Did you hear the one about Ben Franklin?

NEW YORK: Joe Wong is like many new Chinese immigrants in the United States: He has an advanced degree and a full-time job during the day - but where he stands out is that he has a second job as a stand-up comedian who is gaining popularity throughout the country.

Wong recently made his TV network debut on CBS' Letterman Show - the hugely popular US late-night talk show - with dead-pan delivery on immigrants, family life and driving.

Wong, who is slim, of medium height and wears glasses, started off with: "I am Irish." The audience burst into laughter at his reference to a people who are well-known raconteurs and often the butt of jokes.