www.Go To The Mountain - Musings of a Potential Guru

If I have a choice, I would make Latin and Central American teams face off with European teams. I love the World Cup because of its contrasting styles but for me, Latin soccer is the best. It is colourful, passionate, full blooded with flashes of sublime skills.  Do you noticed that European teams are methodical while the Latin teams are naturally full of flair? Didn't the ex players and soccer experts say that in these days with the money, technology, conditioning, etc. climate will play a lesser part on the outcome? I beg to differ. Clearly, the European teams are suffering more from the sweltering heat and humidity. Well, it was the first time that I saw soccer matches having 3-minute water breaks in each half.  Before I rant further, here are some of the best goals - Best Goals of World Cup 2014:  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=745983918777535&set=vb.266828596693072&type=2&theater My prediction for the last 16 have been much better includ...

I have known this place for a long time but that is just because I do my exercise around there. I would run 3km there from home and run or walk back. At times, I would cycle there and beyond as the park connector connects you all the way to Punggol End and further up to Punggol Marina but I have never found time to have a meal here.  Some friends who have been here told me it is good and some of them actually called me to ask for direction but when they inquired they are fond of saying Punggol Park. Come on, this is Sparta! er, I mean Punggol Promenade. Punggol Park is at the end of Upper Serangoon Road/Hougang and beginning of Sengkang. Among other reasons, they say they like it here is because they could bring their dogs here. If I were a rich man I would bring my pet Cheetah just like they do in the Middle-East. A few other restaurants have changed hands and the fact that they are still here means they have the staying power. Something good is happening right under my nos...

I was strolling at Cold Storage recently when I heard someone calling out ''uncle". I turned around when the call was repeated.  Bad mistake, I do not like people calling me uncle. I saw this young man with a teenage look and he called me uncle again and I was thinking what's your problem when he shot at me "who do you think will win - Italy or Costa Rica?"  I looked at the background and it was Singapore Pools and he was busy scribbling some bets. I think he just barely touched the legal age for gambling which explained his anxiety.  Then he asked again: "You think Italy can win 3-2 over Costa Rica?" I stared at him almost wanting to tell him if I knew I would be a millionaire. Or a fortune teller telling him it was epic failure for him as a noob knowing nothing and yet wanting to bet. I am no punter but if it was about soccer knowledge he has come to the right place. If this young man is doing it for fun then well and good because you are never...

After watching many first round matches at ungodly hours, almost all of them save for a few, I must say that the 2014 edition in Brazil promises to be one of the best World Cup for the simple reason that teams have abandoned "park the buses" campaign and actually went for the jugular. Well, this is how soccer should be played isn't it? Why would you rather watch a drab 0-0 match? The most most intriguing stuff the 2014 World Cup has brought is the shaving foam that referees sprayed during a free kick - a small semi-circle around the ball and then a straight line across the feet of players forming a wall. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=738377642871496&set=a.339137702795494.73494.266828596693072&type=1&theater I feel that they should add more to that. They should have a yellow coloured foam to spray on the faces of players penalized for a yellow card offence so that soccer fans could see who is in danger of an impending send off. This will also inf...

I cannot talk about golf, mention metal-woods or TaylorMade without being grateful to Gary Adams. After he left college, he worked as a golf salesman and was a keen observer. He noticed that golf balls worked well with irons but not woods. He took $24k on his house and founded TaylorMade Golf and invented the world's first metal-wood, a 12 degrees driver. Today the brand is owned by adidas. Unfortunately, Gary Adams died from cancer in 2000 at age 56. So each time you hit a metal wood or hear that sound, remember Gary. I attended the invitation to the launch of TaylorMade SLDR S  golf clubs recently at the Toa Payoh driving range. I was tired and busy but I had to come as there will be familiar faces there to meet. Besides,  I often find TaylorMade golf clubs somewhat intriguing. There is usually something new, otherwise fascinating or compelling qualities that appeal strongly or captivate you. Some golf clubs have all their technology built into the club an...