Drinking Skeptically

Ed. note: This piece discusses an organization founded by the author's husband. Rest assured, we would not run this piece if we did not think it otherwise worthy of your attention.

There's a new game in town for all those sciency-minded and clinically critical. Started by Philly native K.O. Myers (who, incidentally, happens to be this Phillyist's husband), Grassroots Skeptics is trying to pull together all the inquiring minds of Philadelphia and give them the ability to frolic together in a sea of sarcastic merriment. Phillyist (and by "Phillyist," we mean K.O.'s wife) asked Myers to explain to what inspired him start Grassroots Skeptics, and he was happy to oblige:

There are a lot of passionate advocates and community groups working diligently to advance critical thinking. We want to help increase their effectiveness, by making it easier for them to find new members, share resources, and identify methods for getting their message out.

So what makes someone a skeptic? Well, how do you feel about people like Sylvia Browne? If she doesn't make your skin crawl and your soul turn black, this isn't the group for you. But if things like Big Foot hunters, UFO enthusiasts, John Edward (not to be confused with John Edwards), and anyone who claims that we never landed on the moon drive you to drink, well then my friend, you may be a skeptic.

We asked Myers about the goal of his group and of the skeptic community as a whole. So what is the goal of Myers's group, and the skeptic community as a whole? He explains:

There is an amazing amount of information out there that could be helpful for people who want to start or join a skeptical organization. We want to collect and organize it, to make it more useful for the dedicated individuals who volunteer their time to promote an evidence-based lifestyle.

Widespread misinformation about vaccines has lead to a resurgence in preventable illnesses; scam artists posing as "psychics" prey on the grieving, alternative medicine, companies sell billions of dollars of dubious treatments, with almost no government regulation. Critical thinking is more important than ever, and local skeptics groups are working hard to spread that message. With GrassrootsSkeptics.org, we hope we can make their outreach more effective.

If it sounds to you like you might just be a skeptic, and you're interested in meeting like-minded individuals, you can meet up the infamous Mr. Myers himself at the Philadelphia chapter of Drinking Liberally tonight at 6 p.m., at the upstairs bar of Triumph Brewing Company (117 Chestnut St.). Holding their first "Skeptical Night," 'tis an opportunity for the skeptically-minded residents of the Philadelphia area. Drink and food specials run until 9, and you might even get a high-five from K.O. Myers if you ask nicely.