Guides have already weighed in on various reasons why the coming of Autumn is not the end of the world. Football, pumpkins, pumpkin spice lattes...these are all fine things. But what's pulling me through as the leaves start to change (a lovely sight if it weren't for the promise of impending winter) is the start of the theater season. Seasons at Chicago's big theaters - the Goodman, Steppenwolf, and my favorite, the Civic Opera House - start up later this month, and I'll be there to see it. I'll also be letting you guys know how things are shaping up and the best ways to score tickets to the city's big productions.

The fall also means great movies in that other type of theater. I'm eager to hear what you guys want to see (read: what you want me to see and tell you about before you spend $11 to see it). The storied "chick flick?" Sci-fi, fan-boy material? New Moon? Let me know, and I'll happily scope thngs out; I want to see every movie. Ah, to dream the impossible dream.

Fall, I'm ready for you. Please make yourself as long as possible. Maybe this year, you can last until March? Thanks.