, the Barnetts' gift baskets are just one of the small touches that make clients say they go "over and above" to help them.

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What you'll need

For this delicious dish you’ll need:

• Beef brisket
• 1 cup of ketchup
• 1 ounce of dry onion soup mix
• 1 can of ginger ale
• 3 carrots, cut
• 1 small onion, sliced

Step 3: Add some garnish

If you want to add more flavor to your brisket there are plenty of ways to do it. Brining the brisket 24 hours before you bake it is a great way to keep the moisture in and add flavor. You can also garnish the brisket with apricots or cranberries for a unique flavor.

Now you’re ready to slice and serve to your eager guests.

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When Universal approached us with a unique opportunity to interview their lead character, Ted, in light of his upcoming DVD release, we couldn't pass it up. Since many of you already saw the hilarious movie in theaters, however, we decided to ask Ted some questions of a different nature that we knew only he would have the guts to answer honestly.

So here it goes, our candid interview with Ted on the world of dating.

SheKnows: How can a woman ruin a first date?

Ted: Wow. Let me count the ways… Not talking enough, not listening enough, not offering to pick up the check, not taking you home, not allowing repeated attempts to grope, fondle or otherwise express physical interest. And the worst way to ruin a date has got to be ending with the “let’s just be friends” line. Look, I don’t need another friend, I already have John , and Sam “Flash Gordon” Jones. Don’t get me wrong — I’ve ruined my fair share of dates, but I usually own it.

SK: How soon is too soon to sleep with him?

Ted: There is no such thing as too soon. I’ve found that phone sex before the first date really helps break the ice... so the first date is fine. Skip dessert, I say, and go mess up the sheets.

SK: Is there such a thing as too much makeup?

Ted: Well, I think all women are beautiful, and that makeup should be used sparingly, to enhance a girl’s beauty. I mean, if all goes according to plan, all that makeup is gonna come off anyway. That being said, if you’re scary ugly like Abraham Lincoln, then go for broke. Pick a dark restaurant and sit in the corner booth, preferably near an emergency exit.

SK: Can a girl ask a guy out?

Ted: Yes. Are you asking me out? Because the answer is yes. And I feel like we already know each other. And you look so sexy with that laptop in your lap. How would you like a bear in your lap?

SK: How do you feel about age gaps?

Ted: Age is just a number. If you’re smokin’ hot and ready to rumble, I don’t care what decade you were born in… as long as we’re talking legally of age. Megan Fox, Ashley Judd, Dame Judi Dench… you’re all beautiful to me.

SK: Never say ______ on a date.

Ted: Here’s a bullet list:

• I don’t like sex.
• I don’t like oral sex.
• I have a boyfriend.
• I’m married.
• I hated Flash Gordon.

SK: Yea or nay to playing with the phone on a date?

Ted: Well, if you pay more attention to playing Words with Friends than to me, I’m not going to feel very confident in the evening’s outcome. If you are literally playing with the phone like it’s a sex toy, well, then we have a lot to talk about.

SK: Ultimate brownie points on a date?

Ted: Go commando. Easy access, ladies. Trust me. Everything is so much easier.

Ted hits stores Dec. 11, so be sure to check out this fuzzy little dude in all his glory. Seth MacFarlane raised the bar on the raunch-o-meter of this flick but honestly, it makes it one of the more memorable comedic experiences of the past year.

If you're looking to give the gift of laughs this holiday season, Ted's your go-to guy, hands down!

Photo credits: Universal Pictures, Apega/WENN.com

Celebrating Hanukkah with your friends and family is something to look forward to each year. From the traditional food to the modern-day twists, we have some great ideas for your Hanukkah celebration this year.

How to...
Celebrate Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a special time of year for celebrating with family and close friends. Why not host a celebration in your home this year and pull out all the stops? There are certain foods and traditions that we associate with Hanukkah that people expect, but you can mix it up a bit and create a celebration all your own.

Step 1: First, the food

As with any gathering, the food is front and center. Traditional Hanukkah foods are fried — think latkes and doughnuts — to celebrate the miracle of how only one day's worth of oil burned for eight days in the newly liberated temple of Jerusalem. Latkes are usually served with sour cream or applesauce, but for a modern twist, try something spicy. Latkes are even getting a modern makeover, with creative chefs making them out of sweet potatoes, leeks, cheese or even cauliflower. Bimuelos are a delicious fried treat your guests will love. They are a traditional treat for the Sephardic Jews who come from Turkey, Greece and Spain. These are yeast breads made with honey syrup and are at their tastiest when enjoyed fresh from the oven.

Serving fried foods for a party can be tricky, since anything fried tends to get soggy when it sits too long. Choose a few fried options that you can easily cook after people have arrived; that way the food will stay crispy. Dairy foods are popular during Hanukkah celebrations, so offer a cheese tray as your guests arrive, maybe with a glass of kosher wine. This buys you time to prepare the fried foods and gives your guests a chance to mingle.

Step 2: Hanukkah decor

Unlike the Christmas holiday, with trees and Santa Claus, there really isn’t much traditional decor for Hanukkah. The colors of blue and white are always associated with Hanukkah, as is a menorah for the nightly lighting ceremony. Decorate your home with plenty of blue, white and silver accents on the tables. Dreidels can be used as a centerpiece decoration on tables. Collect them in various sizes and colors and scatter them around to be used in games and as decorative accents.

Probably the most important symbol of the holiday is the menorah. From the traditional to the whimsical, menorahs are available in many different styles. For a holiday celebration, you can use a menorah as a table centerpiece or place them around the room for added ambience. The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing Hanukkah decor is to keep it simple. The blue and white color scheme and traditional items will tie the theme together nicely.

Step 3: Tradition

During the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah, the lighting of the menorah takes place at sundown. If you are hosting a gathering at your home, make sure to include the lighting of the menorah as part of the gathering. Ask someone special to initiate the lighting of the shamash , such as a respected elder or honored guest. Gather your guests and make them all a part of this traditional recognition of Hanukkah.

While keeping with tradition, guests may enjoy singing songs associated with Hanukkah. Print copies of lyrics ahead of time, so everyone can be involved. You might also want to include dreidel games for the kids and perhaps even the adults.

Step 4: Make it your own

While Hanukkah celebrations are steeped in tradition, there are many ways in which you can make your celebration your own. From the foods you serve to the decor, make your Hanukkah gathering uniquely yours and enjoy this part of your holiday celebration.

More about Hanukkah

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Brantley Gilbert — "Kick it in the Sticks"

We’d kick it in the sticks with country sensation Brantley Gilbert any time. This ain’t no John Anderson ditty about swingin’ on a front porch with Charlotte Johnson . This is an in-your-hillbilly-face anthem featuring bikers, tattoos, piercings, bonfires, moonshine, red Solo cups and dudes popping wheelies on 4-wheelers. Watch "Kick it in the Sticks" and see if you aren’t suddenly moved by the urge to fetch up your shotgun and find you some vermin. Go on now, git.

Colt Ford — "Waste Some Time"

Finally! A message we can embrace! Before we get to Colt Ford, who’s this little slice of country heaven in this video called Nic Cowan? Listening to and watching this country boy is hardly a waste of time. Now on to Colt Ford : When we think of country music, we don’t usually think of a big ol' white boy who can rap. Do yourself a tremendous favor and Google Mud Digger by Colt Ford. Mr. Ford/Brown’s unique style and sound earned him an ACA nomination for Breakthrough Artist. Considering Colt Ford used to be a pro golfer, we’re guessing he can break through just about anything he sets his mind to. And no, that wasn’t a fat joke.

Kip Moore — "Somethin' 'Bout a Truck"

Yeah. More like somethin' 'bout a hot country boy spread out over the hood of his pickup waiting for his trailer gal to join him in a beer. That’s the stuff country dreams are made of. And there’s somethin' 'bout the ACAs that set them apart from other award shows: fans vote for the winners, which means the wildly popular Kip Moore, who was summarily ignored at the CMAs, is now nominated for the New Artist ACA. Fingers crossed!

Jason Aldean — "Take a Little Ride"

Remember what Momma told you? Never trust boys in trucks! And Jason “hey-this-lady-I’m-sucking-face-with-ain’t-my-wife” Aldean is a shining example of this. For whatever fans think about his personal life, they sure seem to dig his country swagger. Aldean is nominated for five ACAs. Which begs the question: How much did Chevy pay him every time he says “Chevy” in this video?

Image courtesy Judy Eddy/WENN.com

Demi Lovato and Taylor Lautner

Verbally sparring on the X-Factor with fellow judge Simon Cowell has put Demi Lovato on every gossip radar around — in a good way. The overwhelming consensus is that the star, who has openly battled and sought treatment for issues including eating disorders and self-harm, has never been better. Although she asserts she's taking time away from the dating scene to focus on herself, we think the cute pop-tart deserves some doting on. The Twilight Saga’s Taylor Lautner could be just the guy — he’s her age, he’s rumored to be a total gentleman and he's committed to a healthy lifestyle. In short, he seems like the kind of guy she could sink her teeth into!

L image courtesy of Mr. Blue/WENN.com, R image courtesy of WENN.com

Amanda Brown and Ne-Yo

If you happened to tune into The Voice this week and weren’t blinded by Christina Aguilera’s fluorescent wig, you undoubtedly witnessed the undeniable chemistry between contestant Amanda Brown and R & B hottie Ne-Yo. Sparks flew throughout the pair’s performance of Ne-Yo’s hit single “Let Me Love You,” which culminated in Brown wrapping her long leg around his torso. She says it was an “in-the-moment kind of thing,” and we couldn’t help but think maybe a few more of those in-the-moment moments might just lead to some beautiful babies.

Image courtesy of WENN.com

RuPaul and Tim Gunn

Project Runway’s Tim Gunn gained a devoted following for his genuine nature and smart fashion insight, and he has since parlayed that into a Bravo spin-off and book deal — much to the delight of his many fans. And after hearing the stylish softie has been celibate for three decades, we’ve all been rooting for him to find his happily-ever-after. Wouldn’t he and RuPaul make a totally fab pair? Their shared indifference towards assigned gender, obsession with fashion and fun personalities point toward a true match made in mistletoe heaven.

L image courtesy of Josiah True/WENN.com, R image courtesy of Stefan Jeremiah/WENN.com

Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina

During last season of American Idol, the world fell for country music in a big way. Scotty McCreery, the deep-voiced crooner from Garner, North Carolina, took home top honors, while twangy Georgia peach Lauren Alaina came in a close second. The country cuties kept tongues wagging with their openly affectionate actions, but they maintained it was nothing more than BFF behavior. With Scotty’s career soaring and Lauren working on her second album, what better time to come out as upcoming romantic country royalty?

Image courtesy of Nikki Nelson/WENN.com

Fair leather friend

Zac Brown may be known now as the beanied and bearded front man of the wildly successful Zac Brown Band, but give it a little time, and he just might develop a reputation as a master purveyor of leather. Hoping to offer fans something a bit more distinctive than the typical concert souvenir fare of T-shirts and trucker hats, Brown developed Southern Hide— a full-production leather shop based in Atlanta, Georgia. Intrigued by the idea of getting hold of a piece of Zac's hide? Swing by the souvenir stand at one of his gigs, and you could go home with a Camp Southern Ground guitar strap or a hand-tooled and distressed American flag. No word yet on the availability of custom chaps!

Zac Brown Band, the television show?>>

On the write track

Not all success stories start with a bang. Sure, Jason Aldean found himself on fortune's good side when a scout discovered him at a bar in Atlanta, Georgia. Being plucked from obscurity at The Buckboard, though, didn't immediate catapult the country boy into the megastardom he knows now — mainly because it wasn't actually his singing that got him noticed. It was his songwriting skills! The scout was from a song-publishing company in Nashville and thus offered Aldean a job penning lyrics. It wasn't until later that his killer pipes became a hot commodity too. Bonus tidbit? Back then, he was known by his given name of Jason Aldine Williams.

What could have bean

Talk about working for peanuts! Before Luke Bryan shimmied his way into our hearts as one of country's hottest acts, he earned what we can only imagine was a modest wage working in his dad's peanut mill. Luckily for Bryan, his family felt his future was in music, not legumes. Luke's proud papa actually issued the crooner an ultimatum: Quit and follow your dream — or I'll fire you! Bryan took heed, almost immediately garnering attention for co-writing Billy Currington's No. 1 single "Good Directions." Not long after, he became a bona fide star with the release of his own debut single, "All My Friends Say." Sayonara, peanut fields!

Luke Bryan — Country music's hottest hunks>>

The age of enlightenment

When you are a little-known band trying to make it big, it's no secret you spend most of your time doing gigs at dive bars. But what if you aren't quite legally allowed to cross the threshold of such establishments? Just ask Hillary Scott of country supergroup Lady Antebellum. When the band first formed in 2006, Scott was only 20 years old. Alas, what is a resourceful country girl to do? Borrow a friend's spare ID, apparently! Hillary has gone on the record to say she doesn't condone such irresponsible measures, but the band laughs about it now... especially since the then-budding starlet was once busted for her faux credentials in Athens, Georgia.

Menage a Taylor?

Trying to guess which of Miss Swift's crushes are the subjects of her hit singles provides plenty of juicy fodder for both fans and critics. But before she was canoodling with the likes of Jake Gyllenhaal or John Mayer, who put stars in Tay Tay's pretty blue eyes? None other than the shaggy-haired brothers of the Hanson trio! Swift has said she had a particular affinity for the middle brother, who just so happens to share her first name. Unlike serial dater Swift, however, Taylor Hanson settled down early — he got hitched at age 19 and has since spawned five kiddos. The family band may have folded, but clearly this middle bro has been doing some MMMBoppin of his own.

Taylor Swift's boyfriend shuffle: 13 Guys in 4 years!>>

Images, top to bottom, courtesy of Ray Garbo/WENN.com, Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com, Dominic Chan/WENN.com, Judy Eddy/WENN.com, Bridow/WENN.com

This is one of those soups that can be thicker than a regular soup, but not quite as thick as a stew. Made with lentils and broken pasta, this soup makes a hearty meal. One nice feature: If you happen to have leftover mashed potatoes, toss them in this soup to add creamy goodness! Perfect on a chilly Sunday evening!

Lentil soup with veggies and pasta

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup broken large pasta or small pasta
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 can cream of mushroom or celery soup
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 bacon strip, cooked and cut into small pieces or about 1/4 cup cooked pancetta
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese, for garnish
• Red pepper flakes to taste

Directions:

1. Add about 5 cups of water and the lentils to a medium-size, deep saute pan over medium heat.
2. Add the bacon if you're using it. Cook, covered, until the lentils are almost soft, or until the water is absorbed. You may need to add more water to the lentils.
3. Meanwhile, in a large, deep saute pan over low-to-medium heat, add the olive oil. When hot, add the onion and cook until golden.
4. Add 4 cups of water, carrots, tomato sauce, celery, parsley, cream of mushroom or celery soup , and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil.
5. When boiling, add the pasta, lower the heat and cook until the pasta is tender.
6. Add the lentil mixture to the pasta and cook, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes.
7. If you think your soup should be a bit creamier, combine about 2 tablespoons of flour with about 4 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Whisk until a smooth paste forms. While the lentil and pasta mixture is cooking, gradually add the flour/water mixture, a bit at a time, while stirring.
8. Season with hot pepper flakes if you'd like.
9. Serve in individual bowls, sprinkled with fresh grated Romano cheese.

Grab the family for dinner!

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