Doughnut economics and string theories

Alternative economics | ‘Bubble’ laces | Dear Dr Banana | Rebranding bank holidays | TV juxtapositions
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal during a Wimbledon practice session in 2014. Reader Bob Gough is relieved that the tennis star also seems to experience problems with long laces. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Doughnut economics and string theories

Alternative economics | ‘Bubble’ laces | Dear Dr Banana | Rebranding bank holidays | TV juxtapositions

I still recall a comment in my first economics lesson that there is no obvious limit to human wants. Lugubrious US comic Steve Wright provided a perfect retort: “You can’t have everything; where would you put it?” It is encouraging to see that more economists (Finally, a breakthrough alternative to growth economics – the doughnut, 12 April) are realising that a system which boils down to everyone making more money and buying more stuff will ultimately collapse in a heap.
Iain Climie
Whitchurch, Hampshire

Those struggling with tying a secure knot in their laces (Report, 12 April) may welcome the arrival of helpful technology. I am pleased to report that “bubble laces” are now available in this country.  Rather like a miniature string of sausages, their construction does a great job of retaining the most inept attempts at a granny knot.
Peter Ferguson
Inverness

Why are shoelaces so inordinately long?. This is particularly the case with trainers. I have great problems tying these successfully. I was gratified – a few years ago – to see Rafael Nadal, at Wimbledon, having similar difficulty tying his.
Bob Gough
Walton-on-Thames, Surrey

When word processors were new and exciting, I inadvertently switched the auto-spellchecker facility on. For a few weeks after, and much to the receptionists’ hilarity, letters arrived back from colleagues addressed to Dr Banana.
Dr Colin Bannon
Crapstone, Devon

Now there are hardly any high street banks open at all, is it time to rebrand these public holidays?
Barry Joyce
Wirksworth, Derbyshire

In Thursday’s TV and radio guide, The Super Orgasm is followed by 24 Hours in A&E. Enough said.
Richard Burtle
Grimsby

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