I went to a skeptic/atheist meetup with the South Bay Freethinkers at O'Flaherty's Pub (first time at that bar, decent spot!) last night.  After finishing college I found that I wasn't around as many like minded skeptic types and I really missed that.  It was my first time attending any sort of skeptic/atheism meetup--I think it's a shame that atheists don't have the same camaraderie as the religious.

The meetup was only my second meetup.com meet and it was really fascinating.  I hadn't realized that even among fellow skeptics, there exists a diversity in opinions and feelings toward religion, its role in society, etc.  It was great to take in so many different ideas...it was great just to have interesting conversation, even if it wasn't conversation about skepticism, atheism, etc.  Someone called me the "angry Chris Hitchens type"...I'm taking that as a compliment, hah!

I am amazed at how some people have such great discussion moderation skills, even in the informal sense of making sure everyone's thoughts are heard.  I hope I can learn skills like that from meetups.

The group of about fifteen or so was mostly men in their 30s-50s...There were a couple of other women, but I noticed that I was the only person of color present!  I think it's a damn shame how people of color tend to be religious.  Filipino atheists seem to be few and far in between, and I get lonely sometimes.

Looking forward to the next meetup.

edit: Nick ran into one of the meetup attendees today while walking around near work!  They are work neighbors.  Small world.