Let's rewind 400 years. It's 1607 and three ships have just arrived in the New World. The king sent this group of about 100 men to establish the first permanent English colonial settlement in North America. This is Jamestown, a meager fort precariously setup on the banks of the James River, just upstream of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia.

From an ungainly beginning of disease, fire, and lousy relations with local natives, the great American experiment was born. A government represented by its citizens, an economic system where businesses freely compete, and an open exchange of ideas among a diverse people. Jamestown was the foundation for modern America and still influences our nation today.

So with 2007 just around the corner, my home state is getting this birthday party off to a grand start. One of the three ships, the Godspeed, is taking an east coast tour with a stop here in New York City over the holiday weekend. And I have the privilege of serving as a host for this "landing party."

Throughout the day on July 4th, you can come find me working at the Godspeed and the surrounding exhibits on display at South Street Seaport. Please stop by... I'll be giving tours from 11-4pm. I'd love to show you around and share a bit of what makes me proud to be a part of the rich tapestry we call America!

I'm pleased to announce the launch of a new site for singer-songwriter J.E.Borgen. Jon-Erik and I worked together on the Relief Project this past year, so it's awesome to be alongside him again for this new labor of love.

Based in Boston and with fans stretching from Colorado to New York City, we wanted to pump up the energy for his new CD release, The General Store, which is getting rave reviews and is already being lauded as one of the top albums of 2006. It's definitely worth picking up... and I'm not being paid to say that. Seriously, go buy a copy so you can brag to your friends that you knew about JEB back when he was on the brink of being the next big thing.

Jon and I wanted his site to express the warmth and texture that you hear in his music. The General Store shares a wide-range of JE's musical style - from folk and jazz to reggae and rock - this is a place where you can find a little something for everyone (hence the name).

The album has a real humanity and a bit of a rough edge that travels through its lyrics... subtle qualities that I wanted to incorporate into the design elements around the site. I also aimed to make this site a workhorse behind-the-scenes, with admin tools to keep news, events, and photos updated. It's a solid start for J.E.Borgen, and I'm excited to be a part of the effort. Check it out!