we have about 8 million people in our five boroughs. we have about 35 million in the greater new york city area which includes the suburbs. we have 64 million people who can drive to the big apple in one day. last year we had more than 30 million people visit our city.

this is a special holiday season edition of the true tales. it will deal with only one subject and that is "if you can make it in new york city, you can make it anywhere." for the regular features like music and video, just look at the previous weeks of the true tales.

go to the blog at http://epistle.blogs.com/

the current celeb sighting is chris moyles. the current joke has the punch line of "wanna bet me a six-pack?"

**during the holiday season, you biggest danger in coming to nyc is that you are going to get fat. in addition to the restaurants there are more than 8,000 people selling food on the streets from various types of carts.

**in some instances, you are safer buying a counterfeit rolex from a vendor than buying a real one.

**if you buy electronic equipment in this city from anyone other than a major store, you are nuts.

**the hotels lie to you about their rates. they neglect to mention the various taxes which can another 25 per cent to your room rate.

**leave your fifth family member home. nyc taxis can not take more than 4 people.

**some restaurants charge "bread charges" and "service charges." be alert.

**the best con men and women have now arrived in new york city for the season. pickpockets. street card games. just another dollar to get home.

**save money when going to tourist places like the statue of liberty and the empire state building. take your own food and water from a local deli.

**most favorite things to do. brooklyn bridge. staten island ferry. times square. central park.

**and to end on a happy seasonal note...what is the number one cause of death for visitors to this wonderful city? it sure isn't murder by a stranger.