Index cards still beat Google

http://www.theguardian.com/global/2015/may/12/index-cards-still-beat-google

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Boris Johnson, as a classicist, might just see the parallels between his current status as both elected mayor of London and sitting MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip with that of Sejanus (Praetorian prefect to the emperor Tiberius). Sejanus became consul in AD31, and scholars are unsure whether he could legally hold both the Roman consulship and be head of the Praetorian guard. Surely Boris, as our “urban prefect”, might reflect on his own conflicted status and step down immediately as mayor.Sandra Bingham and Eve MacDonaldLondon

• Having lost his seat after 18 years, former pensions minister Steve Webb is in for a handsome redundancy payment. Will he blow it on a Lamborghini?Tim OttevangerAshby Parva, Leicestershire

• Unlike Brian Dillon, I must be of the Umberto Eco generation (Review, 9 May). I have always been addicted to the humble index card and use them for every project despite the advent of the computer and Google. As a librarian at Goldsmiths’ College I used to tell our graduate students to do the same. Note down ideas collected (with bibliographic reference) on the middle of the card, leaving room for the addition of a heading later, when constructing the finished article/book/thesis. How does one organise one’s thoughts without them? Once used I also cross them out and use the reverse!Robert SenecalLondon

• Your columnist’s view of making simple food (Cook, 9 May) is to churn our own butter so we can eat it with radishes and wash everything down with two wines costing £24 a bottle. It is reassuring to see that your food editors haven’t lost the common touch. Emma DallyLondon

• A rorty little petrol car with an eco rating of 7/10 (On the road, Weekend, 9 May)? You need to recalibrate. Here’s a rough guide: petrol or diesel cars, 0-1; gas cars, 2; hybrids, 3-4; all-electric, 5-6; public transport, 7; electric public transport, 8-9; foot or bike, 10.Gerry DaviesBierley, Isle of Wight