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Human realities

Lucia Hodgson asks why the debates surrounding immigration and asylum are ignoring the human realities The past few weeks have seen our prospective leaders battling it out over policy details, every last penny of their budgets, and the pressing question of political and parliamentary reform. But there is one subject that craves immediate attention: immigration [...]

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An optimistic discontent: Vince Cable and recession blues

Lucia Hodgson discusses the prospects of an economic revival with the Liberal Democrat’s deputy leader and Treasury spokesperson Official figures released this week show that the UK started to clamber its way out of a tiresome, messy recession at the end of 2009. But it is clear that Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson, [...]

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Bitten by the bug

Lucia Hodgson Anyone fortunate enough to have avoided their local cinema on November 20 did so for one good reason: TwiHards. Easily identifiable by their inextinguishable teenage energy, black attire, and choice of slogan t-shirt – Team Edward or Bite Me are popular choices – they are the new wave of girl fandom.  For those [...]

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In defence of binge drinking

Lucia Hodgson I am a firm believer in the redemptive qualities of alcohol. Any minor failure, casual provocation, or slight humiliation is enough to convince me that what I need is a long, slow soak in an ocean of booze. Only once my blood stream is comprehensively saturated, only once the world is spinning at [...]

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Iraq through the eyes of Hollywood

Lucia Hodgson To kill Guy Pierce and Ralph Fiennes within fifteen minutes of them appearing on screen is a brave move. But then, Kathryn Bigelow has always been a brave lady. Her back catalogue of masculine blockbusters is impressive, including Near Dark, Point Break, and Strange Days. So it came as no surprise when it [...]

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The darker side of Our Cheryl

Lucia Hodgson For most, hailing from a “heroin-ridden” council estate with a heavy Geordie drawl won’t give you the best start in life. Throw an assault charge in further down the line, and you can more or less kiss goodbye any dreams of fame. But, at just 26 years of age, Cheryl Cole has upset [...]

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