I had so hoped I'd be able to avoid talking about Arnold Schwarzenegger. After all, the circus-style debacle that is the California recall election is in a whole other state geographically and an entirely different universe philosophically. Add a few gymnasts to the whole thing, however, and it might make a really good Cirque du Soleil production.

Anyway, my plans to avoid the whole thing here were foiled when IGT announced it would debut the new "Terminator" slot machine at the Global Gaming Expo in September. There are conflicting reports as to whether the machines bear Arnold's likeness or voice, but regardless, it could be seen as potential conflict of interest if he is elected governor and then has to deal with the California tribal gaming industry. Plus, there's that whole "making money from gambling" thing that some voters have a tendency to frown upon.

IGT officials apparently had a backup plan in place should they need to replace Arnold's image at the last minute, but now former "Diff'rent Strokes" child star Gary Coleman is also running in the recall election so those plans have been scrapped.

No, no, I just made that up.

Speaking of IGT, the leading slot manufacturer announced new deals that will bring more game-show action to a casino floor near you. Chuck Barris hits "The Dating Game" and "The Newlywed Game" have been licensed by the company and will be turned into themed slot machines, joining such existing game-show properties as "Wheel of Fortune," "Jeopardy," "Family Feud," and "$100,000 Pyramid."

You can catch the debut of these new machines, along with dozens of others, at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas Sept. 16 to 18. The annual expo and conference features the latest in slots, table games, and technology from all of the major manufacturers and players in the business. Of course, since very little is free in Vegas, it'll cost you -- $75 for the exhibits and anywhere from $400 to $800 if you want to go hear speeches and attend meetings. More info at globalgamingexpo.com.

Hard to believe, but someone has actually outdone Las Vegas for over-the-top hotel themes. Actually, perhaps "on-the-bottom" might be a more apt description, since the proposed Hydropolis Hotel in the Persian Gulf nation of Dubai aims to be the world's first underwater resort. Except for some support facilities and administrative offices, the entire hotel will be built on the bottom of the Persian Gulf at a price tag of around $500 million. I figure it's only a matter of time before someone decides to do the same thing, only bigger, in Vegas.

Another reminder about the Vegas4Visitors Reader's Poll 2003. If you haven't voted yet for your favorite hotels, restaurants, shows, and more, you can do so by clicking here. The deadline for voting is Aug. 31 -- also known as my mom's birthday. Results will be announced in a special series of columns starting in September.

This Week's Trivia

Q: When the hotel now known as Bally's opened in 1973 it had a different name. What was it? ANSWER

The Weekly Trivia Question is sponsored by the Online Memorabilia Museum at Vegas4Visitors.com

The Full Story

• Water Show Will Combine Greek Myth, Extreme Sports
• New Shows, Clubs, Restaurants Opening This Fall
• Short Questions, Answers On Vegas
• Other News: Governor On A Game?
• Vegas Q&A: What Do You Expect For New Year's?
• Vegas Q&A: Can I Avoid Cigarettes In Vegas?

In Next Week's Column

Next week: The latest from Las Vegas.

Plus, don't forget to send me your questions about Las Vegas. I've got room for more, so send them in today!

Click here to go to the main page of Vegas4Visitors.com and see all of the fantastic resources Vegas4Visitors has to offer you when planning your next trip to Las Vegas.

Rick Garman is the head writer for Vegas4Visitors

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