Of all the ‘Big 4’ clubs, the season ahead should be most interesting for Chelsea. After all, they’ve got a new coach in Big Phil Scholari and it looks like they will also have a new-look squad as well. But can Roman’s Blue Army continue to compete at the very top?

As I write this article, no major names have exited Stamford Bridge but the likes of Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba might well end up somewhere else come the start of the season which would be a tremendous blow to Chelsea. These two players have been central to their success over recent seasons and keeping them would represent more of a coup than bringing in any of the global superstars Chelsea have been linked with. The reason is that they’re already tried and tested in the squad and in the Premiership and you know that they will do the business over the course of a season.

Last season saw some notable flops at Chelsea, most notably Florent Malouda who came in from Lyon and never really hit the heights that were expected of him. If you consider he was supposed to be a replacement for Arjen Robben, then it further highlights how disappointing Malouda actually was. A big plus for Chelsea though was the emergeance of Micheal Ballack as a true Premiership star. His first season was a let down with so many fans expecting big things from the German skipper, but particularly towards the end of last season he showed himself to be one of the top players in the league. If Chelsea can get a good season out of him, then it will make all the difference to their success.

Who do Chelsea need to bring in? Well, if they lose Drogba then they certainly need a forward to lead the line. It is possible that Chelsea could revert to a 4-4-2 system for the first time in many years if Big Phil does play the kind of attacking football we expect him to. If this is the case then two big name forwards might well be required depending on whether Anelka is up to the job. Deco is a name that has been heavily linked to Chelsea and his arrival would be a great coup for both Chelsea and the Premiership.

As much as I can see Chelsea football shirts regaining the gold Premiership badge by making the right signings and landing on their feet this year, I can also invisage them getting it totally wrong and slipping down the Premiership pecking order. If I had to make a prediction, I’d say they’ll finish third or fourth in the Premiership, but make a big impact on the European stage. However, I’m fully prepared to be wrong on this one.

This really is Thailand’s best kept secret. Living in Thailand for several years now it has really just dawned on me what the “rainy season” is really about; to keep tourists out during the best months of the year.

Way back when I was a young man at university, (seems like yesterday…as long as yesterday was quite hazy and consisted of a roller coaster wreck of bad exam results, broken hearts, uncontrollable giggling, crazy optimistic plans and pot noodles) I had a very posh friend, who, on hearing I was planning to back pack around Thailand in the summer scoffed uncontrollably and said, “old chap…that’s the bloody hurricane season, you idiot…monsoons and all that.” I stomped off down to the travel agent (yes, before internet), quizzed the nice lady behind the desk and ascertained that it was indeed the “rainy season.” But, how rainy was it?

Just the idea of a “rainy season” kept me away, (I went to Greece instead) and so it remained, fixed in my mind ever since; don’t go to Thailand in the summer… the “rainy season.”

During my first year living in the north of Thailand I waited pensively for the oncoming and dreaded “rainy season”, which kind of never arrived. I remember asking my Thai friend if we had started the rainy season. He looked at me as though I was mad. It must have been a bit like a man standing in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean asking if the sea was nearby.

The rainy season was, and is, great, and remains my best time of year in Thailand, and incredibly is the cheapest time to come here. It must be the sole remaining true bargain left in the travel industry.

The myth is that the best time to come to Thailand is between November and April, which is somewhat misleadingly known as the “Dry Season.” Actually, it rains quite a bit during this time, locally known rather poetically as “Mango Rains.” It is also the coolest months of the year, with night time temperatures dropping to about 12 degrees in northern Thailand, and even colder up in those there mountains. The problem with this is that hotel swimming pools get colder…which if you’re here on holiday is quite a big deal…they don’t mention that in the guidebooks. It’s also twice as expensive.

The official “Rainy Season” starts in April and ends in November. It’s more accurately, locally called the “Green Season”. It does rain, but usually in short, rather dramatic bursts, at the end of the day, lasting about 15 minutes before the sun comes out again. It often doesn’t rain for days on end. I’ve just had to go and water the garden. And, of course it’s wonderfully hot, with swimming pools wonderfully warm.

With the arrival of some rain all of Thailand is covered with flowers and greenery. Orchids bloom their hearts out. My little collection outside haven’t stopped all summer. As everything gets greener, it feels that people get more relaxed and the whole country sighs relief. The hoards of tourists have gone home. The sun is shining, relieved every so often by warm rains. Huge butterflies sail past and tiny iridescent hummingbirds flit through the trees. This really is Thailand best kept secret.

We are just over a month into the 2010 Major League Baseball season, and undoubtedly there are those in H2H Fantasy Baseball leagues already proclaiming their season a lost cause. Whether it was lack of preparation, draft miscalculations, or the injury bug some of you have no hope of winning even with 4/5 of the season left to play.

The long baseball season may provide false hope of eventually turning your situation around. However, often what happens is the seemingly never-ending Major League Baseball season leads to outright abandonment from those finding it difficult to compete – especially if no favorable trade can be made.

I know that feeling of hopelessness all too well after delving into the H2H Fantasy Baseball realm a few years ago. After having success in both H2H Fantasy Football and H2H Fantasy Basketball, I thought for sure I could create that same winning formula in baseball.

Of the three major sports, baseball is the one I’m least knowledgeable in. I can break down football and basketball with the best of them but baseball is a different story. I enjoy baseball and certainly have more knowledge than the casual baseball fan, but I started out in a league full of guys who could tell you even the most obscure minor league prospect’s career stats.

Fortunately for me, after 2 very long seasons of being schooled in the finer points of Fantasy Baseball, I discovered an alternative. Daily Fantasy Baseball formats allowed me the opportunity to compete in H2H Fantasy Baseball without the season long commitment and in depth knowledge of Major League Baseball players.

In Daily Fantasy contests, you draft each day as opposed to the typical standard draft at the beginning of the season. This allows participants to pick a new team each time they decide to play. Injuries, bad draft picks and lack of knowledge have less impact in a daily format.

Daily Fantasy Sports have exploded in popularity recently, and are a particularly attractive option for those wary of long and arduous Fantasy Baseball seasons.

Unexpected Surprises and Tips for Everyone Including Solo Travelers, Vegans, and Those Looking for a Bit of Magic Any Time of Year.

If you have your sights set on Ireland, or any exotic travel locale for that matter, then don’t be put off by mass opinions and appeal. Ireland, especially its magical west coast, is a must-see whether traveling en groupe or going it alone. And all you vegetarians and vegans out there will find Ireland to be surprisingly accommodating with interesting and fairly elaborate options available. You simply need to ask. This Emerald Isle offers a nice blend of down-to-earth goodness, ancient and exotic mystique, and lively pub night life. There’s something for everyone indeed.

Most sources will tell you that mid-Spring to mid-Fall, particularly April to October, is optimal travel time to Ireland. And sure, Spring is gorgeous with everything a-bloom, especially May, Autumn colors are bountiful in October, and July and August are peak, but not everyone enjoys the hustle and bustle of tourism at its height. What they fail to share with you is the fact that Winter is actually pretty amazing, especially if you catch the end of it right before Spring rolls in. Not only do you pretty much get the place to yourself, but you also get to capture some of the true magic and mysticism of this ancient land.

Now of course, all depends on personal interest and preferences, yet don’t be put off by the colder Winter months. Winter can actually be pretty mild, with little to no rain, gorgeous nebulous, cloud-filled skies, fog rolling across mountain tops and just skimming the edges of the Lakes of Killarney, beautiful bursts of sun-lit days lighting up the fairy-filled forests, and fabulous, ancient winds that sweep you into a world of Celtic and Druidic splendor. What magic to behold and all to yourself, on top of that!

Ireland’s west coast hosts a multitude of things to see and experience, including the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, Inisfallen Island on the Killarney Lakes, many castle ruins, well-known and off-beat Stone Circles and Standing Stones, the famous Ring of Kerry, gorgeous Beare Peninsula, sacred Skellig Michael Islands, and Killarney National Forest with its famous Muckross House to name just a fraction of possible destinations. The beauty of traveling off-season is that you will find yourself having the sites, and experiences of them, all to yourself. Skim across the mystical Killarney Lake waters with your very own warm-hearted Irish boatman to tell you tales and share folklore or take a walk through Killarney National Park and feel the grandeur of its old, knotted oak trees while skipping along the fairy trails. Better yet, imagine standing, as the Druids once did, amongst the ancient energy of Uragh or Grange Stone Circle, wind sweeping across the hilltop as you take in the serenity and sacredness without a sound or presence around to disturb you. Whether a history buff, photographer, artist, avid traveler, or spiritualist, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for and be grateful for the serene opportunity any other “peak” traveling time would not oblige you.

For those of you with special dietary needs, such as vegetarians and vegans, not to worry. You’ll find more than enough options and surprises in store for your culinary tastes, to suit any occasion. If you’re looking for an ideal place to stay, while loading up on great meal options, Friars’ Glen Guesthouse is #1 on the list. Located just a couple of miles outside of Killarney town center, in the beautiful Killarney Forest, this exquisitely quaint home-away-from home, bed and breakfast not only offers unmatched quality service and exceptional serenity, but the owner Mary is one top-notch chef, whipping up hardy vegetarian and vegan surprises for breakfast and if asked, packed lunches as well! And the nearby, beautiful Killarney Park Hotel has a wonderful bar restaurant where the chef is most accommodating, creating fabulous vegan soups and such options as vegan risotto made with coconut milk! And for the luxury seeker and spa enthusiast, Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa in Killarney offers a multitude of sensuous pleasures to cater to your every whim, including a top notch chef who will prepare some pretty fancy vegan meals from start to finish! Some vegetarian options can also be found in small deli/bakeries and cafes, as well as the occasional small health food stores. The simple key and secret always, is simply to ask and your wish will be granted. Ireland does host home to some of the warmest and friendliest people in the world.

That being said, those who also prefer traveling alone will find Ireland to be most welcoming and a perfect destination for the adventurer, as well as the peace seeker. Of course this island is a wonderful host to groups, families, and romantics, but those who venture for their own experience and enjoy the exciting possibilities that are available for ones who march to the beat of their own drum, will discover how truly fulfilling a journey to Ireland can be. Whether you decide to follow your heart’s desire in the moment, or desire a personalized itinerary, you’ll find an overwhelming amount of experiences awaiting you. For a truly unique and sacred experience, Celtic Spirit Journeys with international teacher and writer on Celtic spirituality, Mara Freeman, are not to be missed. Or, simply contact her and she’ll be more than happy to tailor-make a special custom journey that suits your personal needs, even equipped with fabulous personal driver, Michael Burniston, as your historical encyclopedia of knowledge and folkloric entertainment.

No matter what you are looking for, Ireland, ANY time of year is truly a place not to be missed; Winter, vegan, solo traveler, and all.

Liverpool had a disappointing 2009/2010 season. They finished at seventh place and barely make it to the Europa League, the second tier of the European competition. They completed the season on 63 points, 23 points behind Chelsea, winner of English Premier League. It was a disaster for them after an amazing 2008/2009 season, which they finished second behind Manchester United. They were challenging closely with Manchester United for the title that season. Liverpool was not able to carry on the momentum to last season and failed miserably. Rafael Benitez, Liverpool coach, leave the club to join Inter Milan.

The club appointed Roy Hogdson to take over his position. Hogdson main task this season is to rebuild the club confidence and ensure that their star players, especially Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, do not leave the club. Currently, he managed to secure the confidence of their players to remain at the club. In addition, the club successfully secures the service of Joe Cole. Joe Cole’s creativity should enhance Liverpool attacking ability for the new season. Furthermore, they also signed Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen for a transfer fee of around 6 million euros.

Liverpool standing in EPL for the last decade.

2009/2010 – Seventh

2008/2009 – Second

2007/2008 – Fourth

2006/2007 – Third

2005/2006 – Third

2004/2005 – Fifth

2003/2004 – Fourth

2002/2003 – Fifth

2001/2002 – Second

2000/2001 – Third

It has been a disappointing decade for Liverpool, considered as the most successful club in England. Their best position in the league is second place on two occasions. Roy Hogdson task is to bring back the glory days of Liverpool Football Club.

Fashion trends changes with the change of seasons. With summer just around the corner it is essential to know how to choose the right summer plus size clothing. Summer is associated with lots of sun, so summer clothes are light and airy made of breathable light fabrics

Finding summer plus size clothing isn’t as difficult as some may think it would be. These days there are many options for the larger woman as well. The plus size dresses available in today’s markets not only offer stylish looks but comfort that is essential for the skin.

When you purchase summer clothes you must also keep in mind the essence of summer dresses which is comfort. Summer heats are scorching and hence you must wear something that provides you comfort and keep you relaxed.

The right summer plus sized clothes should allow free body movement and be practical as well. Cotton and linen dresses are the best types of clothing for summers. Cotton and linen fabrics are thinner and soft.

Loose fitting cotton clothes allow air to pass through the body and evaporate body sweat keeping the body fresh and fit. White button-down blouses paired with Bermuda shorts are classics that look good on all body type as well.

When selecting the colors for your summer dresses, picking the right color is also essential. Light, airy fabrics in pastel colors look good and are very comfortable.

Empire style dresses and peasant blouses are styles that are suitable for plus size woman and does not compromise with comfort. Empire line and high waist tops that accentuate and draw attention to the top are very flattering.

When looking for beach clothes, remember to let practicality be a major factor in your decision. Don’t choose heavy fabrics or clothes with heavy, dark prints. Dark color clothes absorb heat quickly and can cause prickly heat.

Stick to small, simple prints, pastel colors and white. Heavy fabric clothing give an uncomfortable look and can make plus size women look even bigger.

Also, when fitting summer clothes, make sure the garments give you room to breathe and feel light on the skin. There is nothing worse than feeling sticky because of clingy tops and shorts that do not allow you to move and make you sweat even more.

Being big is not a reason to compromise comfort and style. Summer plus size dresses now a days also emphasize on these necessities of the plus size women. When you buy summer plus size clothing for the season, just remember these simple tips and you will be well on your way to facing the hot summer months in style.

Finally the hockey season is upon us once again and every fan can feel alive again. I just love it so much and when the puck drops I will be watching.

Is there really any better time in professional ice hockey than the winter when the NHL really kicks into high gear? There is no more exciting build up than the race to the Stanley Cup playoffs in the spring, when the bitterest of rivals go toe to toe every night to determine who wins the Western Conference and who axes the Eastern Conference?

To be prepared for this excitement, the best way is by getting your NHL jerseys out of your closet. This is what hockey fans do when they prepare and now it’s serious.

What, you don’t have several NHL jerseys?

Your official favorite teams jersey is only the best way to show your love and get into the action. To many it is also the only true way to show support for your team.

So, you better get out and find yourself a few NHL jerseys as fast as possible. You could start your search at the top hockey good stores near your house. Better yet, stay in the warmth and comfort of your own home. Turn on your computer and hook onto the Web. Then surf to your favorite on line ice hockey store and order your brand spanking new jersey for your favorite team. There are a ton of on line stores selling NHL jerseys, the best, of course, are Hockey Monkey, Hockey Giant and Ice Jerseys.

Just like in any sport, the NHL counts on fans like you to wear your NHL jerseys to show your allegiance to your favorite team or teams. Big teams like the New York Rangers and the Detroit red Wings and less popular teams teams like the Carolina Hurricanes and the Nashville Predators alike need your support.

Have you ever heard of a team winning the Stanley Cup without any fans helping them out along the way?

NHL jerseys are the top way to proudly show your loyalty to these squads. When you make it to a game in your official team jersey, you make a bold claim as one of your team’s top fans. You know how these jerseys can pump up a crowd. You’ve seen and felt the instantaneous friendships that are born when two strangers wear the same jersey to the game. For those sixty minutes of intense hockey, you are brothers.

NHL jerseys can do that. Of course, they do a lot more, too. They just look cool. Whether you’re on a date at the movies, or out to dinner with your folks, you look too slick in your blue and white, or your red and white. With your favorite player’s name on the back, you can’t be beat. Better yet, show yourself to be the true player by putting your own name on the back.

I have friends that have their name stitched on the back of their jerseys and it is just so cool. Besides, I’ve never taken them for anything less than true NHL fans. This is how I like it and it’s what hockey should be like.

The English Premier League resume next weekend after about 3 month break. But some of the players are involved in the FIFA World Cup and have very little rest. The coach needs to freshen up things by rotating the players so that they have enough rest. The first matches of the season see the titanic clash between Liverpool and Arsenal. Apart from that, we will also see the last season surprise team Tottenham Hotspur taking on Manchester City. Tottenham beat City to fourth placing to claim the final champion league spot. City with the financial support from Abu Dhabi Group are expected to produce a strong challenge towards the Premiership title.

Full fixtures of round 1:

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City

Aston Villa vs West Ham United

Blackburn Rovers vs Everton

Bolton Wanderers vs Fulham

Sunderland vs Birmingham

Wigan vs Blackpool

Wolvehampton Wanderers vs Stoke City

Chelsea vs West Bromwich Albion

Liverpool vs Arsenal

Manchester United vs Newcastle

Chelsea begins their title defense with a home game against West Bromwich. They should not have any problem beating the visitor. Manchester United is expected to defeat Newcastle United at Old Trafford. There should not be any doubt that the main focus of round 1 of EPL season 2010/2011 is the match between Liverpool and Arsenal. Liverpool is looking for a good start after a disastrous previous season. Arsenal would like to show to everyone that they are one of favorite to win the title. Arsenal fans are happy and relief that Cesc Fabregas has committed to stay at the club for yet another season. He is the pillar and most important player of the team. The game most likely to end in a tie and both team will get a point from it.

Chelsea pride themselves in being global entertainers more than anything else.

And more than anything else, the Premier League champions would like the tag of European champions, in keeping with their multi-national self-image. Especially the European Cup title that has eluded them.

In the last four years, Chelsea have entered one Champions League final and two semi-finals, and have returned empty handed.

This year could be the last opportunity for the core members of the team that made this possible.

Chelsea’s European ambitions have restricted the club, in that the UEFA insists on “financial fair play”.

The club is not short of money, by any stretch of imagination, but this has meant that Chelsea boss Roman Abramovich has had to trim his budget.

This has meant the departure of a big-name signing such as Joe Cole. Another player, Tomas Kalas, who came in from Sigma Olomuc for a reported 5.2 mn, will be loaned out.

In the upcoming season, the team will also not have the services of Miroslav Stoch, who will be sold to Fenerbahce for an undisclosed amount. Michael Ballack will leave for Bayer Leverkusen, Joe Cole for Liverpool, and Danny Philiskik for Oxford United, all as free agents.

Players out on loan will include Rhys Taylor to Crewe, Ryan Bertrand to Nottingham Forest, and Ben Gordon to Kilmarnock.

Carlo Ancelotti has been the club’s most successful coach. Chelsea became only the seventh team in history to win the ‘double’, comprising the Premier League and FA Cup titles, under Ancelotti’s watch, last season.

They failed to achieve this under Jose Mourinho, arguably Chelsea’s most successful coach ever.

In fact, Chelsea were so dominant in 2009/10 that they became the first team to top 100 goals, in an English season after Tottenham Hotspurs achievement of 111 goals in 1962-63.

Ancelotti owes his legendary patience to his rural upbringing. The ex-Milan midfielder won the Champions League twice each as a player and as a coach for the Italian side.

A potential weakness for Chelsea in the upcoming season could be in defence. Jose Mourinho the coach of the 2005 Premier League winning side built the team on a defensive platform.

John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira and Wayne Bridge were the defensive wall rival teams had to contend with before they could dream of beating Chelsea, five years ago.

Terry and Carvalho who remain are clearly aging, although Ashley Cole from Arsenal and Brazilian are great new options for Chelsea. Alex is not only solid in defence, but can also hunt with the hounds, and is a particular asset in free kick situations.

This is a team of big personalities, in John Terry, Frank Lampard, Petr Cech and Didier Drogba. On the flip side, this could mean a potential clash between, say, Didier Drogba and the team’s bad boy, Nicolas Anelka.

John Terry, in particular, is the club’s most successful captain ever. With Liverpool’s Yossi Benayoun replacing Joe Cole this season, they have one more potential captain.

England Frank Lampard was the driving force of the side in the last season, and his 30 club and international goals is an act that he could find hard to replicate, this time around.

Michael Essien, whom injury kept from doing World Cup duty for Ghana is the club’s most popular player, while the star of the future is 19 year old French teenager, Gael Kakuta.

Chelsea remain the team to beat this season.

A lot less people venture out to the park during the rainy months, where all of the facilities and equipment tend to become neglected as they go unused, while no one seems to think about them until the weather improves, then they come to discover that some of their facilities did not hold up, causing an entirely different issue. The weather could do damage to parts of the equipment, taking a toll, and destroying it, so that come the following season, you are forced to deal with splintered wood and warped benches, a lot different than the warmer times of year, where softball games and a variety of other events occur on the field.

Especially park equipment that gets as much use as bleachers do, it can be problematic to a park when the season starts and there’s no room for people to sit in the stands, but the game must go on, forcing people to group along the fences, and many of them to miss out on a worthy view of the field during the game. This is something that nobody expects, but it does happen, and for many communities, it requires being brought up to the city council to be able to set aside the necessary funding, ensuring that your park facilities, including fields and other areas, get the care that they require all year round, and are tended to in order to prolong their lives.

Aluminum bleachers are likely the longest lasting and most cost effective of all of the choices for seating at the ball park, and even in the harshest weather, they will still stand strong, not wavering under the weight of the elements. Water resistant and light weight, they are also able to put up with a lot during the on-season, being able to take a beating from fans also, as they root for their friends and loved ones without having to worry about the stability of the seating under the weight of all of the fans, all crammed in and shifting with excitement as they watch.

When we see grandstands collapsing on the news, it always comes as a shock, but with some forward thinking and routine maintenance, we could avoid such disasters, and also, provide a worry-free and reliable experience for all of those that enjoy the facilities when they are able. Bleachers will be kind of a pricey endeavor for some areas, but for the sake of safety, it’s a price that’s definitely worthy of the cost.