From all of us at C&I.....

Sexiest Cowboy Alive

Congratulations to Hugh Jackman for being named People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive." But, of course, Cowboys & Indians readers already knew he had fair claim to that title.

All the wild horses

From the Salt Lake Tribune: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is struggling to pay for the upkeep of 30,000 wild horses and burros in captivity, and hasn't figured out how to deal with the animals in Utah and across the West. The Government Accountability Office, noting the $21 million spent last year to tend to the wild horses on and off the range, says BLM, to live up to federal law, must start culling the herds through euthanasia, adoption or sale to protect rangelands from overgrazing.

But this story may have a happy ending, according to The Washington Post: Madeleine Pickens, wife of billionaire T. Boone Pickens, has made known her intentions to adopt most or all of the horses and burros now kept in federal holding pens.

Kevin Costner: Making music with Modern West

With his first CD newly arrived in stores, Kevin Costner has started touring with his Country-rock group Modern West. And the CD itself is getting some respectful attention.

Speaking of USA Today... and Nicole Kidman....

The Oscar-winning actress (and wife of Country superstar Keith Urban) talks about Australia. Money quote: "I wanted to make a film for my country. We wanted it to be an Australian Gone With the Wind."

Stars shine at CMA awards show

USA Today offers full coverage of last night's Country Music Association Awards presentation, noting that the ceremony "served as the coronation of Brad Paisley as Country's jack-of-all-trades and master of all." (P.S. Hugh Jackman and Nicol Kidman also were on hand for the festivities.)

Tonight's the night

Ron Wynn of Nashville City Paper previews tonight's 42nd annual Country Music Association Awards telecast -- airing at 7 pm CST on ABC -- and predicts another win for Carrie Underwood.

Australia earns Oprah's seal of approval

Miss Winfrey is raving about the epic romantic drama previewed in the current issue of Cowboys & Indians.