Use the following trick to have your Sim get abducted by aliens (the icon is a green saucer). Buy a telescope at the "Buy" menu and select it. Choose the "Stargaze" option. Note: The "Spy" option will not work. Suddenly a light will appear from the sky and your Sim will be abducted. A few hours later, the Sim will return. If that Sim has a job, do this on Saturday or Sunday to avoid missing work.
Cheat Codes
L, L, R, X, X, Up - Cheat Gnome
Up, Left, Down, Right, R - Advance Time 6 Hours
Triangle, Circle, X, Square, L, R - Give Sim Pet Points
Triangle, Up, Left, Down, Right - $10,000
Monkey Paw
To find a mysterious Monkey Paw, sit in a bench at town square. Press X and select "Search Bench". Try this various times and you will find the paw. This also works if you buy a sofa.