As we embark on this journey, I would like to welcome you all to UAB in Bangladesh and invite you to learn about Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Although GIS is the abbreviation for Geographic Information Systems it can appropriately be labeled Global Information Systems -- technology that brings the Globe to our desktops and handheld devices. Once you start learning more about Bangladesh through the "eyes" of this project, you will become a part of a global community. You may even want to think of possibilities of GIS for civic engagement. But first, to learn more about GIS, go to GIS.com. Also take a look at a snapshot of the congested city 
of Dhaka where we will be spending the next few months.
We were supposed to leave Birmingham last week, however, due to unexpected political turmoil in Bangladesh, our trip was delayed for a week. Political problems are not alien to this part of the world. Since becoming an independent country, Bangladesh has struggled to establish itself as a flourishing democracy. Yet, the hope is there. Last year for example, Dr. Muhammad Yunus of Grameen Bank got the Noble Peace Prize for establishing a basic fact: Small loans to socially disadvantaged women can have tremendous impact in removing poverty for millions of people. BusinessWeek named him as one of the "greatest entrepreneurs of all times." I have quite high hopes for Bangladesh.
Some insight into the daily lives of the people will follow in this blog. To be continued. See you in a week!
From Birmingham, AL USA