1.   Alpha crews have a phone to call whomever they want, whenever they want, via laptop computer and satellite.

2.   Alpha crews have more visitors and, consequently, more deliveries than the Mir crews did.

3.   Among the names were those of six astronauts and cosmonauts who are or have been Alpha crew members as well.

4.   For the Alpha crew, it was the second time they said farewell to a visiting shuttle crew.

5.   Shuttle commander Brent Jett Jr. spoke with the Alpha crew over the weekend and said the skipper, Bill Shepherd, is anxious for Endeavour to show up.

6.   The shuttle crew also fired up engines to bring Endeavour closer to the station as Alpha crew members Susan Helms and Jim Voss prepared for docking.