Hiya,
I'm John J.,
I've been interested in 'the paranormal' for as long as I remember- loved (and was sometimes frightened by) my Usborne "World of the Unknown" illustrated books- "Ghosts", "UFOs" and "Monsters"- as a child. Back then pretty much believed everything, now a lot older and a little more worldly-wise I'm broadly skeptical, while accepting that people sometimes experience things that they find hard to explain in terms of our day-to-day reality. I remain interested in reports of strange phenomena, their lore, and the cultural context in which they occur.
I'm concerned, and saddened, at what I feel is the promotion of clearly irrational beliefs (and the associated denial of facts) by some politicians, 'influencers' and sections of the media in recent years. Equally concerned at the growth of conspiratorial thought narratives amongst (chiefly) on-line communities which sometimes seem to have less to do with concern for 'the people' (or a desire to seek truth) than the promulgation of highly questionable -and sometimes harmful- views.
Sometime registered nurse (inc. neuro ICU), sometime reserve military police NCO, cognitive science graduate. SF fan (books more than films). Favourite biscuit: McVitie's Chocolate Digestive.