Exit 56S

Second rec installment for 2009... ( Read more... )

We're all watching the weather here in North Jersey because we have
parties and festivities planned. It's one thing to be forced to wear
stockings in 1 inch of snow and quite another to do it in 6 inches,
let alone 8-12". We may be getting any of those numbers. We are
pretty sure that no matter how the storm tracks, makd will be buried. ;-)

I have received lovely holiday greetings from wesleysgirl, Mr. WG and da Boy (tm). One day before New
Years I'll get out my greetings, I hope.

But all knowing flist, I have a need to know --- What do you think of
the Wii and more specifically Wii Fit?

I'm thinking more for th Wii Fit because I would like to do mor
exercise, but turning into a game or a competition with the game
system might be the only way for that to happen. I'm not much of a
video gamer otherwise. I'm completely happy with Spider Solitaire and
free-MahJong these days. Although if there are games you really like,
I'd love to hear about them too. If I get it, I think I may also pick
up a kid game or two for when a certain pair of boys visit -- 5 and
nearly-7.

So give my your thoughts on the Wii Fit and which accessories you
thought you'd need. Thanks!

Seems to me it was past time to be doing this but at least one cancelled show is going to air its already produced episodes on YouTube. Then there is the new reality show that is going to air on Hulu before it gets broadcast on TV (but hey, if you're a "select international audience" you'll be able to watch it, too.)

Picked up from meret, maybe we'd get more female writers writing in Hollywood if no one ever met them. (And if you think the story is depressing, the comments have got quite a few more stories).

To offset the depression, my favorite outtake from Colbert's Sports Illustrated photo shoot.

A guy can write only so many Christmas columns, so for the past few years I’ve looked back to see if any of my old ones were worth a reprint. In other words, I got lazy. Here’s one of my favorites, from 2006:


SLIGHTLY OFF THE MARK

( “You’re striking out on the stealth thing, Santa,” I told him, while wondering how soon my alarm clock would go off. )

The doctor thinks I only have a sprain to my knee, so no extra testing for now. He gave me a knee brace, a 9 day supply of Celebrex for the swelling, and instructions to take it easy for a week or so. He also confirmed what I'd already discovered about my prostate readings, which is that my PSA test of 5.6 is just barely over the normal range and nothing to be all that concerned about; I'm officially putting any worries on that subject off until my urologist appointment on January 14.

Oddly, my knee hurts a little more now -- I suspect the swelling was actually padding the injury and masking the pain, a bit. I didn't stop to think that Celebrex isn't a pain reliever, so I need to go looking for my ibuprofen.

Better news: Emily got all A's in her most recent college semester -- 4.0 grade point average! Yay her! Smart girls are hot. ;-)

I finally stopped flipping out long enough to remember what I read about giving permission. I gave myself permission to be crazy, and I gave the swirling worry permission to exist. Magic. Went from pacing to sitting down and finishing a sock to relatively functional calm. Not that this is a permanent change. But it's a lovely step in the process.

Of course, not until I'd bombarded alh with too many emails, but she's gracious, so it was OK.

I've been folding clothes and talking to myself, which may seem odd, but that's OK. It's helping. Later, I go get trained in PetCo's method of kitty care-taking for their contingent of CAT cats.

It's 4 degrees below zero. I'm glad it's warmed up a bit. Yesterday, I had to bring in the bird feeder, scrape ice off it, and run hot water over the lid so that I could open and fill it. But it's very pretty out there, with lots of snow on the ground.

It's also nice to see Christmas decorations going up. My favorite so far is about a half mile from my house. Someone has set up store mannequins in pink prom dresses and attached gold wings as part of his display. It looks like he's filming Attack of the Freaky Paris Hilton Angels.

During the time it took to write this, the temp dropped to minus 3. I'd probably feel warmer if I got rid of the Weather Bug at the bottom of the screen.

When Emily and I got down to Fort Wayne yesterday morning for my urologist appointment, we found out the lady from the health clinic gave me the wrong date -- it was supposed to be January 14, not December 14. I'm looking at this as a good thing: My guess is that if they were really worried about my PSA rating they would have gotten me in right away. Most likely they're waiting a month to see if the reading changes any, which would tell them a lot after getting a baseline to go by.

So we did some shopping instead, and when we got back to Albion I stopped at my regular doctor's office to make an appointment for my knee. They were able to get me in the same afternoon, but we'd both been up more than 24 hours by then so I changed that to this morning, instead. I have a feeling an x-ray will be the result ...

On other health news, Jillian's H1N1 seems to be all healed up, and Emily's cracking the whip on my cholesterol ... not that I won't cheat a little over the holidays, 'cause that's what holidays are for! ;-)

Ok, I recently pointed out an obvious fact and I would just like to reiterate that fact.

AWESOMENESS = Chash

Why? Because not only is there SWEETS/CASTIEL fic (WTF? WHAT KINDA CRAZY BRAIN THINKS THAT UP?) but its FUCKING ADORABLY CUTE. DUDE.

So, this has NOTHING to do with Supernatural or Jared and Jensen. Other than that I'm a superhuge Slash Fangirl. And apparently I have been pretty much since birth.

I was going through some old photos my mother sent me. My daughter loves seeing old family pics. There was one from my third birthday. I've always remembered that photo - I cried because I thought I was going to have to share my presents with everyone else. (YES, I am a picky selfish bitch. I thought I said this already?)

But this time I actually pulled the photograph from the album and realized there were more hidden behind it. I had completely forgotten what the theme for that party was. How, I don't know. Because it was my favorite thing ever as a child. My aunt, who made my birthday cake, even made me a blanket with it. What I wouldn't give to still have that blanket.

Oh? What was the theme? Well, my cake looked pretty much like this. One day I'll scan the actual photo, but this is the same design she used.

So, yes, I've been a slasher since way back.

Where did I put my "LJ=Stupid" icon? Livejournal is about to force new sign-ups to declare male or female and removing the unspecified option. That link is to the LJ Changelog and , people who read code better than I do have interpreted it and offered suggestions if you want to complain about it. For full disclosure, that links to the post of someone who is fully invested in DW, but it's not like she's making this shit up. One simple option could Edit your Profileand choose unspecified before the code push goes through. But, JH, you say -I'm good with the gender on my profile -- well, I get that, I am too. However, I'd like the world to be more inclusive, not less. -still sounds like effort... -- true. The speculation by the people that read code better than me is that it's for advertising purposes. Apparently on Facebook, female profiles get bombarded by things like diet ads. And hey, I still have DW invites ETA: and if I actually wrote the html correctly *headdesk*

It's not the end of the year yet, but I'm leaving town next week, so I figured I'd start posting some recs for the year this week and wrap up when I return. ( Read more... )

( ramblings, not coherent, ignore )

In saner news, my back isn't bad today. Standing around on cold asphalt over the weekend wasn't really good for it, so this is a win. I think Terminator Stout is much better for it than oxycodone--I can still walk around, and I'm not nauseated, and my back just relaxes. Oxycodone involves passing out and waking up shaped like a pretzel, with even more back pain. That just isn't right.

We survived a total of eight hours of standing in the cold (two shifts, four hours each), working at the Holiday Express fundraiser for the Portland steam engines and their new home. The fun part was watching the 4449 in action. And I wore antlers. Frightened two dogs and three children.

The wildlife refuge area on the other side of the train tracks is pond-like, and froze in the cold; yesterday, it attracted walkers, skaters, and few sleds. I was a little worried about that, as the temps were rising, but we didn't see anyone fall though the ice. (We were on the trail next to the train, warning bicyclists and runners of the traffic jam ahead during loading and unloading.)

I could not have done a longer shift; as it was, when we got home Saturday, I staggered around and did a little laundry, and then fell asleep. Yesterday, I was wound up, so I didn't sleep in the afternoon, but I did crash early in the evening, after a lovely hot bath.

OH!! There's a roller rink at the park where we were. I didn't know that, or I'd forgotten. I think I want to go skate! I wonder whether that skill comes back...

I've been practicing doing the half-right thing, which actually led to some of the mess in the bedroom dwindling. It's not gone, but I think if I hadn't reminded myself, it would still all be a huge pile. Instead of a half-pile. ;-) It seems to be rewiring the thing in my head that's confused about time, just a bit.

And now, after a brief bout of freaking out, I'm going to go eat, and then empty the dishwasher. No, I didn't really need to tell anyone that, but I want the record. If you weren't used to the boring you wouldn't be here.

edited several times because I don't make sense

Two interesting bits of info from Nielsen. One from last month noted that TV viewing hours are higher than ever in history, even though you wouldn't expect it from the all the constant fretting about declining network ratings. In fact "The average household watched eight hours and 21 minutes a day."

At the same time, the most time-shifted programming on TV is sci-fi heavy whereas the highest rated stuff is sports, reality programming, and the obligatory procedural. This data suggests that many sci-fi viewers (nearly half the audience for the top ten shows) have other things to do while the show is actually on.

And this isn't even counting all the people who watch it through torrents or streaming sites.

And now, a question. Does anyone use water filters in their homes that are either carafes, faucet attachments or counter top filters, and if so what do you use and are you happy with them?

My aunt has given me the wish list for her in the uncle. It is vagueness, so I need suggestions

For Uncle - a Jazz CD - from what I've heard he's more of an instrumental fan, like Wynton Marsalis. He's also willing to try new stuff, so something running in that direction but veering away works.

For Aunt - Merle Haggard or Waylon Jennings CD - I think I'm looking for the latest here, because she doesn't go out of her way to buy music.

and while we're at it

My Mom - she's a fan of the genre that includes Susan Boyle, Celine Dion, Pavarati, Andrea Bocelli, Charlotte Church, Joss Grobin. When last I saw her at Thanksgiving, she was actively seeking the new Susan Boyle CD. Any suggestions - even for another singer in the genre?

My Mother's Husband - M&M fan - seen anything lately that looks cool? He's got tons of collectibles, but I don't think he keeps up on the cutting edge.

***

In other news, it's the middle of December! This is significant because I missed the first two weeks of December. Things are getting back on track now. I received holiday greetings from thebratqueen - thank you! Much like Missy byrne, she made a lovely handmade card. My friends have skilz!

It occurs to me that I should have brought a santa hat along on my summer vacation and in preparation for this time of year. I'm sure I'll find something.

In the meantime, this may just be a sit back and relax kind of day.

Hit the Ground Crawling by jonny_vrm
SPN, NC-17
After Sam pulls Dean out of Hell, Dean stops talking. It takes a week for Sam to convince Dean to open his mouth so Sam can check that his tongue hasn’t been cut out. It takes two weeks for Sam to accept that Dean really isn’t talking. Then it takes a week of silence, the two of them sitting in the Impala like ventriloquist dummies, sitting in motel rooms like human taxidermy, before Sam decides to start talking for the both of them. Intense and powerful in its progression and development. For all that it is au-ish and different, it has a darkly realistic quality to it that is very atmospheric of the show. Fantastic writing and a gripping plot. I, of course, can't *not* mention the heated burn of hot sex.
~long


Eclipse of the Sun by itsthedetails
SPN, NC-17
Prompt: Anything with Sam and Dean in high school and having to hide their obvious EPIC LOVE. Written for a weecest fic swap. All I can think after reading this is Yessss. It makes me want want want for things that can never be.
~short


When Sammy Refused to Sleep by astatine_burn
SPN, PG-13, Gen
John, Sam and Dean move into their first home after Mary. Sam refuses to sleep and John begins to suspect there's something sinister in the house. Oh wow. Ok, so this is not at all my typical thing, but I really really liked it. There are so many tiny details that just click for me. First, it starts off with saying that John and the boys have been on the road for 2 years trying to out run the thing that is after them. I have to tell you that goes a long way with me understanding John as a parent. I have always had one issue with John - that he chose revenge over his sons. (I love John, I'm not character bashing.) But this really makes since to me. That it might not have started as this burning revenge thing -that might have built slowly as he had to run and hide and protect Sam and Dean. It makes me like him *more* to think of it like this. Also, the idea of little Sam having such a hard time settling down in an actual home for any length of time after spending so much of his short life constantly on the move feels really natural to me. I don't know this author, but I think they did a wonderful job of understanding little children. Anyway, its weeSammy and big brother Dean (a little) and daddy John - there are no overly syrupy cute moments, just a snapshot of what life really might have been like for them.
~shortish


The Principal by Emma15
SPN, PG, Gen
WeeDean and WeeSam are called into the Principal's office. And one ore because I can't get enough of them as little boys. And this is really how I see Dean at this age. He's sweet and polite, but you can already see the cocky confidence layered over his worries and insecurities. And Little Sammy - holding on tight to Big Brother but too smart for his own good so he just *has* to tell it all. And the Principal's reaction is pretty much how every woman reacts, and how can they not with those two boys?

Leave a Message at the Tone by estrella30
J2 AU, PG-13
Jensen dials the wrong number and gets Jared (or vice versa) and they end up talking and interested. I cracked up a bit and then I got a syrupy smile cause it was all cute and funny. I love nervous awkward boys that are all anxious - its so cute.


Tomorrow the Green Grass by maerhys
J2 AU, NC-17
Arts High School AU. Jared and Jensen deal with growing up and life with a little help from their friends. I realize this has been rec'd to high heaven, but it really is that good and really does deserve to be again. There's love and sex and friendship and angst and schmoop and family and just all sorts of stuff that any J2 fan will eat up. Add in that maerhys is a really good writer its a win, you know. I read it in the chronological order as a continuous story, but each snapshot does have its own flow and ebb, its own feel and distinctiveness - I think that even adds to the story actually.

Santa’s back! I announced his demise in my last column, but some good elves -- I’m thinking my daughter Charis and her boyfriend -- reconditioned the jolly old elf while I was in Missouri last week. They cleaned his graying beard, replaced his burned out bulb, and removed the wrinkled, unreadable “Ho ho ho” from his hand. When Emily and I arrived home there he was, waving from the front yard: jolly again, cleaned up, and maybe a little tipsy from eggnog.

So, to celebrate, I present you with one of my occasional attempts at poetry. Here’s the story of another time when the Christmas spirit was saved, inspired by my girlfriend’s nickname for me as well as, possibly, too much pasta just before bedtime.



THE MUSTACHE WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS

( You don’t free a mustache, everyone knows – They’re usually led around by the nose. )

I rarely look around YouTube, but when I stumbled over this tonight I suspected many on my cat-loving flist would want to see it as well. A lovely vid of firefighters saving (quite a few) cats from a fire.

gblv has given me Cthulu in a Santa hat vgift for the non-denominational mid-winter celebration -- It's awesome!*

I was neglectful and failed to mention that the first of the Winter cards arrived over the weekend -- media_junkie was first in the mailbox. Well, my mailbox I should have double checked the post marks, because byrne's card arrived from Canada today.

My class is going fairly well. It's VBA for those that are interested. I've done bits of SQL, VBA, BASIC and god help me Fortran over the years -- not to mention programming in MatLab. So there's a lot in common, but I've never done any them long enough to become proficient. I have to say that this is much better than the last intro-VBA class I took. ...well except for those moments that the teacher wanders off on a tangent. So, South Virginians are known for rambling stories of trading professional services with the lawn guy? He also wants to talk about his favorite TV -- Mr. Ed, Dragnet, I Love Lucy. *headdesk* Do they only have TVLand in southern Virginia?

Anyway, I don't have time during class to do important things like read LJ & DW or write. However when he wandered on tangents today I managed to dust, pack away the seasonal decorations, wash dishes and do some general cleaning. The appraisal guy is coming tomorrow.

I should get done early tomorrow, which will give me time to drive back to the area around work. Did I mention that I left my ATM card in the bank machine? It was the night we decided to drive 175 miles to visit Jailboy. No one touched my account and someone kindly turned it into the bank. Unfortunately, I didn't get the message until late on Monday. I called them on Tuesday and let them know that I wouldn't be able to get there until Friday. Good thing I took out enough money, huh? *headdesk*

*sigh* I've got to hit the craft store anyway. I need tacky glue and a bit more felt wouldn't hurt. There's holiday crafting underfoot!



*It wasn't awesome that 'ol HP was a racist, but slimy space monsters that drive you insane are really cool :-D

LOL, ok so this isn't my usual thing. But a friend of mine showed me this and it just made me giggle.

So Sparkly

Stall Out by gospelofus
J2, PG-13
It's time to move on and Jensen's finding it difficult to leave Vancouver. Or Jared. So the first comment left by resqdog51 pretty much sums this up: ...you always write the most confusing shit that ends up making sense. Its kinda pre-slash, something a bit more than just friendship. Its lovely. And while it has a satisfying ending, it really could lead to a longer story that I think would be a great read. Also this line is awesome: Penises have no sense of loyalty. lol
~short


Down the Shore Everything's Alright (When You're in Love With a Texas Boy) by jeyhawk
J2 AU, NC-17
Jensen's a rock star and Jared runs his biggest fan site. When the two of them meet sparks fly, but Jensen's lived his entire life in his closets, is he really ready to step out of it? *meep* I really really sorta loved this. Yes, it's my kinda fic - and I think you all know that that means. But jeyhawk is an old hand at writing good fanfic and this delivers nicely. Schmoop and hot sex and vanilla with the slightest touch of angst and true love winning out - dude, totally a sweet read. Now if we can just get the real Jensen on stage and sweaty enough to toss his shirt out to the audience... *winks*
~sit a spell


Daddy!verse by hay1ock
J2, PG
Jared has to step up to the role of fatherhood. Um, how is Jensen and Jared and a baby *not* totally sweet? Keep clicking at the bottom to get more of these snippets of fatherhood. I think my favorite is 'A Good Daddy Is Always Prepared'. Between Jared thinking that "swimming" after eating might cause cramps and Jared being *in* the kiddy pool - yeah, I totally grinned at that one.
~sit a spell


Mistakes by hay1ock
J2, NC17
An old friend of Jared's is in town but in Jensen's eyes he seems anything but friendly. As a rift starts to grow in the very new relationship between himself and Jared, mistakes are made, truths are distorted and most importantly the trust they shared is broken. Can that trust ever be restored? If you're looking for something with a more angst and bit to it then this might work, this is another of hay1ock's you might try. I certainly enjoyed it.
~long

Title: Ligers and Tigons and Tony, Oh My (3/?)
Author: justhuman justhuman
Written for: spoonyriffic
ncis_ficathonPrompt: Tony/Gibbs - Supernatural (the genre, not the show) - a series of strange killings in DC leave our favorite NCIS team puzzled, and soon it is revealed that there is something more nefarious behind it all. First Time fic. Rating between R or NC-17, whichever is best for the fic.
Archive: Please ask
Genre: teamfic, adventure, romance
Pairings: Gibbs/DiNozzo, mentions of canon pairings and maybe a surprise
Rating: NC-17 overall, PG this section
Disclaimer: CBS and people much richer than me own all this
Word Count: 6425, this part
Summary: While working a case, Tony runs into a problem with potentially deadly consequences. Now it's up to the team to do what they do best and investigate until they find a solution.

A/N: Many thanks to luvinmike and tejas for the beta assistance in this part. As always, all mistakes are mine.
Part 1 - Harvest Moon
Part 2 - After the Harvest Moon

( Part 3 - Hunter's Moon )

I picked up a rec for this from veni_vidi_vids and have to agree that this is one of the best series vids for Queer as Folk I've yet seen. I love the way the various characters get their moments and there's a real feeling of the large ensemble that made up this cast. If you haven't seen it yet, check out Unconditional by dreamrequiem.

Wow, are we having a winter storm here. Barely any snow as of yet but I couldn't sleep this morning from the force of the wind outside rattling the building. It's even distracting me now that I'm awake, and we had to go rescue some of the balcony Christmas stuff already. I'm just really glad I don't have to go catch a bus today.

I've posted the following to sim_studies but also wanted to include it here.( Read more... )

Back from dentist with freshly-filled tooth; it was the last old amalgam, which had been getting looser over time. Still numb. Tried drinking a little coffee, but it's not safe yet (got more on my chin than in my mouth), and I'm currently at the stage where I have to be careful to not bite myself.

( Dentist wasn't so bad. My brain is a strange place. )

So, I've come to realize that I'm a picky bitch when it comes to my Supernatural stories. I don't mean to be, but I am much more rigid in how I see Sam and Dean - or any of the characters from the show - than I am with Jensen and Jared.

I assume that is because while we have a glimpse of their personalities from interviews and conventions, we really don't know *them*. We don't know their heartaches or their true fears or what really makes them giddy with anticipation or how they sleep at night. I guess it is just easier to let the author paint the picture of who the guys are and so long as they follow close to what little we know, it works really well. Or with as with an AU, they can be very different with a decent back story to support it.

But for Sam and Dean - one of the reasons I love the show so much is that we *know* these characters. We know how shitty they grew up, we know what Dean's insecurities are and what deep repression Sam stays in. We know Sam sleeps like some kind of cyborg freak on straight on his back most of the time and that a relaxed Dean roles onto his tummy (managing to look adorable cute and sexy at the same time).

I guess when I read a story it won't work for me if it does not fit within the defined persona set by canon - even if it is AU. With Jensen and Jared's "canon", if you will, it is so small and riddled with holes it is much easier to fill it up as a writer sees fit, but Sam and Dean have a defined nature. At least, in my mind.

So why am I rambling on and on about this crap? Because I'm a dork? Well...ok, yeah, I am. But also because I needed to reason it out in my head - I love Supernatural fic more than RPS fic, actually. But I have posted a LOT more about J2 than Sam/Dean. And...I needed to let myself say that for some reason? What-the-fuck-ever..anyway, here a few Sam/Dean shorts I've read recently and enjoyed.

Love, Peachus

Some Wishes Are Worth Waiting For by runedgirl
SPN, NC-17
Sam and Dean deal with a spirit terrorizing a family just before Christmas, and the family invite them to spend Christmas with them. How do they deal with a full on Christmas with all the trimmings? Beautiful and hot. I thought this was going to be a case-fic, or at least it started out that way. But it isn't. Its about Sam and Dean and missing having someone and finding each other again. And the image of Dean curled over Sam on his knees? Gorgeously sexy.
~short-ish

Eleison by setissma
SPN, PG-13
He wanted to say something. Very short, but touching. There is one line - what Sam says at the very end that really made this for me. In fact, I think it is the driving core of all of Season 4.
~short


Your Latest Barrier Smacked Upside of the Head by hateable
SPN, NC-17
In which Dean gets turned into a girl, permanently, but Sam is still woman enough for the both of them. So the sex is *really* het, but still good because underneath it all Dean is, as Sam sees over and over again, still very much Dean. Nice little genderfuck for your afternoon's enjoyment.
~short-ish

Or so wesleysgirl, flaming_muse, and wolfshark tell me. Thanks for the virtual cookies ladies. I missed the memo the cookies, caused I'd have sent a bunch myself.

I was home today and the rest of the week for an on-line training class. The process is kind of interesting. ( but perhaps not to everyone :-) )

I did get some cleaning in this morning, which is good because the appraisal guys are coming later this week. My mortgage company is going to refinance me down from 6.5% to 5 1/8%, keep me at 25 years, roll the costs into the mortgage and lower my payments - *thumbs up*

-- side note -- I'm watching Doubt. Sister Aloysius, Meyrl Streep, sounds just like my Irish great aunts from the Jersey City area.

Now I will go edit fic.

...and possibly bake cookies :-)

ETA: And by the way, LJ is not delivering comments - at least not my comments. grrrr argh

1) ICONS! On DW: "You can now rename icon keywords and the comments that use that icon will continue to use it -- it will no longer revert to default."

One of the main reasons people need more icon space is so that their old icons don't disappear if they want to add new ones. This is a much needed, great new feature. (There are some nice new features for community maintainers too). Also, DW is running a poll asking people how many icon slots they would like to see offered in the future, so if this matters to you, go vote. Plus, there is another poll about whether you would like to be able to "retire" icons from your icon page. This means that the icons will remain attached to their old appearances in posts and comments, but you won't have them currently available for use, and thus won't have to sort through them on your icon page when you're looking through the batch of icons you currently are actively using.

Just as an aside, it's pretty nifty to have new options spring out of current discussions so quickly. There is a major personal touch in the way DW is run.

2) Reading this Sequential Tart posting that asked "Are Dolls at all culpable for crimes committed by imprints? Do we ever really stop being ourselves? Do our selves really exist at all?" made me think of the latest Castle episode. About partway through I asked Mike, "Doesn't this make you think of Dollhouse?" all the more so due to Marc Blucas' being a guest star. Then, too, the "ice holes" made me think of Stephen Colbert.

3) Speaking of that Sequential Tarts post, there was this line: "As Topher pointed out to Boyd …we're programmed every day, by the media and by our social interactions; does it really matter how the programming is done?" ( Read more... )

Thank you so much, entrenous88 and anonymous person, for the snowflake cookies! They're so pretty, and they made me smile!

Home from the wedding.

Tired.

That is all.

Somehow, I was struck by this plaintive little story in the local paper:

Mason City officials say one person was injured in a fire that apparently started when a shoe placed next to a heat lamp in the top of a fish aquarium overheated.

The fire happened Sunday afternoon at a mobile home. Officials say the fire was contained to the aquarium that was a housing a lizard.

Fire Capt. Richard Paulson says one person was injured and taken to a Mason City hospital. The person’s name was not immediately released.

Paulson says the lizard died in the fire.

Poor lizard. And I can just imagine the kind of living space where a shoe is likely to wind up on top of an aquarium.