Talk About Las Vegas with Ira

Each week, Ira talks with the celebrities, entertainers, writers, and personalities who make Las Vegas the most exciting city in the world!

Each week, Ira talks with the celebrities, entertainers, writers, and personalities who make Las Vegas the most exciting city in the world!

Talk About Las Vegas Blog

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WHAT? ANOTHER PODCAST?

WHAT? ANOTHER PODCAST?

Yes, I know it’s self serving, but I have to promote my other show: Ira’s Everything Bagel, where  intriguing people talk about their passions, pursuits, and points of view. It debuts today on its own website (https://iraseverythingbagel.com), as well as on Apple Podcasts and other platforms. As I quote myself, “This podcast is dedicated, in spite of its whimsical name, to interesting people who have a commitment to either their art, business, or ideas. Some of these people may live in Las ... continue reading...

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THROW BACK THURSDAY

THROW BACK THURSDAY

ONE BEARD, TWO MUSTACHES- Artist LeRoy Neiman was commissioned to create the city's commemorative centennial painting by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authority, working with the Las Vegas Centennial Committee. Neiman's oil work, "Celebrating 100 years in Neon," was on display at downtown's Ice House Lounge on this date 16 years ago.  ... continue reading...

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A LOOK BACK: TALKING WITH THE GREAT GAME SHOW HOSTS

A LOOK BACK: TALKING WITH THE GREAT GAME SHOW HOSTS

The American TV Game Show Hall of Fame’s first induction ceremony was held on October 13, 2007 at the Las Vegas Hilton for inductees (left to right) Wink Martindale, Peter Marshall, Hugh Downs, and Monty Hall (not shown).  Here’s the news release on the Hall of Fame: TV GAME SHOW HALL OF FAME TO BE UNVEILED IN LAS VEGAS;  MERV GRIFFIN TO BE HONORED *** Hugh Downs, Monty Hall, Peter Marshall, Wink Martindale To Be Feted;   (Las Vegas, NV, Oct. 3, 2007)---Something truly ... continue reading...

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Talking With Larry King – June 6, 2011

I met Larry King ten years ago in the elevator of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (ironically the same hospital where he died on January 23). He was down-to-earth and accepted my spontaneous invitation to appear on my radio show (then called Lunchtime With Ira). He had an upcoming performance at The Mirage in Las Vegas, part of a tour across America as part of his post-CNN career. In this episode, King was charming, curious, complimentary and direct (asking me if I was coming to see the ... continue reading...

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Talking With Sheldon Adelson – March 2, 1999

Today, January 12, 2021, The Las Vegas Sands announced the death of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sheldon G. Adelson. On March 2, 1999, Ira spoke with Adelson prior to the opening of the Venetian Resort. This was the first time he appeared on a talk radio show. The program (then called Las Vegas Notebook) aired live on KDWN radio. Adelson talks about  his battles with the Culinary Union and government officials; the property’s sidewalk controversy;  his belief that he was ... continue reading...

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LAS VEGAS VS CLARK COUNTY: CAN’T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?

Do you remember the good old days, the ones filled with politicians who pushed for consolidation of the city and the county? Is this a good time to bring it up again? While there are other important issues of the day, this one comes up every 10 years or so.  Fans of consolidation point to the efficiency of services and the economy of scale, where there would be only one fire department, only one business license department; and only one government center that can ignore your needs. ... continue reading...

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THE NEW GUIDE TO VEGAS

Las Vegas has changed significantly in the last several months, resulting in a host of new attractions and facilities that represent the new normal. Many Las Vegas guides have not updated their listings to reflect these changes, so this column will bring you up to date with the changes in our city. The Showgirl Memorial Garden It’s a nod to the past featuring statues with feathers, rhinestones and headdresses that represent this bygone era. It’s free to the public, but in keeping with ... continue reading...

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GAME FOR A NEW IDEA?

As the Las Vegas version of the saying goes, “When the going gets tough, the casinos get going.”  And now’s the time to get going if we want to revive our tourism economy. It’s time for the tourism industry to get creative and come up with ideas to help what ails the Strip and Downtown. While it’s clear that showrooms and buffets are out for now, and table games and slots are being adapted for social distancing, it makes sense to be proactive and come up with new casino games and ... continue reading...

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SIGNS OF THE SIGNS

Did you get a chance to drive down the Strip during the early stages of the pandemic? If you did, you probably suffered from that haunting feeling that Las Vegas had undergone a sea change (and a sea change is hard to pull off in the middle of the desert): No traffic, no people, no activity whatsoever. Even though the gloom is starting to lift and the resorts have reopened, there’s no doubt that the times are a-changin’.  Lackluster visitation, the lack of live entertainment, the virtual ... continue reading...

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QuickTalk With Mark Brandenburg at the Golden Gate – Sep. 20, 2012

QuickTalk With Mark Brandenburg at the Golden Gate – Sep. 20, 2012

In Las Vegas, there’s always an opportunity for Ira to have a quick conversation with a celebrity, entertainer, writer, or personality at a special event or spontaneous encounter.  Since these conversations don’t fit the standard time format of Talk About Las Vegas, we created QuickTalk. The Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas’ original casino, is celebrating the completion of its first major expansion and renovation in 50 years.  The landmark boutique property, opened its ... continue reading...