Everyone wants to know what's going on. We want the inside scoop on the latest, the newest, the greatest. But in a world of non-stop information, it's often confusing to know where to turn.

We're here to change that.

More than a year and a half ago, a group of Houstonians talked about creating a digital media company that would sort through the clutter and offer a place for lively, intelligent discussion. That idea has evolved into CultureMap, which debuts today.

It's Houston's—and we believe the nation's—first "mapazine," with all sorts of interesting features.

Our definition of "culture" is all encompassing, from high-brow events to pop culture happenings that dominate conversations. We'll concentrate on food, fashion, the arts, music, real estate and society.

But just about anything Houstonians are talking about is fair game.

Take some time to explore the site. There's a lot here —with a lot more coming.

The top of the home page has nine photos surrounding a map of Houston. Each photo refers to a place on the map. Click on it and a bubble will appear with links to a feature story, an event listing or a map listing — or all three.

Scroll down the home page and you'll find news briefs on the left (they're little stories about Houston-related news and happenings that we find interesting).

In the middle are feature columns, stories and photo essays from a wide range of contributors on all sorts of subjects.

On the right, the key events of the week are listed, along with a "featured pick" from among Houston's amazing array of restaurants, bars, shopping venues, hotels, arts and entertainment venues as well as places that are unique to the Bayou City.

• Click on 'News' at the top of the home page and you'll be directed to individual pages highlighting arts/entertainment, city life, fashion/style, real estate, and the social scene (where all of editor-at-large Shelby Hodge's columns will permanently reside).
• Click on 'Map,' and you'll find more than 500 Houston establishments with our seal of approval. The map also highlights new openings and those places we consider "the best of the best."
• Click on 'Events' and you'll find a selection of the city's most interesting happenings, arranged by week or calendar month.

Innovative technology is an important part of our mission. A CultureMap iPhone app is awaiting approval and lots of new interactive, social and multi-media features are planned.

What you see today on the site is just the beginning of what will quickly become your indispensable resource for the very best in Houston.

As we navigate this brave new world of news and information, we'll constantly change and evolve. Sometimes we'll miss the mark, but we will always aim high. And we welcome your suggestions.

We promise you this: We will work harder than you can ever imagine to produce a site unlike any in Houston or the nation.

And, together, we'll have fun doing it.