A&E

In Culiacan, Mexico —a hub of the Mexican narc-trade — Jose Espinoza produces works of art for many of the areas wealthiest, and most notorious, citizens. From The Birth of Venus in the domed ceiling over a Jacuzzi to twenty-foot-tall portraits of flamenco dancers to exquisite religious imagery surrounding the graves of drug-trade casualties, his works add a classical beauty to the mansions and mausoleums begotten by the local trade in heroin and marijuana.

FAR OUT: Taking a trip to Middle Earth, with puppets as our guides: not a hallucination, but a much-beloved play.

INDIE ROCK: With “Embryonic,” the Lips return to an older, darker sound. But is it worth listening to?

EPIC: In this highly-anticipated video game, roadie Eddie Riggs takes center stage as a mighty axe-wielder.

HOMEMADE: Following in the footsteps of films like “The Blair Witch Project,” “Paranormal Activity” terrifies on a smaller scale.

Fall is depressing. The sun goes away – or, at least in California, it occasionally hides. School is starting all around the country; the general vibe amongst your friends is completely down; and there’s very little to look forward to outside of a disheartening school schedule resetting its batteries, ready to crush what little spirit you have left.

The sixth iteration in the infamous “torture-porn” franchise comes, surprisingly, as the most politically charged vent of the year. “Saw VI” bluntly addresses the issue of health care, giving us a ballsy indictment of the American Health Care system which would put Michael Moore to shame.

INDIE: Built to Spill delivers a polished new record of mid-tempo ballads and contemplative lyrics.

ROMANCE: Up-and-comer Carey Mulligan stars in the surprising and brilliant film, “An Education.”

SCARS: The dance pop duo returns with a new album chock-full of guest-star talent and pounding beats.

WEAVE: Comedian Chris Rock explores the strange and mysterious world of African-American hair.

MAGICAL: Shwayze, Cisco Adler, and Gym Class Heroes entertain UCI students at Shocktoberfest 2009.