June 30th, 2012 is Social Media Day around the world, a day to celebrate social media. There are meetup groups from San Francisco to Hong Kong, Moscow to Rio de Janeiro getting together today to discuss, use and revel in all things social media.

Social Media Day was created by the website Mashable.com, the "leading source of news, information and resources for the Connected Generation (mashable.com)."

Government tightens lending guidelines

With concerns regarding overheated housing markets and household debt levels rising nationwide, the federal government has enacted new rules governing mortgage lending and borrowing.

The biggest change, and the one most likely to have an impact on Canadian homebuyers, is the reduction of the maximum amortization periodfrom 30 years to 25.

Amenities and adventure a stone's throw away from Calgary

Immediately south of Calgary, the MD of Foothills has everything one could need for a natural escape from the hustle and bustle of city living.

Incorporated in 1954, the MD had a population of 21,258 as of 2011, an increase of 7.7 per cent compared to 2006. Aside from agriculture and industrial operations, the MD surrounds the communities of Okotoks, High River, Black Diamond, Priddis, Blackie, Turner Valley, Heritage Pointe, Aldersyde, Cayley, De Winton, Longview and Millarville.

The Koi fish are happy to be in their Devonian Gardens home.

Yesterday was the reopening of the Devonian Gardens in The Core Downtown. After 4 years the newly renovated indoor park was welcomed back into downtown culture with much fanfare including Mayor Nenshi, Alderman Druh Farrell, Alderman John Mar and Ann Charlton, Director of Parks. At yesterday's vine cutting there were a lot of news outlets but many more people enjoying their lunch, a welcome sight to the indoor oasis.

Nominated by CREB member Ann McCracken, the Haysboro Elementary School will have plenty of great soil and a plethora of seeds to plant in their new Dream Catcher Garden.

As part of the CREB Charitable Foundation's efforts to build a better community amongst its members, the 25 for 25 program has handed out another $25,000 dollar cheque. This time the Haysboro School is the fortunate recipient of this grant. The money will go to their Dream Catcher Garden, a projects with a vision to teach students about horticulture and nutrition with an overall goal of deepening a respect for ourselves and for nature.

Knowledge is power when it comes to REALTOR® safety. Kerry Suave, security expert and director of StreetSense Safety and Security Inc., could not agree more, especially in a career where everyday duties present risks.

"REALTORS® have a potentially dangerous job. They often work alone, meet strangers in empty homes and commercial buildings, and travel with strangers in their vehicles," he said.

Despite potential dangers, Suave says REALTORS® and the general public can incorporate simple practices into their lives to dramatically reduce risk.

"Our instincts are very good at acting as an early warning system for the body, but we often choose to ignore them, or downplay what they are telling us," says Suave.