I never imagined I'd be doing a series of abortion protest videos in 2022. Back in the early 1990s, the topic of abortion was banned from being a topic in my speech class at IUPUI. People were passionate, but sensitive, around the subject often walking delicately around it. Not since George Floyd had their been such a reaction on the streets of downtown Indianapolis. What started out as a mid-sized abortion rights protest was countered by a small, but vocal group of counter protesters quickly morphed over the next few protests into significantly larger demonstrations downtown. There have since been so many protests that I have been unable to attend them all. Even today, I saw some protestors passing by Giorgio's pizza carrying signs who told me that had just attended a rally at the State House that included an earlier march. It's hard to keep up with a full time, paying, day gig. This video is the first installment of a series of abortion protest videos and was shot the day after the leak from the Supreme Court concerning the judges' decision to hand power back to the states and declare Roe v. Wade overreaching. The protest at hand takes place at the Federal Court House on East Ohio downtown Indy. Stay tuned... There's a whole lot more to come. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIvOHmeMBc

I've seen a lot happening on the streets over the last five years of rolling around. People signing, playing instruments, sporting costumes, yelling, whispering, fighting, loving, having sex, hurting, overdosing, and even dying. Some of them engage, others don't want to be videoed. So on a pretty uneventful couple days of skateboarding around downtown, I was glad to catch a fireman doing a little dance for the camera. People don't always understand why I'm videoing. It took me a little while to fully understand it. I am simply trying to share the sites and sounds I see regularly in a way that people can feel as if they are right there with me on my board. Sometimes, the city offers me a show, but other times, not even a tumbleweed. In the last two weeks, the images I've captured include the mayor, the governor, a fist fight, and that fireman dancing. Without my board, I look like I could be living on the street. A few of the city's homeless even dress better. My long beard and rough around the edges look could also be mistaken for Antifa, especially on the days I wear black. In light of last year's protests, I can understand why some officers and even firemen do not like being recorded. What I saw on that day the fireman danced were police officers and firemen doing their part to help who many believe to be among the least of us. They were responding to a homeless man laying on the ground, like so many I've seen, assisting him with medical care. I thought it was a notable moment worth recording and sharing. The dance added something extra I wasn't expecting. Even though I wasn't making a TikTok video, I got a little show worthy of one. After posting a short clip of the incident, someone tagged the fireman on my Facebook page gave a shout out to the"Fighting 13's" I'll leave him nameless here as he never responded to the tag. But I hope to see him again one day, so I can tell him how much I appreciate his service to the people of Indianapolis. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zPp5Dp8Jfs

... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtV88m-5DXQ

Not quite 3 years back on a board, my feet are quickly starting to become more nimble, but not without mistake that sometimes puts me back into intimate touch with pavement and concrete. Feeling stronger, having overcome most of my injuries and lower back pain, I've spent a lot of time the last few months focused on becoming a better skateboarder developing and dialing in my own super fluid style with heavy focus on Bruce Lee's "no style." The board helps me work through my issues as much as dreaming does. Pushing through my past, my flaws, and even my despair has kept me grounded. Talking to strangers has soothed my soul. The memories I've accumulated over the past few years have been super fuel in reserve that I can still draw power from. The wavelength shooting through my feet all the way up to my brain while I ride has brought balance. The occasional bounce off the pavement, or hood of a taxi, keeps me grounded. Thanks and Godspeed to every single person who ever took time to connect out there. You have done more for me than either you or I know. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9AG5DIbB_8