DEAR ABBY: I saw a letter in your column asking why New York City is known as the Big Apple.
Back in the 1920s and '30s, people in the entertainment world, particularly jazz musicians, talked about making it to the top. To "play" New York City was to make the big time or the "big apple," which was the jazz term.
Today, New York City remains the No. 1 visitor destination in the world, thanks to both the New York City Convention and Visitors' Bureau's efforts and the state's own "I Love New York" statewide tourism campaign. Last year, we welcomed 17.8 million visitors to The Big Apple -- over 3 million were from overseas.
So, we welcome the world -- and especially you and your readers. Come and enjoy all of New York State's beauty, history, culture and unlimited recreation, from Buffalo to the Big Apple! -- MARIO CUOMO, GOVERNOR