I always enjoy learning about regional cuisine, from the special way Chicago makes its hotdogs, to the Philly steak sandwich. I didn't even know that Springfield had it's own unique culinary delight called the "horseshoe" sandwich. Here's the scoop on that:

Horseshoe Sandwich – The sandwich is considered the signature dish or Springfield, Illinois, the home of Abraham Lincoln. This sandwich will make your arteries cringe and your taste buds rejoice. The sandwich starts out with two to three slices of thick toasted bread. On top of that you have two traditional choices: a thick fried ham steak or two large hamburger patties. Then a large amount of freshly made French fries are placed onto the top of it. The secret to this sandwich is the sauce that is poured over the top. Every restaurant and chef seems to have his or her own secret cheese sauce recipe. 1928 - The sandwich was created in 1928 by the chefs at the Leland Hotel in Springfield. The name of the sandwich comes from the shape of the ham with the fries representing the horseshoe nails, and the heated steak platter as the anvil. If you order a Pony Shoe Sandwich, it is the same thing, but a smaller or half a Horseshoe portion (usually one slice of toast).

by Linda Stradley

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 Apparently this lady put a "We Support the Troops" sign outside her house to remind her of her husband who is overseas serving in Iraq. The Homeowners' Association wants to fine her $100 dollars each day that sign is up, because there is a restriction on putting up signs outside your house. Though I am sympathetic to her cause, I do recognize that the Homeowners' Association have rules to uphold, and that the lady, who has lived in the neighborhood for five years, knew the rules of her community, and had received a handbook explaining the rules and regulations. If we allow this lady to put up her sign, then somebody else can put up a "I love Satan" sign outside their house. Of course somebody will say, that's offensive, but then some nut might get offended by a "We Support the Troops" sign. I support the troops, but I also think that a clean, orderly, nice looking neighborhood should be free from clutter.