"Problem connecting to the server" error message

Ok, background info:  I bought Sims 3 in the Humblr Bundle.  I downloaded it successfully (finally) from Origin, installed it and it worked fine.  I downloaded and installed the High End Loft pack and it worked fine.  I downloaded the Late Night pack and then made a sims3.com account, registered my game, submitted the code for Date Night (but didn't download it yet).  I logged in to my account on the launcher screen.  Then pressed play.  This is the message I get:

"There is a problem connecting to the server.  Please ensure your internet connection is active.  If the problem persists try again later."

I have been getting this message any time I try to run the game since Saturday morning.  There is nothing wrong with my internet connection.  I've tried going offline through Origin, Logging Out from the launcher, restarting my computer, signing back in, using every possible shortcut/method of opening the Sims 3, I get the same error every time.  

I've tried using a shortcut to the TS3W.exe to bypass the launcher, that still opens the launcher.  What happens is Origin opens, the launcher opens, I press play and I get a grey pop-up box with the message and a button that says ok and it closes the launcher.  Nothing else ever comes up.  

I'm on Win 7 64 bit.   And really pissed off because I had a working game until I connected it to sims3.com and now it no longer works no matter what.  And I can sign in, and it shows my info and I can download from EA and everything, so obviously it CAN connect.