It does pay to be an Arab

80 year old Arab American man lives close to New York City for more than 50 years.

He would love to plant potatoes in his garden, but he is alone, old and weak.

His only son is working in Paris, so the old man sends him an e-mail.

He explains the problem: "My beloved son, I am very sad, because I can't plant

potatoes in my garden. I am sure, if only you were here, you would have helped

me to dig up the garden for me. I love you: your father."

The following day, the old man receives a response e-mail from his son: "My beloved father, please don't touch the garden.

It's there that I have hidden 'THE THING'. I love you too-Ahmed".

At 4 pm the US Army, the Marines, the FBI and the CIA visit the house of the old man, take the whole garden apart, search every inch, but can't find anything.

Disappointed, they apologize and leave the house.

The next day, the old man receives another e-mail from his son: "My beloved father, I hope the garden is dug up by now and you can plant your potatoes.

That's all I could do for you from here on such short notice.

I love you-Ahmed."