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‘Middlesex’ observes family unit through intersex lens

By Katrina Casino | 04/21/2010

“Meehdlesex? What ees Meehdlesex?” This is the question I was asked one day at work when I left the book I was reading out on the register. I had taken the plunge to read “Middlesex,” a 500-plus page behemoth, for two reasons. First, I couldn’t possibly read “The Virgin Suicides” one more time. “Suicides” and “Middlesex” are author Jeffrey Eugenides’ only two novels, and the latter had always seemed too daunting. Which brings me to my second reason: HBO is adapting the novel into a miniseries produced by Rita Wilson and writer Donald Magulies.

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Hipsters: reject over-the-counter culture

By Katrina Casino | 04/14/2010

When the Three 6 Mafia told us that it was hard out there for a pimp, they had no idea what it was like being a hipster. And while it’s no longer safe to say that hipsters don’t have the benefit of sporting pimp things like gold chains, teeth or goblets of drank, we all have to admit one thing: it’s expensive to be a hipster.

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Activist culture combats youth complacency

By Katrina Casino | 03/31/2010

Dissent: it’s a theme I’ve covered in this column all semester. I’ve discussed it in the context of hipster history (hipstory, I suppose) — bandanas, skinny jeans, flannel — they’ve all at some point been donned as signs of solidarity, as separation from and statement against the mainstream.

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Indie-prep posers detract from college rock legacy

By Katrina Casino | 03/21/2010

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Paramore, Tegan and Sara close gender gap on Honda Civic Tour

By Katrina Casino | 03/21/2010

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Beyoncé bails out Lady Gaga in ‘Telephone’

By Katrina Casino | 03/17/2010

As far as culture in America goes right now, there’s the White House, the House of Blues and Dr. Gregory House. But as of last week, the most important house in all the land was the Haus of Gaga, which released the video for “Telephone,” Lady Gaga’s latest release. The second single off of Gaga’s sophomore album “The Fame Monster,” “Telephone” applies the starlet’s usual mix of pop and glamour and laces it with a theatrical tinge of macabre.

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SXSW music fest heats up Southwest

By Katrina Casino | 02/28/2010

A Manhattan native says a Texas music festival could give New York a run for its money. Too bad it starts at the end of AU’s spring break.

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Hanky code gives new meaning to old neckwear

By Katrina Casino | 02/24/2010

You know that something has reached official hipster accessory status when queer electroclash crazy person/former elementary school teacher Peaches has a song about it. Such is the case with the bandana and her song “Hanky Code” about them. Taking no precautions against profanity or sexual explicitness (she wouldn’t be Peaches without it), she cautions hipsters against fashion statements they may not be aware of: “Better know your hanky code/Before you go and shoot your load/Excuse me what’s that hanging out of your pocket?/Do you actually know what that means?”

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DC9 draws in bands as life of afterparty

By Katrina Casino | 02/17/2010

After living here long enough, one may think that D.C. is a jaded city. From packs of business-suited men rushing through McPherson Square to business-suited students stressing about their internship on Capitol Hill, the District can begin to feel a little formal. Even options for music seem limited — unless you go looking.

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Plaid’s history shows rebellion woven in fabric

By Katrina Casino | 02/14/2010

Plaid: it’s what hipsters and Steve Urkel have in common. The similarities probably don’t stop there (he seems to be a fan of ankle-grazing skinny jeans), but the plaid shirt is what brings these trendier-than-thou kids together with the nerdier-than-anyone TV icon. Oh, and it also includes Scots.