Return of The Big Trail

Raoul Walsh's The Big Trail -- the epic 1930 Western that showcases the late, great John Wayne in his first starring role -- has been restored for release as a collector's edition 2-disc DVD.

Coming soon to a computer near you

Wild West Online: Gunfighter -- a spanking new multiplayer computer game developed by Tenderfoot Games, LLC -- has entered its "open beta" testing period, meaning that the game is available to the general public. But take note: Accessibility may be periodically limited while the Tenderfoot team monitors the game's performance under heavy loads, fixes bugs identified by the growing community of players, and adds the final features desired for the game's official launch.

As the on-line intro explains: "In Wild West Online: Gunfighter, you will take on the role of gunslinger in the 19th Century American West. Your calling: To make your way across the country forging a name for yourself at the expense of every two-bit hayseed and cocksure tinhorn in your path. A bright flash, a sharp report... a cloud of acrid smoke. Then it’s on to the next town, the next territory and a new challenger anxious to test their mettle. But lest you get too big for your britches, be forewarned: ahead of you famous gunfighters from history lie in wait, ready to push your skills to the edge — or beyond."

Eager gunslingers can create a free account and try their skills here.

How the West was restored

How the West Was Won, the sprawling 1962 MGM Western epic boasting an ensemble cast that includes Henry Fonda, John Wayne, Gregory Peck and James Stewart, will be released August 26 in three newly restored and remastered versions.

Oh, Miley!

Looks like Miley Cyrus -- who recently graced the cover of Cowboys & Indians (along with her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus) -- isn't very happy about a photo of her that has popped up in another magazine.

Preserving a Wild West relic

From the San Francisco Examiner: A Las Vegas entrepreneur has grand plans to restore a Wild West saloon in the wilds of Goodsprings, Nevada.

Chesney's 11

Superstar Kenny Chesney picked up an impressive 11 nods -- including one for Entertainer of the Year -- during this morning's announcement of nominations for the 43rd annual Academy of Country Music awards. Multiple ACM nominations also went to four acts performing at the 2008 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: Sugarland (four nominations), March 10; Brad Paisley (four nominations), March 15; Miranda Lambert (three nominations), March 17; and Big & Rich (four nominations), March 18. Winners will receive their prizes May 18 during a star-studded Las Vegas extravaganza broadcast on CBS.

Kevin Fowler: At the rodeo, on the tube

Kevin Fowler could attract as many as 65,000 country music fans when he performs Wednesday (March 5) at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. But his brand-new music video, "Best Mistake I Ever Made," already is reaching millions on both the CMT and GAC networks.