Author: coolerinsights

The Marvellous Getty Museum

February 2, 2009 3 comments

Cultural philanthropy is one of those rare virtues which has value long after the death of its purveyor. It not only educates and edifies tomorrow’s generation, but fuels a virtuous cycle of generosity to society. One such example is the J. Paul Getty Museum which is part of the Getty Center in LA, California.

Named after Jean Paul Getty, a rich industrialist who was once the richest man in America, the Getty Museum draws some 1.3 million visitors a year. Amazingly, entry to the museum is free, although one has to pay for parking. Most of its collection came from Getty’s own estate, and include artworks, manuscripts, photographs, sculptures, decorative art items and antiquities from largely European civilisations. Of special mention are its impressive holdings of European paintings from the 14th to 19th Century featuring big names like Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, Degas, Renoir and others.

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Our trip to the Getty started with a monorail ride from the carpark. Yes, the compound is so huge that a private rail system was needed!


The Most Advertised Shop in Singapore

January 31, 2009 Blog 2 comments

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I spotted this heavily branded and bedecked convenience store recently while strolling along a street in Singapore. What struck me was not just the number of brands being placaded, but the fact that they are offering “UK Bed Space for Rent” at only “$10”.

Wow! Talk about great deals during the economic crisis…

PS – This shop obviously isn’t located along Orchard Road.


Splashing Sensations at San Diego Seaworld

January 28, 2009 Blog no comments

Bordering Mexico, San Diego is one of the southernmost cities in California and the second largest in the State. On what must be one of the wettest day in Southern California – where it purportedly “never rains” according to Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood – we went on a trip to the world famous San Diego SeaWorld.

Occupying a sprawling 200 acres, the marine-based attraction supposedly sets the standard for similar aquatic destinations around the world like Hong Kong’s Ocean Park and our own Underwater World. It features many daily shows, thrilling rides and marine animal encounters. To date, most than 80 million have visited this world class attraction.

How was our experience there? Well, the shows were pretty nifty but we wondered where the crowds were since the place was quite desolate.


“Mauled” by “Lions”!

January 27, 2009 no comments

…. good thing he managed to survive and even “triumph” over the mythical beasts!

Caught this interesting lion dance performance with a big-headed doll at the Jurong Bird Park recently.

Here’s wishing all of you an Ox-traordinary year ahead!!


Finally Doing My Masters

January 24, 2009 Blog 7 comments


Courtesy of snipergirl

In slightly over three weeks, I will be flying off to Melbourne to continue my education. I will be reading a Masters in Arts Management at the University of Melbourne, specialising in modules related to art history, museum history and philosophy as well as audience development, finance, strategic planning, organisational management and cultural policy.

This has been made possible through a scholarship courtesy of my organisation, which comes with a three-year bond. Looking at the financial situation as it is, it may not be that bad a deal although it did take me some time to mull over it.


Marketing Yourself during Interviews

January 20, 2009 Personal Branding 1 comment

Everybody knows that we are now in a recessionary economy. The diagnosis doesn’t look good for the months ahead, and there may be further job losses in the horizon. It is also an employer’s market now and good candidates are more readily available.

Against such a backdrop, it is more crucial than ever to present yourself in a positive light during job interviews. After working so hard to secure it battling with hundreds of other candidates (and it does get this plentiful), the last thing you need is to throw it all away by being ill-prepared.


We’ll Teach You To Skate But Not To Spell

January 12, 2009 Blog 8 comments

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Spotted this standee somewhere at People’s Park Complex recently. I wonder how the English teacher of the guy/girl who has copywritten this must feel.

If you are a potential customer of this business – which is a possibility since the advertisement proclaims that anybody from 1 to 70 can be their client – would you be convinced by this advertising message?


Lights, Cameras and Action!

January 7, 2009 1 comment

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Located at tinseltown Hollywood itself, Universal Studios is one of the must-visit attractions on any visitor’s itinerary. This world famous attraction comprise both a real working film and TV studio as well as a theme park. Split over two different levels and set on a hillside, Universal Studios is considered by many to be the quintessential LA experience, although trying to catch the stars themselves probably requires a fair amount of luck. All of its rides, shows and thematic experiences are closely linked to either movies or television programmes.

Enough talk. Let’s roll the cameras!