Editorial
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 road cycling. …
- Originally published: 28 Feb 2010 in Editorial
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
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, so this was also the last opportunity to …
- Originally published: 31 Dec 2009 in Personalia
With these Rocher, you’re really spoiling us
Smooth and sophisticated, Belgian chocolate is among the finest in the world. But is it a bit much with a cup of tea? …
- Originally published: 29 Nov 2009 in Humour
Hunting the hunters
The old boys’ sport of hunting continues apace in Belgium, for reasons of wildlife management, sport and pleasure. The law requires hunt organisers to apply to the relevant Region for a permit. However, …
- Originally published: 12 Oct 2009 in Editorial
How to wash your hands
Good to know that, in these difficult times of swine ‘flu, bird ‘flu and just plain old ‘flu, there’s always someone there with timely advice. So just in case you’ve forgotten since you …
- Originally published: 8 Oct 2009 in Humour
Attack of the obvious
I was walking down the corridor minding my own business the other day when I happened to see this sign: …
- Originally published: 8 Oct 2009 in Humour
Legend on the prowl
Apparently, a black panther has been spotted stalking through the forest near Arlon. With this latest in a string of sightings, no-one yet seems capable of answering the forgotten question: just how on …
- Originally published: 5 Oct 2009 in Editorial
A certain thirtysomething
This week it turns out I’m thirty years old. It doesn’t feel any different. Yet. No urge to buy a big, red, penis extension sports coupé. No inexplicable desire to leave J for …
- Originally published: 29 Jun 2009 in Personalia
Elsewhere on MikePadgett.com …
American Beauty
Director: Sam Mendes United States, 1999 In a year of superb films, American Beauty was one of the very best of 1999: the auspicious film début of Donmar Warehouse director Sam Mendes, the consolidation …
- Originally published: 12 Feb 2007 in Film
Granada and the Alhambra
It’s late morning and we’re climbing a steep street out of the new city. The white buildings of the venerable Albayzín quarter are dazzling in the spring sunlight. These narrow streets …
- Originally published: 14 Apr 2008 in Europe
Arthur H: L’Abondanse
H, the son and nephew respectively of eccentric singers Jacques Higelin and Brigitte Fontaine, is something of a musical lacuna himself. Throughout the course of thirteen albums, the Frenchman has pinballed between …
- Originally published: 23 Oct 2008 in Concerts
Gorges du Toulourenc
Location: Veaux, near Malaucène, Vaucluse Length: 10km Difficulty: scrambling, some deep water, some steep slopes This walk formed part of our holiday Grandes vacances 2009: South of France This day had long since transformed itself from …
- Originally published: 6 Aug 2009 in Walking
Working in Leeds
I’m currently working in Leeds on Flash sites for a number of well-known brands. I hadn’t really seen the city for a long time, so it was quite a surprise when …
- Originally published: 19 Apr 2006 in Editorial
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.