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But now locals have learned their favorite term of endearment has been trademarked for commercial use by a local businesswoman, and some are protesting the co-opting of what they say is a "Baltimore thing."

The Ravens' third-year quarterback is sporting a dark beard for the playoffs and says he'll keep it until the Super Bowl, if the Ravens advance that far.

'Really, I usually get it to about a week's length and then I cut it off for the game,' Flacco told reporters in Baltimore. 'But a couple of guys said I should probably try to keep it, and I said, 'All right, why not?''

It's no secret that Towson University offers students a quality education. What people may not know is that the liberal arts university is one of only a handful of higher education institutions in the country that consistently graduate as many white students as black students.

Here's an excerpt:

"In 10 years, according to school data, Towson has raised black graduation rates by 30 points and closed a 14-point gap between blacks and whites. University leaders credit a few simple strategies: admitting students with good grades from strong public high schools, then tracking each student's progress with a network of mentors, counselors and welcome-to-college classes.

"Regardless of your background, there's people here for you who understand what you're going through," said Kenan Herbert, 23, an African American Towson senior from Brooklyn, N.Y."

Read the entire article.

In Old Catonsville, the area's charming eccentricities help new and longtime residents keep falling in love with the area.

Here's an excerpt:

"If you live in Catonsville, you plunk your lawn chair on the main street to reserve your spot for the Fourth of July parade - weeks ahead of the big day. You are loyal to a snowball stand. And, residents say, you try never to leave.

The quirks of this Baltimore County college town, including a profusion of music stores, endear it to its residents. And its location close to the Penn Line of the MARC train and Interstate 95, makes it convenient for both D.C. and Baltimore commuters."

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The system had churned through six superintendents in six years, so Dr. Alonso's priority was to persuade people that things would be different this time. For his changes to work, he needed a lot of support, but that took some convincing.

"The community felt alienated," said Bishop Douglas I. Miles, a pastor at Koinonia Baptist Church and a major sponsor of youth programs in the city. "There was a sense that we weren't wanted except to do bake sales."

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But smart, successful reform in Baltimore or anywhere else doesn't happen without the input and participation of the system's teachers and their union. Dr. Alonso partnered with the community and the Baltimore Teachers Union to achieve sweeping, even groundbreaking changes."

Read the entire response.

Charleston, SC? Austin, TX? San Francisco, CA?

Nope. Try Baltimore.

Baltimore?

Yeah, Baltimore. I just got back from a whirlwind weekend in the Charm City, and fell in love with the setting, the activities, the people, the food, just the feel of the place."

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What happens when you're both father and doctor? NPR tells the tale of a JHU psychologist whose son was diagnosed with autism.

Here's an excerpt:

"When a parent receives a diagnosis that his or her child has a condition with no known cure or treatment, it may be hard to know where to turn � even if the parent is a professional with the expertise to take matters into his own hands.

Dr. Barry Gordon, a neurologist and an experimental psychologist at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, faced the challenge of both treating and studying his son's condition. And in doing so, he pushed the limits of scientific research � and parental devotion."

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Listen to the story.

This is the problem that keeps Freeman Hrabowski awake at night. Mr. Hrabowski, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, led the committee that produced "Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation," an eye-opening study issued by the National Academies, the country's leading science advisory group."

Read the entire op-ed.