My husband LOVES video games and I do not. LOL. However, we have been doing a study in our Sunday school class about marriage and his need for “shoulder to shoulder” time…or simply put, time to play WITH his wife. So…I thought about it and picked a computer game that I thought would be fun, Roller Coaster Tycoon 3. I was HOPING it was NOT made in China…and it was NOT! WHOO HOO! It is made in the USA!

Product: Roller Coaster tycoon 3 Platinum (it has 3 amusment parks; roller coaster tycoon 3, soaked, and wild.)

Where to Buy: We bought it for a bargain at the going out of business sale at CompUSA, but you can buy it at any electronics or game store, I am sure.

Price:Between $25-$30 maybe less if there are still some left at CompUSA!

Rating: 8

Review: Once my husband and I actually got it installed it is a blast! There are so many things you can do! It has challenges, custom events, a no limits option, and more. You can make a regular amusement park, a zoo, a water park, or a combination…oh, and making coasters is COOL!

It is very user friendly and great for the whole family. It is rated “E” for everyone. I think it’s a great gift for a teenager as well. It teaches them about money management and problem solving skills…especially the challenges.

I would recommend the game to anyone. And, go ahead and pay the extra few dollars to get the two additional parks…it makes for more excitement and adventures!

Cons: Unfortunately, there is one big con. We almost gave up. However, there is a fix that I will include at the end of this review. This game is not compatible with Vista UNLESS you use the fix. You will get an annoying error message and will be unable to play the game. This was a real pain, and I had to search and search and try a few fixes before I found a simple one that WORKED! I think Atari needs to get this little glitch fixed.  For now though…

The Windows Vista/Dual Core Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 Platinum Installation Fix

(note: you can iuse this for regular RCT3 too. Your file will be <RCT3.exe> instead of <RCT3plus.exe>)

It is VERY IMPORTANT that you follow these directions exactly, otherwise you will have to uninstall the entire game and start all over again.

1. Install the Game.

2. After installation do NOT try to start the game.

3. Delete the desk top shortcut.

4. Then, go into your Atari files located in folder C:\Program Files\Atari\Rollercoaster Tycoon 3 and rename <RTC3plus.exe> to <RCT3plus.old>. (DO NOT try and delete or override the file. It will NOT work! I tried it. You MUST rename the file.)

5. Then, after you have renamed the file, go to…

For RCT3 Platinum - http://www.securom.com/support/customers/atari/RCT3_wild_t147/rct3plus.zip

For RCT3 regular - http://www.securom.com/support/customers/infogrames/RCT3_t020bl/rct3.zip

These links will open a blank web page and a file download window.

6. From the file download window click open, extract the new <RCT3.exe> or <RCT3plus.exe> into the original’s folder (where the file you renamed is). OR, you can extract it to your desk top and then open the file, and then drag it into the folder. Whatever is easier for you.

7. Either way, once you have done this, right click on the new <RCT3.exe> or <RCT3plus.exe> and create a shortcut to your desk top. (You MUST make sure the old one was deleted or you will mess everything up and have to start all over!)

8. Once you have done this, close all programs, and restart your computer. Once you get back to your desk top, click on your new shortcut and you should be good to go!

If you run into any problems, uninstall and retry. You can also try and visit the roller coaster tycoon forums (rollercoastertycoon3.com)

Have fun!

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Counterfeit Circuit Breakers labeled as “Square D”

Units: About 50,000

Distributor/Retailer: North American Breaker Co. Inc. (NABCO), of Burbank, Calif.

Hazard: The recalled circuit breakers labeled “Square D” have been determined by Square D to be counterfeit and can fail to trip when they are overloaded, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The counterfeit circuit breakers are black and are labeled as Square D QO-series models 110, 115, 120, 130, 210, 215, 220, 225, 230, 235, 240, 250, 260, 280, 1515, 1520, 2020, 2125, 315, 340, 350, 360, and 3100. Actual Square D circuit breakers have (a) the amp rating written on the handle in white paint on the front of the breaker; (b) the Square D insignia molded onto the breaker side, and; (c) a yellow chromate mounting clip with half of the top of the clip visible. If your breaker, labeled as Square D, does not match this description, it could be counterfeit.

Sold by: NABCO, electrical distributors, and retailers nationwide from March 2003 through April 2006 for between $3 and $85.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should contact NABCO to determine if the breaker they have is counterfeit and to arrange for a free inspection and replacement or refund if necessary.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact NABCO at (866) 505-5851 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, email the firm at recall@nabreaker.com, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.nabcorecall.com - this is not a Square D Company recall.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Tot Tower toy blocks

Units: About 170,000

Importer: eeBoo Corp., of New York, N.Y.

Hazard: The plastic covering on the toy blocks can detach, posing a choking hazard to children.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two reports of the plastic covering detaching from the blocks and being mouthed by young children. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled Tot Tower blocks are sold in sets of 10 blocks ranging from 6 x 6 inches to 1.5 x 1.5 inches. The cardboard blocks are covered in a plastic laminate film. The blocks have various images and themes including Things I Know New; Garden Fairies; Hardware Store; Around the Land; Read-To-Me; Animal Sounds; Animal Alphabet; ABC; and Nursery Friends. “Tot Towers” and “eeBoo Corporation” are printed on the product’s packaging.

Sold at: Specialty and gift shops nationwide from January 2003 through September 2007 for about $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy away from children, and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, or contact eeBoo Corp. directly to receive a replacement toy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact eeBoo Corp. at (800) 791-5619 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.eeboo.com/safety.php

Claire’s is a cute little teeny bopper store that is usually found in a mall. Unfortunately most of the products that I have looked at there are made in China. However, I did manage to find one nice product that is MADE IN THE USA!!

Product: Claire’s Eau De Parfum, .17 fl oz (in a small silverish pink box)

Where to Buy: Claire’s

Price: Less than $8

Rating: 10

Review: Claire’s brand perfume comes in an adorable little pink bottle in the shape of a flower. It has a very soft floral scent that is perfect for a young preteen or teenager. It’s light and fresh. My teenager loves it and is very happy with the scent of this affordable perfume that is made in the good ole’ USA!

Cons: More boys may come knocking! ROFL! 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Super Magnets

Units: About 2,800

Importer: Man’s Trading Company, of Brisbane, Calif.

Hazard: The magnet attached to the bottom of a small toy panda can detach. If swallowed or aspirated by young children, the magnets can attract each other internally and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be fatal.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The ½-inch toys are shaped and painted to resemble panda bears. A small magnet is attached to the bottom of the toy. “Super Magnets” and the MTC logo are printed on the front of the packaging. The magnet toys are sold eight to a package.

Sold at: Dollar and gift stores nationwide from September 2005 through November 2007 for about $1.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should take the recalled toy away from children immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact MTC at (800) 388-7228 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. Consumers can also e-mail the firm at mtcmans@aol.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Christmas Candle Sets

Units: About 13,000

Distributor: Specialty Merchandise Corporation (SMC), of Simi Valley, Calif.

Hazard: The snowman candle could tip over and the exterior coating on both candles can ignite, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves the 2-pieced Snowman and Christmas tree candle set. The snowman candle measures 6 and ¼ inches high and the Christmas tree candle measures 7 inches high.

Sold through: SMC’s catalog from October 2003 through September 2007 for between $4 and $13.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the candles immediately and contact SMC to return the candle for a refund of the original purchase price.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact SMC at (888) 839-8757 or visit the company’s Web site at www.smcorp.com/recall

Name of Product: Holiday Cosmetics Stuffer Bears

Units: About 80

Importer: Victoria’s Secret, of Columbus, Ohio

Manufacturer: Chang Zhou Ganghua Mfg., of China

Hazard: The neck medallion zipper pull can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: No injuries have been reported.

Description: The cosmetic stuffer bear was designed to hold cosmetics and/or gift cards. It is a plush bear with a zipper down the body. A “VS” neck medallion serves as the zipper pull. The bear was sold in pink and leopard.

Sold by: Victoria’s Secret Web site (www.victoriassecret.com) during October 2007 for about $8.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the stuffer bears and keep out of the reach of young children. Victoria’s Secret has sent consumers a postage paid return mailer enclosed. Customers returning the bear will receive a refund, postage and a $10 gift certificate.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Victoria’s Secret toll-free at (877) 260-8419 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at victoriassecret.com