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To: abuelita who wrote (77342)	2/23/2010 7:10:21 AM
From: altair19	Respond to of 104197

Rhoze, <see? i didn't know that.> I'm sure the Canadians know that - they'll figure it out although their flight will be tougher than the US's. Crosby absolutely knocks me out...with the Russians, Ovechkin and Malkin are just a trip to watch. So much fun. Altair19

To: abuelita who wrote (77342)	2/23/2010 7:39:54 PM
From: Mannie	1 Recommendation Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 104197

Good news for San Juans orcas: Newborn calf sighted, the fifth in a year It's not quite an orca baby boom, but the latest birth of a calf, L114 — that's how science-types like to name subjects — is cause for optimism for whale researchers here. By Erik Lacitis It's not quite an orca baby boom, but the latest birth of a calf, L114 — that's how science-types like to name subjects — is cause for optimism for whale researchers here. There have now been five orca babies born in the past year for this group, which spends much of its time in the San Juans and Puget Sound. "I wouldn't yet call it a boom, but it's exciting because every new calf born is an indication that this endangered population may be on the road to recovery," says Lynne Barre, marine mammal specialist with NOAA Fisheries. L114 would bring the southern resident killer whale population to 89. It had declined to 81 in 2001, a drop of 17 percent from its high of 98 in 1995. The new baby and mom (L77) were first reported Sunday afternoon off southern Vancouver Island by the Center of Whale Research in Friday Harbor. The center described the baby whale as still having fetal folds. Barre says having fetal folds means that while the baby was inside the mom, it was so big that its tail was folded. A baby orca pops out at about 440 pounds and eight feet in length, says Barre. The gestation period is 17 months, so, understandably, females only give birth every four or five years, says the researcher. "It takes a considerable amount of maternal investment to have the pregnancy and to nurse the calf," says Barre. "It takes time to get back into condition." Female orcas have somewhat similar patterns to humans. Females can start reproduction at age 15, be able to get pregnant until around age 40, and can live up to 80 or 90 years, says Barre. Males don't live as long, their bodies calling it quits at age 60 or 70. The offspring stay with their moms their entire lives. The male J1, for example, who's about 60 years old, still is with mom, J2, who is nearly 100, says Barre.