Articles by Steven Cronin on ArticleSnatch.com

UEFA Champions League Group A Chelsea 2:0 Werder Bremen

Mon, 18 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Jose Mourinho these days is a man under pressure. Following two fruitless years in Europe the Chelsea boss knows it is the Champions League that club owner Roman Abramovich craves the most. Failure to deliver in this year's competition could prove fatal for the ˜Special One'. The start of this season has seen a somewhat more humble Mourinho, gone for the moment the brash arrogance that has accompanied the man ever since his arrival fresh from guiding Porto to Champions League glory. Watching him interviewed in recent weeks I get the impression that his failure to dominate Europe despite the biggest budget in world football has brought the Portugeezer back down to earth a little. Maybe the realisation has dawned upon him that he is not quite as good as he thinks he is and that he is only human after all. The game itself was a cagey affair, exploding into life when Michael Essien pounced on a German defensive error and stroked the ball past the goalkeeper and into the net. Werder Bremen had their moments, the nearest being Klose's header that beat Petr Cech but cannoned back off the crossbar. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin writes the hottest English Premiership Football news, results and opinion at http://www.sargas.co.uk/english_premiership_football

UEFA Champions League Group C PSV Eindhoven 0:0 Liverpool

Mon, 18 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Steven Gerrard came within a whisker of scoring the crucial winning goal for Liverpool in this opening Champions League group stage clash. The Liverpool skipper latched onto a bouncing ball at the corner of the penalty area, unleashing a rasping volley that eluded the goalkeeper but crashed back off the inside of the far post. It was the closest the Reds got to breaking a PSV Eindhoven defensive line that held Liverpool at bay for much of the match. But it was the sight of Gerrard sat on the substitute's bench that gave the biggest surprise of the night. The squad rotation policy of manager Rafa Benitez has raised one or two eyebrows of late, many fans questioning whether the Spaniard had lost the plot. Liverpool began the match with their two most influential midfielders in Gerrard and Alonso both on the bench, a bizarre decision considering the importance of getting off to a solid start in this competition. In defence of Benitez, with Premiership games against Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham coming up, maybe he feels the need to protect Liverpool's engine room. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin writes the hottest English Premiership Football news, results and opinion at http://www.sargas.co.uk/english_premiership_football

English Premiership Football Week 4 West Ham United 1:1 Aston Villa

Mon, 18 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Whisper it quietly, but there are certain members within the Villa Park faithful anticipating great things under Martin O'Neill. Without wishing to tempt fate, Aston Villa's impressive start to the season is hopefully an indication of things to come under the often eccentric Irishman. A combination of O'Neill's eye for talent, in tandem with the vast wealth of new American owner Randy Lerner could be the catalyst for success Villa fans everywhere have been dreaming about. With an almost identical squad that David O'Leary had at his disposal, Martin O'Neill has instigated a quite remarkable turnaround in fortunes. Playing a formation that incorporates two out and out wingers in local lads Luke Moore and Gabriel Agbonlahor, O'Neill has instilled an attacking instinct in his players and brought about an exciting brand of football. Villa's fans currently watch their side in a state of disbelief following last season's insipid and colourless mix of football. The game itself was an entertaining affair with both teams putting emphasise on attack. Opening exchanges were end to end but it was Villa who opened the scoring as early as the forth minute. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin writes the hottest English Premiership Football news, results and opinion at http://www.sargas.co.uk/english_premiership_football

English Premiership Football Week 4 Arsenal 1:1 Middlesbrough

Thu, 14 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Arsenal were forced to come from behind to earn a draw for the second home game in succession after a gritty Middlesbrough performance secured a point at the Emirates stadium. James Morrison curled a beauty past Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann following a one-two with Jason Euell to give Middlesbrough the lead against the run of play. New signing from Chelsea William Gallas was at fault for the opening goal, though too were much of the Arsenal back line. Despite Arsenal's early pressure there was little penetration and Boro' were only too happy to take advantage. Once behind Arsenal turned up the tempo and forced ˜keeper Schwarzer into several fine saves. The game turned on George Boateng's sending off following his second yellow card. With Middlesbrough under the cosh, Stuart Downing tripped Arsenal full-back Eboue in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Thierry Henry coolly converted the spot-kick and Arsenal sensed all three points were in the offering. But for all their pressure, the Gunners simply could not penetrate the Middlesbrough back line. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin writes the hottest English Premiership Football news, results and opinion at http://www.sargas.co.uk/english_premiership_football

English Premiership Football 2006-07 Blackburn 0:2 Chelsea

Tue, 12 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Champions Chelsea bounced back to winning ways but it was a hard fought victory against a plucky Blackburn side that mirror the fighting spirit of their manager Mark Hughes. A second half Didier Drogba goal confirmed the win and helped to steady the ship after a less than convincing start to Chelsea's season. Two defeats from their first three matches, including a last minute reverse against a Middlesbrough side struggling to find their feet under the inexperienced leadership of Gareth Southgate had threatened to raise the alarm bells of the millionaires from Kings Road. Indeed it was Blackburn who looked the likelier to score during the early exchanges, Robbie Savage relishing the opportunity to mix it with the talented Michael Ballack. But Chelsea's grip on the game tightened as the half wore on and they were rewarded with a penalty on the half hour as John Terry was unceremoniously hauled to the ground in the area. Frank Lampard, released from the shackles that plague England's penalty takers, strode forward and confidently struck the ball into the net, though fortunate that a stronger hand from Brad Friedel in the Blackburn goal would have kept the ball out. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin writes the hottest English Premiership Football news, results and opinion at http://www.sargas.co.uk/english_premiership_football

English Premiership Football 2006-07 Aston Villa 2:0 Newcastle

Tue, 12 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Aston Villa's renaissance under the guidance of Martin O'Neill continued at Villa Park as the home team put Newcastle to the sword. New owner Randy Lerner made his first appearance in the directors' box sat next to outgoing chairman Doug Ellis. And it was smiles all round as Villa sustained their impressive start to the season against Glen Roeder's Toon. With major transfer activity not expected until the January transfer window, O'Neill's initial assault on the Premiership will be undertaken with much the same squad David O'Leary failed so miserably with. The match began in explosive fashion, Luke Moore firing a low shot into the corner of the net from the edge of the penalty area. The young Villa striker shows great promise and is starting to endear himself to the Villa Park faithful. Newcastle fought back and enjoyed spells of possession, though it was Villa who doubled their lead on the half hour when Juan Pablo Angel danced his way past Shay Given and stroked the ball into an empty net. The Columbian took his goal well and is relishing his opportunity as main striker in the absence of Czech hit man Milan Baros. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin writes the hottest English Premiership Football news, results and opinion at http://www.sargas.co.uk/english_premiership_football

European Championship 2008 Qualifiers Macedonia 0:1 England

Tue, 12 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Steve McClaren's one hundred percent record as boss continued as England ground out a rather uninspiring victory in Macedonia. The long legs of Peter Crouch were enough to send England home happy with all three points and top spot in Group E. Until the breakthrough early in the second half, many of the two thousand England fans present in the stadium will have watched with apprehension as the team entrusted to bring a bright new post-Eriksson era failed to break down a stubborn Macedonian defence fresh from an opening day victory against Estonia. The game started in scrappy fashion, the opening twenty minutes a succession of free kicks whistled by an over-fussy referee. The fact neither team could string two passes together hardly helped the game as a spectacle. England's patient build-up play was greeted by a chorus of boos and jeers from a partisan home crowd who burned the flag of St George and abused black players during England's previous visit. England's main attacking threat came from Steven Gerrard. The Liverpool skipper looks dangerous on the right hand side and has a much greater influence on a game than the ousted David Beckham. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin writes the hottest English Premiership Football news, results and opinion at http://www.sargas.co.uk/english_premiership_football

Daybreak On Lake Windermere, England

Sat, 22 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Located at the heart of Lake District National Park, Lake Windermere is England’s largest expanse of freshwater. It is also the perfect place to welcome in a new day during the warm summer months. It was 4:00am and my boat rocked gently below the parting night sky. The brightest stars were still faintly visible to the naked eye. The moon’s happy face was about to greet the sun and hail another beautiful day, these two celestial chums never far from one another in the heavens. I fixed my fishing rod to the side of the boat and gazed up at the last embers of stars as they faded from view. There was something liberating about the night sky; a yearning to explore further afield washed through me. As my mind drifted, the sun began to climb above the horizon. Soon, a glorious array of colour spread throughout the morning sky. As the sun rose higher, its first-light began to sparkle on the open water, like gems dancing at the new dawn. Daybreak was greeted with the beautiful song of the skylark, nature’s most elegant alarm call. I peered through the morning mist and scanned the perimeter of the lake. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For great offers visit http://www.sargas.co.uk

Travels Through Yorkshire, England

Sat, 22 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400

“Of course, the castle is haunted you know,” teased the waitress as she served up tea and scones. In Knaresborough everything stops for tea and scones, but only when topped with a healthy lashing of fresh cream and raspberry jam. “They say the ghosts of several family members walk the halls of Allerton Castle,” she continued in a tone that suggested she had told this story before and obviously enjoyed it. Her manner was exemplary. Her advancing years were of little consequence to her appearance; she maintained an air of elegance. She was born in the village and had lived here all her life. The village of Knaresborough sits in the northern county of Yorkshire, around thirty miles north of Leeds. The journey north along the M1 was instantly forgettable. Wrathful clouds followed me everywhere. The sky was a mishmash of drab greys, an incessant resource for the torrential downpour. “How old is the castle?” I asked, eager to discover more of this historic landmark. “I think it was built sometime around the seventeenth-century. I know it was recently damaged by fire. Many of the rooms are off limits during repair and restoration. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For great offers visit http://www.sargas.co.uk

Travels Through Sydney, Australia

Sat, 22 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400

In 1788 Captain Arthur Phillip sailed his ship into Sydney Cove and one of the great cities of the world was born. Today Sydney is home to over four million Aussies who love to bathe in the glorious sunshine and surf on the open waters that break upon its wonderful beaches. Sydney Harbour is irresistible. Its famous bridge dominates the view, a magnificent feat of engineering. But for sheer elegance, the Sydney Opera House takes centre stage with its unique appearance and over 2,500 shows annually to keep the opera buffs fulfilled. Try to catch the Sydney Film Festival when all manner of Hollywood stars honour the city with their presence. If you’ve joined in with the Aussie spirit and sank one or two pints of lager, try burning off the calories with a climb up the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The ascent commences at regular intervals and the view from the top is inspirational, though you will need a strong nerve and a good head for heights. Today Sydney is a multicultural city. Prior to WWII, most of the inhabitants were of British or Irish descent. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For great offers visit http://www.sargas.co.uk

The Streets Of London

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400

I sat and watched from my seat in a street café on London’s Oxford Street as a young man pleaded for loose change from passers by. Most pretended to be oblivious to the young man’s plight and continued their way along one of London’s busiest and thriving shopping streets. Several minutes passed before an elegantly dressed woman took pity on the youth. Digging deep into her pockets she produced a couple of coins and offered them to the poor guy. As I sipped my coffee and observed the exchange, it puzzled me how two human beings could take such radically different paths on their journey through life. At what stage of life do some people make the wrong choice and set off on the road to oblivion. Or maybe our ultimate destiny is already decided and fate has made our decisions for us. Whatever the truth, the two exchanged smiles as the woman made her merry way and entered a nearby store. Oxford Street is the shopping hub of London, a wealth of designer stores that can damage even the most affluent of credit cards. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For great offers visit http://www.sargas.co.uk

Stonehenge Sunrise

Mon, 17 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Amid the enigma and bewilderment that enshrouds a small part of Salisbury in England’s green and pleasant land, I stood in awe to witness one of the great wonders of the world. Before me stood five thousand years of history, a mystery dating back to the ancient Druids and cultures long since lost to the passages of time. Silhouetted against the pre-dawn sky, Stonehenge stood proud in the gloom, its pillars united as one structure, forged from the hand of man five millennia ago. If only it could speak and expose its inner secrets, tell us tales of joy and sorrow, heroes and villains. But for now it just sat and waited for the dawn of a new day, a new experience to add to the catalogues of history. And then the sun peered its head above the horizon and the sky became a blend of reds, oranges and yellows. From the darkness came shadows cast from the giant stone sentinels racing away across the grassy fields. Suddenly the countryside was alive, awakened from its slumber and welcoming the early morning sun. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For more information please visit http://www.sargas.co.uk

Englandâs World Cup Foundation For Failure

Sun, 09 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400

I suspect few tears were shed as head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson left his post with the England football team. Well, except maybe for big Phil Scholari who had just masterminded his third successive tournament victory against the laid-back Swede. Eriksson has had his critics during his five-year reign with England, time and again engineering some baffling decisions to confuse not only the fans but also the players themselves. England’s latest failure can be traced back to the day Eriksson first announced his World Cup squad to a bewildered nation. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but even back then eyebrows were being raised at the choice of only four strikers for our assault on world glory. The incredulity was compounded by the fact two of the strikers (Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen) were returning from injury and not yet match fit. Having told Chelsea’s Shaun Wright-Phillips he wasn’t in the squad due to his limited number of Premiership appearances, Sven then incredibly proceeded to pick Arsenal’s Theo Walcott, a player of such inexperience he hadn’t made a single first team appearance for the Gunners. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For the latest news and opinion on English football visit http://www.sargas.co.uk

English Premiership Football 2006-2007 Preview â Chelseaâs Hat Trick?

Sat, 08 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Chelsea’s latest excursion into the transfer market has left many fans thinking this season’s title race is already a foregone conclusion. On the face of it Chelsea appear to have signed two genuine world class stars in Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko to add to their growing number of A list players. Ballack has been the driving force for both Bayern Munich and the German national team for several years and has always resisted the temptation to move until now. Ukrainian Shevchenko proved his worth in Italy with AC Milan after spending his early years learning his trade at Dynamo Kiev. Indeed, following the decline of Brazilian superstar Ronaldo, Shevchenko has emerged as possibly the world’s most feared striker. But both new signings are approaching the autumn of their careers. They’ve been successful at previous clubs, gathering an impressive collection of medals between the pair of them. Whether the fire continues to burn only time will tell. As one of the few home grown players, Frank Lampard will be hoping to put a mediocre World Cup behind him and find a return to his old Chelsea form. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For the latest news and opinion on English football visit http://www.sargas.co.uk

Can Michael Owen Restore Himself As Englandâs Top Man?

Sat, 08 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Michael Owen’s twisted knee and subsequent World Cup exit, coming only weeks after recuperating from a previous injury was not only a personal set-back, but also ultimately a fatal blow to England’s World Cup hopes. Sven-Goran Eriksson’s nonsensical squad selections for the World Cup left England not only light in the striker department, but also seriously comprised our chances of a successful tournament. With only four strikers to choose from Eriksson always knew he was playing a dangerous game. This was compounded by the fact Rooney and Owen were returning from injury and Theo Walcott had never played a first team game for Arsenal. But Owen’s injury will have hurt Eriksson. He took an unnecessary risk, overloading his squad with midfielders, assuming the goals would be shared amongst the team. Michael Owen became an overnight sensation one humid evening in St Etienne during the France World Cup of 1998. As a young eighteen-year-old, Owen scored a sensational solo goal against Argentina in the second round only for England to lose once again on penalties. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For the latest news and opinion on English football visit http://www.sargas.co.uk

Beckham Quits As England Captain

Fri, 07 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400

David Beckham has stood down as England captain following the Three Lions World Cup quarter-final defeat to Portugal. Beckham was first given the captaincy by then England caretaker boss Peter Taylor in 2000 and continued in the role under the five year management of Sven-Goran Eriksson. It was Beckham’s leadership in the final 2002 World Cup qualifying game at home to Greece at Old Trafford that will be most fondly remembered. At the peak of his talent, Beckham single-handedly dragged England over the finishing line to qualify for Japan and Korea, a sensational last minute free kick earning England a draw and automatic qualification. As Beckham spoke of his intention to step down as captain with immediate effect, tears began to well in his eyes, a decision made even more heartbreaking following England’s exit. An emotional Beckham said "It has been an honour and a privilege to have captained our country and I want to stress that I wish to continue to play for England and look forward to helping both the new captain and Steve McClaren in any way I can. “This decision has been the most difficult of my career to date. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For more information please visit http://www.sargas.co.uk

Itâs Time To End The Reign Of The Football Cheats

Wed, 05 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400

It’s Germany 2006, another World Cup and another outrageous exhibition of diving, gamesmanship and just downright cheating. The time has come to call a halt on this scandalous behavior and restore the image of the beautiful game. Sepp Blatter ordered referees to come down hard and keep the lid on unruly players. The problem is the cheats have seen this as an opportunity to take advantage of the hard-line approach. By diving and conning the referee they know they can get even more of their opponents booked or sent off and banned for forthcoming games. It seems a ridiculous situation where millions of fans around the world can view replays and know the truth within seconds, yet the only man in the dark is the man in charge and entrusted with keeping the integrity of the match. With the referees now wired for sound and in constant communication with each other, surely the time has come for an official sat in front of a television replay who can inform the referee of what really happened. Indeed, cheating has now sunk to such depths that even one of football’s finest professionals has succumbed. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For more information please visit http://www.sargas.co.uk

England's World Cup Dream Over

Tue, 04 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Once again England's remarkable inability from spot kicks has cost them a place in the semi-finals of the World Cup. The 3-1 shoot out defeat to Portugal was a repeat of the European Championship exit two years earlier when the Portuguese where on home soil. Owen Hargreaves was the only Englishman to convert his penalty as the England curse continued. England have now lost six of the seven penalty shootouts they have been involved in. Contrast this to Germany, who since defeat to Czechoslovakia in the 1976 European Championships have won every shootout they have been involved in. That record becomes even more incredible when you consider they have also scored every individual penalty within the shootout. But England's demise could have been avoided had Sven-Goran Eriksson employed better use of the players at his disposal. His decision to stick with David Beckham when the England captain is clearly past his best has caused frustration for many fans. This was compounded by the performance of Aaron Lennon when he finally got his chance in place of Beckham during the second half of the quarterfinal. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For more information please visit http://www.sargas.co.uk

Sort The Tickets Out FIFA

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Once again loyal fans from around the world descend on a major football tournament to support and encourage their teams to glory. Year on year they turn up in their thousands only for the majority of them to return home early and disappointed following defeat and another broken dream. So why do the footballing authorities continue to give priority to corporations and members of the public with no vested interest in either team? The inevitable result is thousands of true supporters are driven to the black market, lining the pockets of those immoral enough to prey on the fans. The touts must be laughing every time England qualify for a major tournament knowing thousands upon thousands of genuine fans will be unable to get tickets through official channels. England consistently take more supporters than any other nation and are ritually fleeced time and again. Tickets change hands for as much as £2000 a time when greedy touts know the desperation faced by many. But it’s not just England fans that suffer. Many nations take a large following to tournaments and the touts just love it. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For more information please visit http://www.sargas.co.uk

Iâm A Villa Fan And Iâm Scared!

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400

It’s fair to say that the past twenty-five years of following Aston Villa Football Club has come with its fair share of ups and downs. But I can honestly say I have never looked forward to a new football season with such an overwhelming feeling of pessimism. I was fortunate enough to be born just in time to appreciate the glory years of the early eighties. The team built by Ron Saunders and then nurtured by Tony Barton brought much joy and happiness to at least half the city of Birmingham. Unfortunately those days now seem an eternity ago and things are much different. I’m still trying to work out how Doug Ellis bought the champions of Europe in the summer of 1982 and then proceeded to guide them to relegation in just five years. That must surely be some kind of record. These days things are only slightly better. The continual decline under David O’Leary’s guidance is causing serious cause for concern amongst the Villa faithful. The final third of last season produced some of the worst football seen at Villa Park for some time and relegation fears were only dispelled in the final week of the season. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For more information please visit http://www.sargas.co.uk

Travels Through Cyprus

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400

The old goat herder stands before his flock. Stick in hand, he bears the look of experience. His beaten old hat keeps the sun off his unshaven face. His weathered trousers have seen better days and wear a belt, crudely tied around his waist. His braces are actually two of the elastic straps you use to tie your luggage to the car's roof rack. As the sun beats down on the plains of Agia Marina he herds his goats to pastures new and another day of contentment. When your country has suffered 9000 years of constant invasion, any break in hostilities is greeted with appreciation. Cyprus is a blend of many influences. Turkish, Greek, Muslim and Christian invaders have all set foot upon this hallowed land and made their mark. Mosques and Christian churches stand side by side as a reminder of the often turbulent and violent past of Cyprus. But when free of the shackles of conflict, Cyprus is a place of beauty and discovery. The Byzantine churches amongst the Troodos Mountains are an essential experience. The sense of history and culture is overwhelming as you journey through mountain passes and wonder at the ancient architecture. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For more information please visit http://www.sargas.co.uk

The Lighthouse Hotel, Llandudno, United Kingdom

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Providing panoramic views across the Irish Sea, the Lighthouse hotel is a wonderful maritime relic offering accommodation of a rather unusual nature. Built in 1862, the Lighthouse warned the passing ships of the dangers of the North Wales coastline, offering safe passage for many a brave seaman. These days the Lighthouse is more interested in its guests than the passing sailors, converted during its lifetime from a great beacon into a guesthouse. The hotel resides on the rugged North Wales coast in the seaside resort of Llandudno. The nearest airport is Manchester International approximately 1.5 hours drive from the west. Sat perilously atop the limestone cliffs, the Lighthouse towers over the Irish Sea some 100 meters, its fortress-like construction standing sentinel over the rushing waters deep below. The hotel boasts three guestrooms, each commanding magnificent views. To the north rests the Isle of Man, and to the south sits Puffin Island. With the beacon removed, the glass panelled lamp room is now a dramatic lounge for its guests, with striking panoramic views across the ocean. The room is decorated early twentieth-century; **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For more information please visit http://www.sargas.co.uk

In Pursuit Of Miller's Landscape

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400

I have always been a great admirer of the artist John Miller. His simplistic coastal landscapes are a wonderful escape from the rigours of city life in Birmingham. But what of the subjects of his work? Were they just figments of his imagination or did these places actually exist? Since buying my first print 'Estuary', his worlds have always seemed a beautiful Utopia, scenes of unrivalled natural beauty, somewhere I wanted to be. Eventually I discovered his work portrayed much of the coastline of St Ives Bay in Cornwall, the county of unrivalled myths and legends, and that the estuary in question was in Hayle. It wasn't long until I was making my way south along the M5 motorway in pursuit of the landscape John Miller had found so irresistible. The M5 takes you to the south of England. Picking up the A30 would take me into the far reaches of the southwest, first Devon and ultimately into Cornwall. The journey down the M5 was fairly nondescript. There's little to catch your eye as you make your way south. The motorway is simply a link to all the towns and cities along the west coast. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For more information please visit http://www.sargas.co.uk

Travels Through St. Ives, England

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400

A little old man stands at the edge of the harbour. He always stands when he works. In his left hand is a photograph, a commission to keep him busy for the next few days. He holds his brush in his right hand, masterfully transforming the canvas in front of him into someone's dream painting, an image to take pride of place on their lounge wall. Every other stab of the brush he stops and takes a step back, checking his judgement. Behind him lie several pieces of previous work, portraits of many a happy customer. His face is weathered, years of exposure to the sea and wind. His greying hair straddles halfway down his back, bound in a ponytail. What a wonderful life he enjoys. Across the harbour the fishermen of St Ives prepare for a day at sea. Hopes of a good catch make for jolly banter aboard the boats as the crews prepare the nets and rigging. The stench of fish from previous catches continues to linger and drifts around the dock. Seaweed clings to the nets and adds to the aroma. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For more information please visit http://www.sargas.co.uk

City Breaks In New York City

Fri, 02 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400

When Henry Hudson arrived in 1609 few could possibly have anticipated the legacy he would leave behind. From humble beginnings, New York City has developed into the greatest metropolis on the planet. Far from the crime ridden cesspit portrayed in films from the 1970s, New York has cleaned up its act. Many visitors are pleasantly surprised at the new found order and obedience within the present city. Few places can compare for modern human spirit, depicted perfectly in the mass gathering of human emotion that is the New York City Marathon. Sunset in Central Park is the motivation for training. But New York is also a place for individuals. The mammoth manmade canyons – a consequence of New York’s endeavour to reach the sky with its epic buildings – provide a space to reflect on its worldwide fame. For many New Yorkers the sun can prove pretty elusive. The rousing skyscrapers shroud the Big Apple in shadow for much of the time. For the tourists however, New York is blessed with iconic landmarks on every corner. Make your way to the summit of the Empire State Building to witness a magnificent 360-degree view that is the glory of Manhattan. **End Summary** Topics: ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For more information please visit http://www.sargas.co.uk

Articles by Steven Cronin on ArticleSnatch.com

UEFA Champions League Group A Chelsea 2:0 Werder Bremen

UEFA Champions League Group C PSV Eindhoven 0:0 Liverpool

English Premiership Football Week 4 West Ham United 1:1 Aston Villa

English Premiership Football Week 4 Arsenal 1:1 Middlesbrough

English Premiership Football 2006-07 Blackburn 0:2 Chelsea

English Premiership Football 2006-07 Aston Villa 2:0 Newcastle

European Championship 2008 Qualifiers Macedonia 0:1 England

Daybreak On Lake Windermere, England

Travels Through Yorkshire, England

Travels Through Sydney, Australia

The Streets Of London

Stonehenge Sunrise

Englandâs World Cup Foundation For Failure

English Premiership Football 2006-2007 Preview â Chelseaâs Hat Trick?

Can Michael Owen Restore Himself As Englandâs Top Man?

Beckham Quits As England Captain

Itâs Time To End The Reign Of The Football Cheats

England's World Cup Dream Over

Sort The Tickets Out FIFA

Iâm A Villa Fan And Iâm Scared!

Travels Through Cyprus

The Lighthouse Hotel, Llandudno, United Kingdom

In Pursuit Of Miller's Landscape

Travels Through St. Ives, England

City Breaks In New York City

Englandâs World Cup Foundation For Failure

English Premiership Football 2006-2007 Preview â Chelseaâs Hat Trick?

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