Paisley leads the pack

Country superstar Brad Paisley -- who'll be performing March 12 at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo -- leads all finalists for the Academy of Country Music Awards, with no fewer than six nominations (including a nod for Entertainer of the Year). Heidi Newfield also scored impressively, picking up nominations in five categories. Other multiple nominees include Kenny Chesney, Jamey Johnson -- and, of course, George Strait. Winners will be announced April 5 during an ACM awards presentation airing on CBS.

Dancing cowboys (and cowgirl)

Former Cowboys & Indians cover girl Jewel and rodeo star Ty Murray will be the first husband-and-wife couple ever to compete against each other on Dancing With the Stars when the popular series returns for Season 8. Country singer Chuck Wicks also will be among the celebrity contestants when the fancy footwork begins March 9 on ABC.

Thanks, pardners!

The Cowboys & Indians readership continues to expand -- and we're extremely grateful. More important, we'll continue to work hard to keep you coming back for more.