• Mel B: It’s a Scary World opener
• Crazy-ass Las Vegas Strip U-Haul videos
• Stripper 101 instructors sue
• Imperial Palace has a new afternoon show
• Skyvue claims to have financing, reveals more parts
• Vegas Glow Run comes to downtown
• Our sponsor, Viator’s gift certificates
• Our sponsor, Vegas Mate, is really great
• Listener calls about Linq construction, Joey Lawrence, the Dominican Republic Hard Rock, Mandarin Oriental, Scarpetta, Gordon Ramsay Steak and more
• Gambling with Tim and Michele: Godzilla edition
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 5/25/12 71:42 min, 65.8 MB) or subscribe.

• Vegas Stripped opener
• Wayne Newton’s tourist attraction is unlikely
• Fremont Street bars in a box
• Las Vegas Club has nowhere to eat
• Jeff Timmons is back
• Whoa! Joey Lawrence is shirtless
• Our sponsor, Viator’s Facebook Summer Photo Contest
• Our sponsor, Vegas Mate, is really great
• Listener calls about switching hotels, Golden Nugget, Wynn, Monte Carlo, Sugar Factory and more
• Cool-ass Las Vegas Facebook timeline photos
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 5/20/12 66:39 min, 70.3 MB) or subscribe.

• We Love Lucy opener
• MGM employee rips off free play
• Gardunos goes bye-bye
• Rockhouse plans to reopen at Venetian
• CET surveys about the CP buffet
• Boyd requests an Echelon extension
• VT turns eight
• Summer of Cirque discounts return
• Our sponsor, Viator’s Google Plus discount
• Our sponsor, Vegas Mate’s survey
• Listener calls about Pawn Stars Tour, Spirit Air, Mirage Tower Suites, O’Sheas, Cosmopolitan, Red Rock, Oscar’s, Human Nature, video poker and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 5/13/12 59:39 min, 54.8 MB) or subscribe.

• Vegas Strip opener
• SLS plans supposedly proceed
• O’Sheas is no more
• Skyvue has a webcam but not full funding
• Surf, The Musical comes to Planet Hollywood
• Eli Roth will bring his Goretorium to The Strip
• American Storm moves to Plaza
• Shaboo closes for Tetsu
• Heart Attack Grill scores another heart attack
• Drink & Drag finally opens
• Our sponsor, Viator’s Things to do in Las Vegas
• Our sponsor, Vegas Mate is really great
• Listener calls about Monte Carlo, Marquee, Nine Fine Irishmen, Drink & Drag, Celebrity Apprentice, Viva Elvis, Mirage, Striphouse, Diamond in a Day and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 5/6/12 75:31 min, 69.3 MB) or subscribe.

• Castle opener
• Recent trip photos
• Excalibur/Luxor zip line update
• Speed: The Ride moves to the South Strip
• Metro McDonalds = Viva McDonalds 2012
• Rich Little impersonates dead people at LVH
• Is the International name returning?
• Big Elvis moves to Harrah’s
• Taylor Hicks comes to Bally’s
• Former Bally’s buffet becomes Tony and Tina’s Wedding venue
• Jabowockeez moves to a tent
• BConnected gets social
• Restaurant updates
• Drink and Drag has a soft opening
• Jabowockeez moves to a tent
• Las Vegas Country Club and Backstage Billiards plans proceed
• Commonwealth work begins
• Fremont East gets a new pizza place
• Venue of Vegas returns from the dead
• Our sponsor, Viator’s Things to do in Las Vegas
• Lose Your Shirt: Blackjack
• Listener calls about Monte Carlo, taxi long-hauling, Bar 46, Bellagio buffet, MLife perks and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 4/22/12 72:41 min, 66.7 MB) or subscribe.

According to today’s update, three of the lines will serve as a multi-leg zip line course. The fourth line (starting at the Excalibur entrance) will function separately.

Here’s the weird part… the company that will run the thing, Ziptrek, plans to have guides (zip line sherpas?) lead zippers through the course, delivering educational lectures about “sustainability and four conditions which must exist in a sustainable society” during the two hours it will take to complete the course. People will be clamoring to get on the zip lines just to escape from the hippie buzzkill. How long before they drop the unnecessary lectures?

A few days ago, we began hearing that Speed: The Ride was finally being disassembled at the shuttered Sahara. According to a blog entry from the company doing the removal work, the roller coaster is headed for the Akita Plaza strip mall located across Las Vegas Boulevard from Mandalay Bay (not far from the alleged future home of the Skyvue ferris wheel).

A little more digging revealed additional details along with artist renderings.

Thanks to listener Allen for the tip.

I thoroughly enjoyed Red Rock Resort’s accommodations. The bed was super comfortable and had tons of pillows, which I always appreciate. The room had plenty of surface space for working and didn’t feel the least bit cramped. The design reminded me of Golden Nugget’s Rush Tower rooms, which I also really liked. I highly recommend Red Rock. If you’re not opposed to staying off-Strip (way way off-Strip), give it a shot.

• Modern Marvels opener
• Join us Oct. 13 for Five Hundy live at the Vegas Internet Mafia Family Picnic
• LVH struggles
• Star ship Enterprise replica story
• Hangover Heaven
• The typical Vegas visitor
• Direct Marketing News thinks MGM and Caesars both suck
• NYNY announces The Broadway Theater
• Beer pong moves from O’Sheas to Bill’s
• Luxor announces Score! sports attraction
• Our sponsor, Viator’s Things to do in Las Vegas
• Listener calls about KISS Mini-Golf, Wynn buffet, Tropicana gambling promotion, Ghostbusters slots, Vesper, Wicket Spoon, El Cortez, Aria, Hyde, Revel and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 4/15/12 84:37 min, 77.6 MB) or subscribe.

As part of its huge renovation project, MGM Grand is apparently breaking new ground with this one-of-a-kind mashup of its long-running French dance revue and Canada’s most influential singer-songwriter. How they’re going to make these two things work together is beyond me, but Criss Angel still has his own show so I guess anything is possible in Las Vegas.

• The Daily Show opener
• Join us Oct. 13 for Five Hundy live at the Vegas Internet Mafia Family Picnic
• General Services Administration throws an expensive Vegas bash
• No Climaxx at Wynn
• Forget Ohtaki; it’s Mizumi now
• Imperial Palace closes karaoke club and Rockhouse
• Golden Nugget announces Bar 46
• Drink and Drag announces yet another opening date
• Fremont Street Experience announces Rock of Vegas concert series
• Vince Neil and Palms feud on Twitter
• Our sponsor, Viator’s Things to do in Las Vegas
• Listener calls about Hash House, Holstein’s, Planet Hollywood, Laughlin, Wynn Buffet, Lavo, Plaza and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 4/7/12 67:29 min, 61.9 MB) or subscribe.

• Restaurant Stakeout opener
• Group proposes ways to improve The Strip
• Marathon makes improvements
• Zip lines await approval
• Cosmopolitan opens video game bar
• Tropicana announces Dancing with the Stars Live
• Purple Reign moves to The D
• Human Nature cancels tour dates
• Palms gets an Earl of Sandwich
• Just for Laughs comes to Tropicana
• KISS mini-golf course finally opens
• Our sponsor, Viator’s Shore Excursions site
• Trip report about Red Rock, Four Queens, Golden Nugget, Cosmopolitan, Oscar’s, Hyde Lounge, Michael Mina, Public House, The Barrymore, The D, Vegas Club, Whiskey Licker, Linq, Walgreens, Elara and more.
• Listener calls about Sterling Brunch, Peppermill, Big Elvis, Skyvue, Total Rewards sweepstakes,Sinatra, Monte Carlo, Bouchon, Downtown Cocktail Room, Hugo’s Cellar, Golden Gate, El Cortez, Bellagio conservatory, Binion’s and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 4/1/12 109:22 min, 100.3 MB) or subscribe.

• Kathy Griffin On Crutches opener
• Gambling with Tim and Michele: Batman, Joker’s Heist edition
• Gambling with Tim and Michele: Lord of the Rings Two Towers edition
• Gambling with Tim and Michele: Wizard of Oz edition
• Our sponsor, Viator
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 3/25/12 40:10 min, 36.9 MB) or subscribe.

• Modern Marvels opener
• Total Rewards game makes one of us rage
• Thoughts on The D Las Vegas
• Downtown Project acquires Fremont East space
• Playboy Club is leaving Palms
• Trouble with Rio’s Crown
• Wynn website is better
• Tower Suite Cafe reverts to Tableau
• Okada become Ohtaki
• Just for Laughs comes to Tropicana
• KISS mini-golf course finally opens
• Our sponsor, Viator
• Listener calls about Carnival Court, Cosmopolitan, M Resort, Four Seasons, Mandalay Bay, Sage, Viva Elvis, Bally’s, The D, Mirage, Rao’s and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 3/18/12 63:03 min, 57.9 MB) or subscribe.

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 3/13/12 16:19 min, 15.1 MB) or subscribe.

The currently empty YouTube channel hosting the video offers a little insight into the new name/theme. It seems “D” stands for “Detroit” and “Downtown.”

On Tuesday evening, we will be speaking with The D’s head honcho, Derek Stevens, to get more information on the rebranding of The Fitz.

• Deluxe Vegas Villas opener
• Bonus edition of Five Hundy planned for Monday evening
• Cirque announces Viva Elvis replacement
• Vince Neil opens a strip club
• RPM becomes Douchebagatelle
• Clark County tries to ban animals on the Strip
• Our sponsor, Viator
• Listener calls about Rio, the Mob Museum, porn slappers, Golden Gate, Trump trains, Cosmopolitan, The Henry, Aria and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 3/11/12 57:17 min, 52.6 MB) or subscribe.

• Cupcake Wars opener
• O’Sheas is closing on April 30
• Skyvue pours concrete, still isn’t funded
• Du-Par’s gets shut down
• Mike Tyson and CeeLo shows become official
• Drink & Drag is finally opening
• ROK Vegas is closing
• Our sponsor, Viator’s cool-ass Win Your Dream Travel Job contest
• Listener calls about Name That Tune Live closing, Encore, Riviera, Elara, Trump, Mob Museum, Human Nature, Absinthe, Rio drink service, Mondrian and Delano, Skyvue and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 3/4/12 64:04 min, 58.8 MB) or subscribe.

With Linq construction underway, we’ve been wondering when O’Sheas will close. We may have our answer. According to this Twitter post, employees received a 60-day termination notice on March 1. If this is accurate (as all things on the Internet are), plan to pour out a 40 in honor of O’Sheas on April 30.

Adding to the likelihood that the end-of-April closing is legitimate, tickets for Dirk Arthur’s show in the O’Sheas showroom are available only through April 28.

• Larry King Live opener
• New Five Hundy shirts!
• Caesars Entertainment explores horse race betting website
• Skyvue: The other Las Vegas Strip ferris wheel
• Gameworks is closing
• Mob Attraction is reopening
• Javier’s is replacing Union
• Goodbye, PH Towers Westgate; hello, Elara, a Hilton Grand Vacations Hotel – Center Strip
• Riviera offers 1000x craps odds
• Santana is back
• Cee Lo residency speculation continues
• Mike Tyson prepares one-man show
• Royal Resort announces The Pastel Project music festival
• Commonwealth is coming to Fremont East
• Our sponsor, Viator’s Things to do in Las Vegas
• Listener calls about Gardunos, Go Rooms, George Wallace, Mirage, La Cave, Vegas Stripped, South Point spa, Trump, Encore spa, Okada, Name That Tune Live, Riviera, Main Street Station, Public House, the Mob Museum, Golden Gate, The Fitz, Scarpettas, Ferraros, Aria’s smell, Presidential Limo, Murrening and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 2/26/12 85:39 min, 78.6 MB) or subscribe.

• Vegas Strip opener
• New Five Hundy shirts!
• Excalibur, Luxor and Tropicana plan zip lines
• Luxor/Hilton rumor
• Total Rewards changes are coming and are likely to suck
• MLife updates its website
• MGM Resorts increases resort fees
• Flamingo is getting a new steakhouse
• Heart Attack Grill lives up to its name
• Binion’s is getting a new bar or two
• Hooters has a new owner
• La Cage returns to Riviera
• Our sponsor, Viator’s Things to do in Las Vegas
• Listener calls about Vdara, M Resort, Cosmopolitan, Elton John, O, Flightlinez, casino smells, Lion’s Share, Palms Place, Stratosphere, American Burger Works, Hogs & Heifers, the Mob Museum, Hoover Dam and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 2/19/12 70:40 min, 64.8 MB) or subscribe.

1. Excalibur entrance to roof of the pedestrian covered walkway at the southwest corner of Tropicana Ave. and the Strip. (500 feet)
2. Top of the north side of the Luxor pyramid to the southwest corner of Excalibur. (950 feet)
3. Roof of the southwest corner of Excalibur to a new platform at the northwest corner of Luxor’s east tower. (340 feet)
4. New platform at the southeast corner of Luxor’s east tower to the roof of the Excalibur tram station. (1,440 feet)

Using my third-grade-level Photoshop skills, I put together a rough approximation of each zip line course’s route:

Meanwhile, across the street, Tropicana may be getting a zip line of its own. According to a recent Trop customer survey sent our way by @airportlimbo, “The zip line would run from the roof of our Club Tower down to the grassy area on the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Tropicana Blvd. Riders would ‘fly’ over a portion of our pool and beach club area and land in a new structure that includes a new restaurant and bar with exceptional views of the flyers from take-off to landing as well as of the Las Vegas Strip.”

Based on that description, I’m thinking the route would look something like this:

So, the race to build the first Las Vegas Strip zip line is on. So many questions:

• Who will build one first?
• Will it happen before a Las Vegas Strip ferris wheel opens?
• Will the zip line cables interfere with Parabounce?

• World’s Toughest Fixes opener
• Vegas Stripped TV show reactions
• Public House Groupon
• Winners of our poetry contest, cosponsored by Viator
• Wynn adds a casino page
• Nobu Hotel unveils more details
• Mob Experience becomes Mob Attraction
• Mob Museum opens Tuesday
• Mandalay Place and Palazzo get new pizza parlors
• The Bachelor joins Chippendales
• Vegas Mate 3.5 is really great.
• Listener calls about Gallagher’s, sushi, Marc Savard, Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 2/12/12 54:28 min, 50 MB) or subscribe.

• Cities of the Underworld opener
• Thoughts on the Derek Stevens interview
• Vegas Mate 3.5 is really great.
• Wynn unveils new, absolutely horrible website.
• Legionnaires Disease hits Luxor
• Is Imperial Palace getting a Golden Corral?
• Seablue rumors
• Slush Bar is open at Bill’s
• Splash Canyon opening is delayed
• Travel Channel debuts new Vegas series
• Finalists in our poetry contest, cosponsored by Viator
• Listener calls about Absinthe, Zumanity, Palazzo, Cosmopolitan, new slot machines and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 2/5/12 61:26 min, 56.4 MB) or subscribe.

• Piers Morgan opener
• Interview with Derek Stevens, CEO of Golden Gate and Co-Owner of Fitzgeralds
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 2/1/12 26:39 min, 24.6 MB) or subscribe.

• Wonder Pets opener
• Write a clever Las Vegas poem and win stuff from us and Viator
• Hakkasan Las Vegas will replace Studio 54
• Human Nature hits the road
• Two new impressionists get Vegas shows and new Elvis/Michael Jackson tribute opens
• Eater starts a Las Vegas-centric edition
• Vegas Mate 3.5 is really great.
• Listener calls about Treasure Island, Absinthe, Fogo de Chao, Bally’s Steakhouse Bar, Sinatra, Dirty Dancing slots, Dark Knight slots, MGM Grand, Public House, Pure Vida Cafe, LobsterME, Peppermill, Gallagher’s, Linq, Mandarin Oriental and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 1/29/12 69:18 min, 63.6 MB) or subscribe.

• Write an original poem about Las Vegas. Any type of poetry is welcome. Haiku, iambic pentameter, sonnet, whatever. Make it rhyme or don’t.
• Keep it short. You should be able to read it in less than a minute.
• Be creative. Amuse and entertain us.
• Bonus points for mentioning Viator, Five Hundy by Midnight and/or familiar Five Hundy references.
• One entry per person.
• To submit your poem, recite it on our voice mail line (702-866-9494); record it to an audio file and e-mail it to us at fivehundy@gmail.com; or e-mail us the written text.
• If calling, include your name and e-mail address. Don’t worry. I won’t play your e-mail address on the show.
• If e-mailing, the subject line needs to be “Poetry Contest.”
• All poems need to be submitted by 3 p.m. CST on Friday, Feb. 3.
• We will choose our favorites. It’s entirely subjective and it’s entirely up to us. Finalists will be read/played on the Feb. 5 podcast.
• First and second place winners will be announced on the Feb. 12 podcast.
• The first place winner will receive a $100 Viator gift certificate. Thanks, Viator!
• The second place winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift certificate.

• Kathy Griffin opener
• Restaurant closings: Boa, Les Artistes, Lago and Union
• Empire Comedy Club is coming to Napolean’s at Paris LV
• Laugh Factory is likely coming to Tropicana
• Icons of Comedy series is coming to Riviera
• Venetian show rumors
• Plaza entertainment news
• Gameworks is moving
• Chuck Jones Experience finally opens
• The Paris balloon is probably going to be fixed
• Royal Resort is trying to make things happen
• Write a clever Las Vegas poem and win stuff from us and Viator
• Annual Trippies Analysis
• Vegas Mate 3.5 is really great.
• Dr. Dave’s Viva Tot Vegas site
• Listener calls about Godzilla slots, Cosmo’s pop-up wedding chapel, Aria’s buffet, China Poblano, Luna Rossa, Las Vegas Club, frozen drinks coming to Bill’s, Strip bagpipe player, THEhotel, Oscar’s and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 1/21/12 132:39 min, 121.6 MB) or subscribe.

We would like to extend a special thank-you to Pete and Ellen, who started the group several years ago, and to the VegasTripping crew (especially Chuckmonster) for their work on the Trippies and all-around general fantasticalness.

With the podcast now retired into the Trippies Hall of Fame, this is icing on the sweet, sweet Vegasy cake.

Congratulations to all of the Trippies winners, especially our friends at the Vegas Gang Podcast and, of course, our frequent sponsor, Vegas Mate (it’s really great).

We plan to provide our annual Trippies analysis on next weekend’s podcast.

• Last Cake Standing opener
• More evidence Fontainebleau is never opening
• Gambling properties are making less from gambling
• Playboy Comedy Club is on the move
• New entertainment venue opens at Fashion Show Mall
• Joey Fatone hosts The Price is Right
• The Paris balloon still looks like shit
• Off-Strip hotel renovation
• Union closing rumors
• Our sponsors, Viator
• and VegasMate.
• Listener calls about dogs on The Strip, Lion’s Share, Wicked Spoon, Cosmo’s Pop-Up Wedding Chapel and more
• Listener Dave’s video trip report
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 1/8/12 61:51 min, 56.8 MB) or subscribe.

• New Year, No Limit opener
• MGM Grand releases the lions
• Cee Lo continues to talk about a residency
• Imperial Palace takes down Capri rooms
• Rio replaces Irish pub with The Irish Pub
• Las Vegas wishes for 2012
• Our sponsors, Viator
• and VegasMate.
• Listener calls about Casino Royale, Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, Mon Ami Gabi, Absinthe, Rio, Hard Rock, Aria tasting menus, Oscar’s and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 1/1/12 75:54 min, 69.7 MB) or subscribe.

Hear the stream and chat here.

We look forward to starting the new year with a little live Five Hundy fun.

• Modern Marvels opener
• Vegas Strip returns on Jan. 8
• Listener Oliver’s MBA Vegas thesis survey
• Dear Tim and Michele: Garth Brooks review
• Cosmopolitan opens novel wedding chapel
• Tropicana offers free burlesque shows
• Bellagio adds new fountain shows
• Fremont Street Experience adds Bon Jovi Viva Vision show
• Binion’s hotel rumors
• Our sponsor, Viator’s Things to do in Las Vegas
• Our sponsor, VegasMate, is still really great.
• Listener calls about Cosmopolitan promotions, MJ Immortal Cirque show, Red 8, Circo, PJ Clarke’s, Rio, Red Square, Prime and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 12/26/11 48:41 min, 44.7 MB) or subscribe.

Las Vegas podcast #330 includes:

• Most Daring opener
• Las Vegas Strip New Year’s Eve fireworks locations
• Cosmopolitan hires Tom McCartney
• Is Barry Manilow returning to LVH?
• Anthony Cools takes over Plaza showroom
• Twas the Night Before Vegas, written by Rob Marks, voiceover by Brian Noe, music by Kevin MacLeod
• Our sponsor, Viator’s Things to do in Las Vegas
• VegasMate returns as a sponsor. It’s still really great.
• Listener calls about Parasol Up, Rhumbar, E at Cosmopolitan, Garth Brooks, Absinthe, Eiffel Tower Restaurant, Peppermill and more
• Gambling with Tim and Michele: Dean Martin Vegas Shindig Edition
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 12/17/11 44:51 min, 41.2 MB) or subscribe.

When Five Hundy by Midnight was retired to the Trippies Hall of Fame for Best Vegas Podcast, it never really dawned on us that Five Hundy would pop up in another category.

We were pleasantly surprised this morning to find the Five Hundy Facebook Group nominated in the Best Community category. This nomination is a testament to the great information shared by our listeners and the overall positive vibe on the Facebook Group. Congratulations to everyone who participates on the Facebook group on the nomination. You guys deserve it. Now go vote!

* I was also nominated in the Best Tweeter. I’m honored but completely undeserving.

• Pretend Time opener
• Travel Channel outdated Las Vegas show marathon on Dec. 27
• Marathon discontent
• What happened to all of those Gordon Ramsay restaurant plans?
• Bradley Ogden isn’t closing
• McFadden’s closes
• Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ opens at Excalibur
• Tim rants about The Beach Boys
• Catfish Alley opens at Hawaiian Marketplace
• Stripper University opens Swinger’s Club location
• Riviera extends Confessions of a Rock Star
• Viator gift certificates
• Listener calls about MJ Immortal Cirque show, China Poblano, AC Golden Nugget, Ka, Top Guest, Monte Carlo, Aria, Crystals, Fremont Mediterranean Cafe, Binion’s Steakhouse, Golden Gate, scavenger hunts and more
• Christmas in Las Vegas by Clint Holmes and Leslie Gore
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 12/10/11 78:07 min, 71.7 MB) or subscribe.

• Judge Mathis opener
• RIP Jeff Simpson
• Las Vegas Restroom reviews
• Murrening: Make it a thing
• Motley Crue announces Hard Rock residency
• Hooters goes on the auction block
• The other Plaza isn’t happening
• Will Fitzgerald’s become The D?
• Palms signs deal with Cantor
• Pornslappers adopt code of conduct
• Viator gift certificates
• Trip report and reviews of Chicago Brewing Company, The Beat Coffeehouse, The Flame, MoZen Bistro, Peppermill, LobsterMe, Tacos and Tequila, Flightlinez, Venetian sports book, food at Book and Stage, JoyStixx, Margaritaville Casino, Plaza renovations, RiRa, Binion’s Steakhouse Bar, Encore Lobby Bar, Fusion, Confessions of a Rock Star, Pinball HOF display at Riviera, The Talon Club and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 12/4/11 85:06 min, 78.8 MB) or subscribe.

• Cash Cab opener
• Interview with Seth Schorr, CEO of Fifth Street Gaming
• Fifth Street Gaming’s Facebook page
• Mob Bar on Twitter and Facebook
• Mob Bar renovation renderings
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 11/27/11 20:47 min, 19.2 MB) or subscribe.

• Max and Jason Still Up opener
• November trip photos
• Viva Elvis is closing
• The Western is closing
• Las Vegas Hilton is becoming LVH
• Caesars prepares for another IPO
• Flamingo is going Fab
• Sapphire gets a pool of its own
• Climax at Wynn Las Vegas
• Wynn signs Deadmau5
• Switch closing rumor
• Dos Caminos and Shanghai Lilly closed
• Rio announces KJ Dim Sum and Seafood
• Motley Crue residency rumor
• Grantland sports book reviews
• Our sponsor, Viator’s Things to do in Las Vegas
• Listener calls about Ethel M, Top Guest, Fitzgerald’s, Tropicana, Tarzan slots, Segway tours, Fogo de Chao and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 11/27/11 65:06 min, 59.8 MB) or subscribe.

• How I Met Your Mother opener
• Gambling with Tim and Michele: Alice in Wonderland edition
• Gambling with Tim and Michele: Price is Right edition
• Gambling with Tim and Michele: Dirty Dancing edition
• Our sponsor, Viator’s Things to do in Las Vegas
• Five Hundy listener meetup reminder
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 11/20/11 34:32 min, 31.8 MB) or subscribe.

• Build it Bigger opener
• Hasselhoff cancels
• Cosmo makes more changes
• The Talon Club opens, offers rare tequila
• Studio 54 is closing
• Hooters copies Insert Coin(s) with JoyStixx
• Our sponsor, Viator’s Things to do in Las Vegas
• Five Hundy listener meetup reminder
• Listener calls about Cosmopolitan, cheap entertainment, New Year’s Eve, Vegas Lent, Spice Market Buffet, Wicked Spoon, Ghostbusters slots, Luxor buffet, Terry Fator, Venetian’s new sports book and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 11/13/11 53:11 min, 48.8 MB) or subscribe.

• The Daily Show opener
• Sahara gets some permits.
• Cosmo dumps free wifi
• Speculation about Cosmo’s as-yet-unannounced Talon Club
• Club Nikki will become RPM
• Rock of Ages may replace BMG
• Venetian sports book opens
• Venetian/Palazzo offers holiday skating, ankle sprains
• Las Vegas Hilton is headed toward a lame new name
• Caesars plans to decrease mail
• Our sponsor, Viator
• Five Hundy listener meetup details
• Travel Channel show wants your Las Vegas video
• Listener calls about Plaza, Cosmopolitan, Book and Stage, Bally’s, Pawn Stars, Binion’s Steakhouse, Oscar’s, Rio, Sage, Imperial Palace, Encore, Flamingo, Absinthe, slot machines and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 11/4/11 111:58 min, 102.7 MB) or subscribe.

• GOP Debate opener
• Confessions of a Rock Star opens at Riv
• KISS Mini Golf delayed until January
• Lady Luck becomes Downtown Grand
• Fitzeralds renovations, name change coming soon
• Western cuts hours
• Oscar’s offers paid lady friends
• Drink and Drag comes to Neonopolis
• Our sponsor, Viator’s Things to do in Las Vegas
• Listener calls about Cosmo rebate promotion changes, Spirit airline, Bally’s, hotel room toilet paper, Flightlinez, Golden Nugget, The Griffin, Insert Coin(s), Triple George, Orleans, Sage, Chandelier Bar, Wynncore suite tours, THEhotel, Burger Bar, BLT, The Joint, McMullens, Tommy Rockers, All Stage Pass, Lion’s Share, Valentino’s, Absinthe, Munch Bar, MLife, Aria and more
• Trippies nominations are open
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 10/30/11 93:58 min, 86.2 MB) or subscribe.

• Gary Unmarried opener
• Trop loses Brad Garrett to MGM Grand
• Goodbye Phantom, hello Spidey?
• Stratosphere turns showroom over to Frankie Moreno
• Caramel becomes Lily
• Mob Museum goes national
• Flamingo goes fab
• MGM Grand renovates
• Our sponsor, Viator’s Things to do in Las Vegas; Las Vegas Night Helicopter Tour giveaway
• Listener calls about Slots A Fun changes, Imperial Palace buffet, The Fitz, Sinatra Smash, Mirage, Wicked Spoon, Margaritaville, Rapid Craps, October Frightfest at Fremont Street Experience, Mermaids, LaBayou, Cosmopolitan, Serendipity 3, Plaza and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 10/16/11 73:51 min, 67.8 MB) or subscribe.

• Undercover Boss opener
• Excalibur offers Night School 4 Girls
• Planet Hollywood keeps Holly and her insured assets
• Electric Daisy Carnival returns in 2012
• Orleans scores rare David Hasselhoff concert appearances
• Our sponsor, Viator
• Listener calls about video poker, Book and Stage, Mirage, airport shuttles, Dark Knight slots, Halloween weekend in Las Vegas, O’Shea’s and Linq rumors, Holstein’s and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 10/9/11 47:42 min, 43.8 MB) or subscribe.

In an extremely rare U.S. concert appearance, multi-talented renaissance man David Hasselhoff is scheduled to perform in The Orleans Showroom on Nov. 18-20. Tickets are $50. So pack up your German friends in your talking car, grab a sack of cheeseburgers and head to Las Vegas. The Hoff is back!

• Late Late Show opener
• Thoughts on the Las Vegas ferris wheel based on London Eye experience
• London Five Hundy listener meetup report
• Our sponsor, Viator
• Absinthe returns
• Gladys Knight extension gets shortened
• Tropicana dumps Darling Nikki
• Palms tries pool-free dayclub with Ghostbar Dayclub
• Lakeside sans Grill
• Margaritaville Casino opens. Walkthrough video courtesy of listener @Mitzula
• Golden Gate owners buy Fitzgeralds
• Flightlinez gets zippier
• Grease and Michael Jackson: King of Pop slot machines are coming soon
• Vegas Insiders sucked; Bachelorette Party: Las Vegas probably will too
• Listener calls about Plaza, Fremont Street bars, Cravings buffet at Mirage, Riviera, Hennessey’s, Golden Gate, Absinthe, Thanksgiving in Las Vegas, Palazzo, Imperial Palace buffet, Embers and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 10/1/11 80:46 min, 74.1 MB) or subscribe.

• Louis Theroux opener
• Gambling with Tim and Michele: Hangover Slots
• Gambling with Tim and Michele: Godard’s Rockin’ Olives Slots
• Our sponsor, Viator’s Things to do in Las Vegas
• Listener calls about Star Trek slots, Las Vegas Mob Experience, Plaza, Encore, Imperial Palace, Hash House, Presidential Limo, Dirty Dancing slots, Cosmopolitan, Earl of Sandwich, Swinger’s Club and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 9/25/11 47:35 min, 43.7 MB) or subscribe.

• Extreme Vegas opener
• Travel Channel finally airs a new Vegas show
• Sahara explores options
• Golden Gate expands
• Manilow moves to Harrahs
• Absinthe closes
• Monte Carlo extends Jabbawockeez; Tropicana recycles back Recycled Percussion; Caesars negotiates with Donny and Marie in the press
• Our sponsor, Viator
• Listener calls about Flamingo, Todd English PUB, Lion’s Share, Abshinthe, Vegas Lent, Monte Carlo, O, kids in Las Vegas, Holsteins, Plaza and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 9/18/11 62:47 min, 57.6 MB) or subscribe.

• Flowers in the Desert opener
• Las Vegas World Beer Fest isn’t happening
• Las Vegas Mob Experience is retooling
• Gladys Knight is staying
• Blush is closing
• Caesars is clubbing
• Our sponsor, Viator
• Listener calls about falling asleep during O, Palm Happy Hour time change, Absinthe, Swingers Club, Restaurant Week, Planet Hollywood’s pool, Bradley Ogden, Hash House, Plaza, Casa di Amore, Vegas Video Network, Wicked Spoon, TJ’s, Aureole, Rod Stewart and more
• London Five Hundy meetup?
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 9/11/11 88 min, 80.7 MB) or subscribe.

Remember back in May when we told you about plans for an all-year beer fest planned for the parking lot behind Bally’s? Even amidst our excitement at the idea of a new Las Vegas drinking experience, we always felt that the whole thing seemed a little off. And we were definitely skeptical about the Las Vegas World Beer Fest’s likelihood of sticking around for a full year.

So, it comes as no surprise that the Las Vegas World Beer Fest start date of Oct. 13, 2011, has been delayed indefinitely. The organizer’s website says new dates will be announced soon. Riiiiight.

Let’s examine where this falls on the official Five Hundy by Midnight “Things That Will Never Actually Open in Las Vegas, but Let’s Pretend They Will” List, in order from soonest to latest.

1. Fontainebleau
2. Exotic Animal Encounter (aka The Pocket Zoo)
3. Las Vegas World Beer Festival
4. Parabounce
5. Crown Las Vegas
6. Las Vegas WET
7. SkyView observation ferris wheel
8. The Moon Resort and Casino
9. Countryland USA

• Rides opener
• Photos from our August and May trips
• Jersey Boys moves
• Alex Stratta leaves Wynn
• Caesars is finally opening Octavius Tower
• Luxor has structural issues
• VT and VG announce Vegas Internet Mafia Family Picnic details
• Our sponsor, Viator
• Trip report about O and Aria
• Listener calls about bad room offers, Jet, booze, Terry Fator, Kokomos, Serendipity 3, Menopause the Musical, Sugar Factory, Love, Todd English Pub, Las Vegas Club, California, Monte Carlo Pub deal, Hash House, Titanic, Plaza, Sky Jump and more
• London Five Hundy meetup?
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 9/4/11 133:58 min, 122.8 MB) or subscribe.

• Munsters opener
• Caesars announces The Linq
• MGM wants to implode The Harmon
• KISS plans Las Vegas coffeehouse
• Chuck Jones Experience comes to Circus Circus
• Bradley Ogden is closing
• Mirage replaces Jet with 1OAK
• Sidebar rethemes as Mob Bar
• Our sponsor, Viator’s Things to do in Las Vegas
• Trip reports about The Nancy Rayguns, Chicago Brewing Company, Gold Diggers, Parasol Down, Holsteins, The Henry, Book and Stage, Vesper, Chandelier, Chelsea Ballroom, Cosmopolitan contests and more
• Listener calls about Palazzo, Wicked Spoon, Atomic Testing Museum, Casa di Amore, Treasure Island, Graceland Wedding Chapel and Bally’s Steakhouse
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 8/28/11 86:39 min, 79.5 MB) or subscribe.

• Jonah Hill opener
• Our sponsor, Viator
• Gambling with Tim and Michele: Wheel of Fortune
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 8/13/11 17:10 min, 15.9 MB) or subscribe.

The days of BEER Fun! Fun! Fun! are long gone.

Once again, the VegasTripping crew is on fire. If you’re not visiting VT daily, you’re missing the most interesting and entertaining Las Vegas news on the Websternets.

Update (8/17/11)
It’s official. For all of the details, read this and this and this and this.

No word on whether KISS Coffeehouse will be located near the KISS mini golf course opening this fall.

I think Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley might be on to something with this whole KISS licensing idea. They should consider lending the band’s name out for a few other items.

• 10 Items or Less opener
• Viva Elvis: Soon with less Elvis
• Name That Tune Live official announcement
• Viper Vixens closes
• Hooters goes topless
• Gordon Ramsay rumors
• Fremont East gets a thai restaurant
• Plaza room rates
• Our sponsor, Viator
• Listener calls about Palazzo, Absinthe, Sahara, RM Seafood, Casa di Amore, Wynn, First Food, Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, Rockin’ Olives, Secret Pizza Place and much more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 8/13/11 67:27 min, 61.9 MB) or subscribe.

• Awesome Adventures opener
• Ferris wheel update: Linq gets approval
• New off-Strip waterpark planned
• Monte Carlo wants another Strip-side bar
• Meat News: Oscar’s at Plaza
• Meat News 2: Old Homestead Steakhouse at Caesars
• Meat News 3: 35 Steaks + Martinis at Hard Rock
• Bingo returns to the Las Vegas Strip
• Venetian renovates its sportsbook
• Hooters has financial issues
• MLife gives away tier credits
• Luxor hosts 48 Hours Festival
• First Food gives away chicken and waffles
• Our sponsor, Viator
• Listener calls about Palazzo, Riviera, Public House, Lion’s Share, Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, Peppermill, PBR Rockbar, Legends, Icepan, Godard’s Rockin’ Olives, Encore, Harrah’s and much more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 8/7/11 79:45 min, 73.2 MB) or subscribe.

Thanks to listener Gordon for posting this on our Facebook page.

I never imagined I’d agree with the guy about anything.

And then I saw this video, courtesy of one of our listeners, Barry in Florida…

• Giuliana and Bill opener
• Name That Tune Live coming to Imperial Palace
• The Sing Off stage show planned for 2012 at Harrah’s
• Rick’s Cabaret becomes Jaguars
• Cosmopolitan extends $100 gambling loss promotion
• Plaza announces more new restaurants
• Heart Attack Grill planned for Neonopolis
• Eatin’ good in The Neighborhood
• Our sponsor, Viator offers exclusive member deals
• Listener calls about Absinthe, Cosmopolitan, Tarzan slots, Garth Brooks, Penn and Teller, Celine Dion, Jaleo, Border Grill, Mon Ami Gabi, Stratta, Lakeside Grill, La Cave, Flame Steakhouse, Tropicana’s Mob Experience, Wicked Spoon, Earl of Sandwich, Miracle Mile, Serendipity 3 and much more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 7/30/11 76 min, 69.7 MB) or subscribe.

On Aug. 18, that magic returns when Name That Tune Live opens at Imperial Palace. Expect an official announcement with showtimes and ticket prices soon.

• Bridezilla opener
• Insert Coin(s) plans Minneapolis location
• Cee-Lo Announces vague Las Vegas plans
• Thunder From Down Under gets extended
• Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show moves
• Luxor gets a new restaurant
• Las Vegas Restaurant Week returns
• Taste of Wynn returns
• Taste of Aria begins
• Our sponsor, Viator’s Things to do in Las Vegas
• Listener calls about Downtown Cocktail Room, beer bar, TruTV’s Vegas Strip, Absinthe, Seablue, Bally’s, Prime Steakhouse, Mon Ami Gabi, Vesper Bar and much more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 7/24/11 54:42 min, 50.2 MB) or subscribe.

You’re strolling along the Las Vegas Strip and realize:

• You have a gigantic booger clogging your left nostril.
• You have a wedgie.
• You have batwings.

As soon as you’re a comfortable distance from anyone else, you take care of it. It’s nothing that a quick dig at your nose or nether regions can’t fix. And who’s going to notice? Thanks to the magic of technology, everybody!

Thanks to James for sending this my way and posting it on our ever-growing Facebook fan page.

• Little People Big World opener
• Aria is sick
• The Harmon is unsafe
• Terry Lanni is dead
• Plaza is Coolsville
• Beso is closed
• IHeartRadio is ironic
• Our sponsor, Viator, is adventurous
• Listener calls about Cosmopolitan, Binion’s, Mandarin Oriental, Sinatra Smashes and much more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 7/17/11 76:16 min, 70.2 MB) or subscribe.

• Nightline opener
• The Strip gets violent
• Matsuri closes
• Caesars announces Nobu Tower timeline
• Plaza announces Hash House
• TI closes Khotan
• Serendipity 3 offers breakfast
• Lakeside Grill takes on Red Lobster
• Our sponsor, Viator offers exclusive member deals
• Listener calls about Munchbar, Stratta, Shibuya, Delmonico, fireworks, Vesper, Absinthe, Cosmopolitan, Red 8, Michael Mina, Wicked Spoon, Flightlinz, Book and Stage, Holsteins, Palazzo, Fusion, Dos Caminos, Jersey Boys, Earl of Sandwich, Celine Dion, Golden Gate blackjack and much more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 7/10/11 76:28 min, 70.2 MB) or subscribe.

Although we’re still bummed about Firefly’s Plaza location closing, today’s announcement that Hash House a Go Go is taking over the hotel’s old buffet space is welcome news.

The new location is scheduled to open in early September to coincide with the freshly renovated Plaza’s reopening. For more details on how things are shaping up at Plaza, check out the interview Steve Friess conducted with CEO Tony Santo.

• Cities of the Underworld opener
• Las Vegas Hilton needs a new name
• La Cage returns
• Flamingo gets a new Mexican restaurant
• Flamingo pool changes are confusing
• Rare 120 closes
• Our sponsor, Viator’s new upgrade promotion
• Listener calls about Luxor, WinPoker, Wynn, Encore, Gilley’s, Celine Dion, Sahara’s sale, Downtown Cocktail Room, Vanguard Lounge, Vesper and much more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 7/3/11 100:42 min, 92.3 MB) or subscribe.

• Road Trip opener
• Room offer madness continues; Sheldon wants me back
• Gordon Ramsey steakhouse planned for Paris
• British soldier is the best friend ever
• Venetian barhop package
• We love our sponsor: Viator’s Things to do in Las Vegas
• Listener calls about Cosmopolitan, hotel security, Fremont Street Flightlinez, Tropicana, Golden Gate dealers, Lion’s Share, Ellis Island, vpgenius.com and more.
• Live chat and streaming show here on July 3 at 7:30 p.m. CDT.
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 6/27/11 (44:55 min, 41.3 MB) or subscribe.

• Miss USA opener
• Crazy good room offer
• Maloofs lose control of Palms
• Neonopolis gets a Denny’s
• El Cortez renovates lounge bar
• Bellagio makes questionable design decisions
• We love our sponsor: Viator
• Listener calls about Cosmopolitan, Julian Serrano, Aria, Tropicana, Wicked Spoon, Ka, Secret Pizza Place, Hash House, Insert Coin(s), July 4th events, Viva Elvis, Stripsteak, Foursquare deals and more.
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 6/19/11 (58:28 min, 53.7 MB) or subscribe.

Despite our tendency to accumulate gambling-related tchotchkes, we have our limits. I present to you whatever the hell this is:

Click the picture to see the ad.

If you know someone still mourning the closing of Hats!, I just saved you the trouble of searching for the perfect birthday gift. You’re welcome.

While preparing for our most recent Las Vegas trip, we found it moderately challenging to gather information on the Fremont East (and nearby) bars. So, I decided to do something about it.

I plan to add additional information and features in the coming weeks, and the site will be continually updated with Fremont Street bar news. If you’re looking for information about the bars of Fremont Street, give it a look. If you’re so inclined, please leave a bar review or two as well. I hope you dig it.

• How I Met Your Mother opener
• Caesars signs Shania Twain
• Excalibur announces Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ and Bar
• Concert venue and billiard bar planned for Fremont East
• Firely isn’t returning to Plaza
• Introducing our new site, FremontStreetBars.com
• We love our sponsor: Viator
• Reviews and observations about: Tropicana; Cafe Nikki; Bally’s Steakhouse Bar; Riviera; Stripburger; Peppermill’s Fireside Lounge; Billboard Music Awards; and random other stuff from our May trip
• Listener calls about Golden Nugget’s Rush Tower, Golden Gate blackjack, Cosmopolitan, Mandalay Bay cabanas, Aria, Wicked Spoon, RM Seafood, Mandarin Bar, Encore, pornslapper avoidance, brunch, Bally’s Tequila Bar, weather boogers, casino smells, Tunica casinos, Rio, Lion’s Share and more.
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 6/12/11 (105:13 min, 96.5 MB) or subscribe.

As we speculated on the podcast a few weeks ago, tasty tapas restaurant Firefly will not return when Plaza reopens later this year. In a Las Vegas Weekly article today, Steve Friess spills all of the dirt. It turns out the downtown crowd was just looking for a cheap view of Fremont Street.

The other two Firefly locations are still alive and well, and a third location is on the way. They’re a bit of a pain for us tourist shmucks who like to stick close to the Strip and Fremont Street. However, if you didn’t make it to the Plaza location during its short 18-month life, you may want to grab a cab and check one of them out.

Although I’ve never been a huge country music fan, Shania has a slew of moderately tolerable, poppy hits—some of which are only a couple guitar solos, a mullet and a one-armed drummer from being Def Leppard songs (thanks to the work of ex-husband and DL producer Mutt Lange).

This show seems like a good fit for the Caesars Palace Colosseum. Shania has a decent-sized fanbase and caters to a broad audience. I just like her because we have similar fashion sensibilities.

In September 2010, Planet Hollywood proposed several changes to the entrance, including:

• Installing balconies above both Las Vegas Strip casino entrances, one of which would add outdoor seating for Japanese restaurant Koi.
• Replacing the Casino Entrance signs.
• Adding moving spotlights that would shine three lights into the sky. (How very Hollywood.)
• Modifying the entrance ramp to lead visitors closer to the casino entrance rather than PF Chang’s.

No word on whether the outdoor seating thing is going to happen, but it didn’t appear any railings were being installed yet on the overhang/potential balcony.

• Charlie’s Angels opener
• Ferris wheel update
• Sahara sale: Everything must go
• Caesars expands All-Stage Pass
• Las Vegas World Beer Fest
• MGM Resorts plans Star Wars museum
• We love our sponsor: Viator
• Reviews and observations about: Paris Red Room; a royal flush bonanza; Cosmopolitan art, service, Boulevard Pool, Holstein’s, Secret Pizza Place, The Henry, Wicked Spoon, Book and Stage, Vesper, Chandelier Bar; H&M; PJ Clarke’s; and random other stuff from our May trip
• Listener calls about Western, Vegas Mate, Mirage, mixology bars, Hash House, Bellagio, Vegas Club and more.
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 6/5/11 (109:35 min, 100.5 MB) or subscribe.

Restaurants typically serve brunch as a way to jack up prices on weekends. Anyone visiting a favorite Las Vegas buffet on Saturday or Sunday has likely been smacked with weekend brunch pricing $5 to $20 more than what they would pay during the week. Sure they’ll throw in mimosas or bloody marys, but unless you were planning on getting shit-hammered with your meal anyway, that alone doesn’t make brunch much more appealing than breakfast.

So when we arrived for breakfast at Cosmopolitan’s Wicked Spoon buffet (complete review coming soon on the podcast), I wasn’t thrilled to learn they had replaced breakfast and lunch with brunch seven days a week. Because Cosmo is new, it’s not surprising that they’re making adjustments, but the price bumps are Caesars-like.

December 2010 Hours and Pricing
Breakfast: 7 – 11 a.m. ($15)
Lunch: 11 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. ($19)
Dinner: 5 – 10 p.m. ($27)
Saturday and Sunday Brunch: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. ($23)

May 2011 Hours and Pricing
Monday through Friday Brunch: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. ($22)
Sunday through Thursday Dinner: Sun-Thur 5 – 9 p.m. ($35)
Friday and Saturday Dinner: 5 – 10 p.m. ($35)
Saturday and Sunday Brunch: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. ($36 or $29 w/o booze)

Brunch defenders, I invite you to try to change my mind.

Does anyone know the origins of this foul odor? I have only one theory.

Every weekend beginning Oct. 13, 2011, the Beer Fest will take over the parking lot behind Bally’s. Tickets are available from $10 (entry only) with drink coupons for $1.25 each. I’m guessing a beer will run about six coupons. Of course, I’ll be shelling out $163 for the Platinum Package, because Michele and I want matching Las Vegas Beer Fest cowboy hats, glasses and t-shirts.

I’m glad the organizers are featuring only “official beer games.” I hate unofficial beer games. However, I’m wondering if the assurance of “beautiful people” is guaranteed, and whether they’ll be beautiful upon entry or only after I’ve pounded a dozen brews. Also, someone may want to work with the voiceover guy on his pronunciation of “Bellagio” and “Palazzo” and let the video editor know Cosmopolitan isn’t part of CityCenter. But I’m nitpicking.

• Time Warp opener
• Plaza resumes reservations
• New Pussycat Dolls Lounge opens
• Jeff Timmons sticks around
• Tiger-based magic update
• We love our sponsor: Viator’s Things to do in Las Vegas
• Gambling with Tim and Michele: American Idol edition
• Listener calls about Spirit Air, Hash House, Tao, China Poblano, Viva Elvis, Holsteins, Fremont Street, Absinthe, Parasol Up, Cosmopolitan, Sliverton, LV Mob Experience and more.
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 5/29/11 (59:02 min, 54.2 MB) or subscribe.

• The Sports Show opener
• To celebrate our 300th show, we went to Las Vegas and recorded after an evening of booztastic fun at Cosmopolitan. We talked about staying at El Cortez Cabana Suites, visiting the bars on East Fremont and falling in love with the bars at Cosmopolitan.
• Our sponsor, Viator, introduces new iPhone and iPad apps.
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 5/21/11 (44:38 min, 41 MB) or subscribe.

• World’s Toughest Fixes opener
• Transformer fire video
• Batman beatdown video
• 24 Hours of Neon Vegas time-lapse video
• Caesars signs the decaying corpse of Rod Stewart
• Fremont Street remembers the ’80s
• Non-Lachey, non-fugly member of 98 Degrees joins Chippendales
• Anthony Cools opens a bar at Plaza
• M Resort Daydream Pool Club is semi-toptional
• We welcome our new sponsor: Viator
• Listener calls about Cosmopolitan, The Henry, Bellagio, Bacio, Sigma Derby, Lion’s Share, renting cars in Las Vegas, Fountainbleau, show ticket discounts, Wicked Spoon, midget wrestling and more.
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 5/15/11 (76:20 min, 70 MB) or subscribe.

• Live with Regis and Kelly opener
• The Strip is going dark
• Santana leaves a gaping hole at the Hard Rock
• Sahara raffles off its progressive jackpots
• Mirage Resorts loses Dollar
• LobsterME ASAP
• TI says goodbye douchey nightclub, hello douchey spring break party bar
• Dig This!
• Holding on to the dream: A Parabounce update
• Dr. Dave’s Las Vegas history lecture got me to watch C-SPAN 3
• Listener calls about RiRa, Tropicana, Cosmo’s Secret Pizza Place, Sahara, Viva Elvis, Thirsty Third Thursday pub crawl, Steve Friess and more.
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 5/9/11 (44:40 min, 41 MB) or subscribe.

• Iron Chef America opener
• Cosmopolitan transgender incident seems a tad fishy
• Paul Carr vs. Matt Goss video
• Mandalay Bay becomes MJ Bay
• The monorail still exists, for now
• Sahara dumps its database
• Tiger-based magic update
• Breakfast with Bugsy is not part of a well-balanced breakfast
• From the ashes of WBTALV come the VegasJonesing.com message boards
• Listener calls about Absinthe Village, Sinatra, Donny and Marie, Palm happy hour, Hooters, Lavo, Insert Coins, Tropicana, Julian Serrano, Mandalay Bay pool, toptional pools and more.
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 5/1/11 (58:08 min, 53.4 MB) or subscribe.

• True Beauty opener
• Kind words from Pulse of Vegas
• Elton returns
• Viper Vixens at O’Shea’s
• Total Rewards points from Top Guest
• Online poker shutdown affect TV
• Dumb Palms lawsuit
• Listener calls about Sahara, Sushi Samba, Vegas Box, Cosmopolitan restaurants, Las Vegas Mob Experience, RiRa and more.
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 4/23/11 (63:03 min, 58.6 MB) or subscribe.

• Bert the Conqueror opener
• Cosmopolitan leaks
• USPS inadvertently features Las Vegas
• British author blogs about Vegas
• Flava Flav may open restaurant at Riviera, Boyyyyyy
• Sahara closure was planned all along… yeah… that’s it
• Online poker: Now even more illegal
• Listener calls about Sahara matchplays, Wynn offers, Amazing Jonathan, Mirage’s buffet, Lion’s Share, The Vegas Box and more.
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 4/17/11 (50:14 min, 46.1 MB) or subscribe.

• The Daily Show opener
• Moorea Pool goes topless again
• Cosmopolitan opens Marquee Dayclub
• X Burlesque gets extended
• Breakfast show
• The Vegas Box
• Listener calls about Cosmopolitan, Golden Nugget, Mandarin Bar, Las Vegas marathon and more.
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 4/10/11 (60:51 min, 55.9 MB) or subscribe.

• Colbert Report opener
• Earth Hour
• 40-Year-Old Boy Podcast mention
• Popularity contest
• Undercover Boss
• Las Vegas Marathon reactions
• Celine’s setlist
• Tropicana signs Gladys Knight
• Listener calls about Todd English PUB, Sahara, Hash House, Peppermill, M Resort, Aria, Cosmopolitan, Celine Dion and more.
• Pub Crawl
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 3/26/11 (106:42 min, 97.7 MB) or subscribe.

• Oprah opener
• Mainstream media takes our angle on Celine
• Sahara is closing in May
• Caesars Palace goes Japanese with Nobu Hotel
• Let’s go to the mall!
• Stratosphere closes Superstars show
• Las Vegas Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon goes dark, sort of
• We love our sponsor, Vegas Mate
• Listener calls about Harrah’s KGB Burger, Fontana Lounge, Double Down Saloon, Sugar Factory, Strata, American favorites with a French accent, Cosmopolitan, Flamingo, Aria, Palazzo, First Food, Crystals mall and more
• The Final Countdown
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 3/13/11 (72:48 min, 66.8 MB) or subscribe.

• Growing Pains opener
• Bellagio announces Hyde Lounge
• Caesars Palace replaces Augustus Cafe
• Buffet of Buffets gets another price increase
• Las Vegas Mob Experience opens
• Ferris Wheel update
• We love our sponsor, Vegas Mate
• Listener calls about Cosmopolitan, Carrot Top, Las Vegas Hilton, freeplay, Wicked Spoon, Craftsteak, go-go dancers, Wynn Country Club jazz brunch, Mirage, Vegas Lent and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 3/6/11 (65:13 min, 59.9 MB) or subscribe.

• Oprah opener
• Caesars doesn’t give up on its Ferris wheel plans
• New show planned for Caesars Palace
• Rio gets a fancy Burger King
• Harry Reid seems like a dick
• We love our sponsor, Vegas Mate
• Listener calls and e-mails about Cosmopolitan, Australian Bee Gees, Holsteins, Terry Fator, China Poblano, Wynn noise problems, Tropicana resort fees, Sinatra Dance With Me, Garth Brooks, Comme Ca, Todd English PUB and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 2/27/11 (54:37 min, 50.2 MB) or subscribe.

• Half and Half opener
• Celine returns early
• More on the Marilyn ripple at Wynn
• Beso and BB King’s face banktrupcy
• Living the Milf Life
• Ferris wheel update
• We love our sponsor, Vegas Mate
• Listener calls and e-mails about getting some action in Las Vegas, Club Grazie offers, pub crawls, Cosmopolitan, Atlantic City, Lake of Dreams, Carnevino, Craftsteak, Terry Fator and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 2/20/11 (59:57 min, 54.9 MB) or subscribe.

• Knight Rider opener
• Venetian and Palazzo eliminates comps, customers
• Wynn fans, blame Marilyn
• Flamingo builds Margaritaville casino
• Blue Man Group announces move
• Vdara closes Silk Road
• Pete Rose leaves Caesars
• Listener calls about Gilley’s, downtown bingo, pools (Dave’s call video), Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, Bill’s retheming, Garth tickets, Riviera, M Resort, the Neon Boneyard and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 1/30/11 (77:01 min, 70.7 MB) or subscribe.

• Bachelor Party Las Vegas opener
• Wynn finally improves its horrible website
• Tim’s trip report
• Listener calls about Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, Imperial Palace, Gilley’s, Sinatra and more
• Call us at (702) 866-9494

Direct download of the podcast: Five Hundy By Midnight 1/30/11 (52:04 min, 47.8 MB) or subscribe.