Neon

It's been more than three years since Slash Coleman's best friend died, but he can't stop talking about him. Officially, Coleman has talked about Mark Jamison more than 500 times, for 60 minutes at a shot, while performing his one-man show, The Neon Man and Me. THE NEON MAN AND ME / / Slash Coleman will perform the play at midnight July 20; 12:30 p.m. July 22; 9:15 p.m. July 23; 9 p.m. July 27 and 2 p.m. July 29. Performances will be held at Warehouse Arts...

A Harford County laborer accused of attacks on several women near Aberdeen last year was convicted yesterday in the murder of an Elkton woman, ending a trial that foreshadowed possible charges in other killings. Charles Eugene Burns, 35, described by those who knew him as a troubled man who was fascinated with serial killers, did not react as the jury forewoman announced the verdict finding him guilty of first-degree murder in the May 2006 death of Lillian Abramowicz Phelps. Police arrested Burns in June after six prostitutes came forward, alleging he had attacked and sexually assaulted them in remote locations.

When it comes to candlepower, Times Square and "Neon" Deion Sanders have nothing on Shinjuku Station, which seems to be the center of the universe no matter what the hour. Bright tubes of colored light, proclaiming a destination or a product, pierce the night sky at this transportation and commercial hub and make darkness disappear. Business people, shoppers and tourists all hustle under the rainbow of advertising, a light so bright that they barely cast a shadow. Sunglasses would not be out of place, and coming off a 14-hour flight, are the only line of defense.

Muir's Tavern This corner bar is a slice of old-school South Baltimore. Where -- 36 E. Fort Ave. Notable -- Muir's also sells packaged goods. But don't look for any out-of-the-ordinary brands on the shelf. One time we asked for a six-pack of Yuengling, and the bartender told us they don't sell imports. Vibe -- Little, if anything, about this place has changed for decades. There's some Baltimore sports memorabilia on the walls and a reddish-orange neon sign in the window facing the street.

Police Blotter is a sampling of crimes from police reports in Baltimore and Baltimore County. Baltimore Central Assault -- A 51-year-old man was removing groceries and a plastic bag containing live fish from his car near his home in the 2500 block of Eutaw Place about 8 p.m. Thursday when a man attempted to strike him with a hammer. When the victim blocked the blow with the bag containing the fish, he lost his balance and fell onto the icy pavement. No property or money was taken by the assailant, who drove off in a blue van. The victim was not injured.

Neon banner lights Harford sky On a holiday marked by firecrackers, parades and backyard barbecues, David and Nancy Rose sought a unique way to mark the occasion - Old Glory rendered in neon high above their Harford County farm. They built an 8-foot-by-16-foot version of the U.S. flag with neon lights, framed in aluminum and mounted on a radio tower. The creation might be a bit gaudy, but the whole point was to inspire a little sentiment, David Rose said. "Maybe it will get people thinking about all the people we have in military service who are not here to enjoy the Fourth of July," he said.

A well-kept kitchen Need help getting your kitchen organized? The Food Network's new show Kitchen Accomplished surprises viewers with kitchen makeovers each week. For those not lucky enough to be selected, here are some tips to do it yourself: Go through your kitchen and unclutter. If you haven't used an item in a year or two, or the expiration date has passed, get rid of it. Take seldom-used appliances off your counter and tuck them away in an accessible place. Get rid of chipped glasses, cups and plates.

IN THIS far-flung world of sports journalism, your faithful correspondent has always hunted for tales of humble beginnings and humbled endings. And then there is Deion Sanders. I knew him when ... not that he cares. "Sorry, sis. Nothing personal. I only talk on Thursdays," Sanders said yesterday. Ah, to be Prime Timed not once, but twice, during an otherwise plausibly successful reporting career. Some of us were around 15 years ago when "Prime Time" took his show to The Show. Or, rather, took his show to the prelude to The Show.

DON'T CALL this a roster move or a personnel transaction. Call it what it is: A fantasy. The Ravens didn't lure Deion Sanders out of retirement to fill their hole at nickel back. They want him to reprise his star turn as "Prime Time," the electrifying defensive back, wide receiver, punt returner and game-breaker. They don't want a 37-year-old fill-in who hasn't played since December 2000. They want the 27-year-old Sanders who could help them in countless ways to reach the Super Bowl.