Secret Book of Spy Humor

Just because you're protecting the national government, doesn't mean you should take yourself too seriously. This is a lesson that Ed Mickolus and many other agents learned while serving their country. Far from the James Bond stereotype of secret agents, real Central Intelligence Agency work includes endless paperwork, extreme security precautions, and excessive procedures. But a well-trained operative knows how to keep calm and stay sane in these types of situations. He finds the humor in it. A tireless stand-up comedian, the author interviewed intelligence officers across the United States to capture the authentic humor of this unique occupation. Much of the information came from his former colleagues in the CIA, where he spent thirty-three years as a dedicated employee and obsessive prankster. He includes rookie hazing stories, performance appraisal outtakes, and on-the-job anecdotes in a series of chapters that depicts the U.S. government at work. Whether inventing urban legends, psyching out their colleagues with phony farewell parties and desks full of rice, or trying to embarrass coworkers on family day, this group seems to continually test the intelligence aspect of the Central Intelligence Agency.