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Journalism & Media

As Orioles continue to flail, Ravens set to sail into Buffalo with Super Bowl expectations

Our favorite sports cartoonist Mike Ricigliano has been a recurring cast member for four decades on the local scene. In preparation of another Baltimore vs. Buffalo war, Ricig once again shared his twisted Western New York roots and Orioles heart with Nestor at Koco’s Pub on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour. And how he’d draw up another Super Bowl parade…

Why is Kyle Hamilton so important to Ravens defense and its future?

With the 2025 season about to kickoff, Eric DeCosta and the Baltimore Raves made it very clear about the significance of “safety” Kyle Hamilton for the future of the franchise and the leadership of its defense. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the new $100 million contract and the evolving role and status of the most important chess piece the team has on its emerging defense.

The Bills Mafia fund for Mark Andrews is over $146,624 and you need to meet one of the kids who made it happen

This will be the best story of “Buffalo” week. Last winter, we met Ryan Patota and Nicholas Howard, who began a Go Fund Me page for juvenile diabetes awareness after Mark Andrews’ infamous drop against the Bills and the online bullying began in the aftermath of a tough playoff loss for the Baltimore Ravens. Nestor welcomes the heroic young Patota back onto the show to tell his special journey in life and why you’ll want to help support this aspiring sports journalist’s efforts for Breakthrough. Watch and be inspired!

Bananas and The BMW Championship and a month of sports fun in Baltimore

Sure, Wendy Bronfein is the Chief Brand Officer at Curio Wellness but she’s also a Bananas baseball mom, sponsor of the BMW Championship with a special connection to Caves Valley and loves sports enough to join us on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour to chat with Nestor about when Baltimore comes together to pack ’em in.

David Rubenstein Orioles owner

Dear David Rubenstein: I really believed things were going to be different with “The Next Chapter” of Orioles history – but I was wrong so far

I’m still “under review” and denied media credentials. You’re still under review by every fan of the Baltimore Orioles and every citizen who chipped in $600 million toward your $1.725 billion asset. Be a better person and a better baseball owner than Peter Angelos. Be the noise for truth, accountability and decency. Make “The Next Chapter” a truly inclusive one, David.

No. 16 on #TastyNes Tour & WNST Baltimore 27th Anniversary: Clavel Tacos

For most of our #TastyNes Tour, we’ve been featuring one special dish – our favorite craving item – on most menus at all of these local places we love. But for Day 16 on this journey, there are simply too many tasty tacos to only test one or two at this oasis in the center of Baltimore. When you go to Clavel, get ready to have the best tacos in town and a flavor you’ll savor.

Celebrating 40 years of crab cake love with nice people only (and Koco-nut Shrimp) at Koco’s Pub

The sign on the door says: ONLY NICE PEOPLE ALLOWED! And somehow Marcella Knight and the awesome folks at Koco’s Pub were still nice enough to allow us to celebrate their 40th Anniversary that required some #TastyNes Koconut Shrimp along on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour from the heart of Lauraville with tales of our favorite things to eat in Baltimore along with our favorite Ko-Host, sports cartoonist Ricig.

When the owners of Birdland ask Orioles fans for the next round of funding after a season like this…

When you invite three busy friends and guests onto the Maryland Crab Cake Tour at Costas Inn in Timonium and they all converge simultaneously, you host a candid, spontaneous chat about the realities of a Birdland Insider membership and being a modern Baltimore Orioles customer, fan and an ATM for ownership no matter what happens – on or off the field. A sports editor, a roofer and a duct sucker all walk into a bar with a guy from Dundalk…

Continuing the Kamenetz family name in local politics

Young, motivated and ready to continue his father’s family legacy in Baltimore County, Karson Kamenetz tells Nestor why he’s going to be entering local politics and running for Baltimore County Council at Costas Inn in Timonium on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour.

Shuffling off to Buffalo to begin the March to February

The Baltimore Ravens’ players will get the weekend off and away and then it’s “go” time in Owings Mills. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the final cuts, concerns and where to focus as the Buffalo Bills await next Sunday night for a revenge bowl that will wreck someone’s Monday morning to start the season.

No. 17 on #TastyNes Tour & WNST Baltimore 27th Anniversary: Icy Delights Egg Custard Snowball

We’re all big kids when we get to the front of the snowball line and need to decide on a flavor. When in doubt, always go with egg custard or skylight. And always go to Icy Delights. Trust me: we’ve tried ’em all! People in East Baltimore know. Dundalk born; now shared even on Sundays in various Baltimore County spots. Cool off! And do the marshmallow if you wanna…

Dear Steve Bisciotti: Ask Chad Steele what he thinks I said about Sage so I can tell Ravens fans why I was really exterminated

“What did do you do wrong, Nestor?” “Why would the Ravens throw you out?” “Why are you the only one in the local media whom they’ve thrown out?” “Why have they treated you this way?” “WHAT DID YOU DO WRONG!?!” I am fed up with these questions from Baltimore sports fans so I wrote to the owner because these questions are his to answer. Letters to John Harbaugh and Eric DeCosta are also coming soon.

The lift of getting the real Kyle Bradish back on the bump

Sure, Tuesday was just another shutout loss in another last place season for the Baltimore Orioles but the impressive start of Kyle Bradish weighs heavily in the future of the offseason and the club’s pitching plans for next season. Luke Jones and Nestor praise his first start after Tommy John surgery and discuss the long-term significance of a full and successful return to the rotation.

You went to The Isle of Where?

Our money manager and European summer globetrotter Leonard Raskin comes back from Ireland with a water story and a TT race tale. Touring The Isle of Man and learning U.K. geography before we kick off into Ravens’ football season and the Buffalo Bills.

On all that ails the Baltimore Orioles…

Longtime sports columnist and decorated author John Eisenberg returns to the Maryland Crab Cake Tour at Costas Inn in Timonium to discuss his Bird Tapes of Orioles tales and lore and to discuss the future of Birdland for everyone in Baltimore who loves baseball. Has it really been 30 years since the Cal Ripken 2131 game? Are they in last place again? Where are the fans? Does David Rubenstein know what he is doing? Is Mike Elias the right guy?

No. 18 on #TastyNes Tour & WNST Baltimore 27th Anniversary: Blue Moon Too Cap’N Crunch French Toast

We lived three blocks from Blue Moon Too in Federal Hill for over a decade and it was dangerous. It should be no shocker that the peanutty, crunchy, brunchy, fruity whipped deliciousness of this original concoction has brought foodies in from everywhere. But, yeah, it’s as decadently delightful as it ever was and worth the wait if you have to on Light Street. (Sometimes we even bring our own maple syrup!)

For the Ravens, is it zero tolerance – or just zero accountability?

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh indicated that the future of the kicking position in Baltimore would be based on football, not the NFL investigation into the 16 women who have alleged improprieties during massage sessions with Justin Tucker. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the ongoing saga and the team’s eschewing of a “zero tolerance” policy when drafting edge rusher Mike Green, who had two sexual assault allegations while in college. Does any of it matter?

brenturban

The final cuts are never really “final” with Ravens revolving roster

Don’t expect a lot of “big” news this week but our WNST Text Service will tell you about a few edge-of-the-roster manuevering of the Baltimore Ravens as the cuts become complete. Let Luke Jones and Nestor help clarify the incredible strength of the overall roster as the team looks to bare down on a pivotal AFC blockbuster to start the campaign in Buffalo on September 7th.

Orioles find a good deal for both sides with Basallo

Is the “risk” real in the case of Samuel Basallo signing an 8-year contract less than eight days into his MLB career? Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the Baltimore Orioles’ first long-term deal of the David Rubenstein era and the philosophy on both sides for future signings.

No. 20 on #TastyNes Tour and WNST Baltimore 27th Anniversary Countdown: The Ugly Pie in Salisbury

Pie, oh my!!! Despite the Ugly name, the pies and pastries here are absolutely beautiful. Put a smile and some deliciousness in your pie hole by skipping the bypass on Route 50 in Salisbury and pick your favorite amongst an amazing assortment of fruits and savories – or try finding one in Ocean City. The Death By Coconut won’t kill ya! As a matter of fact, it’ll make ya feel more alive…

The heady hangover of BMW Championship and golf awesomeness at Caves Valley

If you witnessed either of the two BMW Championship stops at Caves Valley over the past four years, you know what we’re talking about here at Faidley’s on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour. Forest Park golf pro R.J. Sheppard joins Nestor to discuss an amazing weekend of Scottie Scheffler memories and wonder aloud if there are any more PGA memories coming in the future of Baltimore after a pair of big weeks and a great setting here in the north county.

The wave that comes after the Ocean City MACo power conference for Maryland

If you’ve seen our Baltimore Positive threads the past two weeks, you know we were in Ocean City discussing the future of Maryland with key business leaders, politicians and influencers in an sea of conferences, parties, beers and cheer. Bill Cole and Nestor discuss the summer calling of Maryland business to Ocean City and what happens after you meet new people…

Everything stops when Lamar leaves the field…

When Lamar Jackson walks off the practice field, it’s big news in Owings Mills and around the NFL. Turns out, we think this was a lot about a little. But, time will tell. Luke Jones joins Nestor at Faidley’s to preview the Ravens final fake football weekend and edge of roster cuts as Buffalo looms large and soon.

Can Basallo be the big bat Orioles need to win?

As the Elton John and Bernie Taupin of Baltimore sports radio, Luke Jones and Nestor Aparicio are rarely in the same room arguing the future of the Orioles. The Maryland Crab Cake Tour and the #TastyNes 27th WNST Anniversary brought them together at Faidley’s Seafood in Lexington Market to discuss what’s left to look for in a last place baseball team. A look to Basallo, Beavers and the youth movement for Birdland hope after more bad news on Bautista and Rutschman.

Solving issues in District 4 with Councilman Mark Conway

There are plenty of fresh faces in local government and some are even folks who grew up elsewhere and fell in love with Baltimore. City Councilman Mark Conway tells Nestor why he got involved in local politics and what he’s trying to do to lift the 4th District and solve problems.

Councilman Blanchard says affordable housing and a better life in Baltimore brought him here

There are some fresh faces in Baltimore City government. In his first extended visit, Councilman Zac Blanchard tells Nestor the ways his new energy is sponsoring bills aimed at getting more families invested in an affordable, vibrant, safe downtown life by helping housing near downtown in his busy 11th district, in and around Federal Hill and South Baltimore.

Sweating the Labor of Maryland

The business of Maryland business is jobs and putting people to work in our state. Portia Wu is the Maryland Department of Labor Secretary and joins Nestor to talk economy, the local workforce and the threat of federal cuts on this side of the DMV, where more citizens serve Washington, D.C. than anywhere else.

Adding wings to more flights and heights in Wicomico County

As a Catonsville native who became a school teacher-turned-politician on the Eastern Shore, Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano educates Nestor on how and why Salisbury is flying higher these days and the issues that matter in her growing community on the edge of the beach but still down on the farm.

Adding up the numbers of Maryland Lottery revenue

Every year at the MACo event in Ocean City, John Martin and Seth Elkin of The Maryland Lottery give Nestor a full report and where all of the dough goes through casino and sports wagering and the many streams of revenue and distribution for the state’s gambling agency. It’s more interesting than you think…

Facing I.C.E. and not playing nice with fascists

We always discuss housing and urban development with Councilwoman Odette Ramos but when the I.C.E. folks are randomly targeting Latinos and Trump has taken over Washington D.C. with force, you can expect the only elected Latina in Baltimore City to have a lot of questions for masked federal agents terrorizing our local communities and citizens of color.

Loop putting an extra kick into the preseason prep for Ravens

With one more fake football game left, the Baltimore Ravens don’t have a lot of jobs up for grabs or injuries to report so the big foot of Tyler Loop and the large shoes to fill of the former kicker makes every kick a little more jumpy. Luke Jones and Nestor continue the slog through Ravens training camp and look ahead to preparations for Buffalo on September 7th.

As Orioles continue to flail, Ravens set to sail into Buffalo with Super Bowl expectations

Our favorite sports cartoonist Mike Ricigliano has been a recurring cast member for four decades on the local scene. In preparation of another Baltimore vs. Buffalo war, Ricig once again shared his twisted Western New York roots and Orioles heart with Nestor at Koco’s Pub on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour. And how he’d draw up another Super Bowl parade…

Why is Kyle Hamilton so important to Ravens defense and its future?

With the 2025 season about to kickoff, Eric DeCosta and the Baltimore Raves made it very clear about the significance of “safety” Kyle Hamilton for the future of the franchise and the leadership of its defense. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the new $100 million contract and the evolving role and status of the most important chess piece the team has on its emerging defense.

The Bills Mafia fund for Mark Andrews is over $146,624 and you need to meet one of the kids who made it happen

This will be the best story of “Buffalo” week. Last winter, we met Ryan Patota and Nicholas Howard, who began a Go Fund Me page for juvenile diabetes awareness after Mark Andrews’ infamous drop against the Bills and the online bullying began in the aftermath of a tough playoff loss for the Baltimore Ravens. Nestor welcomes the heroic young Patota back onto the show to tell his special journey in life and why you’ll want to help support this aspiring sports journalist’s efforts for Breakthrough. Watch and be inspired!

Bananas and The BMW Championship and a month of sports fun in Baltimore

Sure, Wendy Bronfein is the Chief Brand Officer at Curio Wellness but she’s also a Bananas baseball mom, sponsor of the BMW Championship with a special connection to Caves Valley and loves sports enough to join us on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour to chat with Nestor about when Baltimore comes together to pack ’em in.

David Rubenstein Orioles owner

Dear David Rubenstein: I really believed things were going to be different with “The Next Chapter” of Orioles history – but I was wrong so far

I’m still “under review” and denied media credentials. You’re still under review by every fan of the Baltimore Orioles and every citizen who chipped in $600 million toward your $1.725 billion asset. Be a better person and a better baseball owner than Peter Angelos. Be the noise for truth, accountability and decency. Make “The Next Chapter” a truly inclusive one, David.

No. 16 on #TastyNes Tour & WNST Baltimore 27th Anniversary: Clavel Tacos

For most of our #TastyNes Tour, we’ve been featuring one special dish – our favorite craving item – on most menus at all of these local places we love. But for Day 16 on this journey, there are simply too many tasty tacos to only test one or two at this oasis in the center of Baltimore. When you go to Clavel, get ready to have the best tacos in town and a flavor you’ll savor.

Celebrating 40 years of crab cake love with nice people only (and Koco-nut Shrimp) at Koco’s Pub

The sign on the door says: ONLY NICE PEOPLE ALLOWED! And somehow Marcella Knight and the awesome folks at Koco’s Pub were still nice enough to allow us to celebrate their 40th Anniversary that required some #TastyNes Koconut Shrimp along on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour from the heart of Lauraville with tales of our favorite things to eat in Baltimore along with our favorite Ko-Host, sports cartoonist Ricig.

When the owners of Birdland ask Orioles fans for the next round of funding after a season like this…

When you invite three busy friends and guests onto the Maryland Crab Cake Tour at Costas Inn in Timonium and they all converge simultaneously, you host a candid, spontaneous chat about the realities of a Birdland Insider membership and being a modern Baltimore Orioles customer, fan and an ATM for ownership no matter what happens – on or off the field. A sports editor, a roofer and a duct sucker all walk into a bar with a guy from Dundalk…

Continuing the Kamenetz family name in local politics

Young, motivated and ready to continue his father’s family legacy in Baltimore County, Karson Kamenetz tells Nestor why he’s going to be entering local politics and running for Baltimore County Council at Costas Inn in Timonium on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour.

Shuffling off to Buffalo to begin the March to February

The Baltimore Ravens’ players will get the weekend off and away and then it’s “go” time in Owings Mills. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the final cuts, concerns and where to focus as the Buffalo Bills await next Sunday night for a revenge bowl that will wreck someone’s Monday morning to start the season.

No. 17 on #TastyNes Tour & WNST Baltimore 27th Anniversary: Icy Delights Egg Custard Snowball

We’re all big kids when we get to the front of the snowball line and need to decide on a flavor. When in doubt, always go with egg custard or skylight. And always go to Icy Delights. Trust me: we’ve tried ’em all! People in East Baltimore know. Dundalk born; now shared even on Sundays in various Baltimore County spots. Cool off! And do the marshmallow if you wanna…

Dear Steve Bisciotti: Ask Chad Steele what he thinks I said about Sage so I can tell Ravens fans why I was really exterminated

“What did do you do wrong, Nestor?” “Why would the Ravens throw you out?” “Why are you the only one in the local media whom they’ve thrown out?” “Why have they treated you this way?” “WHAT DID YOU DO WRONG!?!” I am fed up with these questions from Baltimore sports fans so I wrote to the owner because these questions are his to answer. Letters to John Harbaugh and Eric DeCosta are also coming soon.

The lift of getting the real Kyle Bradish back on the bump

Sure, Tuesday was just another shutout loss in another last place season for the Baltimore Orioles but the impressive start of Kyle Bradish weighs heavily in the future of the offseason and the club’s pitching plans for next season. Luke Jones and Nestor praise his first start after Tommy John surgery and discuss the long-term significance of a full and successful return to the rotation.

You went to The Isle of Where?

Our money manager and European summer globetrotter Leonard Raskin comes back from Ireland with a water story and a TT race tale. Touring The Isle of Man and learning U.K. geography before we kick off into Ravens’ football season and the Buffalo Bills.

On all that ails the Baltimore Orioles…

Longtime sports columnist and decorated author John Eisenberg returns to the Maryland Crab Cake Tour at Costas Inn in Timonium to discuss his Bird Tapes of Orioles tales and lore and to discuss the future of Birdland for everyone in Baltimore who loves baseball. Has it really been 30 years since the Cal Ripken 2131 game? Are they in last place again? Where are the fans? Does David Rubenstein know what he is doing? Is Mike Elias the right guy?

No. 18 on #TastyNes Tour & WNST Baltimore 27th Anniversary: Blue Moon Too Cap’N Crunch French Toast

We lived three blocks from Blue Moon Too in Federal Hill for over a decade and it was dangerous. It should be no shocker that the peanutty, crunchy, brunchy, fruity whipped deliciousness of this original concoction has brought foodies in from everywhere. But, yeah, it’s as decadently delightful as it ever was and worth the wait if you have to on Light Street. (Sometimes we even bring our own maple syrup!)

For the Ravens, is it zero tolerance – or just zero accountability?

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh indicated that the future of the kicking position in Baltimore would be based on football, not the NFL investigation into the 16 women who have alleged improprieties during massage sessions with Justin Tucker. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the ongoing saga and the team’s eschewing of a “zero tolerance” policy when drafting edge rusher Mike Green, who had two sexual assault allegations while in college. Does any of it matter?

brenturban

The final cuts are never really “final” with Ravens revolving roster

Don’t expect a lot of “big” news this week but our WNST Text Service will tell you about a few edge-of-the-roster manuevering of the Baltimore Ravens as the cuts become complete. Let Luke Jones and Nestor help clarify the incredible strength of the overall roster as the team looks to bare down on a pivotal AFC blockbuster to start the campaign in Buffalo on September 7th.

Orioles find a good deal for both sides with Basallo

Is the “risk” real in the case of Samuel Basallo signing an 8-year contract less than eight days into his MLB career? Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the Baltimore Orioles’ first long-term deal of the David Rubenstein era and the philosophy on both sides for future signings.

No. 20 on #TastyNes Tour and WNST Baltimore 27th Anniversary Countdown: The Ugly Pie in Salisbury

Pie, oh my!!! Despite the Ugly name, the pies and pastries here are absolutely beautiful. Put a smile and some deliciousness in your pie hole by skipping the bypass on Route 50 in Salisbury and pick your favorite amongst an amazing assortment of fruits and savories – or try finding one in Ocean City. The Death By Coconut won’t kill ya! As a matter of fact, it’ll make ya feel more alive…

The heady hangover of BMW Championship and golf awesomeness at Caves Valley

If you witnessed either of the two BMW Championship stops at Caves Valley over the past four years, you know what we’re talking about here at Faidley’s on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour. Forest Park golf pro R.J. Sheppard joins Nestor to discuss an amazing weekend of Scottie Scheffler memories and wonder aloud if there are any more PGA memories coming in the future of Baltimore after a pair of big weeks and a great setting here in the north county.

The wave that comes after the Ocean City MACo power conference for Maryland

If you’ve seen our Baltimore Positive threads the past two weeks, you know we were in Ocean City discussing the future of Maryland with key business leaders, politicians and influencers in an sea of conferences, parties, beers and cheer. Bill Cole and Nestor discuss the summer calling of Maryland business to Ocean City and what happens after you meet new people…

Everything stops when Lamar leaves the field…

When Lamar Jackson walks off the practice field, it’s big news in Owings Mills and around the NFL. Turns out, we think this was a lot about a little. But, time will tell. Luke Jones joins Nestor at Faidley’s to preview the Ravens final fake football weekend and edge of roster cuts as Buffalo looms large and soon.

Can Basallo be the big bat Orioles need to win?

As the Elton John and Bernie Taupin of Baltimore sports radio, Luke Jones and Nestor Aparicio are rarely in the same room arguing the future of the Orioles. The Maryland Crab Cake Tour and the #TastyNes 27th WNST Anniversary brought them together at Faidley’s Seafood in Lexington Market to discuss what’s left to look for in a last place baseball team. A look to Basallo, Beavers and the youth movement for Birdland hope after more bad news on Bautista and Rutschman.

Solving issues in District 4 with Councilman Mark Conway

There are plenty of fresh faces in local government and some are even folks who grew up elsewhere and fell in love with Baltimore. City Councilman Mark Conway tells Nestor why he got involved in local politics and what he’s trying to do to lift the 4th District and solve problems.

Councilman Blanchard says affordable housing and a better life in Baltimore brought him here

There are some fresh faces in Baltimore City government. In his first extended visit, Councilman Zac Blanchard tells Nestor the ways his new energy is sponsoring bills aimed at getting more families invested in an affordable, vibrant, safe downtown life by helping housing near downtown in his busy 11th district, in and around Federal Hill and South Baltimore.

Sweating the Labor of Maryland

The business of Maryland business is jobs and putting people to work in our state. Portia Wu is the Maryland Department of Labor Secretary and joins Nestor to talk economy, the local workforce and the threat of federal cuts on this side of the DMV, where more citizens serve Washington, D.C. than anywhere else.

Adding wings to more flights and heights in Wicomico County

As a Catonsville native who became a school teacher-turned-politician on the Eastern Shore, Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano educates Nestor on how and why Salisbury is flying higher these days and the issues that matter in her growing community on the edge of the beach but still down on the farm.

Adding up the numbers of Maryland Lottery revenue

Every year at the MACo event in Ocean City, John Martin and Seth Elkin of The Maryland Lottery give Nestor a full report and where all of the dough goes through casino and sports wagering and the many streams of revenue and distribution for the state’s gambling agency. It’s more interesting than you think…

Facing I.C.E. and not playing nice with fascists

We always discuss housing and urban development with Councilwoman Odette Ramos but when the I.C.E. folks are randomly targeting Latinos and Trump has taken over Washington D.C. with force, you can expect the only elected Latina in Baltimore City to have a lot of questions for masked federal agents terrorizing our local communities and citizens of color.

Loop putting an extra kick into the preseason prep for Ravens

With one more fake football game left, the Baltimore Ravens don’t have a lot of jobs up for grabs or injuries to report so the big foot of Tyler Loop and the large shoes to fill of the former kicker makes every kick a little more jumpy. Luke Jones and Nestor continue the slog through Ravens training camp and look ahead to preparations for Buffalo on September 7th.

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