A wide ranging commentary and dialogue on the media, politics, today's headlines and the popular culture. Always fresh and new every day! Now celebrating our second decade and more than twenty million page views. Nationally recognized, widely quoted, newsworthy, noteworthy.
Monday, June 30, 2025
One Big Beautiful Bill: Know The Truth!
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No Name Pops Is Now The Philly Pops!
New Name For A Treasured Philly Gem!

It’s a new day for one of Philadelphia’s most iconic musical legacies. On July 1, The No Name Pops is reborn as the Philly Pops.
After two transformative years as The No Name Pops, the fiercely independent orchestra formed by the musicians of the former Philly Pops, is officially stepping into a bold new chapter. The ensemble is embracing a familiar name, launching a dynamic new brand, and premiering a new Music Director, 34 year-old Australian Chris Dragon, with a bold vision for the future.
Gifted the name by the family of legendary conductor and pianist Peter Nero, the revitalized Philly Pops is not a return of the old organization—it’s a rebirth. With new leadership, new governance, new partnerships, and a forward-thinking, musician and patron-centric philosophy, the Philly Pops of today is gritty, bold, and unmistakably Philly.
As part of this historic transition, the Pops unveils a new logo and brand identity brought to life by Masters Group Design, reflecting a future that’s vibrant, diverse, and unapologetically audience-driven. The launch campaign is appropriately titled “Philly Pops: [re]Born to Perform.” It includes a logo containing a piano-like image (in respect for Music Director Emeritus Peter Nero) with bold, whimsical letters, celebrating the orchestra’s roots while signaling an innovative path forward.
At the center of this rebirth is Chris Dragon, the internationally acclaimed conductor who takes the helm as Music Director on July 1. Known for his electric energy and genre-defying artistry, Dragon is ready to lead Philly’s most fearless musicians into a new era. “This is about building something lasting — something open, something created by the musicians, for this community,” said Dragon. “We’re not looking backward. We’re looking right at Philly’s future, filled with vitality, joy and heart."
A Real Philly Story
Founded in 2023 after the former Philly Pops ceased operations, the new organization quickly found its footing under the name, The No Name Pops. In just two short years, the ensemble performed on stages, and in schools, parks, and neighborhoods, connecting with people and communities across the region. At the core of the organization are the musicians themselves, who embody the Pops in everything they do.
Jonathan Fink, one of the founding musicians of the No Name Pops, who serves as Vice President of the Board, couldn’t be more pleased about the future of their orchestra. He said, “The most gratifying part for me has been getting back to performing with our musicians. I am so proud of our new board and that it’s musician-friendly and financially responsible. We are truly creating something. Playing on July 3rd will be a homecoming of sorts for us. I can't wait to do that show again!”
And Michael Kellerman, President of the Board of Directors, is equally thrilled with the Pops’ rebirth, saying “"Reimagining this beloved musical tradition with fresh purpose has been a dream challenge. Our extraordinary musicians, passionate audience, and this great city and region inspire us daily—creating a virtuous cycle that propels us forward as we proudly reinvigorate the Philly Pops name, deepen our presence in the community, and bring new experiences to life."
Whether playing pop, soul, jazz, classical, hip-hop, or film scores, the Philly Pops makes music that brings people together and gets them out of their seats. It believes that orchestral music belongs to everyone, a belief that powers every performance and every decision. From offering free tickets to students and families, to curating diverse and inclusive programming, to lifting up Philly talent on every stage—this is music with purpose.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to say: we’re coming home,” says Executive Director Matt Koveal. “Today we officially reclaim the name that has always been ours in spirit, the Philly Pops. This isn’t just a name change, it’s a return to our roots, legacy, and our continued deep connection to the city we love.”
About Chris Dragon: Chris Dragon’s career has been a whirlwind of innovation and energy. Growing up in Perth, Australia, he quickly developed a passion for music and conducting. He honed his skills at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts and the University of Tasmania, before going on to create his own orchestra and earn a spot in the Symphony Services International Conducting Development Program. Dragon has studied with legendary conductors such as Paavo Järvi, Neeme Järvi, and Fabio Luisi, and has worked with some of the most prestigious orchestras in the world.
As the Resident Conductor of the Colorado Symphony, the newly appointed Music Director of the Greensboro Symphony, and Music Director of the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra, Dragon’s high-energy performances have dazzled audiences at renowned venues across the globe. He has also collaborated with such iconic artists as Wu-Tang Clan, Joshua Bell, Cynthia Erivo, Ben Folds, Boyz II Men, and Danny Elfman. His guest-conducting engagements include appearances with the San Francisco Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, and Sydney Symphony, with upcoming performances with the Nashville Symphony and Los Angeles Philharmonic. Recent highlights include his debut with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center and performances with Nathaniel Rateliff at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
About The Philly Pops: The Liberty Bell Pops, founded in 2023, dba originally as The No Name Pops and now as Philly Pops, is a versatile ensemble composed of the former musicians of the pre-2023 Philly Pops with a mission to respect the legacy of Music Director Emeritus Peter Nero and deliver authentic, exceptional musical experiences in the Philadelphia region. Led by its new Music Director Christopher Dragon and featuring world-class soloists, the Pops continues to captivate audiences with its vibrant and diverse repertoire. It melds tradition with an innovative approach unbound by musical genre for concert experiences that entertain and empower the entire community. For more about The Philly Pops, visit phillypops.net.
Liberty Bell Pops, dba The Philly Pops, has no affiliation either legally or artistically with Encore Series, Inc., the management company of the former Philly Pops.
NJ Dems Approve Tax Hikes, Bloated Budget!
Following New Jersey Democrats’ passage of a massive $58.8 billion budget, Republican State Leadership Committee Communications Director Mason Di Palma released the following statement:
“New Jersey residents are frustrated with the high cost of living and the continuous onslaught of new taxes and regulations that burden working-class families. Tonight, Trenton Democrats pushed through a nearly $60 billion budget filled with new taxes and increased spending, showing indifference to the challenges faced by residents of the Garden State. New Jersey deserves leadership that prioritizes affordability and addresses the concerns of its people. State Republicans are committed to slashing taxes, axing regulations, and fighting for a better future for all New Jerseyans.” – RSLC Communications Director Mason Di Palma
Background
New Jersey Democrats' budget contains some jaw-dropping figures:
- At $58.8 billion, it is the largest budget in state history
- The budget is over $2 billion higher than the fiscal year 2025 budget
- Increased taxes on online gambling, sports betting, cigarettes, and more
- Increased fees on property sales
Sunday, June 29, 2025
GOP Beware: Why The Mamdani Threat Is Real!
It's been said that Republicans fall into line while Democrats fall in love. And Republicans are solidly in line behind President Trump while what's left of the Democrat party now seems to be falling in love with -- Zohran Mamdani!
Who'da thunkit? This guy came out of nowhere, so he'll soon disappear, right? Wrong!
True, Mamdani (a state assemblyman and New York Democrat mayoral nominee) is certifiably fringe. After all, he’s a self-proclaimed socialist and an ardent proponent of radical policies such as rent cancellation, police defunding, and the end of capitalism as we know it. But those who dismiss him do so at their own peril.
You see, Mamdani is not merely an activist who got lucky at the ballot box. He is a symbol, a strategist, and—perhaps most alarmingly—a growing national voice for a radical realignment of American values. Republicans—and all Americans who care about national strength, democratic pluralism, and the U.S.–Israel alliance—had damned well better take Mamdani seriously and view him as a threat.
Remember, Mamdani's not just pushing progressive domestic policies. He’s becoming the face of a movement that seeks to unravel longstanding bipartisan consensus on America’s role in the world, and in doing so, he is giving a slick, social media–friendly platform to radical views that reek of antisemitism.
An Emerging Radical with a Strategy
Sadly, Mamdani appears to be the vanguard of a far-left insurgency that is gaining ground where it often matters most—in local elections, on college campuses, and in the minds of disillusioned younger voters. And his full-throated communistic policies are combined with tactical agility and dogged effectiveness.
Make no mistake about it: Mamdani has the potential to become what Clinton was in his time and Obama in his: the face and the voice of a movement that captures the imagination of a growing generation of voters and translates into a seismic political shift. All the elements are there.
Mamdani speaks with the confidence of a revolutionary and the skill of a modern influencer. His savvy use of Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter has made him not only a legislator, but a cultural force. Mamdani uses memes, music videos, satire, and stylized skits to simplify and glorify radical ideas. He's a master of the well-timed phrase, the potent slogan, the intoxicating grin and the quick, targeted jab at any and all opponents. He’s made policy look cool—and that should deeply concern Republicans and centrists alike.
His Pro-Palestinian Agenda Isn’t Just Controversial—It’s Dangerous
Beneath all the Mamdani charm, danger lurks -- particularly in his rhetoric and activism surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He is perhaps the most outspoken pro-Palestinian voice in New York’s legislature, a state with the largest Jewish population outside of Israel. And his positions regularly cross the line from criticism of Israeli policy into inflammatory, divisive language that echoes longstanding antisemitic tropes.
Mamdani has repeatedly accused Israel of apartheid and ethnic cleansing—rhetoric echoed from Hamas and other terror-supporting organizations. He was one of the most prominent voices behind efforts to defund and dismantle economic partnerships between New York and Israeli institutions, even aligning with groups that openly question Israel’s right to exist.
And he’s done more than make incendiary speeches—he has sponsored and endorsed legislation and policy statements that should leave many Jewish New Yorkers feeling targeted, alienated, and unsafe. His social media presence frequently amplifies accounts and organizations that have defended Hamas, minimized the October 7 massacre, or framed Jewish self-determination as colonialism.
Don't be surprised when Mamadani tries to soften his language and his stance in the coming months as we move toward the general election and, by all means, don't be fooled by it.
Because, for many, this isn’t just politics—it’s personal. His positions contribute to an increasingly hostile atmosphere for Jewish students, business owners, and families who find themselves vilified for supporting Israel while at the same time hate crimes against Jews increase across the country. Frighteningly, Mamdani's been getting away with all this -- so much so that, incredibly, he even boasts pockets of support within the Jewish community itself.
Antisemitism in a New Cloak
What makes Mamdani particularly dangerous is that he cloaks his antisemitism in the fashionable language of “anti-colonialism” and “human rights.” Believe it or not, this academic rebranding of age-old prejudices has gained traction among Gen Z voters, many of whom do not have the historical literacy to recognize what’s really being sold to them.
To be clear: legitimate criticism of Israel is not, in and of itself, antisemitism. But Mamdani consistently crosses that line—erasing Israeli lives and legitimacy while defending or excusing the violence of groups who openly call for Jewish destruction. And not just the left but now even the Democrat establishment, has largely given him a pass. Why? Because his style, savvy, and performative moralism give him cover and it's all cloaked in the slick, passionate "newness" that Democrats have always craved.
A Growing Threat to Bipartisanship
Think about it: for generations, support for Israel and condemnation of terrorism transcended party lines. But now Mamdani and those in his ideological sphere are effectively chipping away at that consensus. They are replacing it with a worldview in which America is always the oppressor, Israel is always the villain, and terrorism is rationalized as “resistance.”
That view is gaining traction not just in activist circles but increasingly within the leadership class of the Democratic Party where few if any are willing to challenge Mamdani. If his momentum continues unchecked, make no mistake about it, this then is the new foreign policy platform—and domestic agenda— of the Democrat Party
Republicans: Take the Threat Seriously
This isn’t about one assemblyman in Queens. It’s about about a man who's poised to become Mayor of one of the world's center of capitalism. It's about a rising ideology that’s taking hold, using slick tools, compelling moral narratives, and a deep resentment of American and Western institutions. In our instant gratification, media saturated age Mamdani is winning hearts and minds with his camera-ready charisma and his ability to boil complex issues into viral clips.
The Republican Party must respond not with mockery but with strategy. First, by exposing the double standards and toxic alliances behind Mamdani’s rhetoric. Second, by fighting back with a modern conservative vision that speaks to young voters’ desire for meaning, justice, and purpose—without sacrificing core GOP principles and values.
And we must also refuse to cede the digital battlefield. Mamdani and his peers are fluent in the languages of memes, aesthetics, and algorithmic warfare. Republicans have made great strides in this realm, particularly under President Trump but we've got to be even more nimble, more adaptable and redouble our efforts in this terrain—because that’s where the next generation is forming its worldview.
The Bottom Line
Mamdani may seem like a curiosity to some. But he’s not. He’s a warning. His blend of radical ideology, antisemitic rhetoric and social media fluency makes him a national figure to watch—and a threat to counter. Because if his movement continues to grow unchecked, America as we know it will be lost.




