The Big Issue Edition 358

Spicks and Specks host Adam Hills talks to Alan Attwood about fatherhood, turning 40 and 21 years of funny business.

Also in this issue:

After 94 years, there are still many mysteries buried in France, as the story of one boy soldier demonstrates; Vin Maskell pedals into the past to learn about his dad’s cycling days; our Italian correspondent Josephine McKenna reports on Caravaggio’s thriving legacy 400 years after the artist’s death; and in ‘Roving Eye’: …

The Big Issue Edition 357 

Despite being one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, Al Pacino remains an elusive figure. The star of classic movies including The Godfather trilogy, Scarface and Dog Day Afternoon, Pacino is now even rumoured to be Martin Scorsese’s first choice to play Frank Sinatra in a forthcoming project. In a rare interview, he opens up about acting, his most famous films and innate shyness. Meanwhile, Anthony Morris assesses his achievements.

Also in this issue:

Tim …

The Big Issue Edition 356

 As sporting events go, they don’t come any bigger than the World Cup. This month, in South Africa, another one kicks off – and an Australian team is there. Fiona Crawford has the lowdown on games, groins and German plans to poop our party.

Also in this issue:

The other World Cup: why Street Soccer and the Homeless World Cup keep on kicking goals. Courtney Love tells Tom Hawking the strange, and very complicated, story behind Hole’s first …

The Big Issue Edition: 355

Why is Russell Crowe starring in a remake of Robin Hood? Why is Iron Man still trying to save the world? Because, Alan Attwood suggests, we all need heroes. But isn’t it strange how the villains (that’s your cue, Mickey Rourke) are often more interesting. Also, Lee Zachariah describes how comic-book heroes are hitting the screen, while Debbie Lustig goes birdwatching.

Also in this issue:

We chat with Laurie Anderson, the multi-talented performer who – with her …

The Big Issue Edition 354

In both Australia and the US, healthcare has become a political battleground. Both PM Kevin Rudd and President Barack Obama have wrangled deals – but at what cost? Alan Attwood reports on the state of political health; Dr Howard Goldenberg examines healthcare’s vital signs; and post-op patient Georgia Smith takes her first steps towards recovery.

Also in this issue:

In ‘Love his Way’, Peter Helliar’s first feature film shows the former Rove star can also romance an audience; …

The Big Issue Edition 353

Australians are mad for musicals. So why are there so few local products on offer? Alan Attwood reports. And Big Issue music editor Clem Bastow reveals Stephen Sondheim’s enduring influence: on musical theatre…and her life.

Also in this issue:

‘Bollyline’ takes a street-side view of India’s obsession with cricket; in ‘Keeping Current’, Eddie Current Suppression Ring may be finding fame, but they’re not losing their roots; actor Gary Sweet tackles a demanding wartime role with resonance close …

It may have been selected to open the Cannes Film Festival on May 12 but the much-anticipated new Ridley Scott movie Robin Hood will also make a premier screening in Brisbane this May.

The Big Issue in Brisbane will hold its Film Night Fundraiser with the screening of Russell Crowe’s new epic, Robin Hood on Thursday May 13. It’s the fifth time Crowe and Scott have collaborated, back in 2001 they worked in propelling the blockbuster, Gladiator, to five Oscars.

This time …

The Big Issue’s Editor, Alan Attwood, will launch a photo exhibition in Surry Hills Sydney, later this month, focussing on the lives of Haitian restaveks (child slaves) and the resilience of the Haitian people. All proceeds from The Haiti Project, featuring work by regular photographer for The Big Issue, Christina Simons, will help orphanages in Haiti and also earthquake relief.

The Haiti Project: A Christina Simons Photographic Exhibition and Fundraiser

Opening night: Wednesday 28 April, 2010 – 6pm featuring The …

The Big Issue Edition 352

Do e-books mean the end of traditional publishing? Kindles, e-books, iPads… how new technology is prompting old-style publishers to turn a new (virtual) page.

Also in this issue:

Actor Gyton Grantley moves from the world of crims to a world at war in ‘Underbelly to Underground’; Twenty five years after Paul Simon’s Graceland, Tom Hawking considers the influence of world music on the pop charts in ‘Out of Africa’; in ‘Bookbinding’ Mick Barnes reflects on the hold books …

The Big Issue is calling for submissions to its annual fiction edition for 2010.

Last year’s edition was a sell out, attracting contributions from esteemed writers such as Cate Kennedy, Debra Adelaide and Alice Pung, with two of its ten stories making the cut for Black Inc.’s Best Australian Stories 2009.

To submit to this year’s fiction edition, send two printed (not electronic) copies of your entry (of up to 3000 words) to:

Fiction Edition- The Big Issue
GPO Box 4911VV
Melbourne VIC 3001

* Please ensure your name and …