This week in the paper, our own Chris Faraone interviews journalist DAVE TOMPKINS on his new book, How to Wreck a Nice Beach, which outlines the history of the Vocoder. As it happens, we know some people who have access to a Vocoder, so above, listen to audio of Faraone reading a passage from Tompkins' book filtered through that very device (and set to images of vocoders, voice boxes, Russian flight attendants, fornicating astronauts, and hostage situations).

Epic poster by NASA....

The astronaut's families are treated to tours, mission briefings and free admission to the Kennedy Space Center the day before the launch.