Fixpert

Here’s an old animation I created years ago for my (now defunct) portfolio site “Workjones.” Check out the little dot over the “j” when he plants his hand on it.

Certain things in life evoke mixed emotions. Mild amusement, bewilderment, shock…sadness. Such was the case when I stumbled upon Meet an Inmate where “lonely attractive inmates in the USA seek penpals.”

I browsed around for a minute, somewhat astonished. It’s a nice idea, I’m sure many folks in jail would appreciate some contact with the outside world. But, I found it odd that the crimes committed were not listed anywhere, especially because this site is working the dating service angle (lonely attractive inmates). Personally, the crime that put them in jail is relevant information that I’d like before giving out my mailing address and beginning a relationship with them.

Anyway, I felt so weird about it, I figured I should write about it and see what you guys think. Just to be clear, just because you’re in jail doesn’t mean that you’re an evil or dangerous person. I’m sad to say I’ve had several friends wind up in jail (mostly during high school for various stupid, but harmless, things). But there are also some evil scary mo-fo’s in jail too. Anyway, this sites strikes me as somewhat exploitative, since they’re charging money and profiting off the inmates’ loneliness and desperation. Maybe I’m blowing it out of proportion?

What do you think?

Congratulations to my dear friend Dee Dee Winfield, who this past weekend took 1st place in the 2006 US National Cyclocross Championship Women’s Masters 30-34 category, and 4th place in the Women’s Elite race. Doesn’t she look great in the Stars and Stripes?!

You can read more about Dee Dee, aka “Grasshopper” on her team’s web site Team Velo Bela - Kona. And here is some coverage of the Cyclocross National Championships on Cycling News.

Dee Dee just had a baby last year, and has come back from her pregnancy stronger than ever! Dee Dee is having a phenomenal year on the bike. She recently won the Iron Cross, a brutal cyclocross race, that is known for being the longest cyclocross race in the country (something like 40 miles I think?). I should also mention that Iron Cross is in Pennsylvania and has some of the classic (muddy, snowy, friggin’ cold) conditions that are synonymous with cyclocross, as opposed to some of the local Southern California cyclocross that apparently goes down where I live.

She really worked hard for this and we’re all so proud of her! I really admire Dee Dee as a an athlete, as a friend, and I feel lucky to know her and her family (aka, “The Gords”).