By BENJAMIN SPILLMAN LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL.

Gregg Covin has visited the Gold Spike.

Yes, he still plans to buy it.

The Miami developer of high-rise condos and historic boutique hotels visited downtown Las Vegas last week for a closer look at the Gold Spike, a small hotel-casino that's known for its smoky atmosphere and dirt-cheap prices.

Covin, 38, has a purchase agreement to buy the Spike for $15.6 million from Tamares Las Vegas Properties. His plan is to revive the property, seedy even by downtown Las Vegas standards, as a boutique-style hotel with room rates in the neighborhood of $125 to $150 per night.

There are rumblings that Spears directed her bodyguard to go after the photographer, who suffered minor injuries during the fracas Thursday near the spa at Wynn.

If it can be proved that Spears conspired or was involved in the "vicarious liability" for the action of her bodyguard, she can be charged.

In the last year numerous hotels have closed for implosion, most have upgraded their offerings and some have faded from grace to mediocrity. Again we're handing the keys over to you… the readers of VegasTripping to nominate your favorite, hotels, shows, restaurants, casinos, blogs, websites, podcasts and more for inclusion in the final voting of the 2007 Trippies. Based on a lot of feedback we've gotten from you we've reshuffled the categories a little and will post them in late August, but that doesn't mean you've got a month to slack! You can still fire up your thinking caps and think about who you would like to see nominated for this years Trippies.

Take a gander at last years winners and compare that to what you've experienced during your Vegas trips so far this year and get your nominee list ready.

2. Shrimp Cocktail - Golden Gate - 11 am-2 am - 99¢
The Golden Gate Casino downtown has been serving its cold-water Bay-shrimp cocktail since 1959. It’s been 99¢ for the past 15 years. It comes in a tulip cocktail glass with lemon, crackers, and a tangy homemade sauce. It’s served at the Deli in the back of the casino.

3. Prime Rib Dinner - California - 5-11 pm daily - $6.99
The $6.99 prime rib special at the California downtown starts with a full salad bar, continues with a big cooked-to-order piece of prime beef, plus potato and veggie, and finishes up with a little cherries jubilee for dessert. The same meal would cost at least triple in any other city in the country.

4. Beer - Casino Royale - Daily - $1
We’ve replaced the $1.25 beers at Slots A Fun with $1 Michelobs at the center-Strip Casino Royale. This is a 24/7 deal and the bar staff is ultra pleasant about doling ’em out (it’s not uncommon to encounter a staff that’s resentful of this type of deal). You can also get two flavors of frozen margaritas for a buck apiece. Bottom line, though: Beers for $1 are better than beers for $1.25.

5. The Comedy Stop - Tropicana - Daily - $19.95
The Comedy Stop at the Tropicana stays in the Top Ten, based on a recent visit that proved it an even better value than we thought.

6. Sign-Up Promotion - Arizona Charlie's Boulder - Daily - $100 Rebate
And we’re replacing the players club sign-up bonus at Stratosphere with the sign-up bonus at Arizona Charlie’s. The Stratosphere deal (escalating freebies for play, including $100 in bounce-back cash) is still good, but the Charlie’s deal is better. New members who lose between $5 and $100 on their first day of play can swipe their card at the players club kiosk when done playing, and the kiosk prints out a ticket that states the loss amount. Take the ticket to the players club booth, where the club card is loaded with the amount of the loss. Now you have to play through that once on a machine of choice and whatever’s left can be cashed out. This last step is new and takes away the element of complete risklessness (you can lose a little on the play-through of the giveback), but it’s still pretty close to a $100 free-shot, with a very high upside. Another way to think about it (if you’re happy enough just to increase your play time) is that you get to take a second shot with your losses. Either way, it’s strong. Just remember to stop playing and get your rebate after you’ve lost the first hundred.

7. Buffet - Planet Hollywood - Daily - $13.99-$24.99
The Spice Market Buffet is back where it belongs (after a stint in a ballroom during the changeover from Aladdin to Planet Hollywood), so we’ve also put it back where it was in the Top Ten. Though we only tried the weekend brunch, we were impressed enough to replace the Mirage. The prices are still below most other gourmet spreads (Bellagio, Wynn, Paris), so for now, it’s our prime buffet pick.

8. Steak Dinner - Gold Coast - 24 Hours - $10.95
After revisiting the venerable complete steak dinner at the Gold Coast for our "Classics" round-up, we decided that this 24-hour 16-ounce T-bone, which comes with five sides and a glass of beer, is just too good not to be included (we usually don't list two steak dinners in the Top Ten). Though it's gone up in price over the years (it started a decade or so ago at $5.99), the rest of Las Vegas's prices have since passed it, so it's now a Top Tenner again.

9. Steak & Eggs - Arizona Charlie's Decatur - 24 Hours - $2.99
Like the steak special at the Gold Coast, the classic round-the-clock steak-and-eggs special served 24/7 at both Arizona Charlie’s has been available for more than 10 years, but the price has been raised only once, from $2.49 to $2.99. A revisit this month confirms the Top Ten worthiness of this great classic. Note that the coffee shop at Decatur is extremely popular with locals, so there’s often a line to get in. Check the counter, which often has a seat or two. And while you’re there, take a $100 slot or video poker free-shot on the house.

10. Hot Dog - Suncoast - 11 am-5 pm - 75¢
The 75¢ all-beef hot dog available from a vendor cart in the sports book at Suncoast replaces the 75¢ all-beef hot dog available from a vendor cart in the sports book at South Point. They’re the same price. They’re available the same hours. And they come with the same kraut and onions at no extra charge. So why Suncoast and not South Point? Because following another time-honored Top Ten tradition, ties go to the coupon. What that means is that Suncoast participates in the LVA coupon program while South Point doesn’t. So by going to Suncoast you get the added benefit of being able to play your $5 matchplay from the POV while there. It’s a good and fair tie-breaker that also serves to support those who support us.
Las Vegas Advisor - Vegas Info - Top Ten

Featuring contortionist Lilia Stepanova from NBC's "America's Got
Talent," the acts perform on the main stage in front of the V Theater.
Appropriate for all ages, magicians, acrobats, aerialists and others will
dazzle you. Show times are Friday - Monday quarter after each hour 1:
15 - 7:15pm.

For a more passive shopping accompaniment, enjoy the music of a
talented solo pianist located in the Fragrance Market in front of
Quiksilver. Jazz and Pop standards will serenade you on your shopping
excursion every hour on the half hour from 1:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Saturday - Sunday.

Joining the entertainment troupes are customer service "ambassadors," also known as Segway hosts. Available seven days a week from 12 pm – 9 pm, hosts ride around on state-of-the-art Segways offering information, showcasing merchant products, and even joining in the variety acts spontaneously!

The Miracle Mile Shops features 170 specialty stores, 15 restaurants
and live entertainment.

Miracle Mile Shops
Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino
3667 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 785-5555

Source:www.vegas4locals.com

On July 12th my husband and I attended a business networking reception followed by a performance of Cirque Du Soleil's KA at the MGM. A big thanks goes out to Tom Wilkinson of Vegas4locals.com and Cirque du Soleil's resident show staff for making it all happen.

This was the first time I had seen KA in its entirety after getting a taste of the production at the press conference before its Grand Opening a few years ago. To say it is in a class by itself is without question. To begin with the multi million dollar theatre that was specially built for this production is an eye boggling industrial looking structural design that looks like it could be home of one of Star Trek's alien empires, but actually works to envelope the audience and first draw you in to the fantasy adventure that awaits.

The staging is another aspect that blew me away. Most of the action takes place on or above a mechanical stage that is suspended over a giant pit and able to move and rotate in every direction, as well as transform into a vertical monolith. I could easily say that the stage acts as a character onto itself due to the fact that it plays a big part in the story in which Imperial twins are separated by war and must endure a perilous journey that entails surviving an ocean storm, meeting fantastic sea creatures, and battling their foes until they eventually are reunited. Implementing a combination of floor and aerial acrobatics and martial arts moves, the performers in exquisitely colorful, innovative costumes are accompanied by remarkable special effects and an Asian inspired music soundtrack (enhanced by speakers situated on the back headrest of every seat) that takes audiences on a spectacular, magical journey like nothing I have ever experienced before.

There are some things in life you can justifiably miss, and then there are others you just shouldn’t. You can forego bungee jumping, and still live a long, productive life. You can skip eating frog legs, and never look back.

But you shouldn’t miss seeing “O” at Bellagio.

The first time I saw the water spectacle-of-a-show was in October 1998. No one had heard of such a thing: a show on, or just above, the water. (“O” being a play on the French word, eau, for water.) And to be sure, no one could imagine spending more than $100 million to mount and produce the first show.

The shock went from “Oh, my” to “Oh, yeah!” within the first minutes of the show. And the waves of approval have never ceased.

In a city of superlatives, “O” dominates the scene, retaining its deserved moniker as “the toughest ticket in town,” along with “the one you should try to see.

Perhaps it has to do with our basic human need for water—yet no one could ever have imagined that we need it visually, as well as literally.

Beyond the genius of the staging and the magnitude of the theater, there’s just as much emphasis put on the talent and athleticism of the performers. Many of them are of Olympic caliber, and none disappoint. Some are very up close and personal so don’t be surprised if you become part of the act.

The majority, however, proves its talent by filling the gargantuan stage with a life force that needs to be experienced first-hand, and quite possibly more than once.

They rock, they roll, they swing and fly, on horses and on swings. They even appear to be walking on water … and who’s to say they’re not?

It concludes with a high-dive, which causes my palms to sweat just thinking about it. And believe it or not, I haven’t given any of the drama or the suspense away. You’re still in for a treat.

As with most Cirque du Soleil productions, all of the staging is accompanied by live musicians, which is due to necessity as much as ambience. If a performer needs a moment or two longer to complete his or her act, the musicians can cover the interlude, and the audience is none the wiser.

Oh Lordy, did I forget anything? Trust me, there’s so much more to see and experience with “O”

Elvis left the building for good in 1977, but if the rumors are true, there’s an excellent chance he’s lurking among the multitudes of celebrity impersonators in Las Vegas. The city has taken great pride in re-creating the gondolas of Venice and the New York skyline, so why not the faces, voices and mannerisms of Hollywood’s finest?

How it took 16 years for a celebrity impersonator awards show to arrive here is anybody’s guess, but on May 27, Imperial Palace hosts The Reel Awards, honoring the world’s top impersonators and look-alikes. This year marks the first time the awards have been held outside of Los Angeles, so in honor of the move, here’s a look at some of our finest tribute shows.

An Evening at La Cage
For more than 20 years, Frank Marino has been performing as Joan Rivers in the only female impersonation show on the Las Vegas Strip. Now a local icon, Marino fronts a reliable cast of famous females performed by males, including Judy Garland, Dolly Parton, Britney Spears and Celine Dion. But the campy fun begins and ends with Marino, whose costume changes and banter between acts are strong enough for a man, but made for a woman. And, yes, there’s even a Michael Jackson impersonator. Riviera, (702) 794-9433

Legends in Concert
Like death and taxes, and much more appealing than either, Legends in Concert has been a reliable staple at the Imperial Palace since 1983. Now in its third decade, Legends stays fresh by rotating its cast of celebrity impersonators. You can always count on Matt Lewis as an on-the-money Elvis Presley to revive the King and lead the ensemble in “Viva Las Vegas,” but it’s the current portrayals of Ricky Martin, Janet Jackson, Rod Stewart, Whitney Houston and the Blues Brothers that keep audiences coming back. Imperial Palace, (702) 794-3261

American Superstars
American Superstars shoots for the stars—not a bad idea considering it’s located in the tallest building west of the Mississippi. The celebrity impersonator show has been a fixture at the giant needle for more than 10 years and it’s easy to see why. Superstars keeps it current, offering in-the-news celebs Michael Jackson, Britney Spears and Tim McGraw, as well as the classics, Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe. The result is a show that appeals to all ages—an American institution as venerable as apple pie and baseball. Stratosphere, (702) 380-7711

The Musical History of the King starring Trent Carlini
As The Dream King, Trent Carlini takes audiences on a journey through the high points of Elvis’ career, including his breakthrough in the ’50s, his tenure in the U.S. Army, the campy movie years, his climactic NBC comeback special and finally, and fittingly, to the King’s Vegas residency. Authentic costumes and the voice—oh my, the voice—will have you seeing double. Which, in fact, you are. Sahara, (702) 737-2515

The Rat Pack is Back
In the 1960s, the Sands was the place where Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and Joey Bishop gathered to sing, carouse and joke around. In the 21st century, the Greek Isles re-creates the zeitgeist of that hotel and its marquee act with a show that showcases each of the performers’ strengths. From time to time, Marilyn Monroe has been known to join in on the fun. You might find one or two impersonations of these entertainers elsewhere in town, but only Greek Isles has all four of them in the same place. Greek Isles, (702) 737-5540

America’s Tribute to Neil Diamond starring Jay White
Neil Diamond impersonator Jay White got his start in Legends in Concert before moving to the Riviera. Now Diamond fans come out in droves for an intimate evening with the uncanny entertainer. White switches from one colored, sequined shirt to another, approximating Diamond’s hits “Sweet Caroline,” “Cracklin’ Rosie” and “America” to a tee. A hot five-piece band and video clips from Diamond’s heyday make White’s show a definitive tribute. Guaranteed you’ll have at least one song stuck in your head afterward. Riviera, (702) 794-9433

Barbra & Frank: The Concert That Never Was
Ol’ Blue Eyes may have passed, but his spirit lives on in Vegas. And though it may seem odd, one of his most effective tributes is with an unlikely partner, Barbra Streisand. Although they never appeared together onstage, Sinatra and Streisand often crossed paths in their illustrious careers. Sebastian Anzaldo and Sharon Owens create a vision of what it might’ve been like to see the pair in concert, with both taking solo turns before returning to duet on “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” and “New York, New York.” Riviera, (702) 794-9433

Fab Four Mania
Some Beatles tributes like to mainly highlight elaborate costumes and fancy wigs, but Fab Four Mania strives for the complete experience. Oh, there are elaborate costumes and wigs, but these likenesses of John, Paul, George and Ringo play the classic hits of The Beatles in the same keys, with the same instruments and without backing tracks. They also span several periods of the bands career, from the heady days of Beatlemania through the psychedelia of Sgt. Pepper to the final days before the breakup. V Theater at Miracle Mile Shops, (702) 932-1818
http://www.lvshowbiz.com

Michael's awards have included being named one of the Top 5 Restaurants in Las Vegas by the Zagat Survey. It received the Four-Diamond Award for Exceptional Cuisine, Excellent Service, and Elegant Dining Atmosphere from the American Automobile Association, the Award of Excellence from Distinguished Restaurants of North America, and the Finest Gourmet Restaurant recognition from the Las Vegas Review-Journal Readers' Poll.

Two Seatings Nightly: 6:00pm or 6:30pm and 9:00pm or 9:30pm
For Reservations Call: 702-796-7111 or toll free 1-866-796-7111
Menu

I don't know, it seems every time I turn around either a new megaresort is rising on the Strip, an old hotel-casino is being torn down or drastic changes are being made to existing properties. Just look at the past year. Two of our landmark casinos — the Stardust and Frontier (excuse me, New Frontier) — are gone, to be replaced by multi-billion-dollar resorts with new names, none of them reflecting Las Vegas.

Then we had the Aladdin, which in the end proved it couldn't distance itself from what seemed like a curse over the years, and finally was sold and renamed Planet Hollywood. Treasure Island decided the name wasn't hip enough, so changed it to TI, though almost everyone still calls it Treasure Island.

And now, we're told the people (MGM Mirage to be exact), who own the Luxor, don't like the Egyptian theme. So here's what's going on and what will be happening at the property over the next little while, at a cost, I might add, of $300 million, almost as much as the $375 million it took to build the joint.

Much of the ancient Egyptian theme will be removed while adding trendy lounges, restaurants and an ultra-hip nightclub. The focus will be on transforming Luxor's atrium level from the family-friendly arcade to more adult-themed amenities, such as additional restaurants, lounges and entertainment venues.

The 2,500 hotel rooms in the Luxor pyramid will be remodeled. Many of the older amenities, such as Nefertiti's Bar and the Isis and Sacred Sea restaurants, are already history and the Egyptian hieroglyphics on the casino's indoor walls and other symbols are slowly being eliminated.

The first amenity, the Aurora Lounge near the hotel lobby, opened in the spring to replace Nefertiti's. Other venues, such as the LAX Nightclub, will open Labor Day. The club, an off-shoot of the trendy Los Angeles nightspot of the same name, will have celebrity investors, including singer Christina Aguilera. Two other bars and lounges will open later in the fall adjacent to LAX: Noir and Flight.

A bar called Liquidity (cute, huh?) located in the center of the casino, will open in the fall, as will CatHouse, a restaurant and European-style lounge, located in the upstairs area above the casino replacing Isis and Sacred Sea. Celebrity chef Kerry Simon, who operates Simon Kitchen and Bar at the Hard Rock, will serve as executive chef.

Gerry McCambridge, aka "The Mentalist," has an interactive show full of audience input that makes this job of writing about it just a little easier.

"It's Aunt Debbie. I'm at that show. It's really cool, I'm not kidding."

Aunt Debbie's nephew was the first person contacted after McCambridge started a cell phone race to solicit help from someone not already in the audience.

His show at the Hooters Hotel is indeed cool for offering new twists on traditional stage magic. As McCambridge explains at the beginning of the show, a magician makes you ask, "How did he do those tricks?" The mentalism act inspires you to ask, "Were those tricks?"

More Here:
http://www.lvrj.com/neon/8890932.html

Everyone enjoys Peter "Big Elvis" Vallee's free shows at 3, 5 and 6:30 p.m. at Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon on the Strip. He's been performing Elvis' hits for years and shares video and stories about the idol.

Tom Stevens will be doing a 30th anniversary Elvis show in Addison's Lounge at the Rampart at the JW Marriott in Summerlin on Aug. 16 at 8 p.m. Tickers are $20 with one drink included.

There's a statue of Elvis Presley at the Las Vegas Hilton that was originally dedicated in September 1978. Elvis played 837 consecutive sold-out shows at the hotel. The statue was removed from the hotel's lobby in 2005 while the lobby was being renovated and it was rededicated on June 22, 2006.
http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/brett/index.htm