The Big Issue Edition 332

True-crime writer Rochelle Jackson investigates why more and more women are making and consuming stories about society’s seamier side while Underbelly author Andrew Rule examines the women who in real-life are attracted to bad men.

Also in this issue:

In ‘A Terracotta Angel’, Big Issue vendor Clarissa reflects on how selling the magazine has helped guide her through some of life’s difficult times; the charming Lawrence Leung describes the personal and spontaneous process behind hit-TV series Choose Your Own Adventure in ‘Leung Time Coming’; and ‘Roving Eye’ follows jet-setting photographer Louis Porter as he charts the gap between the expectations and reality of international travel.

Our ‘Vendor Profile’ for this edition is Cathy from Canberra. We also have ‘Streetsheet’ contributions from Bonkers from Melbourne, Campbell from Sydney, David S from Adelaide, TC from Brisbane and Phil from Canberra.

Come down to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) this Thursday and listen to the stories of our vendors that will move, inspire and make you laugh out loud.

When: Thursday June 25, 6.00pm – 8.00pm Free entry

Where: Studio One, Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), Ground Floor, Federation Square, Melbourne (entry from Flinders Street)
RSVP to: Mari Lourey, The Big Issue Arts Project on 0447 679 053

Light Refreshments will be served after the screening.

Edition 331: Points of Order

Celebrating The Big Issue’s birthday, we examine our relationship with lists and the number 13: Alan Attwood explains why everybody loves a list; The List Operators tell us how the Bible should have started; Fiona Scott-Norman lists the reasons why everybody shouldn’t love a list; the editorial team lists their favourite things and we reveal the myths behind why the number 13 is considered unlucky.

Also in this issue:

In ‘Far From Disgraced’, Australian filmmaker Steve Jacobs explains to Gaynor Flynn why he believes his adaptation of acclaimed novel Disgrace is a success; in ‘The Dark Side of the Sun’ Morris Lurie reflects on a new biography of American writer John Cheever; and in ‘Come in Spinner’ Brody Dalle describes her journey from Australia to fronting US-supergroup Spinnerette.Our ‘Vendor Profile’ for this edition is Sarah from Perth.

We also have a special 13th birthday-edition three-page ‘Streetsheets’, with contributions from Gordon, Disco Dave and Owen D from Melbourne, Les from Bendigo, Jason B from South Australia, David N, a former Adelaide vendor, John St from Queensland, Glenn P from Sydney, Devo, Gerald, Henry, Nathanial and Colourful Dave from Perth, Deb from Western Australia, and Michael B and Nathan from Canberra.

We also have photographs capturing special Big Issue moments, and birthday quotes from our state managers and vendor workers.

The Big Issue Edition 330

Exploring our changing relationship with food in tough times: Anna Krien goes back generations for culinary inspiration; Martin Volz reports on some southeast Queenslanders who are eating local to support their community; Drew Turney ponders whether or not it is acceptable to roast a roo; Camille Hayton describes her quest to be a mini Martha and make the perfect jam; and Big Issue friends share memories, recipes and tips.  

Also in this issue:

In ‘Marked By Success’, Gomorrah author Roberto Saviano pays a high price to expose Naples’ underworld; in ‘Hunter’s Licence’ Dan Rule speaks to gangly Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox about the band’s eccentric – and increasingly successful – brand of pop; and in ‘Roving Eye’ photographer Dave Tacon peeks inside the world’s last travelling boxing tent. 

Our ‘Vendor Profile’ for this edition is Marcus from Sydney. We also have ‘Streetsheet’ contributions from Skids from Canberra, Desh Balasubramaniam who fled civil war in Sri Lanka when he was 13, ‘Bikini’ Athol from Sydney, and Bill S from Perth.

By becoming a volunteer and supporting the Street Soccer Program you will form part of a team working to promote opportunities for people who are currently homeless and excluded while gaining a unique and valuable personal experience.

Come join us! 

(Image: Brett Robinson)

The Big Issue Edition 329

From Rockwiz to charity galas and Eurovision. Julia Zemiro explains to Vin Maskell how it all started and, now, how she manages to do it all.

Also in this issue:

In ‘Nowhere Land’, residents of a small Indigenous community in Mona Mona, Queensland, explain to Benjamin Law the town’s dark past and struggle for a future; in ‘Hanging On The Telephone’ Claire Varley and Isabella Fels recount the trials and tribulations they faced when working as call centre operators; and in ‘Roving Eye’ photographer, Matteo Armellini, documents a street art project that encourages people with Down syndrome to express their creativity.

Our ‘Vendor Profile’ for this edition is Ron from Brisbane. We also have ‘Streetsheet’ contributions from David S from Adelaide, Nic C from Melbourne, Pat O from Queensland, and Russell from Melbourne.

We also feature an image from former Melbourne vendor – and award-winning artist – Brian Birch’s latest exhibition.

The Big Issue Edition 328

Exploring the complex relationship between animals and humans: Alan Attwood discusses how President Obama’s dog and Sam the koala can generate so much attention; Della Earl takes readers inside the confines of a Sydney animal shelter; and Meg Mundell delves deep into the duck shooting debate.

Also in this issue:

In ‘Preceding the Presets’, Julian Hamilton shares with Ghita Loebenstein the albums which most inspired him; and ‘Roving Eye’ sees photographer, Belinda Mason, offer people in remote Aboriginal communities the opportunity to express themselves in black and white.

Our ‘Vendor Profile’ for this edition is Peter J from Melbourne. We also have ‘Streetsheet’ contributions from Sharon from Melbourne, Phil from Canberra, Jason N from Perth, and Michael D who is serving time at Port Phillip Prison.

Four of Australia’s Street Socceroos were employed by RMIT University to referee their annual International Cup on Saturday April 18. 

Darren ‘Dazzler’, Adrian ‘Bushy’, Lorenso ‘Enso’ and Trung, who have all represented Australia at various Homeless World Cups, took part in the annual soccer tournament which saw more than 200 international students play a series of round-robin matches the University’s Bundoora campus.

Street Socceroo and International Cup referee, Darren ‘Dazzler’, said all in all the day went well and the group was appreciative of the opportunity to showcase their skills at such a great event.

Due to the success of the 2009 International Cup, RMIT has confirmed they will turn to the Street Socceroos again in 2010 to referee the International Cup and any other soccer events they host. 

Actor Viggo Mortensen talks with Ghita Loebenstein about testing morality in his new film, Good – set in Nazi Germany – and how he takes refuge in creative endeavours. 

Also in this issue:

In ‘And The Winner Is…’, beauty pageant contestant Sophie Lavers discovers coming second place can reap unexpected rewards; Richard Castles recounts his experiences working as “a taxi service for the already departed” in ‘Death Duties’; and ‘Roving Eye’ photographer, Sandy Nicholson, captures the emotions and reactions of second best.

Our ‘Vendor Profile’ for this edition is Colin from Ballarat. We also have ‘Streetsheet’ contributions from Jacqui H from Brisbane, Disco Dave from Melbourne, Sarah W from Perth, Michael B from Canberra and CWB who is due to be released from prison very soon.