Good Thought: Six Smart Events in NYC This Weekend

A chill is in the air, all the better for cozying up with some good thinking. From the Chelsea Hotel to a Chinese Yankee to author R.L. Stine, check out some of this weekend’s best bets.

Friday, November 7th

The Chelsea Hotel has been closed for renovations since the summer of 2011, but you can enjoy a vicarious stay via author Sherill Tippins (Inside the Dream Palace), who will be recounting the hotel’s history at the 92nd Street Y.

Bill Nye “the Science Guy” discusses and signs copies of his new book Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation at the Union Square branch of Barnes & Noble.

Saturday, November 8th

Author Ruthanne Lum McCunn comes to the Museum of Chinese in America to tell the true story of Thomas Sylvanus (Ah Yee Way), who fought for his freedom with the Union Army during the Civil War and then kept up the battle for his rights for another 25 years.

Improv troupe The Internet Disagrees celebrates its first anniversary with R.L. Stine at The Tank. After a brief interview with Dave Herman and Leah Evans, R.L. Stine himself will read short passages from his books to inspire two full improv sets.

Sunday, November 9th

Playing Futures: Applied Nomadology — Flickr

Artist Emilia Kabakov comes to the The National Arts Club to discuss her work and collaboration with her husband Ilya at this Sunday Salon celebrating the Kabakovs’ gallery shows at the club.

Observe Veterans Day early with a visit to BAM for “On Truth (and Lies) in Homecoming,” a conversation with authors Phil Klay (Redeployment) and Nancy Sherman (The Untold War) joining English philosopher Simon Critchley to explore nostos, the Greek word for homecoming.