An Important Exam

Two college basketball players were taking an important exam. If they failed, they would be on academic probation and not allowed to play in the big game the following week. The exam was fill-in-the-blank.
The last question read, "Old MacDonald had a ________ ."
Pat was stumped. He had no idea what to answer. But he knew he needed to get this one right to be sure he passed. Making sure the professor wasn't watching, he taps Tiny on the shoulder.
"Pssst. Tiny! Whats the answer to the last question?"
Tiny quietly laughs. He looks around to make sure the professon hadn't noticed, and then he turns to Pat.
"Pat, you're sooo stupid! Everyone knows Old MacDonald has a FARM."
"Oh yeah," replies Pat. "I remember now." He picks up his No. 2 pencil and starts to write the answer in the blank. Then he stops.
Tapping Tiny's shoulder once again, he whispers, "Tiny, how do you spell 'farm'? "
"You are *really* dumb, Pat. That's so easy! Farm is spelled E-I-E-I-O."
Originally published August 31, 2005.