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.