of us can relate. I recall growing up bilingual as a tricky thing—telling my uncle “don't peese my chaps” in a hybrid command for “don't step (pises) on my chapitas (caps).” The game, chapitas, employed smooth orange peel pressed into tin soda pop caps. We would glide them across the floor with a flick of the finger in a micro version of shuffleboard, little mothers of invention that we were in New York circa 1964.

Dual languages did not prevent me from getting acquainted with my Puerto Rican heritage, which traces to my grandparents. My grandfather, José Roura, who had only an eighth-grade education, discovered the world through self-instruction that included reading National Geographic. He went on to found Rosana Greeting Cards, a Spanish-language greeting card company—call it Hallmark for Latinos—in New York City in the early 1950s, and later published the monthly Soberanía.

Today, with the launch of this, the premier issue of Metro San Juan, we begin a crusade to inform our people on the island and those beyond its shores. This is the new voice of contemporary Puerto Rico , a forum for world citizens eager to discuss our issues in the broader context of a larger world.

The stories are reported by journalists who have been covering Puerto Rico 's people, places and issues, bolstered by decades of experience. We'll ask questions: “Where is Puerto Rico on the issue of alternative fuels?” Business Editor Robert P. Schoene takes a look at alternative energy and the massive government subsidies driving those developing technologies. Puerto Rico , sadly, is way off the radar screen.

We also enjoy a good lampoon. Entonces, get your scissors ready for “Lechones Salvajes”—Metro's version of “Wild Hogs”—an interactive parody to help accessorize biker políticos. We offend everyone equally.

And, Metro profiles those who make us proud. For stories of uplift, what better than a cover about actor Jimmy Smits, whose Puerto Rican roots drive him to produce primetime television that debunks the myth of Hispanics as barrio-dwelling hoods. Associate Editor Valerie López, who conducted the exclusive interview with Smits, points out: ““Cane” portrays the Duques as an affluent family, something that has been lacking on television… the Duques are also closer to the actual Hispanic culture in the way they blend English and Spanish in their daily lives.”

New Year's Redux, a fashion essay conceived by Arts and Culture Editor Huáscar Robles, brings together the world-class talent of Puerto Rican designers Stella Nolasco, Nono Maldonado and Luis Antonio with photography shot by Franklin Miranda and Pascal Fontana.

If mobility in both travel and the dot.com realm has closed the gap between our communities, Metro San Juan will continue to bridge it. Metro Line—a guide to arts and culture—keeps readers up on performances and exhibits taking place on the island, while also reporting on noteworthy cultural events showcasing our talent in U.S. cities.

Metro Dine lines up top notch restaurants—classic, creative and rustic—worth a visit; Metro Dish honestly reviews restaurants—good, bad and ugly.

Metro Cuando y Donde keeps us in touch with days gone by; see if you recognize two of the Colegio San Ignacio graduates from the Class of 1957.

No matter the story—whether about Puerto Rico 's people, places or issues—Metro San Juan promises top-notch reporting that informs and stimulates thought and debate regarding the island and its place within the larger world. We encourage your comments and look forward to your participation in building a new medium that addresses your interests and concerns.