Many families enjoy skating outdoors in the winter. There are over 50 Outdoor ice skating rinks in Kitchener- Waterloo.

Most of the outdoor ice rinks in Kitchener-Waterloo are run by volunteers from local community groups and neighbourhood associations. Many of these rinks have lights and can be enjoyed in the evening.

So why not get out and enjoy the frosty weather this winter with your family and friends?

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The latest edition of Tracey and Robert's email newsletter was delivered recently to our clients and friends.

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Living in Kitchener-Waterloo.

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Coldwell Banker asked kids "What is real estate"? They gave some pretty good answers...

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It looks like MCC has a good chance to win this contest! Watch the video and help the cause!

This is a great video produced by Ken Ogasawara and Jonathan Steckley at MCC Ontario in Kitchener. These folks have done a very engaging little video on energy conservation. Congratulations Ken and Jonathan!

They have entered the video in a contest at WattsNext.ca. They are trying to win a solar energy system for the MCC. The winner is the video with the most views... share it and watch it!

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The lottery of birth is responsible for much of who we are. If you were not born in the country you were, what would your life be like? Would you be the same person?

IfItWereMyHome.com calls itself "your gateway to understanding life outside your home". You can use their country comparison tool to compare living conditions in your own country to those of another.

You could also use their visualization tool to help understand the impact of a disaster. The Pakistan Flood and BP Oil Spill have been featured. Check out the individual pages to gain some perspective on these events.

Since 2004, roundabouts have been an important part of our roadway landscape in Waterloo Region. These circular intersections improve road safety, manage increased traffic demand, and help improve air quality by eliminating unnecessary stops and idling.

The Region's 2011 "Practice makes perfect!" roundabout education campaign includes a series of 4 new instructional television commercials highlighting proper driving habits at roundabouts. To learn how to practice proper driving habits at roundabouts, you can watch the television commercials here: GoRoundabout.ca.

Here's an interactive webpage that shows how to use a roundabout properly: GoRoundabout.ca/roundabouts-how-to-use

Latest Episode of The Truth! From Coldwell Banker and FunnyorDie.com

As you may know, a common mistake that the Coldwell Banker brand sees from time to time is that some consumers think that we're a bank. So we thought it was time to deal with this...

Summer is coming and so is the hot weather!

Here is a webpage from WikiHow.com (a user edited online how to manual) with lots of ideas about how to stay cool without using air conditioning. A great green idea and a money saver as well...

Just add water... Sweat it out... Dress (or undress) for success... Breathe like a dog... spicy food... Put a freeze on things... and many more ideas.

Cool-Yourself-Without-Air-Conditioning

If you having been thinking about listing your property for sale recently, you have probably heard about home staging. It can be amazing what a difference a home stager can make. It is usually money well spent!

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Another first for the real estate innovative leader, Coldwell Banker has once again raised the bar for the industry by partnering with Apple to create and release a new iPad app that puts our listings on center stage!

The iPad remains one of the most utilized technology devices on the market today. Coldwell Banker is now tapping into the millions of iPad users by developing an iPad app that allows users to easily search for property listings, agents and local Coldwell Banker offices.

But what really makes the app unique is its ability to take advantage of the iPad's Multi-Touch interface and large display that will allow agents to showcase our videos and deliver a great experience.

Other highlights of the app include integrated Yelp data; social media sharing capabilities; and more! To watch a promotional video of the app's functionality, click here. Users can download the app for free from the App Store on iPad, or from iTunes.

With the proper planning and education constructing your own fence can be a breeze. Learn the basics of building a fence from the experts at The Home Depot. This video covers everything from fencing materials to the basic tools needed for the job.

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Did you know that the Kitchener-Waterloo Real Estate Board has a special mobile website for local MLS® listings? Actually there are two versions of this website!

The first one can be viewed here: KWhomes.mobi This site will allow to search for properties that for sale on the local MLS® system. You can get the basic details of those listings along with photographs and a map link.

The other version is available to buyers that have obtained a personal "User Code" from a REALTOR®. This version gives you all the features that you obtain by using the above version, plus additional detailed information about each listing.

Contact Tracey today at Tracey-Appleton@ColdwellBanker.ca to obtain your User Code for the second mobile website. After you obtain your code visit KWhomes.mobi, enter your code in the box and press the "Login" button. You now have the details of any MLS® listing in Kitchener-Waterloo and area at your fingertips on your mobile phone, PDA or smartphone!

If you are familiar with QR Codes, here is one that will take you directly to KWhomes.mobi. Try it now!

Here is the University of Waterloo Weather Station Summary for August 2010:

The hottest August in 50 years with less than half of the average precipitation

With an overall temperature over 2.5 degrees above average it was the hottest August since 1959. There was little relief from the heat as well, given that there were no days that were significantly (ie. more than 5 degrees) below average.

We still have not seen a month this year that has been below average, making this the warmest first 8 months of the year since 1998, which was the hottest year on record in the area.

It was a dry month with only 36.2 mm of precipitation when the average for August is 87.0 mm. Apart from a couple of days with around 10 mm, the rest of the month's precipitation were just a few sprinkles here and there.

Of course a dry month is going to also put us further behind for the year. So far we have had 534.2 mm in 2010, compared to the average of 596.0 mm at the end of August.

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Stroll through some of Waterloo's original neighbourhoods, visiting artists in their homes and studios. Come and enjoy a day of art, leisure, and shopping in beautiful Uptown Waterloo's pleasant older neighbourhoods.

You'll see original paintings, pottery, African carving, calligraphy, weaving and spinning, wood carving, and a large selection of jewellery.

The 22nd annual (2010) Mary-Allen  tour dates are:

Saturday, September 25th, 2010 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, September 26th, 2010 from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

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Did you know that the University of Waterloo has a weather station located on the Waterloo campus?

At their website you can find local weather information that is updated every 15 minutes: Weather.UWaterloo.ca

Below is the text of their latest email summary (you can sign up for this email service at the website).

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The safest house in the world?

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