When did women start wearing trousers? The short answer is in prehistory, and there have been many civilizations throughout human history that have survived the ‘scandal’ of its women wearing trouser-like garments.

I’m amazed at the valiant Ukrainians who, despite their meager arsenal, have held on to their freedom beyond everyone’s expectations. Sadly, even as we cheer their courage, the reality of accommodating millions of refugees and bracing for the energy shortage is already setting in. What will Europe be like when this war is over?

I just watched the news about the Russian attack of Ukraine. Someone scoffed when I predicted this would happen months ago. I'm sorry it's finally here. I was planning to write about some exciting business opportunities and some fun activities but how can I switch off this concern for the brave citizens of Ukraine? I have never met any Ukrainian, never been there, only vaguely know where it is situated in the global map yet my heart goes out to them like they are my next of kin.

Ukraine is a now a tilt-a-whirl that’s come loose. To understand it, I’m trying for inputs beyond the mainstream that’s had a dubious track record in the past, from WMD’s in Iraq to Russiagate. One shouldn’t ignore the mainstream, but one needs a wider angle lens.