We are very sad to hear news that Robert Altman, one of our favorite filmmakers, has died at age 81. His last film A Prairie Home Companion was one of his few to deal overtly with death, so we can't help thinking that it was on his mind. At last year's Oscars, the long-overdue presentation of a lifetime acheivement award to Mr. Altman filled us with pride. A true maverick who directed everything from M*A*S*H to Popeye, The Player, Nashville, Short Cuts and Gosford Park, Altman was known for making films exactly the way he damn well felt like making them. As irrational as it sounds, to this day we have a soft spot for Popeye and often still hum "He Needs Me," as sung in the film by Shelley Duvall. more ›

Second City has some great free late-night options, so if you're a cheap insomniac with a good sense of humor, this is the place to go every night of the week. In case you've been asleep – literally – they've long offered free improv sets after every night's show – at about 10:15 – except on Friday. (Insider tip, as Second City happens to employ Chicagoist: head over to catch the E.T.C. cast's set. Like the show playing there, their improvs are frequently edgier and funnier.) more ›