Opinion

[caption id=“attachment_70449” align=“aligncenter” width=“1000”] A car driven by Sebastian Eriksson makes the dirt jump on the Red Bull Global Rallycross track at the Ottawa/Rockcliffe Airport Friday. (Devyn Barrie/OttawaStart.com)[/caption] As we waited at the starting line for the OK to go, I remember saying to myself “What was I thinking? ...

[ ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/92311267@N08/30088347995/in/pool-ottawastart/) There is no shortage of opportunities to get out and do things this weekend, but on tap is not your standard fare of events. No, the two big things going on double as both a way to have a good time and also to get more connected with your community – they are Doors Open Ottawa and 100in1Day. ...

[caption id=“attachment_67963” align=“aligncenter” width=“1000”] Mayor Jim Watson issues anti-abortion proclamations, but that doesn’t mean he agrees with them. (Devyn Barrie/OttawaStart.com)[/caption] The controversy last week over an anti-abortion flag flying over City Hall reminded us of a problem with the city’s issuing of proclamations on request – that there is little discretion and one way or the other, it’ll come back to bite us. ...

Last week, we published an editorial entitled “Ottawa’s barking about parking becoming tiresome.” Here are some of the responses we heard from readers. _ Comments edited for style and clarity. We love hearing from readers. Comment below or send letters to feedback@ottawastart. ...

[caption id=“attachment_67088” align=“aligncenter” width=“720”] There has been blowback recently over potential loss of parking spaces in Ottawa. (Devyn Barrie/OttawaStart.com)[/caption] “But what about the parking?” That seems to be the common response in Ottawa whenever there is a development or change that would incidentally threaten the availability of parking spaces, as happened twice in recent days. ...

The City of Ottawa is served by a confusing array of police forces. The general city is patrolled by Ottawa police. The highways by OPP. And on federal lands, such as Parliament Hill or anything owned by the National Capital Commission, it’s the RCMP (plus military police who congregate around military or National Defence buildings. ...

[caption id=“attachment_63844” align=“aligncenter” width=“620”] The bizarre race between two Ottawa news organizations to find out why this goat was in a parked car speaks volumes about news to get clicks. (Ann McNab)[/caption] If ever you need an example of what’s wrong with modern journalism that aims to get clicks, look no further than this week’s race between the CBC and _ Ottawa Citizen _ to find out why there was a goat behind the wheel of a parked car. ...

If you ever go to a concert inside a small bar, you should bring ear plugs if you appreciate hearing. Being the amateur that I am, I didn’t think about loudness when I went to an emo show last Monday inside the Avant Garde bar at 135 Besserer St. ...

[caption id=“attachment_62538” align=“alignright” width=“107”] O’Leary[/caption] When a parent shows the tremendous bravery of coming forward to speak openly about their child’s struggle with drug abuse, they should be congratulated and supported. And for the most part, that’s exactly what happened to Sean O’Leary after he penned an open letter on his daughter Paige’s experience. ...

It’s funny how stuff happens, right? On Jan. 20 I attended a Citizens Academy (now Synapcity ) alumni event showcasing three organizations doing micro granting in the city. Soon after I ended up attending my first Soup Ottawa event with the new Executive Director of KidsUpFront Ottawa . ...