Two national media stories about Vegas caught my eye this weekend though neither strays too far from the commonplace (which does not mean they aren't interesting).

Focusing on "Jubilee!," Erika Kinetz in the New York Times took on the fact that showgirls in actual shows are a vanishing tradition in Las Vegas, wonderfully calling them: "the youngest, freshest and most beautiful dinosaurs on the planet."

Of course, this is old news, much lamented, by locals who have long accepted that the future of the Strip is Cirque and Broadway and far rawer, sexier and, most of all, less stately and less elegant adult shows like "Fashionistas" and "Zumanity." But fear not friends: as long as Mayor Goodman is walking, my guess is that a showgirl will always have a job nearby.

The other story, which originally appeared in the Washington Post, looked at two of the newer shows (one Broadway and one Cirque): "Love" and "Phantom" (which the writer doesn't bother to mention is actually called "Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular" and good for him on that point). This is territory well-covered on the Buffet from when these shows opened in June.

The Post story is bit too focused on the contest of "Love" versus "Phantom." While the writer, John Deiner, likes both shows he gives the nod to "Love," concluding: "You can't do better in Vegas these days than 'Love.' It's one of the best shows to hit the Strip in a long time."

I disagree with that conclusion, by the way. I think there are better Cirque shows in Las Vegas ("Mystère" and "O," for example) and, if forced to choose, I would give the nod to "Phantom" as the show to see over "Love." But that sort of distorts the more important point: that these two shows are not in such a direct competition. The press, marketing and energy being spent promoting "Love" and "Phantom" are far more of a threat to shows like "Jubilee!" than to each other. On top of that, Cirque must worry that "Love" could hurt sales for its other shows (especially "Ka").

Still, I always like it when outside media come to Vegas to scrutinize our odd ways and customs. Well, usually outside media just sample a few restaurants, go to some shows and maybe a topless bar and call that Las Vegas expertise.

OK, I have the home-field advantage. But there is a definite value to being an outsider too, because I lack a certain perspective. What do people think when they aren't in Las Vegas? I have no idea. I am always here.

(Photo: Ric Francis / AP)