I'm too bumbed about Columbia and stressed from that and yet another health scare with my son to feel like writing much, but I want two express my sadness and admit an error.

I feel very sorry for the family's of the astronauts and express admiration for how all of those I've seen handled themselves in interviews. My heart goes out to them having recently faced fears of loss myself.

I must also add that despite my past ridiculing of Russian participation in the ISS, it appears they may well save our bacon. I should never as an engineer overlooked the value of a backup system.

Regards,
Mark