The Vegas 30: Vegas Tips and Tricks for those over 30

Subscribe in iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the Vegas 30 Podcast, we give a report of our latest trip to Vegas. Among other things we talked about how our opinion of South Point has changed (hint: it has to do with being over 30), and whether we recommend Absinthe over Zumanity, even though the two shows have very similar elements. We also discussed how you can tell (without wasting your money on a show) if a show isn't doing well in Vegas, and why in certain circumstances you should avoid sitting in the front row at a Vegas show. Are you politically incorrect if you insult everyone in the room? [Tweet This] Other topics include: [00:02:43.19] How having a beard impacted my acceptance in Vegas [00:04:08.25] Our opinion of South Point and how it changed [00:06:04.09] Why this show is geared for those over 30 [00:07:11.16] Factors that impact the importance of sleep [00:10:12.26] What to do if you want to see particular shows in Vegas [00:10:39.00] The only show we planned ahead for on this trip [00:12:53.08] A very cool way to go into a show -- if it turns out to be good [00:13:23.06] When you should avoid sitting in the front row [00:15:13.27] Two main things about restaurants and shows in Vegas [00:16:14.03] Something we did for the first time -- that we had never done before in Vegas [00:17:34.21] The advantage to doing things on the fly in Vegas [00:17:57.29] How to tell if a show isn't doing well in Vegas [00:18:35.20] The worst possible place for us to be in line in Vegas [00:21:43.09] Why we've intentionally avoided seeing certain shows [00:22:30.01] What we love about New York, New York [00:23:07.17] What almost caused us to walk out of a show And so much more. . . Items mentioned in this episode: South Point Hotel and Casino Baja Miguels Mexican Restaurant (in South Point) Absinthe  Zumanity   The Vegas 30 Episode #13 StubHub  Jabbawokeez  Recycled Percussion The Venetian Palazzo Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes! Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes RSS Feed In this episode of The Vegas 30 podcast we talked about the Linq, and how it has completely changed what used to be the grossest area in Vegas, into one of the best places to spend time. Among other things, we discussed how the Linq brought to Vegas something that had previously be severely missing. We also discussed the Frank Moreno show and whether or not you should spend your time and money to see it. Other topics include: [00:01:14.13] The proper way to treat preferred members [00:03:27.09] What was formerly known as the grossest area in Vegas [00:04:37.24] When you never want to build an observation wheel [00:08:40.08] What we were previously lacking in Vegas [00:09:10.15] What you should do if you're new to Vegas [00:09:39.13] How to see things you've never seen before in Vegas, regardless of how many times you've been to Vegas [00:11:54.29] One of the things Vegas is severely lacking [00:11:60.07] The best place to take the kids to eat in Vegas [00:14:26.07] What Vegas is really good at [00:15:10.13] The 3 things you go to Vegas for [00:17:28.14] Reimagined casinos [00:19:11.27] Why we shouldn't judge leprechauns [00:21:03.27] The Frank Moreno divas [00:23:23.07] The best part of the Frank Moreno Divas show [00:24:13.03] The biggest disappointment in the Frank Moreno Divas show [00:25:53.09] The main reason we go to shows [00:27:13.15] Where budgeting comes in in Vegas [00:27:25.24] How I still see Vegas And so much more. . .   Items mentioned in this episode: Harrah’s ARIA Monte Carlo Stratosphere Lucky Strike bowling alley Polaroid Fotobar Bally’s The Cromwell The Quad Frank Moreno Show Total Rewards Carrot Top   Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes! Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the Vegas 30 Podcast, we had on my good friend, Chris Farias of Kitestring. We talked about Chris’ third visit to Vegas. Chris told an epic story about the mishaps he had with the $20 trick that didn’t work as expected, as well as what happened when he went shopping in Vegas while drunk. We also discussed some of the more positive aspects of his trip. Other topics include: $20 trick [00:02:55.11] The first $40 trick ever [00:03:31.04] A disappointing upgrade [00:06:34.14] How to best spend your money in Vegas [00:11:38.11] The Willie Wonka slot machine [00:12:41.04] Why you should never go shopping drunk in Vegas [00:14:41.01] What you should do if you are ripped off [00:19:13.17] Things to do outside of Vegas -- [00:21:00.00] The one thing you never want to look at[00:31:10.13] And so much more. . .   Items mentioned in this episode: Flamingo The Linq Harrah's The Quad Miracle Mile Shops Beatty, Nevada Ellis Island Casino Total Rewards   Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes! Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes RSS Feed On this episode of the Vegas 30 Podcast we talk about our most recent trip to Vegas and some of our great finds off the Strip. We also talked about why you should be glad that the Vegas 30 podcast isn’t a weekly podcast. Other topics include: The awesome combination of rental cars and Yelp Why we no longer recommend taking taxis in Vegas How we trust strangers more than we trust the brand The best view in Vegas When being spontaneous is a bad idea And so much more. . . What happens in Vegas, goes on the podcast. [Tweet This] Items mentioned in this episode: Rio Hotel Ronald’s Donuts Yelp reviews Egg and I China Town in Vegas In-N-Out Burger New York, New Hotel Shake Shack Bacchanal Buffet Nobu Brand Savant Voodoo Steakhouse Andrea Bocelli Want a free MIO battery pack? Tweet, “Give me back my power!” Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes! Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes Scott and Alison take on the subject of poker in today's episode. From the daunting prospect of tournaments to the proper etiquette, the gauntlet of poker for the every-man is tackled. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride with a few too many Pina Coladas and a cheap trip to skipping the queue at Starbucks. Other topics include: The Return of the Free Drink Myth. The social contract of poker. Styles of play for the discerning taste. Taking on the differences between tables. Family fun and poker strife! Tournament play and you! Differences between table poker and video poker. And so much more. . .   Items mentioned in this episode: Caesar's Palace The Venetian MGM Grand Casino Niagara Starbucks Spend much time at the poker tables yourself? Did you try your hand at a tournament? Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes! Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes While it's typically all sunshine and roses in Vegas, there's obviously some problems to it as well. In a city filled with excellent restaurants, shows, and celebrity fame, things can still fall into the category of lackluster disappointment. In this episode we explore our list of Vegas restaurants and shops that just don't make the cut. u_aSK6xgt5A Other topics include: When the food is not worth the wait. Circumstantial letdowns to avoid. The must-sees that are less than so. The should-avoids that have improved! Where to be aware of the Star disparity. Bracing for event planning. The stranger phenomenon. And so much more. . .   Items mentioned in this episode: Star Wars Paris Wolfgang Puck's Guy Savoy Caesar's Palace Gordon Ramsey Pub & Grill Starbucks Homestead The Cheesecake Factory Rao's Nobu Mesa Grill The Venetian The Bellagio Circus Circus Stratosphere Holiday Inn Mandalay Bay MGM Grand Is there any place in Vegas that you think failed to live up to the hype? Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes! Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes Despite what people commonly think, there's much more to do in Vegas than just going to shows and gambling. This does entail most of what's available on the strip, but what about when you go off of it? In this episode we venture off the strip to show us what we've all been missing! Other topics include: Traveling off Strip and how to do so Golfing with the dawn For the other professional golfers: Mini-Golf! Having a good time at the gun range, fun for the whole family! A trip down Nostalgia lane with the Pinball Museum The chance to drive the cars you'll never afford! And so much more. . .   Items mentioned in this episode: Wynn Mandalay Bay Bally's Badlands Golf Club Callaway Heineken Hard Rock Monster Mini-Golf The Gun Store The Pinball Museum World Class Driving Richard Petty Driving Experience Lamborghini Ferrari Porsche Vegas is certainly bigger than the Strip, so what's your favorite thing to do off of it? Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes! Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes In this episode of the Vegas30 Podcast, Scott and Alison discuss their favorite table games. From Blackjack, to Roulette, to Three Card, learn the best ones for novices, some of the fun ones to play, and why it may not be the best idea to get your betting advice from Wesley Snipes. Other topics include: Learn to play with the least intimidation. To go with live people, or automation? What are sucker bets? Which table games have the best odds? About betting systems. Some of the math of betting. Good things to know about the social aspect of table games. And so much more. . .   Items mentioned in this episode: MGM Caesar’s Palace Wizardofodds Mon Ami Gabi What are some of your favorite table games? Why do you prefer them? Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes! Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes In this episode of the Vegas 30 Podcast we talk about the best places to eat on the Strip. Other topics include: Restaurants worth repeating The best places to eat with a group The return of sushi The best food courts Great places for Italian food The quest for steak The legendary "Hipster Pizza!" And so much more. . .   Items mentioned in this episode: Caesar's Palace Mandalay Bay Open Table App LAVO MGM Nobu Shibuya Cirque du Soleil Julian Serrano Sbarro Nathan's Famous Hotdogs Haagen-Daz Bacchanal Buffet (In Caesar's Palace) Rao's (In Caesar's Palace) Old Homestead (In Caesar's Palace) Craftsteak (In MGM) Where's your favorite spot to eat on the strip? Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes! Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes In this episode of The Vegas 30 Podcast we talk about all the ins and outs of slot machines and why nothing in Vegas -- especially the free things -- are free! Other topics include: Ageism and the Vegas 30 Podcast How Scott defines, “after hours” The ONE thing that made Scott's brother a fan of slot machines Random number generators and why all of your tricks and superstitions don’t work on slot machines The only skill or choice you really should make when it comes to slot machines The initial purpose of slot machines The 2 things that dictate looser or tighter slots A slot machine that has never hit, and is now at $2.3 million And so much more. . . Items mentioned in this episode: The Oatmeal comic strip, “Las Vegas at Various Ages” The Vegas 30 Episode 1 on the topic of free drinks The Center for Gaming Research The Grand Biloxi Hotel and Casino The MGM Lion's Share Do you play slots? Share your experiences with slot machines in the comments below. Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes! Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes With all the glitz and glamour of the Vegas strip, it's easy to forget about Vegas' roots on Fremont Street. But the old downtown of Vegas still has a lot more to provide than you've ever imagined! Other topics include: The Fremont Street Video Screen The Deals of Fremont Street How many chugs does it take to get to the bottom of a Yard Long Margarita? Fremont East Insert Coins: A place where nerds and cool people live in harmony... Braving the Heart Attack Grill. And so much more. . .   Items mentioned in this episode: Mermaid's Casino Binion's Hotel and Casino World Series of Poker The Gold Nugget The Plaza Hotel and Casino The Hash House A-Go-Go Oscar's Steakhouse Zappos Insert Coins Heart Attack Grill Have you been to Freemont Street or have you spent all of your time in Vegas on the strip? Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes! Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes In this episode our hosts Scott and Alison go from the desert streets to the recirculated air and artificial lights of the world of conferences and trade shows in Vegas. Learn how and why to appreciate every second of these important events. Other topics include: The true cost of a free cup of coffee. More reasons to appreciate your conference coordinators. Ways to make your event stress-free. How to best handle your booth at a trade show. Best places to stay for your trade shows and conferences. When are you representing your brand? About how to coordinate your own events. The true purpose of sushi. And so much more. . . Items mentioned in this episode: Concrete Show New Media Expo SXSW Renaissance Hotel MGM Grand Hotel and Casino Been to Vegas on business? What are your tips to make the most of the experience? Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes! Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes The moral of today’s podcast is, don’t underestimate Carrot Top, don’t overestimate how much gas you have in your car, and if you don’t want gas, go to Hugo's. Other topics include: Some surprising stats on spending in Vegas How the landscape has changed in Vegas in the past few years The flight of shame home Hidden gems in Vegas Why Carrot Top has been in Vegas so long The thing that surprised Alison the most about the Bellagio The care that is put into the dining experience at Hugo’s Cellar, and the difference it makes in Scott’s eating preferences A great day trip from Las Vegas And so much more. . .   Items mentioned in this episode: Caesar’s LINQ project Carrot Top Bellagio Hugo’s Cellar The Penn and Teller Show South Point Hotel and Casino Red Rock Conservation Area What are your favorite hidden gems in Vegas? Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes! Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes The things you MUST do on your first trip to Vegas. 1. Who you need to act like so you can fit in. 2. The top two visual shopping locations. 3. The most breathtaking meal you will eat, see and hear. 4. You can reenact Oceans 11, well, not the robbery part. 5. Why sitting in one spot for 11 hours may be the best thing you've ever done. 6. The show(s) that beat all shows. Intro Music: Classick Check it out on iTunes! Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes Here's what we wish we knew about Vegas! The worst mistake you can make, even before you step into a casino What will prevent you from buying anything, everywhere on the Strip. The "free drink" myth. Why people avoid Vegas, but are wrong. Always looking for the deal, isn’t always the best deal. The biggest Vegas convenience. And so much more. . .   Intro Music: Classick Check it out on iTunes! Video provided by: AtomicSpark Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound Have you been to Vegas? What do you know now that you wish you knew on your first trip?