Attempt at Psychological Warfare Is Disarmingly Amusing

For your unclear-on-the-concept file, we turn to “The Men Who Stare at Goats,” a new book by Jon Ronson about behind-the-scenes government intelligence. During the first Gulf War, Ronson writes, the Iraqis dropped leaflets on U.S. troops that were “designed to be psychologically devastating. They read: ‘Your wives are back at home having sex with Bart Simpson and Burt Reynolds.’ ”

Turning to aerial reconnaissance: Perusing a map in a blurb about Las Vegas, Ann Anderson of Corona del Mar asked: “Do you suppose Dessert Inn Road follows Entree Avenue?” (see accompanying)

From the dessert to the sea: Carleton Scott of Los Alamitos spotted an ad that implied that folks are transported from the mainland to Balboa Island by a tiny, winged creature (see accompanying).

These layovers are really getting out of hand: Searching online for a flight for his wife, Dennis Kemper of San Dimas found an Ontario-to-Oakland flight at a price that understandably struck him as “stunning.” But at least, he added, the arrival time would enable him “to not only take her to Ontario but drive to Oakland to pick her up -- with a stop on the I-5 for a steak sandwich at Harris Ranch” (see accompanying).

A low-flying team: The Lakers couldn’t qualify for the NBA playoffs, but folks in other cities haven’t forgotten them.

Russell Snyder of Davis, Calif., an ex-Angeleno and self-described “recovering Lakers fan,” noticed that a hot-selling bumper sticker in the Sacramento area says: “Ha Ha Ha ... The Lakers Are Falling Apart!” Nice to know the Lakers are still entertaining some people.

Chew on this: David Chan of Los Angeles read in a USC crime report that “a suspect used unknown means to gain entry to a secured laboratory locker” at the school “and removed three dental tools.” I just hope the guy’s not planning to set up practice.

That unique L.A. lifestyle: During a tender moment at a Dodger game, the television camera settled on a man holding a child dressed in blue. “I think it’s father and son,” broadcaster Vin Scully said. True, the child was wearing earrings, but so was the father.

miscelLAny: Russell Clampitt noticed that among the items offered at a warehouse sale were “antique TV cabinets.” Commented Clampitt: “I’m curious. What were the top TV programs during the Ming Dynasty?” Not sure, but I think Burt Reynolds was in one of them.

Steve Harvey can be reached at (800) LATimes, Ext. 77083; by fax at (213) 237-4712; by mail at Metro, L.A. Times, 202 W. 1st St., L.A. 90012; and by e-mail at steve.harvey@latimes.com.