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.