Talk About LasVegas

07/18/2025

, part of pop culture for many decades as an actress and popular vocalist, has died. RIP, Connie.
Good post on Connie's life and career:
https://www.yahoo.com/.../connie-francis-where-boys...
My interview with Connie:
https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/talking-with-connie.../

Connie Francis talks about her long career and hit records, her growing up with the mob, setting records as the youngest singer in Las Vegas.

07/15/2025

IT TAKES TWO?
My latest column for Global Gaming Business

For Las Vegas travelers young and old, it is either the best of times or the worst. Ira Sternberg breaks down some of the differences between these groups and their Sin City expectations.

07/14/2025

CLINT IS FOR THE BIRDS
WHY ISN’T VEGAS?

Entertainer Clint Carvalho joins me on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/talking-with-clint-carvalho-july-14-2025/ & all your favorite platforms, including (https://youtu.be/7k5TZ0jo_yk).

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira dives into the colorful world of Clint Carvalho, a multifaceted entertainer whose life story is as vivid as the exotic parrots he per-forms with. Clint opens up about two deeply personal Facebook posts—one about staying true to yourself, the other about the shifting entertainment landscape in Las Vegas—and why he felt compelled to write them.

A Las Vegas resident since 1986, Clint shares how the city is more than a place—it's a rela-tionship. Known originally as a “specialty act,” he reflects on the evolution of audiences, who now chase discounts over wonder. Clint candidly discusses losing his way after COVID, his journey to reconnect with his roots in Stockton, and the moment—a fat lip, of all things—that pushed him to go full-time with the birds he started training at just 11 years old.

He talks about earning a black belt in karate, landing his first gig at a theme park, and how he built his act not by commanding his parrots, but by asking. Now, nearly 40 years later, those same birds are still with him, part of a flock of 80 he lovingly cares for. Clint shares how he had to reinvent himself, moving his act indoors, reconnecting with his self-worth, and continuing to create not just shows, but attractions.

Through it all, Clint remains committed to live performance—no screens, no filters, just heart—and raises the question: Has Las Vegas lost its magic?



QUICK CLIP (Clint on his relationship with his parrots):

07/07/2025

STADIUM IN OUR FUTURE FOR SURE?
LET’S ASK ALAN SNEL!

Alan Snel, Founder/Writer of LasVegasSportsBiz.com, joins me on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/talking-with-alan-snel-july-7-2025/ & all your favorite platforms, including (https://youtu.be/fYlRRQmehBU).

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira welcomes veteran journalist and founder of LasVegasSportsBiz.com, Alan Snel, who dives into the high-stakes world where sports, politics, and business collide. Alan unpacks the ongoing saga of the A’s stadium project—from the controversial decisions of team owner John Fisher, to the overlap of roles held by Steve Hill, the LVCVA CEO, who also chairs the Stadium Authority.

He shares insights into the often-opaque world of public financing, and why some gov-ernment agencies are more cooperative than others when it comes to Freedom of Infor-mation requests. Alan also opines on whether other media in Las Vegas follow his break-ing stories.

Plus, he shines a spotlight on a major win for outdoor enthusiasts: a long-awaited, soon-to-be constructed paved trail along State Route 159 leading to the stunning Red Rock Canyon, a natural treasure drawing 3.5 million visitors a year. After two decades of advocacy, the groundbreaking finally happened on July 1.

If you care about the future of Las Vegas—on the field, in the boardroom, or on the trail—this episode is a must-listen.



QUICK CLIP (Alan on FOI requests):

07/04/2025

IGT is officially coming back to Las Vegas! We reeled them back in!

07/03/2025

Local law enforcement has cracked down on illegal Fourth of July fireworks. A reminder: It’s the casinos that shoot off the big stuff!

07/02/2025

The World Series of Poker is investigating whether two players colluded during heads-up play to determine the outcome of a tournament. Hard to investigate when everyone has a poker face!

07/01/2025

The Shaquille O’Neal Youth Complex broke ground Friday afternoon. Tall order filled!

06/30/2025

LAS HAIKU

Happened at Trop site
Ground breaking for stadium
Call it a home run?

06/30/2025

A new report by the LVCVA showed Las visitation has dropped by 6.5% this May, compared to May 2024 levels. The reason in two words: too expensive!

06/30/2025

MARK THIS SPOT!
GIOVI AT MAXAN JULY 3

Mark Giovi, performing at Maxan Jazz on July 3, joins me on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/talking-with-mark-giovi-june-30-2025/ & all your favorite platforms, including (https://youtu.be/V4r2e1c9ohA).

In a powerful and heartfelt conversation, Mark opens up about his remarkable journey—from fronting heavy metal bands to mastering opera, and from vocal coach to tour manager. He shares how growing up in the restaurant business sharpened his instincts for success, both onstage and behind the scenes.

Mark also candidly discusses his courageous battle with spasmodic dysphonia, a condition that silenced his voice for a year, and the overwhelming support he received from the Las Vegas community during that difficult time. Now back and stronger than ever, he reflects on relearning to sing, living with cerebral palsy, embracing life’s challenges, and his pas-sion for 80’s rock, great conversations, and the art of wine—he even dreams of becoming a sommelier. Don’t miss this inspiring and deeply human episode.



QUICK CLIP (Mark on facing challenges in life):

06/23/2025

DUCK, IT’S ADAM LONDON!
AND HE’S AT THE AHERN!

Comedy-magician Adam London, performing at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel (Thurs-days through Mondays), joins me on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/talking-with-comedy-magician-adam-london-june-23-2025/ & all your favorite platforms, including (https://youtu.be/uD7XjCjYmBI).

Adam shares how his journey began on a farm, where helping his grandfather came with a magical reward—literally. His grandfather taught him magic tricks in exchange for chores, sparking a lifelong passion. Adam reveals the one trick that captivated him as a kid, the teachers who cheered him on, and how he went from a small farming town to the big stage in Las Vegas—with a stop at UNLV along the way.

In this lively episode, Adam talks about being a “clean” comedian, how he keeps his act fresh with a balance of structure and improvisation, and why his kids are fans of his career. He also dishes on the duck-filled twist that became a hallmark of his show, the joy of mak-ing audiences laugh, and whether being a magician gets you first in line at the buffet.
Engaging, heartfelt, and hilariously insightful, Adam London proves that magic—and laughter—can come from the most unexpected places.



QUICK CLIP (Adam on the story behind his duck theme):