Richmond police are conducting a death investigation in the 1400 block of Minefee Street east of Jefferson Davis Highway in South Richmond.

This all started just before 10pm in the 800 block of Bramwell Road, which is a mile away. Police say a violent attempted robbery at that location led to gunfire and multiple victims were hurt.

Police are still piecing together the rest of this puzzle, but say somehow a car from the scene of that crime would up in this grocery store parking lot–and a dead man was discovered inside

The RTD has more of a timeline and says that the dead man was “possibly one of the robbers” involved in a home invasion and street robbery.

Thanks goes out to Marni from Sneak Attack Media, Ruth from L.A., and Chris the badest manager on tour, for coordinating an interview with rising star Mike NOTAR, who will be opening and performing with Augustana and the Counting Crows this Sunday at the Snagajob (Innsbrook) Pavillion.

You can listen to his song “Matador” or you can check out his page.

Mike NOTAR called in from Canada to talk a bit with me about his experience on the road and getting into the music scene. He’s a talented hip hop MC, but even that seems too limited to describe his talent. He grew up in a family of musicians, but lost his parents all too soon. Spending time watching his father play music, he later went on to study jazz. From the streets to the stage, NOTAR is an example of a man with a “will to win” and a determination to be successful.

SR: You have a unique style that’s influenced by hip hop, jazz, rock, and other influences which reminds me of Aesop Rock, Eminem, Atmosphere, and others, do you draw on some of those artists, or did you come to your sound independently?

NOTAR: “I used to watch my father play in the basement as a kid and other family members, so I was always around music. I try not to listen to rap so I don’t allow it to affect my personal style. I think a lot of rock hip hop sound is generic, but I really like all of the guys you mentioned and I have a lot of respect for them.”

SR: How did you and Adam (Duritz front man and band leader for the Counting Crows) meet and when did you realize something big was gonna happen between the two of you?

NOTAR: “I met Adam through a mutual friend who shared a demo with him… at the time I was still trying to develop my own sound, but by the time Adam and I finished collaborating on the song I wrote called “Stranger,” a song about troops in Iraq, I knew we were going to do something amazing. This song really set the tone for our collaboration.”

SR: There is obviously a very different vibe in your music than the Counting Crows, but after listening to “Stranger” with Adam’s contribution, the blending of your sounds is really pleasant. Most MCs don’t seem to be able to crossover into other types of music as well as you do, how does this work for you?

NOTAR: “It’s taken a lot of time to write great songs … the rest takes care of itself at the end of the day music is music and if you’re making great music everyone can get into it regardless of their musical background.”

SR: If I’m not mistaken, this is your first major road tour, what’s it like for you being on the road bouncing from Canada to Virginia, and everywhere else?

NOTAR: “The routing is beastly and brutal and I thank Chris Tschupp, the tour manager, for keeping it all together. We’re touring in a van and if they told me they need me in France, Italy, or Istanbul, I’d go!

SR: What were some challenges so far being on tour? Successes?

NOTAR: “Well, the first rehearsal with Adam, he handed me a cowbell.” SR: Did you tell him this song needs more cowbell? NOTAR: “No! I had visions of Will Farrell and that’s not how I wanted to start my reputation. I strive on live performances to put on the best show I can. But I’m loving the challenge of being out of my element. We do a lot of cross-over work, for example, during an encore, Adam through me a tambourine and said to just go with it, and we all started jamming out. That’s what’s been great about this tour is the feeling of togetherness and cooperation.”

SR: Richmond has a lot of young people who dream of being famous MCs or hip hop artists in some fashion, what advice can you offer them?

NOTAR: “The will to win kept me motivated … perseverance and persistence . . . If you have a talent and you believe in yourself, you can do it. Like my grandfather used to say, it doesn’t matter what you do, If you’re selling clothes, sell clothes; If you pick up trash; do that and be the best at it. If you show you’re dedicated, success will be around. SR: How much did working the local scene impact your success? NOTAR: Playing out in the scene was hugely important. I used to go and grab mics anywhere I could; breathing it and living it.

Although we didn’t have more time to chat, I have known, met, and worked for enough musicians to say that Mike NOTAR is one of the most down-to-earth and sincere musicians I have ever met. A lot of people let a little fame go to their heads, and Adam Duritz knows well the joys and pitfalls of success so under Adam’s tutelage and given NOTAR’s optimism and committed heart I’m sure we’ll be hearing a lot more from NOTAR in the future.

Finally, I’ve known a lot of teens in Southside Richmond who have either told me or demonstrated their passion for becoming a hip hop artist or MC; NOTAR is an example that to be successful it doesn’t matter what color you are, who your parents are or even if they can’t be there, but what it takes to make it is the heart and spirit of a warrior with unending determination.

Ever wondered what Marmaduke, Scooby Doo, and other Great Danes would be like in person?  Now you can find out at 10AM on the Second Sunday of every month (weather permitting).  RuffHouse Dog Park in Rockwood Park and the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League are hosting Dane Day at the Park!  Come learn about the breed and play with some Danes.

Riding on the wave of Marmaduke fans I was inspired to create a monthly event where people can meet with Great Danes. Ruff House Dog Park and the Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League (MAGDRL) are hosting Dane Day at the Park in hopes of introducing people to the breed and the newly improved dog park.

Hopefully this will give people an opportunity to see what Great Danes are like in person as well as give other Dane owners a chance to play and share stories about their “Gentle Giants’.  MAGDRL will be there with information on available Danes and of course I will be there with Carlton our 10 month old blue Great Dane puppy.  Who knows, you may just fall in love with these regal yet goofy creatures!

We welcome members of the media, press and local photographers.

Ruff House Dog Park in Rockwood Park
3401 Courthouse Road,
Richmond, VA 23236
http://ruffhousedogpark.com/ http://www.magdrl.org/ http://www.meetup.com/Dane-MAGDRLvolunteer/calendar/14004269/

Contact:CharltonDane@comcast.net

See the flyer below for more information about Dane Day at the Park.

The endangerment of children by those we permit to care for our children seems horrendous, but I doubt that there are many parents who have not at some point in their lives carelessly endangered their own children through some moment of “neglect.” I do not mean to excuse anyone for neglect, but I think it is important that we consider the context of the situation. I’d really like to know why two adults who are responsible for handicapped children would not take the five seconds it takes to walk to the back of the bus and check the seats. I’d like to also know how these two will manage to maintain their lives if they are convicted of a felony.

If my perspective offends you, please bare in mind that I am only interested in developing a sense of compassion for those who have erred so foolishly before the public and the media forever abandon and condemn these two people for something that many members of the public may also be guilty of sans public castigation.

If you find yourself looking for good ideas on how to relax this Sunday and celebrate the end of this nearly unbearable heatwave, come hang out with me and thousands of your neighbors at the Counting Crows concert on July 11 at the Snagajob (Innsbrook) Pavillion.

If you’re a fan of Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, and like music ranging from Nirvana to Bruce Springsteen, you’ll love the Counting Crows. This is their second year rockin’ out with “The Traveling Circus and Medicine Show,” which includes Augustana and fusion rap artist NOTAR. Although I wasn’t familiar with Augustana or Notar, after checking out songs from their sites, I have to say these guys are gonna bring down the house! They’re certainly different than the Crows and musical diversity makes for a great concert.

Check back here after the show for pictures from the event and an exclusive interview with the band!!!

The weatherman predicts low 90s and sunshine with temps dropping to upper 60s, so as long as they know what they’re talking about, we can expect it to be a good night for a show. Tickets can be purchased here. Although it means taking a trip across the river, it’s bound to be one you won’t forget! Here’s a little map to the place in case Glen Allen sounds like a foreign country.

All African American Seniors (90+) who grew up in or around Richmond in the early 1900’s are invited to have their personal stories filmed for Richmond African American Oral History Project

Includes all African-Americans born and raised in Richmond and the surrounding areas

(Richmond, Virginia) – The Virginia Commonwealth University Department of African American Studies, in collaboration with the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission, is inviting all African Americans, 90-years of age and above, who were born and raised in Richmond and/or the surrounding area, to participate in a Richmond African American Oral History Project.

For this project, the Virginia Commonwealth University Department of African American Studies will videotape each participant so that future generations will have access to the wealth of knowledge and information contained in their personal stories and experiences.

For the convenience of participants, the filming will be done in the homes of persons interested in participating.  All African Americans, 90-years of age and above, who were born and raised in Richmond and/or the surrounding area, are invited and encouraged to participate in this important history project and to share their story with the world for future generations.

All citizens are invited to tell their family members, neighbors and friends about this project and encourage and assist with their participation.

CONTACT     For More information, please contact Dr. Shawn O. Utsey, Ph.D., Chairman, Virginia Commonwealth University Department of African American Studies, Director, Institute for African American Mental Health Research and Training Editor, Journal of Black Psychology, Associate Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Psychology, at: 804.828.4150 (tel); or soutsey@vcu.edu (email)

Proposal for a Richmond City Jail to be built at the Philip Morris Operations Center site at Bells and Commerce Roads to be discussed

Councilwoman Reva M. Trammell, Southside 8th District, Richmond City Council will hold a meeting in the Southside 8th District. This meeting will include a presentation and discussion regarding a proposal for a Richmond City Jail to be built at the Philip Morris Operations Center site at Bells and Commerce Roads. Councilwoman Trammel personally holds individual monthly meetings that include information on her goals and accomplishments, a thematic agenda, and special guests. The meetings are free and all of Richmond’s Southside 8th District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. The agenda for this meeting will include:

Proposal for a Richmond City Jail to be built at the Philip Morris Operations Center site at Bells and Commerce Roads
Capt. Scott Booth, Commander, Richmond Police Department 2nd Precinct

WHEN             Thursday, 17 June 2010   6:00-8:00 p.m.

WHERE            Satellite Restaurant & Lounge/Crab House

4000 Jefferson-Davis Highway

Richmond, Virginia

WHO               The Honorable Reva M. Trammell, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Southside 8th District

CONTACT      For more information, please contact Councilwoman Trammell, at 804-240-5050 (mobile); or, 233-7382 (home), or via email, at reva.trammell@richmondgov.com

Thanks to Jerome Jackson and the Upsilon Nu Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. in cooperation with the Black History Museum for the following image and report from the official reception of Diluted Loss:

Members of the Upsilon Nu Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc, and the Upsilon Nu Scholarship and Social Action Foundation, Inc. hosted the official opening reception in recognition of the artistic exhibit, “An Officer and A Gentlemen – Selections From the Colonel Charles Young Collection.”  Held at the Black History Museum in downtown Richmond (Jackson Ward), the exhibit features important pictures, a computer information kiosk, and other important artifacts that pay tribute to this great war hero and fellow member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

The Charles Young collection is part of an overall artistic tribute entitled “Diluted Loss” by artist Keith Ramsey.  The overall exhibit details the untold stories of World War II African American soldiers.

The exhibit is being hosted at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, 00 Clay Street Richmond VA from June 4, 2010 through September 18, 2010.  Efforts are underway to include a lecture regarding Colonel Young during the exhibit. Please call the museum for further information.

Coordinators of the event included DeWayne Randolph and Charles Finley from the fraternity and Dr. Maureen Elgersman-Lee, Executive Director, and Mary Lauderdale, Assistant Director of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia

Pictured: Dr. Maureen Elgersman-Lee and Ms. Mary Lauderdale from the Black History Museum and members of Upsilon Nu Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity of Richmond, VA

The Richmond Police Department needs the public’s assistance in identifying the victims of a fatal one-car accident today.

At approximately 2:30 a.m., a 1987 red Toyota pickup truck was westbound in the 5000 block of Warwick Avenue near Alaska Drive.
Three Hispanic males were occupying the vehicle. One died at the scene and the other two were taken to VCU Medical Center with injuries that are considered life threatening.
Little identification was found at the scene so the Department needs the public’s help in identifying the victims so next of kin can be notified.

Anyone with information on the truck or the occupants is asked to call the Hispanic Tip Line at 239-4209 or Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

Diluted Loss illustrates the racism and discrimination that was directed toward African American troops in World War II, both from the United States military as well as Japanese and European troops. The series is mixed media, and was created using organic materials, acrylic and oil paint, snips of news articles and letters from soldiers, and other charred symbols of American liberty.

Ramsey describes the series as “not a pretty picture I painted, but an important one.”  Ramsey considers himself to be a documentarian charged to present the overlooked, historical accounts of African American soldiers through art.

Keith M. Ramsey grew up in Williamsburg, Virginia. The son of an artist, he developed an early affinity for the works of Edward Hopper. Since receiving his degree in Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1998, he has been steadily working toward his artistic vision of images created from influences of experience, introspective thought, and political perspective. His work has been exhibited throughout the Richmond area.  To learn more about Keith M. Ramsey, visit Ramsey’s website: www.kmrfinearts.com or
www.facebook.com/dilutedloss.

For more information, CONTACT: Tracy Baylor, Principal Consultant
804.908.1210 or info@clarkeartconsulting.com, or
The Black History Museum of Virginia, www.blackhistorymuseum.org

Clarke Art Consulting is committed to generating resources that support artists’ creative endeavors, assist with the process of art collecting and promote art appreciation within the minority community and the community at large.

Go to Reid Elementary this Saturday at 9am – 11:30am and help make a difference!

Located at 1301 Whitehead Road, the greenhouse was donated a few years ago by Capital One, if I am not mistaken, and unfortunately was left behind for a few years. Now, thanks to the efforts of Jared Karnes of Re/New Richmond and his partners and partnership with the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority ala John Lewis, the greenhouse is making a comeback.

When I first saw the original photos of the site, the place was covered in weeds and tarps. Now, after several months of hard labor, the place has come back to life and soon will be serving the school and its community again.

So head on down and help plant, get some refreshments, learn about the garden, volunteer, eat fresh organic vegetables and make a difference in your community!

For more information, contact John Lewis

Email: lewisjohn at rbha.org

Phone: (804) 819-4075

Fax: (804) 819-8783

She was found on Dundee Ave near Forest Hill.  She has a tag with a number but its disconnected.

She will most likely be in the pond by now as the person who found her is unable to keep the dog.

Please contact me if you need help recovering your dog.

The Richmond Police Department would like for drivers and citizens to be alert and prepared for the following no parking areas and street closings for this Saturday’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K.

The following streets will be closed on Saturday during the listed time period:

*South 5^th Street between East Byrd and Tredegar streets will be closed from 3 a.m. to 12 p.m.

*Tredegar Street between South 5^th and South 7^th streets will be closed from 3 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Parking will not be allowed on Saturday during the listed time period:

*South 5^th Street between East Byrd and Tredegar streets from 3 a.m. to 12 p.m.

*Tredegar Street between South 5^th and South 7^th streets from 3 a.m. to 12 p.m.

*South. 5^th Street on the west side between Tredegar and East Cary streets from 3 a.m. to 12 p.m.

*South 2^nd Street on the east side between the Lee Bridge and East Cary Street from 3 a.m. to 12 p.m.

*East Cary Street on the south side between South 1^st and South 5^th streets from 3 a.m. to 12 p.m.

*Both sides of Canal Street South 2^nd to South 6^th streets.

Get out there and support this Race for the Cure!

Primarily, the Census Bureau wants to know where people live for various reasons, but perhaps the most important reason to fill out your census or respond to an enumerator is that the data obtained is used to determine allocation of funding. If the government thinks only 3,000 people live in your neighborhood when there are actually 6,000, you can imagine your neighborhood will receive only half of the funding it needs and deserves for infrastructure and various public costs such as schools, hospitals, and roads. Also, these are the numbers that determine how many representatives we will receive.

I did not fill out my census, so I can tell you that an enumerator came to my door and asked me questions which took little more than ten minutes of my time and the most personal question that was asked of me was my name. The enumerator also told me that if they shared any of my personal information with anyone, including the President, that they would be subject to $250,000 in fines and a possible jail term of five years.

I know how much we all love our government and enjoy doing civic duty, but why would you want to shoot yourself in the foot? Take ten minutes out of your day and help improve your community.

Enforcing every law that suits his will rather than that of the public, Cuccinelli’s latest offense, marring the historic Seal of Virginia, is so atrocious that it pushes me beyond my ability to remain silent in the face of ignorance.

I suppose Ken was introduced to sexuality by seeing Barbie naked. That would explain his obvious discomfort with Virtus’ exposed nipple. Perhaps he imagines the seal’s design as a Janet Jackson like wardrobe failure. George Wythe, “the father of American jurisprudence” designed this seal in cooperation with George Mason, which is where Ken got his law degree. Wythe and Mason are certainly rolling in their graves.

We could call Ken the father of American prudence, but he is clearly a pervert. He looks at classical art and sees an exposed breast. He has sexualized a Roman goddess for the sake of continuing his oppressive campaign on sexuality. Shame on you Ken, you dirty little boy.

Imagine if Ken could put his hands on Michaelangelo’s David. I suppose he would either cover the statue’s rather prominent penis with a loin cloth or considering his zealous tyranny over all things sexual (abortion, abstinence, and homosexuality) he would go so far as to sever the member from the statue for the sake of modesty!

So in the spirit of iconoclasm and destruction of all things sacred, I offer you the following image in protest of backwards thinking:

Perhaps it was a year or two ago, but if my memory serves me correctly, the McDonald’s at Southside Plaza was also held up and that attempt was also thwarted by employees.

Do I recommend that you risk your life for a position with minimal wages or for that matter any wages? Absolutely not. But if you’ve got the heart and the opportunity why not be a hero?

You can read the Times-Dispatch report here, but why not go down there and buy one for the employees on you?