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Volume Six, Number 124, June 26, 2007 (Read It Online) In today's issue we have a review of Roller Coaster Tycoon 2 by Debra Frick. The neat thing about this review is that it's about a game that is non-violent that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If there is a family friendly video game that you enjoy, feel free to share it on the contest page. Thanks for reading, Susan
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Sombrero Decoration/Birdfeeder This is a cute recycled craft for "Fiesta" Bible School or if you're having a Dora the Explorer or Go Diego Go party, this could be a decoration for your party or craft for the kids to do at the party.
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Rate It: My Gerber Daisy had twins. By Liz from New Baden, IL
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Rate It: Picture from the Road in Utah? This is a picture we took on our trip out west last year. I think we were in Utah when I took this photo out the window as we traveled on a road we had not intended to travel but the scenery was so beautiful. I wish I could remember where we were so that others would be sure to go this way if in the area. It looks like a postcard. I was very proud of this one! By Mona from Lumberton, Ms. Editor's Note: If anyone recognizes this and knows where this is, please post in the feedback.
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Rate It: Maddie Mingletoes (Maine Coon) Maddie Mingletoes is a Maine Coon just 6 weeks old. We got her May, 2007, 2 weeks ago. Maddie gets into whatever she wants to for fun, plays with kitty toys and likes to bite then lick us. Everyone likes to hold and love Maddie, she is soo soft and cuddly.
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These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!
Video Game Review: Roller Coaster Tycoon 2
When I was kid growing up, my parents worried about the amount of time I spent holed up in my room watching Shirley Temple movies on a Saturday afternoon, Nowadays, our children have much more violent past times. I remember when my brother first introduced me to video games (Ms. Pac-man) and I could not believe that people actually liked to play them. Back in the day, they even said it was good for eye-hand coordination. When I got my computer and my teenage children wanted games to put on the computer, I was totally amazed at how violent they had become. Now call me slow or not at all, I had to be the last person I knew to even get a computer. In the years since, I have had the pleasure to see some of the games that now even my young grandsons play and it had me terribly worried. On some games, the language is not even censored. So I started a search for one great game that my grandkids and I could play together that would not offend my sensibilities and would still be fun for my grandsons. What I found was this great game that is not to hard for the young ones and is not to hard for even one of us that has not ever played a video game, and yes, I was one of them. I found a wonderful website (http://www.Trygamesfree.com) that allowed me to download the game for play that was limited to one hour but that one hour was the funniest hour I have ever spent. After the hour free play, you then had the option of buying the game right online. So let me tell you about the game. The setting is an empty amusement park that you get to design. You pick the rides, concessions, even the landscaping. Each park, and the game comes with a dozen you can choose from or build one of your own, has its own "scenario" that you have to accomplish in a certain time frame. Scenarios run like this: You must have 500 people in your park by October Year 3 with a satisfaction rating of 650. You have a staff to help you run the park: Handymen which clean up and mow and water the gardens, Mechanics that fix and inspect your rides, Security guards that keep the park safe, and Entertainers that keep your guests happy at queue lines and in your food areas. There are also themes that you can use when constructing your parks. I felt like a kid in a candy store. But more importantly, so did my grandchildren. You can also build your own roller coaster in a special area of the game and have them in your parks. The graphics for this game are spectacular, bright vivid colors and if you don't like the color scheme of most rides, you can change them. You can also customize rides with music. You have 5 categories for rides that you can include in your park: Transportation, Gentle rides, Thrill rides, Roller Coasters, and Water rides. When you start the game, you are given about five or six to choose from in each category but as the game goes on, you are given new rides to buy if you have the money. Most of the pre-made parks which they call "Scenarios" have a lake built in so you can construct water rides right there on your little lake. Now being a video game novice, I choose to just use the pre-made rides and parks and if you ignore the scenario, you and your children can construct and deconstruct rides and landscaping until your money runs out. This game also teaches about bank loans, gives you financial charts to see how the money is going, tells you your most popular rides, which ones are not making you any money and which stalls and stores are your best money makers. But remember, you are making money also with admission or ride revenue and money from your concessions. The game also comes with a pretty through manual so you can read about how to construct your park before you actually play. I was very impressed with the manual as it also came with instructions for building your own roller coasters and, I must say, it is very detailed. Since my grandsons are very young, the oldest being 6, we don't go into the money end of it very much; but when grandma is feeling bad and can't sleep well, I am not ashamed to tell you that old granddad has found me on the couch with my laptop building a park or two or going over my financials for my favorite park. Can you say Addicting? I guess I don't need to add that I bought the game! It has appeal for every age group. The price was very reasonable also. I paid $19.99 for the game and was able to use my Debit card. For this price, I received a access number which, when plugged in, made my game functional again. Since it was a direct download, I won't have the game on CD-ROM but they do give you six free licenses so you really can reinstall any time you need to. The game is also available online in stores like Ebay and at Amazon.com. Locally, you should be able to find it at any store like Best Buy that sells video games, just make sure that you buy the version for your computer as it also is sold in versions for the Playstation and Xbox. I also found that Atari, who makes the games, also has a free ride exchange where you can upload that killer coaster that you built but you can also download many rides that others have made to make your park a little better. Also there were many fan sites for the game where I could download for free more landscaping, more rides, and all manner of things for my game and this not the latest version of the game, I might add. Google "Amazing Vic's RCT2" site for Disneyland type rides, He has a fantastic site that gives you lots of ideas and has many things to enhance your game. If amusement parks are not your thing the creator of this game has many other titles including Lemonade Stand Tycoon and Railroad Tycoon, which looked like they would be a blast also. On the website Trygamesforfree.com, you will get very detailed descriptions for each game and screen shots (pictures) of what the games look like when played. Restaurant Tycoon is next one I want to try. You have to come up with the decor of your restaurant and manage staff and guests and come up with menus and recipes. Plus, the restaurant must make money, you know! I give this game a 10 for ease of play, graphics and sound, and a 10 for non-violence. It wins hands down "Nana's Wholesome Award". Editor's Note: What video games do you like and think are good for your kids to play?
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Rate It: Fix Your RV Fridge By Inverting It We bought a used RV (propane) refrigerator which had stood unused for quite awhile. We couldn't get it to keep cold. When we were about to give up on it, a friend told us how to fix it. RV refrigerators use an ammonia coolant that has a kind of oil in it. After they are not used for awhile, the oil separates out. He helped my husband invert the refrigerator (stood it on its top) for 24 hours. Then they righted it, lit it, and within hours we had ice cubes in the freezer compartment! It saved us from buying a whole new fridge. He said it doesn't always work, but it's always worth a try. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83098231.tip.html
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Rate It: Many Problems With Dish Internet And Vonage I was trying to get a faster internet connection and my husband got tired of hearing me chew out AOL so he and my son decided to go with Dish Internet and Vonage. To my surprise, I've been through more problems in one day than I had in the 69 years before I started dealing with those companies. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65579950.tip.html
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Rate It: As a student or anyone with no stove privileges, one can make a quick and easy grilled cheese sandwich on an iron. Assemble sandwich with buttered bread, wrap in tin foil and "fry" on your iron. They turn out delicious with no dirty dishes. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42673422.tip.html
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Rate It: The air conditioner in our living room/dining room is in a window just between the edge of the two (They are in an "L" shape.) I used to put up a screen to direct the cool air into the living room area but my husband came up with a much more practical solution, put a fan in front of the AC and direct it in one direction or the other. That, with the direction of the AC vent itself, will blow the cooling air right where it's needed during the day, into the living room and onto our little home office area where the computer is! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57660270.tip.html
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Rate It: Improving the flavor of soup:
Would you like to add any suggestions? I haven't had a hearty bean soup in a while - although the weather is warm, I'm making one for dinner. Will put baby spinach leaves in each bowl, then pour the hot broth on it to wilt them (for some added nutrition - this was a tip from the Rachael RayTV show), serve with interesting bread (corn bread, organic muffins. etc.) and some cool fruit slices for dessert. I've had better luck cooking beans from scratch using the crock pot all day than any other method. Holly from Richardson, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64022232.tip.html
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Rate It: Bike Security Tip: Identifying Owner If you purchase a new bike for your child, place his/her picture inside the handle bar before placing the grips on. If the bike is stolen and later recovered, remove the grip and there is your proof of who owns the bike. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70548533.tip.html
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Rate It: Sand Toys For Kids From Recycled Items If you have young children, this tip is for you. Recycle common household plastic containers and turn them into sand toys! Good examples for great sand toys are applesauce cups, laundry detergent scoops, powdered formula scoops, empty play dough containers, and of course the containers from margarine, sour cream, cream cheese, etc. My son always has plenty of containers to share at the park! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf724169.tip.html
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Rate It: You know that funnel you made out of the 1/2 gal milk jug?! You can secure the lid back on it (use glue around the seal or something like duct tape) and you'll have a handy scoop to use around the house or garage. I use one for scooping and sprinking salt onto slippery sidewalks - disposable at the end of the season! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf371426.tip.html
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Rate It: I use 1/2 gal milk containers. Cut off the base just below the handle, and use the top - flip it over and you have a handy funnel! My son showed me this tip and I've used them in the kitchen, especially when I'm trying to get large quantities of liquidy foods into back into jars, etc.! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf912502.tip.html
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Dealing with a Verbally Abusive Spouse How do you deal with a spouse that is verbally abusive? My spouse is a good person and I know this but tends to be a control person and can get verbally abusive when things don't go his way. I am tired. I don't have the strength or courage to fight him. He will never go to counseling so that's not an option, I do love him but how do I stop the roller coaster? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64487922.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Fingernail Polish from a Laminate Floor Does anyone have suggestions on how to remove fingernail polish from laminate hardwood floor? It is an engineered floating floor, which means it has a very thin layer of real wood. There is a lot to remove. I dont want to damage the finish. I have seen some websites that say it is OK to use fingernail polish remover but I am not sure. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83676686.tip.html
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Rate It: American Bull Dog With Small Children How can I tell if my American bull dog will get on well with my 7 month old son? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92911901.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Dark Skin Around Eyes I have some dark skin near my eyes on both sides. What should I do to remove these spots? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63061108.tip.html
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Rate It: We just installed CLEAR GLASS doors in a new tiled shower. I didn't want clear because I knew it would be hard to clean. I was told we needed to show off the pretty tile with clear glass. So I agreed to the clear glass. Bad move! I read on this site about the "Bar keepers friend", I will try that. But I would like to etch designs in the glass. What is the best kit to buy for this purpose? Is it easy to do? thanks Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31690829.tip.html
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Rate It: Two Lenders Claim to Own One Student Loan I have 2 companies claiming to have consolidated the same student loans. Both want payment starting in July. Upon contact both say to contact the other company and tell the they do not own the loan. How do I fix this? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34857414.tip.html
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Rate It: Dealing With Flies at an Outdoor Party We are planning a patio party and I dread dealing with flies. I am speaking mainly of those smaller-sized flies that buzz around in a little group--twirling about as if playing tag in the middle of our covered patio. They don't seem to be interested in landing on the food, but are frustrating nonetheless. Does anyone have any magic advice or suggestions? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67107314.tip.html
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Rate It: Who do I call to clean out the vent from my gas dryer to the outside of the house? I can't do it myself as the dryer is in the middle of the house and the vent runs the length of the family room above the ceiling to the outside of the house. WHO does that sort of work? Thanks for any tips. I really need to have this done and have been postponing it for a long enough time that I'm nervous using it! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53000035.tip.html
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Rate It: My husband and I are in the process of buying a house that has a bathroom with a large walk in shower that has cedar walls. I am wondering if anyone has info on how to clean and maintain cedar walls. The shower is pretty big so there shouldn't be as much water or soap scum to worry about as there would be in a normal sized shower but I like a really clean bathroom! If anyone could tell me the proper maintenance for a cedar shower that would be so helpful! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48666847.tip.html
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Rate It: I spilled Diet Coke on an all cotton shirt. I have used Stain Out on it and washed it about 6 times, every time I have clothing the same color, using the Stain Out each time. I also called the Coke company and they couldn't help me. Any suggestions for removing Diet coke stains from a 100%cotton shirt? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77540152.tip.html
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Rate It: My dog keeps urinating on my rugs! He pees repeatedly on my 2 shag rugs which are 5 ft. X 8 ft. and these are not easy to clean since the yarn on the carpet is so long! I tried hanging them outside and spraying them down with the hose. Nothing seems to deter him! Please help how can I clean my shag rug and help potty train at the same time. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82665971.tip.html
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Rate It: One of our cats got shut in our bedroom over night and we now have a sleep comfort bed that smell like cat urine. I've tried everything to get the smell out and it is a very strong smell. I've shampooed the spot, used vinegar, lysol and Oder Out and the smell will not go away. Help and ideas? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40652021.tip.html
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Rate It: I need help with leather stain. I placed a plate that was wet and the ring was imprinted on the couch. It has been 2 days and the stain has not left. Is the burn permanent and if not is there anything i can do to remove it? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87549358.tip.html
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Rate It: Making Fabric Stronger for Purses I want to make some cloth purses but would like to make the fabric stiffer/stronger. How would I go about doing this? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14504845.tip.html
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Rate It: I need unique ideas on how I can earn extra income from home. I live so far out in the country that I have been unable to get any babysitting, tutoring, sewing, mending clients. I have 3 young children that I can't leave home alone, so working in town is not an option - childcare would cost more than I would earn. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62918689.tip.html
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Rate It: Parakeet's Feathers Clumped Together My parakeet's feathers are clumped together around his head and his eyes. He has been puffing his feathers time to time and regurgitating sometimes. He has been acting a little strange lately. Can anyone tell me what's wrong with him and how I can treat him to get better? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66838310.tip.html
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