The jewelry (display) boxes were changed this afternoon and the strikes were delivered. If there are still old series strikes in the machines, please explain politely that 1. What you see is what you get (that's a Gaming regulation); and 2. Anchor will take back all the old strikes for destruction (Thanks Jeff!!!). There shouldn't be any problems if you get to the correct level of supervision and make them aware.

Now for some other news. Bally's and Paris' sample tokens have been struck and sent to the gaming Commission. Sahara's artwork has also been submitted.

But the biggest news is that, at long last, the software for Caesars $200 and $40 machines has been sent to Gaming for approval. The glasswork and pedestals have been completed. It should only be a short time now. But beware, all you who are faint of heart. The $200 machine is three lines, $5 per line. I think I'll stand beside the machine and sell my nitro tablets.

Finally, Donna Killman is hard at work. Some of you know that Donna rounded out her year in her typical fashion. Having already had a burst appendix, followed by a partial removal of a kidney, Donna broke her ankle at the company Christmas party (and she doesn't drink). Successful surgery was performed but she may have some trouble getting on a plane with pins and plates in her ankle. She will be in a cast for a couple more months and is getting around in a wheelchair. Now that is one person happy to see 2001 finished. Get well Donna.