[ ](http://ottawastart.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/jim-watson-rain-barrels.png) _ (One of the Mayor Watson 3000 TM clone units, surrounded by autograph-seeking rain barrels. Photo from Jim Watson's Twitter feed, used without his permission but I don't think he'll mind.) _ Seriously, I think that Mayor Jim Watson has been cloned. ...

[ ](http://ottawastart.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/me1.jpg) Inspired by the guy who managed to parlay a red paper clip for a house , Ottawa resident Martin Prevost (that’s him on the right with his son) is trying to trade up from a Minolta SLR Maxuum 400si (with carrying bag) to a Tesla Roadster. ...

Last night, I posted a beautiful photo of the Chateau Laurier. Tonight, an absolutely awful photo of what’s left of a disgusting pile of snow. I took this on Huntmar across from the police station. [ ](http://ottawastart.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG-20110506-00126.jpg) ** See also: ** Ottawa Weather Guide

Saw this notice in this week’s EMC newspaper: [ ](http://ottawastart.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG-20110506-00123.jpg) Somebody managed to “start, disconnect all safety features of an 80' Manlift to drive itself off the quarry edge falling 60 feet”. The construction equipment belonged to R.W. Tomlinson Ltd and they’re offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. ...

[ ](http://ottawastart.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/facebook.jpg) A couple of weeks ago I set up a page for OttawaStart on Facebook . For now I’m re-posting links to this blog, as well as some other ‘best of’ content from the main OttawaStart site. I’d appreciate it if you could " Like " the page. ...

[ ](http://ottawastart.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/flamethrower.jpg) _ Ottawa _ - The annual Tulip Festival will look less colourful this year after the it was decided the flowers were too much work to maintain. Scheduled to open this weekend, the Tulip Festival has been adjusted with all the tulips being burned. ...

Really like this photo by Kanokin of the Chateau Laurier . Used here with permission. [ ](http://ottawastart.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/chateau-laurier.jpg) ** See also: ** Ottawa Hotels Guide

[ ](http://ottawastart.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/HOTWHEELS.jpg) You have to check out Steve’s Guide to Hot Wheels Hunting . It’s a Google Map with a listing and reviews of over 40 stores in Ottawa that sell Hot Wheels. Steve Brandon created it, and that’s his Hot Wheels 2004 Star-Spangled series 1965 Ford Mustang pictured above, that he picked up at the Zellers at Billings Bridged back in 2006. ...

A reminder about a great event from Sean McConnery, a local photographer and astronomy fan: Astronomy Day is all about sharing the joy of Astronomy with those who have never had an opportunity to view the moon and planets through a telescope - " ...

Sure you can spend $55 on a rain barrel , or if you’re handy you can save some cash you could save some cash and build one yourself. This info is from the City of Ottawa web site : ...