All Consuming : Jeffrey Chua

Why I recommend "A Spot of Bother"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jeffrey Chua) — Sat, 19 May 2007 03:05:51 GMT

by Mark Haddon

It’s half past noon and I just got out of bed. When I continued with “A Spot Of Bother” after tucking myself in last night, I didn’t expect to read it to the end unti 0300! There were times when I had to stifle my laughs in case I woke up Nick.

Here’s “A Spot Of Bother” in a nutshell: George is going paranoid over a spot he found on himself and believing its cancerous. His daughter Katie is getting married a second time, but the rest of her family is not sure if Ray is right for her. George’s wife Jean is having an affair with his ex-colleague, and son Jamie has a bicker with boyfriend Tony because he’s not sure about them going to the wedding together.

I read “The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time” last year at a book club meeting, and I must say I enjoyed myself heaps!

This one was no different, and I guess it’s the characters that called out to me this time. There was such a realness to them, that they’re characters we’ve known at different times of our lives. It’s strange, but my outlook on my own relationships in life have also changed over the course of the book. I was having one of those “I do all the bloody laundry, I’m getting tired looking out for the both of us, and well, all the “Me, me, me” stuff going on.

Then as it went on, it made me realise what we take for granted with those around us, and need to be put into perspective.

Mark Haddon having been a screenwriter does explain why the book is so vividly readable, and I can imagine his books being interpreted as films. There’s a sense that you know what’s going on, just with the subtle observations that are made throughout the story. I’m looking forward to the next novel!

A story about "Streisand: Live In Concert 2006 (+2 Bonus Tracks)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jeffrey Chua) — Fri, 18 May 2007 09:30:55 GMT

Streisand: Live In Concert 2006 (+2 Bonus Tracks)

I’ve been obsessing about the upcoming release of the new Barbra Streisand album: Live In Concert 2006. Yes, I know it was released in the US in early May, but the international release date has been pushed to 28 May! Apart from watching video clips of the concert online, devouring any little snippet that’s available, I’ll just to make do with the fact that the Australian release will be in a special digipak edition. I’m rather miffed that they’ve decided to release bonus tracks on various US editions, but I hope I’ll get to hear them in the near future. From the reviews that I’ve read, the mix has been of superior quality, the concerts having been recorded on 96- tracks (wow!), so you hear every single instrument in the orchestra. Judging by the preview tracks I’ve heard online, Barbra sounds great as always, and I must, she is one of the few singers who makes me all teary-eyed when I listen to her. It’s magic, it just hardly happens with anybody else. I’m all vehklempt! Anyway… looking forward to hearing the 2006 concert recording soon!

Why I recommend "Let the Rainbow Shine: Judy Small Out & Proud"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jeffrey Chua) — Thu, 10 May 2007 01:45:26 GMT

Let the Rainbow Shine: Judy Small Out & Proud

by Judy Small

Judy Small is a singer/songwriter I had the opportunity to watch live at the Cobargo Folk Festival in late Fabruary 2007. She has become a favourite of mine since, and it’s astounding that she has a career that spans more than thiry years.

What I got from her performances at Cobargo was all that everyone has loved about her. She is funny, witty, deeply political, and yet, she doesn’t tell her stories in anger, but from a perspective where most of us come from: love. She takes us back to the fundamentals and asks, “why all the fighting?”

I absolutely love her, and although she has a full-time job away from singing now, I look forward to seeing her at a Melbourne gig in June 2007.

A story about "Barbra Streisand - The Concert (Live at the MGM Grand)(Keep Case)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jeffrey Chua) — Tue, 08 May 2007 04:24:57 GMT

Barbra Streisand - The Concert (Live at the MGM Grand)(Keep Case)

I must say I still get all vehklempt every time I watch Barbra Streisand’s 1994 Concert. It was her return to the stage after 27 years. There’s such an elegance to the entire production, and Barbra managed to overcome her stage fright, aceing every number with perfect timing.

I find it hard to believe that people can’t believe she gets stage fright. “She’s a performer, she’s SUPPOSED to be used to it”. Tell me how often you get nervous when you speak in front of people in public. I think we overestimate our celebrities sometimes.

Anyway, I’m really looking forward to the release of her new album, Live In Concert 2006. Barbra pledged $11 million from the concert tour to agencies addressing such urgencies as environmental preservation, voter education, the protection of civil liberties and civil rights, women’s issues, and nuclear disarmament. Perhaps she might surprise us with some dates in Australia after her European tour in the mid-year!

Why I recommend "American Doll Posse"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jeffrey Chua) — Tue, 08 May 2007 04:02:49 GMT

American Doll Posse

by Tori Amos

It’s been a week since I’ve been listening to American Doll Posse, Tori Amos’ latest album release. I must say I was quite determined to like this album, so I’ve been playing it quite a bit, taking note of each song that comes along.

I believe it is an album that has grown on me nonetheless, although I’ve had to approach it in different ways to get to it. For example, I couldn’t believe how long the album goes. The very first time I played it, I wondered when it was going to end. That was after the first dozen songs (there are 23 tracks). There were times when I had to replay the album from the middle, so that I can pay more attention to second half of the album (about where I usually get distracted on a big listen).

It’s been interesting getting to know the girls on the album, and trying to match the songs to each archetype. I did that at the beginning, but having been used to the melodies, I enjoy the album as it is now. I’ve also begun to fish out the lyrics, listening to what Tori has to say on this album.

I don’t think I’ve put that much effort into getting to know a new album, but I’ve giving Tori another chance. I always tell people that I usually only get an album when another one is released, and this one’s made me think of what a classic To Venus And Back has become, and for some reason, “Marys of the Sea” from The Beekeeper has been stuck in my head after listening to American Doll Posse all week.

It’s a departure from Tori’s old stuff, but her albums have always been different from her previous works, which can be refreshing yet in danger of banishment.

I must say I was expecting much more from the bonus DVD on this album. There are just 8 freaking minutes of video! No one’s even going to bother playing the bloody DVD for its bonus song, and the “Behind-The-Scenes” footage is worth just a single playback. It’s just the photo shoot of the posse, with absolutely no interviews or insights about the album. Get the bonus DVD edition if you’re a collector, or the normal edition if you’re on a budget.

A story about the last time I consumed "K.D. Lang: All You Get Is Me"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jeffrey Chua) — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 01:53:28 GMT

K.D. Lang: All You Get Is Me

by Victoria Starr

k.d. lang’s Recipe for Chili Con Tofu

1 lb. tofu, drained and crumbled
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. salt
2 cups tomato sauce
2 1/2 cups cooked (or canned) kidney beans and 1 cup bean broth or water
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
4 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
pepper

In a bowl, combine tofu, garlic powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large suacepan, combine tomato sauce, kidney beans (and juices), and water. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat oil over medium-high heat in skillet.
Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring 2-3 minutes or until tender. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and tofu mixture; cook, stirring 3 minutes or until tofu is lightly golden. Stir tofu mixture into simmering tomato sauce; cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes. Makes 4-6 servings.

Note: I found this recipe when I read this biography again recently, and I thought, let’s cook it for our upcoming party! Just keep in mind that tomato sauce does not refer to ketchup as I thought, but works the same way when you hang around the stove to reduce the liquid. I also substituted garlic powder for Chat Masala, which contains garlic anyway. Have fun!

Why I recommend "We Are Scissor Sisters... And So Are You"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jeffrey Chua) — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 15:05:42 GMT

We Are Scissor Sisters... And So Are You

I think I’ve developed the biggest crush on Jake Shears tonight. I know, I know, where have I been? I was even there at the beginning when Scissor Sisters was featured in DNA Magazine, but I never quite got into their music. However, they’ve been seeping into my subconscience recently, and it doesn’t help that my manager’s a crazy fan. He’s lent me their latest DVD because he’s been raving about them so much! There’s something about how Jake Shears makes camp look so damn mother fucking sexy! Oooh! You can take me out any time, baby! They’re next on my list to see live…P.S. If you have the DVD and want to watch Jake Shears in the nude, check out the hidden Easter Egg.

How "Bend It Like Beckham" changed my life

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jeffrey Chua) — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 01:40:44 GMT

Bend It Like Beckham

The recipe for Aloo Gobi is a special feature on this DVD, and it’s what got me into cooking Indian dishes. Yum!

INGREDIENTS AND PREPARATION:

1/2 cup Vegetable oil
1 large onion, peeled and cut into small pieces
Large bunch of fresh coriander, seperated into stalks and leaves and roughly chopped
Small green chillis, chopped into small pieces
1 large cauliflower, leaves removed and cut evenly into eighths
3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into even pieces
1 tin of whole, peeled tomatoes, grated
Fresh ginger, peeled and grated
Fresh garlic, chopped
1 tbsp Cumin Seeds
2 tsp Tumeric
2 tsp Salt
2 tsp Garam Malasa

MAKING THE CURRY SAUCE:

Heat half a cup of vegetable oil in a large saucepan.
Add the chopped onion and one tablespoon of cumin seeds to the oil.
Stir together and cook until onions become creamy, golden and translucent.
Add chopped coriander stalks, two teaspoons of tumeric and two teaspoons of salt.
Add chopped chillis (according to taste).
Stir grated tomatoes into the onion mixture.
Add ginger, garlic and mix thoroughly.

FROM SAUCE TO ALOO GOBI:

Add potatoes and cauliflower to the sauce plus a few tablespoons of water (ensuring that the mixture doesn’t stick to the saucepan).
Ensure that the potatoes and cauliflower are coated with the curry sauce.
Cover and allow to simmer for twenty minutes (or until potatoes are cooked).
Add two teaspoons of Garam Masala and stir.
Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves on top of the curry.
Turn off the heat, cover and leave for as long as possible before serving.

Why I want to consume "A Piano: The Collection"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jeffrey Chua) — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 14:20:50 GMT

A Piano: The Collection

by Tori Amos

It’s my birthday in three weeks, and how fitting that Tori Amos will be releasing a box set that week! Most of my friends would argue that I’ve got to have every Tori Amos song out there, but one can never get enough of Tori! This box set contains five CDs, with a chockful of b-sides, rarities, demos, etc. This is on the top of the list of things for Nick to get me (wink, wink!) because, well, I guess I have to be realistic: asking for a 20-DVD Sex And The City box set is really too much, isn’t it? Birthdays are fun! ;-)

Why I want to consume "Sex and the City - The Complete Series (Collector's Giftset)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jeffrey Chua) — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 14:06:23 GMT

Sex and the City - The Complete Series (Collector's Giftset)

If there was one television series I had to watch over and over again, Sex And The City would be it. I remember the times when I hosted Sex And The City marathon for friends, and having to watch them with several groups of friends. I never got sick of it! In fact, I relished remembering Samantha’s classic one-liners, and because the situations were so real, it was great to re-live them over and over… again! Now if I can just convince Nick to buy this complete set for my birthday…

Why I want to consume "Barbra Streisand - One Voice"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jeffrey Chua) — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 14:02:32 GMT

Barbra Streisand - One Voice

At last! Barbra’s One Voice concert will be released on DVD this month! It’s been twenty years since this amazing concert was performed in her backyard, and I’ve been teased over the past decade with video clips from that night, having to settle for just the audio CD, but I hope to watch the entire concert soon! Incidentally, this was the only time Barbra performed “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” with the seldom-heard introductory verse.

Why I want to consume "From This Moment On"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jeffrey Chua) — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 13:59:04 GMT

From This Moment On

by Diana Krall

Diana Krall will be releasing her long-awaited album on International Talk Like A Pirate Day! But of course, that’s another story altogether… yes, one of my favourite jazz singer/pianists has returned to her roots and has put together a new album of standards. Now if I’ll be able to see her for a third time on her next tour…

Why I want to consume "These Four Walls"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jeffrey Chua) — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 13:54:03 GMT

These Four Walls

by Shawn Colvin

Another new release this month which I’m looking out for is Shawn Colvin’s These Four Walls. What can I say, I have a soft spot for her music, her voice, those wonderful melodies. If they’re anything like her past releases, I’ll be sure to warm up to them very quickly.

Why I want to consume "Duets: An American Classic"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jeffrey Chua) — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 13:51:16 GMT

Duets: An American Classic

by Tony Bennett

I’m really looking to this new duets album by Tony Bennett. I heard about it several months ago when I found out Barbra Streisand would be recording a duet with Tony Bennett on the song “Smile”, which Barbra previously recorded on “The Movie Album” almost three years ago. Other duets I look forward to listening to are those with Diana Krall, and k.d. lang.

Why I recommend "Mary Poppins (Disney Gold Classic Collection)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jeffrey Chua) — Sun, 30 Jul 2006 06:31:33 GMT

Mary Poppins (Disney Gold Classic Collection)

by Robert Stevenson

We watched Mary Poppins last night, having borrowed the DVD from a friend recently. What can I say, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julie_Andrews”>Julie Andrews was stunning in her motion picture debut, and it brought back so many memories for me, watching it on my cousins’ Laser Disc on weekday afternoons after school, when I should have been doing my Maths or Chinese homework. I also find it wonderful to be reliving such movies as an adult, and pickig up on the little titbits that we would have overlooked as children. For example, I noticed the blue-screen effect used in cleaning up the nursery in “A Spoonful of Sugar”. The characters had a cut out effect to them. Nick also pointed out that the fox in the horse race sequence had an Irish, which made me wonder if it was done deliberately. I’m also looking forward to buying myself the 40th Anniversary Edition DVD, which is loaded with heaps of extras. If you want to find out more about Mary Poppins, check out the facts on author of the books was born in Queensland, Australia?

Why I recommend "I'm Going to Tell You a Secret"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jeffrey Chua) — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 13:19:04 GMT

I'm Going to Tell You a Secret

by Madonna

I just finished watching Madonna’s new documentary tonight, and I must say it’s reaffirmed why I love her so much. I’ve forgiven her for ‘American Life’, and she still blows me away like so many years ago when my cousin introduced me to ‘Like A Prayer’. If all you know about Madonna is only from the tabloids, I suggest you watch “I’m Going To Tell You A Secret”. Apart from the amazingly choreographed concert performances, it gives an insight into a Madonna that fans probably know all along about her, but nobody gets to see very much. It made me teary-eyed, very inspired, and having a very deep respect for Madonna as a woman, and for her strength.

I still find it astounding how much people’s opinions are dictated just by what they read in the media. Just the other day, a friend who is Catholic, spoke of how she was not a Madonna fan anymore just because Madonna performed a song standing against a cross on her current tour. What were the Christians outraged about? What about the gay people they ‘crucify’ on a regular basis? I find that offensive, so why aren’t they putting the Christians away? Who was my friend to judge when as a Catholic, she’s not just holding her boyfriend’s hand? I think if we practice any religion, we take on what it means to us, and mould it to ourselves. Madonna’s performance, for all we know, was an expression of what religion means to her. Some may call it a publicity stunt, but I reckon Madonna just decided to do it, oblivious to the outcomes. She’s aware of the responsibility, but she’s not going to be sorry either.

Britney who?

Why I recommend "This Fire"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jeffrey Chua) — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 10:36:38 GMT

This Fire

by Paula Cole

This is one of those albums that come from a time when, after all these years, I can sing along to every song. I played it last night on my drive to work on my midnight shift, and the drive back home. It was wonderful! The thumping drums of “Where Have All The Cowboys Gone”, the human beat box of “Road To Dead”, the reassuring human imperfections that is “Me”, and the sensually bluesy “Feelin’ Love” (‘you make me feel like the Amazon’s running between my thigghhhss…’). Ahhh… whatever happened to Paula Cole? A pity her next album “Amen” by The Paula Cole Band wasn’t as well received as “This Fire”. There is something almost sacred behind this album, and it’s one of those albums that remind you of how we’ve had to leave behind the singer/songwriter era and have been enduring the schmaltzy titty pop of today. When will the dark ages end? What will we have to show for the kids of the future? Paula Cole is releasing a greatest hits album called “Postcards From East Oceanside” in late June.

A story about "Taking The Long Way"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jeffrey Chua) — Wed, 24 May 2006 10:33:49 GMT

Taking The Long Way

by Dixie Chicks

I bought this the day it was released in Australia. I must say I was really looking forward to new material by the Dixie Chicks, and playing it on my drive home from work, I wasn’t disappointed! I was also keeping an ear out for “Not Ready To Make Nice”, the first single off the album. Given the whole affair about the Dixie Chicks commenting that they were ashamed that George Bush was also from Texas, it’s amazing what they’ve turned out after all that’s happened. There is a sadness to the song, although the lyrics hint at anger. The lines that hit me were “And how in the world can the words that I said, Send somebody so over the edge, That they’d write me a letter, Sayin’ that I better shut up and sing, Or my life will be over”. I’ve really enjoyed the album, but I couldn’t help but think: where’s the Wide Open Spaces, Goodbye Earl, or White Trash Wedding on this album? Some might say they have grown, but I was really looking forward to a thigh-slapping Dixie Chicks album. I guess I just have to put it through more listens.

A story about "The Singapore Cookbook: Over 200 Tantalising Recipes"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jeffrey Chua) — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 06:43:45 GMT

The Singapore Cookbook: Over 200 Tantalising Recipes

by Hilaire Walden

BEEF IN CHILLI SAUCE

8 dried red chillies, cored, deseeded and chopped
2 small onions, chopped
5cm (2 in) piece of fresh root ginger, chopped
700g (1 1/2 lb) lean beef, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon each ground coriander and cumin
1 tablespoon tomato ketchup (catsup)
2 teaspoons each turmeric and paprika
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2.5 cm (1 in) stick cinnamon
seeds from 3 cardamom pods, crushed
1/2 star anise
sugar and salt
1 onion, sliced into thick rings

Put chillies in a small blender. Add 4 tablespoons hot water and leave until slightly softened. Add half of small onions and half of ginger to blender and mix to a paste. Put beef in a large bowl. Add spice paste from blender, coriander, cumin tomato ketchup (catsup), turmeric and paprika. Stir together. Cover and leave for at least 1 hour to marinate.

In a wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add remaining onion and ginger, and the garlic. Fry, stirring, for 3 minutes until lightly browned. Stir in next three ingredients for 1 minute. Add meat and marinade and cook over medium-high heat, stirring, for 5 minutes. Add 350 ml (12 fl oz or 1 1/2 cups) water, and sugar and salt to taste. Cover pan. Simmer very gently for 1 1/4 hours or until beef is tender. Stir occasionally. Add onion rings and cook for 3-5 minutes or until soft.

Why I recommend "Brokeback Mountain"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jeffrey Chua) — Sat, 28 Jan 2006 08:20:49 GMT

Brokeback Mountain

by Ang Lee

I’ve done it. I watched Brokeback Mountain. After all that I’ve read about it online until its release in Australia, it seemed fitting I watched it as part of a fundraiser for Perth’s Gay & Lesbian Community Services. I’m surprised I never made a mention of it in my blog all this time, although I was very excited about watching it.

I wasn’t sure what to make of it as we were leaving the cinema. I loved it, but it was hard to put into words why I felt that way… and what was I feeling anyway? We brought up many points about the movie over dinner, and yet, we wondered at times if it was overhyped cinema. After all, there have been mainstream queer films such as Boys Don’t Cry and Far From Heaven.

It was when I was left to my own thoughts when I turned in for the night that I realised what a powerful movie it was. This is a movie that stays with you, and not just in one way, but even with issues that you refuse to deal with, whatever they may be. Apart from the obvious love story, there is the hurt that is caused to other people who want to love you. I felt most for Ennis’ wife Alma, who never spoke a word about it until long after their divorce.

I’m not familiar with Ang Lee’s work, but I must say the breathtaking scenery is one to be applauded, and his execution of the tenderness between Jack and Ennis was handled very well. In fact, every character felt real, and it was almost as if you knew each of their stories by their faces.

The movie bears repeated watching for the many facets to its story, but to go through the heartache over again makes me hesitant. Shame on society that such issues still occur in our time. You might say that we live in relatively liberal times now, but what of those who still go through the same heartache that Jack and Ennis went through? They’re just as important as our relationships, and there should be no reason why they have to go through anything like this.

It’s difficult to articulate why this is a movie you have to watch, if this is the only movie you visit the cinema for (I know I did it). I’ll say again misty-eyed that it was a wonderful movie.

Why I recommend "West Side Story"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Jeffrey Chua) — Thu, 26 Jan 2006 14:22:12 GMT

West Side Story

by Jerome Robbins

I haven’t watched this musical in a very long time, and I managed to pick it up at the library recently. A modern day (for its time anyway) version of Romeo & Juliet, it’s beautifully written, wonderfully choreographed, and with music by Leonard Berstein, who could go wrong? This is also Stephen Sondheim’s first musical, the lyrics of which he’s written. Even before I watched this for the first time, I’ve already known of memorable songs such as “Tonight”, “America”, “Something’s Coming”, “I Feel Pretty”, “Somewhere”, “One Hand, One Heart”, and “I Have A Love”. I finally understood the full meaning of the songs when I heard them in the movie tonight. If you haven’t quite got over West Side Story yourself, check out The Official West Side Story Site.