Men Who Stare at Goats

I've been reading the book, "The Men Who Stare at Goats". The Nesmith Library lists this title in the non-fiction section (355.3434 RON) with subject headings "Psychological warfare" and "Parapsychology / Military Aspects". First published in England in 2004, British journalist Jon Ronson's book is an expose of a secret fringe military unit performing psychic experiments at Fort Bragg, NC. This "off-the-wall" movie starring Ewan McGregor, George Clooney, Kevin Spacey, and Jeff Bridges will tickle your funny bone. Including "bleat-less" goats that are used to train recruits how to field dress a wound. Of course you have to shoot the goat first. Goats were chosen because evidently it is more humane than practicing on dogs, and soldiers found it easier to shoot a goat in the leg than a dog. Even more bazaar, stopping a goat's heart by staring at it (hence the title). There are some great lines and silly gags but these talented actors pull it off. Considering this is a true story... I'm even more concerned about what our military is doing behind those tall chainlink fences. See this one. It will leave you wondering.

Poster courtesy of MSN Movies