R.I.P: Porter Wagoner (1927-2007)

The country music legend famed for his rhinestone-studded suits passed away Sunday after losing his battle with lung cancer. But he leaves behind a lasting legacy. And, better still, he lived long enough, as the Associated Press notes, to enjoy "a remarkable late-career revival that won him a new generation of fans."

The Lone Ranger rides again?

After reviving the swashbuckler with his fabulously successful Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, producer Jerry Bruckheimer may be setting his sights on reintroducing a classic Western hero, The Lone Ranger. Does this mean Johnny Depp -- or Nicolas Cage, star of Bruckheimer's National Treasure franchise -- might be donning the mask? Or will they go with an unknown like they did back in 1981 when... oh, wait, maybe that wouldn't be such a good idea.

Jesse and Brad

Brad Pitt continues to promote The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford as it opens in foreign markets. In an interview with John Hiscock of the Telegraph of Great Britain, he notes that, of all the actors who have played the notorious outlaw on screen, he's the only one who, like Jesse, hails from Springfield, Missouri.

"I was surprised how much pride I found in the fact we're both from the same area," says Pitt. "He's a folk hero and there are tourist traps and museums dedicated to him, but I had never thought of portraying him until I read this script, which dissects the Jesse James myth and also the myth of Robert Ford, who killed him. I wasn't interested in doing a straightforward, shoot-'em-up Western because that's been done really well before – this is different.""

Yesterday, Times Square! Tomorrow, the world!

The cover of our December issue -- spotlighting the great Sam Elliott -- looms large in Times Square. And next week, you can find the magazine at fine newsstands everywhere.

A super showcase for Native Americans

From the Arizona Republic: "It's common for Super Bowl host regions to put their cultural identity on display for a worldwide audience. It will be no different next year when Arizona provides the backdrop for Super Bowl XLII. With Native Americans playing an integral role in the history and cultural identity of the Grand Canyon State, local groups are planning to put on a festival showcasing the foods, arts and other traditions of Arizona's 22 tribes and nations.

"The 2008 Arizona Indian Festival, presented by the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association, is set for Jan. 18 through 20 at Phoenix's Steele Indian School Park.

"The three-day affair will be part of the 'Super Celebration Series,' a group of public events sanctioned by the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee. About 50,000 people are expected to attend."

The good, the bad and the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

OK, I admit -- I checked this out, on the advice of my buddy John Guidry, expecting to laugh. But I wound up smiling instead. Go figure.

Sam Elliott, Flying Cowboy

Sam Elliott -- the subject of a cover-story profile in the next issue of Cowboys & Indians -- hosted the world premiere launch of the official trailer for The Golden Compass Tuesday evening at the Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center in New York. Elliott plays a dashing cowboy figure named Lee Scoresby in the lavish fantasy, which opens Dec. 7 at theaters and drive-ins everywhere. And just in case you missed the Manhattan extravaganza, you can link to the trailer here.

The Duke in 3-D

Writer/researchers Bob Furmanek and Jack Theakston want to the set the record straight regarding "myths" about Hondo. (Thanks to John Guidry for the tip.)

Your Sunday music video

For your listening pleasure, Delbert McClinton.

Where have all the cowboys gone?

And, come to think of it, what's Paula Cole up to these days?

G'day, Rodeo Queen! Howdy, Cowgirls!

The competition for the title of Miss Rodeo Queen of Australia is heading into the home stretch on the Gold Coast. Meanwhile, back in the States, cowgirls are riding high in Nashville.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

Received a very gracious letter the other day from Russell Crowe, thanking me for the 3:10 to Yuma piece I wrote for the current issue. In the same note, however, he politely pointed out that… that… well, that I had screwed up.

Or, as he diplomatically phrased it, that I had included stuff in the article “that was a little askew.”

Specifically: Based on outdated and/or incorrect information I had obtained elsewhere, I made passing reference “the 100-acre spread [Crowe] maintains five hours from Sydney, along the coastal flats of New South Wales, where he raises Brangus cattle.”

Not quite, I’m embarrassed to admit.

“My property,” Crowe wrote, “is now 1360 acres in the main block – with 180 acres of grain land down the river one way and 360 acres of finishing land down the valley the other way. We aren’t what you would call coastal flats, being some 18 to 20 miles inland from the ocean at about 109’ above sea level. Over time what we do on the farm has been refined. We now run a herd of 500 breeders and bulls, having gone into straight Angus about five years ago. We haven’t achieved full certification yet but we follow an organic regime. This month we are turning off about 250kg of restaurant cuts. It’s not a lot, but it’s all hand raised, home range 150 day grain fed or true home range beef and it tastes great.”

Over the years, I have received letters reporting errors that have made me angry – at myself, not the sender – and I have read others that have made me laugh. But I must admit: This is the first letter of its kind that has made me hungry.

I apologize profusely for the misinformation, Mr. Crowe. But do you think that, next time I’m in Australia, I could cadge a free meal at your place?

Good news, bad news for Western fans

The good news: Comanche Moon finally has a definite air date on CBS. The bad news: The six-hour miniseries will be broadcast from 9-11 p.m. ET Dec. 30, Jan. 1 and Jan. 2. Not exactly the sort of showcase you'd expect for a star-studded prequel to Lonesome Dove.

On the other hand, there's nothing but bad news for loyal viewers of Deadwood.

Tombstone

Your tax dollars at work: The Voice of America offers an overview of Tombstone, Ariz., complete with downloadable video.