All articles
On the Prussian front
Napoleon's return to prominence in 1815 was an ugly surprise to other Western European powers. The Battle of Waterloo decided the rest. …
- Originally published: 14 Mar 2010 in Walking
Introducing the Fashtonometer
Ashton's speech today in Strasbourg - on the External Action Service - was just too much and I'm not talking about her proposals. …
- Originally published: 10 Mar 2010 in Humour
Kuurne Brussel Kuurne
The 2010 Kuurne Brussel Kuurne was marked by strong winds and heavy rain. We caught up with the riders on the Oude Kwaremont. …
- Originally published: 28 Feb 2010 in Editorial
Omloop Het Nieuwsblad
After a hard winter and a week of rain, we go roadside at the opening race of the 2010 Spring Classics season in professional …
- Originally published: 28 Feb 2010 in Editorial
Wrangling writers: information design and content policy
Notes on important themes in the close relationship between information design and content writing and editing. …
- Originally published: 16 Feb 2010 in Information design
Democracy is deaf
After Tony Blair's appearance before the Iraq Inquiry in the UK, a few thoughts on the growing distance between politics and the people. …
- Originally published: 30 Jan 2010 in Editorial
Baltasar and Blimunda
José Saramago Harvill Press (2001 edition) This was José Saramago’s breakthrough novel in the English language. His narrating personality is less obvious here but, even as …
- Originally published: 17 Jan 2010 in Books
The End of the Affair
Graham Greene Vintage (first published 1951) Greene was in his writing prime when The End of the Affair was published. The book can nonetheless be considered …
- Originally published: 17 Jan 2010 in Books
Christmas 2009: a visit to the UK
We paid a brief visit to the UK this Christmas, via the ferry from Zeebrugge to Hull. My parents intend to move house next year, …
- Originally published: 31 Dec 2009 in Personalia
Elsewhere on MikePadgett.com …
Zwartboek (Black Book)
Director: Paul Verhoeven Netherlands, 2006 With the turbulent Hollywood years behind him, Verhoeven is back in Europe and the opening salvo is a freshly energetic epic that firmly suggests Amsterdam’s finest has rediscovered his …
- Originally published: 26 Jan 2007 in Film
Ladybower and Castleton
Last week, J and I took a walk around the Northern section of Ladybower Reservoir and Castleton, both in Derbyshire. Regular readers will remember our visit to Longdendale in February 2007, so this …
- Originally published: 22 Apr 2007 in UK
The King of Comedy
Director: Martin Scorsese United States, 1983 Along with After Hours, The King of Comedy is one of Scorsese’s ‘forgotten movies’ and it’s his lowest grosser. That status alone adds a certain piquancy to what …
- Originally published: 13 Feb 2007 in Film
Key West and the Conch Republic
The more observant of my readers will no doubt have noticed that the number of parts in this series has now grown to five articles. We’ve been busy since we returned …
- Originally published: 15 Jan 2008 in North America
Who is that guy?
Hello you. I'm Mike Padgett and I work in the technology sector as an Information Designer.
I also enjoy travel, concerts, films and walking.
I'm based in Brussels, Belgium. My current favourite Belgian beer is St Feuillien Brune.