Joe Nick Patoski

An Epic Life

Willie Nelson

From his first performance at age four, Willie Nelson was driven to make music and live life on his own terms. But though he is a songwriter of exceptional depth - "Crazy" was one of his early classics - Willie only found success after abandoning Nashville and moving to Austin, Texas. Red Headed Stranger made country cool to a new generation of fans. Wanted: The Outlaws became the first country album to sell a million copies. And "On the Road Again" became the anthem for Americans on the move. A craggy-faced, pot-smoking philosopher, Willie Nelson is one of America's great iconoclasts and idols. Now Joe Nick Patoski draws on over 100 interviews with Willie and his family, band, and friends to tell Nelson's story, from humble Depression-era roots, to his musical education in Texas honky-tonks and his flirtations with whiskey, women, and weed; from his triumph with #1 hit "Always On My Mind" to his nearly career-ending battles with debt and the IRS; and his ultimate redemption and ascension to American hero

To keep the land in the family . . . To operate the land profitably . . . To leave the land better than they found it . . . Each year, Sand County Foundation's prestigious Leopold Conservation Award recognizes families for leadership in voluntary conservation and ethical land management. In Generations on the Land: A Conservation Legacy, veteran author and journalist Joe Nick Patoski visits eight of the award-winning families, presenting warm, heartfelt conversations about the families, their beloved land, and a vision for a healthier world. Generations on the Land celebrates these families’ roles as conservation leaders for the nation—far beyond the agricultural communities where they live—and reinforces the value of trans-generational family commitment to good land stewardship. The eight landowners profiled by Patoski include six ranchers, a forester, and a vintner. They reside across the country: in California, Nebraska, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Their conservation accomplishments range from providing a habitat corridor for pronghorn antelope to hammering out an endangered species “safe harbor” agreement for grape growers. A short introduction by a fellow conservation or ranching professional precedes each of the personal portraits by Patoski, which are written in an informal, conversational style. Brent Haglund, president of the Sand County Foundation, provides an introduction to the purpose and work of the foundation, and a conclusion summarizes the substantive conservation contributions of the Leopold award winners. With more and more attention being focused on the tensions between the agricultural and economic potential of land and the preservation of the natural environment, a better understanding of sustainable agriculture is becoming increasingly vital. By showcasing the leadership of these Leopold Conservation Award winners, Generations on the Land will inspire a whole new cadre of landowners to build a lasting heritage of conservation and sustainable land use—benefitting the earth and its inhabitants for decades to come. Paper used in printing this book was provided by Mixed Sources: materials manufactured under certification by the Forest Stewardship Council. "In 1939, Aldo Leopold wrote 'When land does well for its owner, and the owner does well for his land, when both end up better by reason of this partnership, we have conservation.' Generations on the Land demonstrates this simple yet powerful concept through a series of inspirational and instructional essays drawn from hardworking landowners from across the nation. Whether you manage a working landscape yourself, or are one of the urban many seeking insights into how humanity can achieve a sustainable future, you need to study this book."--Richard C. Bartlett, Thinking Like a Mountain Foundation

A Conservation Legacy

Generations on the Land

Laurence Parent

A collection of photographs by Laurence Parent which profile the beauty of the Texas mountains.

Texas Mountains

The definitive, must-have account of the all-time players, coaches, locker rooms and boardrooms that made the Dallas Cowboys "America's Team." Since 1960, the Cowboys have never been just about football. From their ego-driven owner and high-profile players to their state-of-the-art stadium and iconic cheerleaders, the Cowboys have become a staple of both football and American culture since the beginning. For over 50 years, wherever the Cowboys play, there are people in the stands in all their glory: thousands of jerseys, hats, and pennants, all declaring the love and loyalty to one of the most influential teams in NFL history. Now, with thrilling insider looks and sweeping reveals of the ever-lasting time, place, and culture of the team, Joe Nick Patoski takes readers - both fans and rivals alike - deep into the captivating world of the Cowboys.

The Outrageous History of the Biggest, Loudest, Most Hated, Best Loved Football Team in America

The Dallas Cowboys

Bill Crawford

Traces the life of one of America's greatest guitarists, from his early years in the Texas music scene, his rivalry with his brother Jimmie, and his battles with drugs and alcohol, to his tragic death in 1990.

Caught in the Crossfire

Stevie Ray Vaughan

John Dyer

Juan Tejeda

South Texas music roots - self-taught musicians playing music.

Conjunto

Selena Quintanilla was a vibrant performer, wildly popular in the growing field of Tejano music. But her rising star suddenly fell when she was murdered at the age of 23. Now her life, her work, and her musical legacy have been documented. This work recounts Selena's tragically short life, from the ups and downs of her career to her stunning transformation into a sensual Latina superstar.

Como la Flor

Selena

A profile of the late Mexican American singer considers the culture that influenced her career, the family that supported her rise and ultimately set the stage for her downfall, and her shocking murder by the head of her fan club

Joe Nick Patoski

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