Blog change

Pleas follow my blog over at http://web.me.com/stevescherer/

This is an iWeb website that I’m starting. I feel the need to consolidate my web presence.

 

Thanks and Viel Spaß! (Have Fun!)

St. Louis Athletica

My son and I attended the first game of the St.Louis Athletica and the Chicago Red Stars. These are two of the seven teams that make up the new Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league. There was a sell-out crowd in Edwardsville, IL where Chicago beat the home team 1-0. The teams played hard, but I was most impressed with the fact that after the game, both teams went to the stands and signed autographs for at least 15 to 20 minutes. The photos below show me at the game and my son getting a soccer ball autographed for his 3 year-old daughter by Hope Solo. Hope is the US Women’s National Team starting goalie.

It was a fun night and I hope this league succeeds. I will attend any game I can and I hope you will do the same.

You can download the STL Athletica for your calendar by visiting my website at: web.me.com/stevescherer/Home/iCal_Schedules.html

The STL Athletica’s Site is : www.womensprosoccer.com/stlouis

Or to find a team close to you visit the WPS site at: www.womensprosoccer.com/

Al Davis needs to step down from the Oakland Raiders

I have been a Raider fan as long as I can remember. I have watched all three super bowl victories be both superbowl losses. I bought raiders stuff and for many years, I have religiously followed the Oakland Raiders. Therefore it pains my to write this, but Al Davis must go.

For the 6 seasons since the Super Bowl XXXVII loss in 2002, the Raiders record is a combined 24 wins and 72 losses. This is the worst in the NFL, worse even than the Detroit Lions. They have not made the playoffs in 6 years.

The phrases “commitment to excellence” and “just win baby” ring hollow now. I am embarrassed to wear any of my Raider gear in public. I watch video of the old Raiders and sigh. Those were the days.

Now we can’t find someone of quality willing to coach for this dysfunctional team and most of the draft choices are questionable or don’t work out at all. It’s not that the talent level isn’t there it’s the lack of leadership from the top down.

The front office needs to be changed or the Raiders will continue to be a laughingstock at best or pitied and ignored at worst. The change needs to start at the top.

For the future good of the Oakland Raiders, I think Al Davis needs to retire.

Posted from my iPhone

Amtrak

Amtrak

Originally uploaded by SteveScherer

The Carl Sandburg crossing the Mississippi River. @ Quincy, IL

WDW resorts I have stayed at

This is a list of Walt Disney World Resorts I have stayed at (in order):

Caribbean Beach

WDW Dolphin

All Star Music

Polynesian

Port Orleans French Quarter

Contemporary

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Shades of Green

Pop Century

Coronado Springs

I will get to the others in time

McCain’s Speech

John McCain set the standard for concession speeches after his loss in the election for president.
He was gracious and he called for all Americans to support President-elect Obama. He also thanked the country for allowing him to serve it and said that the country does not owe him anything, rather he, McCain, still owed the country.
I feel this speech should be a model for all concession speeches and that future office-seekers should study it.

Favorite Walt Disney World Restaurants

After reading a blogpost on ALL Ears (a Disney Fan and info site) by Jack Spence, I am inspired to make my own list of favorite Walt Disney World Restaurants. My wife, Jane, and I have been to WDW nine times and counting, and we feel the need to share our knowledge as ordinary people who love going to WDW.

  The Scherers @ Boma

 

Magic Kingdom

Table Service: Cinderella’s Royal Table. The character breakfast is OK, but the lunch menu is very good. You just can’t beat eating in “The” castle.

Counter Service: Cosmic Ray’s in Tomorrowland. The atmosphere is festive with Sonny Eclipse playing music in the largest room. Steve says they serve the best burger in WDW. There is also a toppings bar to customize your food.

Jane says The Lunching Pad, also in Tomorrowland, for Turkey legs and sweet cream cheese pretzels.

Epoct

Table Service: Le Cellier in Canada’s pavilion @ World Showcase. Very good steaks, great atmosphere and friendly staff. The Canadian pretzel bread is awesome, I filled up on bread and could barely finish my steak.

Counter Service: Boulangerie Patisserie in France. With French pastries,  a fruit and cheese plate (my favorite), bread, and quiche, this restaurant is like a sidewalk cafe in France. Steve says don’t overlook the Yorkshire County Fish Shop in the United Kingdom. The fish and chips are the best.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios (MGM)

Table Service: 50’s Prime Time. The menu is good comfort food, especially the Fried Chicken. But the reason to go is the attitude of the servers. If you are outgoing and have a sense of humor, this is the place to eat.

Counter Service: Starring Rolls Cafe. This is a pastry store that Jane likes. Steve likes the ABC Commissary for breakfast. While the others race to Tower of Terror in the morning, Steve, his son and granddaughter take a leisurely walk to the ABC Commissary for pancakes and bacon.

Animal Kingdom

Table Service: Rain Forest Cafe@ the entrance to the Animal Kingdom. Every 20 minutes or so the lights dim and it rains inside. Jane says don’t miss the Awesome Appetizer Adventure, and Steve says try the Planet Earth Pasta.

Counter Service: Flame Tree Barbecue.The eating area is like an oasis in the middle of the Animal Kingdom. It is shady and green. The birds are waiting for a handout. The pulled pork sandwich is good and make sure you try the onion rings.

Disney Resorts

Table Service: California Grill@ Contemporary Resort. Food here is eclectic and fresh. The menu changes often and there is an extensive wine list. Get a table at 8 or 8:30 pm and ask to sit on the Magic Kingdom side. This way you can see the fireworks show. The light inside are dimmed and the music is piped inside.

Counter Service: Everything Pop@ Pop Century Resort. The food court is bright colorful and full of families and kids. There are 4 food stations and a Grab-n-go.  Buy a resort mug and you have unlimited refill at the 2 soda stations while during your stay. Jane says try the Sloppy Joes.

Downtown Disney

Table Service: Planet Hollywood.Don’t miss the Chicken Crunch appetizer. It’s made with Cap’n Crunch cereal.

Counter Service: Wolfgang Puck’s Express @ Marketplace. This counter service has just been redone. Jane says try the Chinois Salad.

Best Character Meal: Chef Mickey’s@ Contemporary Resort. Our family likes to end our stay @ WDW by eating here. This is a good buffet to eat at before the long drive (or flight) home. Mickey, Goofy and Minnie among others, make the rounds of the restaurant as you eat. The are plenty of photo opportunities.

Best Buffet: Boma@ Animal Kingdom Lodge. This is my favorite restaurant in all of WDW (see photo above). The food is food I don’t experience often and it is delicious. A carving station on the right, entrees and salads in the middle, and desserts on the left, there is something for everyone here. This is the perfect place to try new things. The Goats Do Roam wine from South Africa is good and don’t forget the Zebra Dome’s for dessert.

For menu’s to these restaurants go to the ALL Ears menu site or the DIS Menu site. For reservations call the WDW dining @ 407-939-3463.

Guten essen.

Dogwood Tree

Dogwood Tree

Originally uploaded by SteveScherer

Our Dogwood tree looks good this year.

Podcasts # 2 Daily Breakfast with Father Roderick

I’ve been listening to the Daily Breakfast podcast for a long time. Father Roderick mixes movie and television reviews, tech news, religion and gaming in a very entertaining podcast. It is produced almost every weekday and last about 30 to 40 minutes. Father Roderick has other podcasts like, the Secrets of the Pirates of the Carribean, The Secrets of Harry Potter, and the Catholic Insider. He has been instrumental in banding together over 30 podcasts and podcasters into the StarQuest Production Network or SQPN. With such a wide choice you should be able to find something good to listen to!

Give SQPN a visit.

Podcasts #1 – Mac OS Ken

I think podcasts are one of the best things about owning an iPod. I am always astounded at the many different types and subjects covered. A lot of these are put out by ordinary people, who do it for the fun of it. Technology, sports, religion, science and humor are just a tiny fraction of the podcast variety available to download for free.

This is part 1 of a series of blogs about the podcasts I listen to on a regular basis.

Mac OS Ken is the first podcast in the morning, I listen to.  Ken Ray presents news about the Macintosh, iPod, iPhone and all things Apple. He does so with humor and style. He keeps me up-to-date on Apple news every week-day. He also has a podcast on Saturday called Mac OS Ken Day 6. He charges a subscription fee for this one to subsidize the others. If you like Apple, listen to Ken. You will know all that is new and important in the Macintosh world.