40 years ago, a young, impressionable Southern Resident orca was ripped from her Pacific Northwest home and taken to where Seattleites fear most: Miami. Once named Tokitae, they renamed her Lolita -- yes, after "the heroine in Vladimir Nabokov's novel" -- however, I'm sure, although orcas apparently have self-awareness, it does not make much difference to Lolita. Animal rights groups are working to free her, but a scientist says she may have Stockholm syndrome. What will become of this unfortunately-named orca? Plus: a poll! more ›

The Solstice Parade in Fremont was as cool as we've ever seen it this weekend and our personal highlights were the pink riot cops, the Ents and the water monsters. The water monsters were a part of a float that was based on the theme of the privatization of water and one of their characters was shouting "free water!" as they approached. It was, however, particularly disappointing to learn that they meant "free water" as in "Free Willy!" not "here's some free bottled water, you idiot, the very thing we're raging against." more ›