Author Archives: Frank Norman

About Frank Norman

I am a retired librarian. I spent 40 years working in biomedical research libraries.

Handel’s Messiah

Posted on May 14, 2026 by Frank Norman

I’m having a big clearout at home and have been discarding most of my collection of old concert programmes. These are a mix of concerts that I’ve sung in and concerts that I’ve attended, going back to about 1973. It’s … Continue reading →

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About LinkedIn

Posted on October 30, 2025 by Frank Norman

I’m a member of my local U3A branch’s social media group. A few of us meet regularly to learn about social media and associated topics, taking turns to present. This week I gave a talk about LinkedIn. I don’t really … Continue reading →

Posted in Social networking | Tagged | 2 Comments

Missing the bus – a photographic story

Posted on June 23, 2025 by Frank Norman

Talking about social media Almost a year ago I joined the u3a – a group for people with time on their hands. Members are mostly, but not exclusively, retired people. I have joined several groups in my local u3a branch, … Continue reading →

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Creating a library system using Airtable

Posted on May 12, 2025 by Frank Norman

I volunteer at the CYM Library, a music library based in north London, mostly helping with day-to-day jobs. Recently I undertook a project to improve the way that CYM Library records requests and loans and I talked about this project … Continue reading →

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An anniversary anthem – the gift of love

Posted on April 14, 2025 by Frank Norman

At the end of August 2024 I set a hare running which has just reached its destination. A brand new piece of music now exists, because I commissioned it. The process of commissioning was surprisingly straightforward. I have written before … Continue reading →

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A new development in scientific integrity

Posted on April 1, 2025 by Frank Norman

This is a 1st April post, I won’t call it April Fool’s as there’s only one set of fools mentioned here. Rest assured that CrapMed does not (yet) exist. ———————————- Recent changes in US scientific research are very worrying. The … Continue reading →

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My lovely sister, 1946-2025

Posted on March 27, 2025 by Frank Norman

This week my much-loved eldest sister, M, died. I want to share with you some memories of her through my life. In a few weeks it will be 30 years since my mother died from cancer. It was a difficult … Continue reading →

Posted in Biographical, Family | 22 Comments

My favourite Christmas carol

Posted on December 1, 2024 by Frank Norman

Waiting for Christmas Today is the first day of Advent. In Christian tradition this is a time of preparation and waiting for the arrival of the infant Jesus on Christmas Day. These days Advent is often treated as the start … Continue reading →

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Bluesky again

Posted on November 25, 2024 by Frank Norman

Since my last post in September I’ve grown ever more fond of Bluesky. I look at ex-Twitter less and less. When I do go to Ex-Twitter I still see things of interest, and I retweet a few things, but I’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in Social networking | Tagged | 2 Comments

Switching socials

Posted on September 26, 2024 by Frank Norman

Changing times When I retired it was an opportunity to make changes in my life. Obviously now I spend less time working (actually no time working), and instead have more time for reading, visiting exhibitions, going for walks/runs, and engaging … Continue reading →

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