Latest news with #Mallory
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘She dies with me': Shari Lewis' daughter talks Lamb Chop's final act — including a new TV show and that song that will never end
There's only one Shari Lewis — but there are two Lamb Chops. When the pioneering Emmy-winning television puppeteer died in 1998 at the age of 65, her daughter Mallory Lewis stepped in to take over her signature sheepish sock puppet character, who has been entertaining children and adults since the mid 1950s, when television was still a young medium. That literal hand-off from mother to daughter provides the emotional climax to Lisa D'Apolito's new documentary, Shari & Lamb Chop, opening in theaters on July 18. And it's the one moment in the film that the younger Lewis finds hard to watch. As outlined in the documentary, Mallory was present for her mother's last-ever Lamb Chop performance, which took place on the set of the PBS children's show The Charlie Horse Music Pizza, just after Shari had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Footage from that day is included in the film, and Mallory recalls the moment when she approached Shari, reached for Lamb Chop and said: "I'll take her now." More from Gold Derby 'Eddington': Instant Oscar predictions for Ari Aster's latest Watch 'Superman' crush 'Smurfs' and 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' at the weekend box office "I thought I was hiding what I was feeling," Mallory, now 62, tells Gold Derby now. "But when I look at that video today, it looks like I've just been hit by a truck. I wish I could tell that girl, 'It is going to take a long time, but eventually it'll get better. Oh, and by the way — you're pregnant!'" (Mallory gave birth to her son, James, in 1999.) Mallory waited two years until after Shari's passing to adopt Lamb Chop in earnest. Since then, she has kept the wisecracking character alive with live performances and more recently on social media via TikTok and Instagram. But she's adamant that Lamb Chop won't be handed down to a third generation. "She dies with me," Mallory says matter-of-factly. "Nobody but Mom and I ever put their hand in Lamb Chop and it would be like somebody inappropriately touching my mother — that's the most ladylike way I can phrase that." Rest assured that Lamb Chop and her two puppet friends, Charley Horse and Hush Puppy, will have a permanent home once they enter retirement. Mallory has promised all three characters — along with a selection of their costumes and several of her mother's Emmy statues — at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, which she calls "my most favorite museum ever." (The museum currently has a pop-up exhibition dedicated to Shari Lewis and will host a special screening of Shari & Lamb Chop on Aug. 9.) "I know she'll be well-curated there and well-loved," Mallory says of Lamb Chop's pending afterlife. "Also, my son actually has a life! So for now, I'm just going to try and take really good care of Lamb Chop and myself." In a separate interview with Gold Derby, D'Apolito credits Mallory with extending Lamb Chop's career through her canny use of social media. "Her following on TikTok is growing and growing," the filmmaker notes. "There's a third generation of Lamb Chop fans now, and I think that's pretty cool." Mallory says that she currently has no plans to bring Lamb Chop back to the broadcast airwaves or even to a streaming platform like YouTube as the star of her own series. "YouTube is a platform that really deserves a fully produced show," she explains, adding that she has recently relocated from California to Portugal, where the resources for that kind of production are limited. "There was a time where that would have been everything I wanted, but now it's not. I love performing with Lamb Chop, but I don't want to get caught in that big of a harness." That said, there is a chance that Lamb Chop could become a featured character in someone else's dream TV project. Mallory confirms that she's collaborating with writer Joshua Disney and puppeteer and producer Suzie Vigon on the series Love Sucks, which follows the exploits of a 600-year-old vampire puppet and Florida-based daytime TV host named Mezmeralda Moonlight. Lamb Chop would be the vamp's next door neighbor and hear all about her romantic exploits as Mezmeralda seeks out undying love. "Mezmeralda is back on the apps and dating," Mallory teases, adding that the Love Sucks cast would also include WWE star Brimstone as himself. "Brimstone is Lamb Chop's best friend — she calls him Uncle Brim," she says, laughing. "You can imagine how cute the two of them are together. And Josh's scripts are laugh out loud funny." The 13-episode first season of Love Sucks is currently being shopped around for a buyer, and Mallory says that that she'd book a flight from Portugal back to the U.S. if it gets picked up. "Lamb Chop is in 10 of the 13 episodes, so I would fly in, block-shoot all of my episodes and then get the heck back here! That would be the dream." With Lamb Chop's 70th birthday looming in 2026, we asked Mallory and D'Apolito to share more stories about the character's long career with Shari Lewis — from taking political stands in support of public television to that beloved song that doesn't end. Let's get political While Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop began their collaboration as network television stars on New York's NBC affiliate in the 1950s, their second generation of fans remember them best as staples of PBS children's programming lineup with '90s series like Lamb Chop's Play-Along and Charlie Horse Music Pizza. "PBS believed in her mission of educating children," D'Apolito says of how the association began. "There was always an educational component to her shows, and that's what she was really looking to continue." Throughout its existence, though, public television has been a target for criticism and threats of budget cuts by politicians — particularly those in the Republican party. PBS stars like Fred Rogers and LeVar Burton have appeared before Congress over the decades to speak on the importance of the network's educational programming to children. And Shari joined them when she entered the PBS family, testifying at the U.S. House of Representatives in 1993. In an unfortunate piece of timing, Shari & Lamb Chop is arriving in theaters just as the current Republican-led Congress is poised to make steep cuts to public television with the support of President Donald Trump. D'Apolito says that those headlines serve to make her film — and Shari's life — newly relevant. "She went to Congress several times really mad about the funding cuts at PBS and for children's television," the director notes. "So many kids look to those shows to give them lessons in life and help their creativity. She would definitely be out there fighting now." Mallory agrees that her mother would be on the frontlines right now trying to keep that money in PBS's coffers. "She would be testifying at Congress and doing a press tour about it," emphasizes the younger Lewis, who doesn't shy away from posting political material social media — much to the shock of some followers. "It makes me laugh when people say, 'Your mother would be horrified that you're involved in politics,'" she says. "I'm like, 'Oh, sir, you didn't know my mother.' And by the way, it is always a sir! That's part of the reason why I wanted to do this movie — people didn't know my mother. They knew the nice little lady in overalls who lived in a house that had a red barn. But she was also a businesswoman, a producer, and a woman who wore sexy clothes, did nightclub routines and talked politics." The Henson connection Shari Lewis's televised puppetry predated Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and Sesame Street, and both of those shows are clearly inspired by her work. As part of her pre-production research, D'Apolito says that she found correspondence between Lewis and Rogers and learned through interviews that she had a friendship with Jim Henson as well. While Lamb Chop never made a visit to Rogers's neighborhood, she did drop by Sesame Street in a memorable episode in the early '90s. Asked whether Lewis felt any envy towards Rogers or Henson after their stars eclipsed her own during the '70s and '80s when she struggled to find new TV platforms, the filmmaker says that Shari didn't dwell on what other artists were doing. "She was such a creative person, and always thinking about new puppets and new things that she wanted to do. She used every opportunity to reinvent herself and keep going." Mallory also says that her mother never had any harsh words for Rogers or Henson in their household. "Mom thought that what they both did was absolutely brilliant," she says, while also allowing that she might have kept any jealous feelings locked away. "She never said anything like that out loud. But Mom also had a filter, which is not my greatest strength!" For the record, D'Apolito believes that Lewis' influence lives on in many contemporary children's entertainers, including YouTube-turned-Netflix star Ms. Rachel. "She has a connection with her audience that's very Shari-esque. And you know, Shari was always changing with the times. If she were alive now, she would definitely be on YouTube." Emmy excellence Lewis won 12 Emmy awards during the course of her career, and shares the only mother-daughter Emmy ever awarded to date with Mallory. The duo were recognized — along with the rest of the Lamb Chop's Play-Along writing staff — for Best Writing in a Children's Series at the 1993 Daytime Emmys. Besides her dozen Emmys, Shari also claimed a Peabody Award and a Kennedy Center honor among her many and varied prizes. Many of these awards came later in her life, which Mallory says was a testament to her mother's persistence through the lean years. "She had stayed ready, and was thrilled beyond belief with those awards. She was pissed about dying because she's wasn't done! She was so happy being Shari Lewis." Not surprisingly, D'Apolito hopes that Shari & Lamb Chop will be part of the awards conversation, especially after her previous film — the 2018 Gilda Radner documentary Love, Gilda — was recognized with two Emmy nominations. As Gold Derby has noted, celebrity-themed documentaries have had better luck with Emmy voters than with Oscar voters in recent years. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, I Am: Celine Dion, and Will & Harper are among the films that received Emmy recognition after being passed over by the Academy Awards. That's a trend that D'Apolito has noticed as well. "I loved Super/Man and Will & Harper, so I was a little disappointed that they weren't recognized," the director says. "It seems like [documentaries] about really important issues seem to be recognized. But I love biographical documentaries — the person's story is always the most interesting to me. And in the case of this film, I think anyone who is a performer will understand Shari's story. The essence of any artist is to try to stay relevant, stay working, be creative and be respected for it." The song that almost ended the movie's release We couldn't leave you without one story about Shari and Lamb Chop's signature tune, "The Song That Doesn't End," which served as the closing theme for Lamb Chop's Play-Along. Footage of Shari singing that never-ending anthem plays over the closing credits of Shari & Lamb Chop, but Mallory says that it very nearly didn't make the final cut. "The production company said, 'We can't use that — it's not long enough for the credits,'" she reveals, adding that she and D'Apolito were always in complete agreement that the song had to stay in the picture. "I actually had to refuse to sign off on the movie if they didn't include it! I told my manager, 'This is the hill I will die on.'" The stand-off lasted six weeks until the production company agreed to make room for "The Song That Doesn't End." "With the amount of money that had been invested in the movie, it was going to get released," Mallory says, smiling. "But someone had to give on that point, and it wasn't going to be me! I knew that all of the Lamb Chop's Play-Along kids would want to hear that song." Best of Gold Derby Everything to know about 'The Batman 2': Returning cast, script finalized Tom Cruise movies: 17 greatest films ranked worst to best 'It was wonderful to be on that ride': Christian Slater talks his beloved roles, from cult classics ('Heathers,' 'True Romance') to TV hits ('Mr. Robot,' 'Dexter: Original Sin') Click here to read the full article. Solve the daily Crossword
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Beauty in Black' Season 2: Know about the release date, plot, and more
'Beauty in Black' is back with more drama, secrets, and power moves. After the huge success of Season 1, fans have been eagerly waiting for the next chapter. Now, a popular streamer has officially confirmed the release date for Season 2! Official Confirmation of the Release Date of Season 2 After the huge success of Season 1 which premiered in two parts, with Part 1 released on October 24, 2024, and Part 2 on March 6, 2025, the show is now returning with more suspense, emotions, and intense power shifts. Following this popularity, Netflix has now announced that 'Beauty in Black' Season 2 will also be released in two parts. The first part of Season 2 will premiere on September 11, 2025. This release date confirmation came with the trailer of the show. Plot of 'Beauty In Black' Season 2 will continue from where the first one ended. Kimmie has taken control of the Bellarie empire, but not everyone is happy about it. Characters like Mallory, Olivia (the former wife of the Bellarie patriarch), and Jules (the family's security head) are shown to be resisting her rule. The power struggle within the family will be the main focus. Cast The cast for Season 2 includes many returning actors like Taylor Polidore Williams (Kimmie), Crystle Stewart (Mallory), Amber Reign Smith, Debbi Morgan, Richard Lawson, and several others. These characters played key roles in Season 1 and will continue their stories in the new season. The show will once again be written and directed by Tyler Perry . Format of the Show Format-wise, Part 1 of Season 2 is expected to have a minimum of eight episodes. There is no word as yet on when Part 2 will be released, but it is expected to follow a couple of months later, similar to Season 1. The teaser and the first look have already created enthusiasm among fans.
Buzz Feed
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
27 Cratejoy Subscriptions To Help You Start A New Hobby
A crow befriending box if your FYP is constantly giving you videos of people making the acquaintance of backyard corvids. If you're looking to connect with nature, take up a new birding hobby, or just spend more time in the outdoors, this is the perfect box for your new fave summer activity. Like this TikTok video, and also this one. Promising review: "I ordered the Spoiled Chic box to see what my flock thought, and now I will be a lifelong subscriber! My flock loves the treats! High quality, great customer service, overflowing with products for the money, and even fun little things for the human. 😉 You won't find better elsewhere!" —Mandy $24.99 per box (also available in a 3-month subscription) A witchy box to add a touch of magic to your everyday. From tarot cards and crystals to mugs and candles, you're sure to find lots of new favorites to appeal to your inner Wiccan sensibilities. Promising review: "I received my first box today and love everything in it! The first box is the same for all new customers, regardless of sign-up date. Since there are no reviews, I took a chance on this one since I love all things witchy. My first box includes a house cleansing kit (rose quartz, matchbook, selenite, and sage). A 'witches gonna witch' mug, and a matching sticker. A gorgeous amethyst bracelet. A 'Thick thighs and witch vibes' keychain, which I adore! And a bar of soap from their shop, which is scented with patchouli and sandalwood. The quality of each item is excellent, and I look forward to my next box!" —Mallory $42 per box (also available in 3- and 6-month subscriptions) A mystery society kit that's basically a game in a box for anyone who never got over their Sherlock phase. Whether you want to play alone or with up to four people, you'll want to find your deerstalker and pipe for these standalone mystery boxes. Basically a twofer hobby because you'll also become obsessed with making all your friends and fam members audition to be your Watson. Promising review: "We love these boxes! Many of the boxes are totally different and unique, like '80s-themed, carnival-themed, etc. We have played with two people all the way up to six, and it's always fun. Some of the puzzles are easier if you write directly on the pages; we found that clear page protectors and wet erase markers work perfectly to keep the originals blank! That way we can give the box away when we're done with it." —Leyna $34.99 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A Platterful charcuterie subscription because inside every human is a Hobbit wondering when the next mealtime will be, and with this tasty box, you'll fret no longer! It comes with everything you need to make the perfect girl dinner board, and everyone in your life will appreciate sampling your new charcuterie-building skills. Promising review: 'I am still dreaming about the horseradish mustard in the first box. I loved the Perfect Bite, a pairing I wouldn't think to put together. The value of this box is unbeatable; it was a great snack lunch for a few days after the initial board for two people! 12/10 recommend.' —Shannon $89+ per box (available in two sizes; also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A luxury yarn subscription if you always meant to start knitting or crocheting, but just haven't found the perfect yarn to inspire you to begin. Kickstart your journey with the prettiest, most luxurious yarn around delivered right to your door! Promising review: 'The yarn is always so beautiful, and I like that it's a full-size skein. The attention to detail with the curated extras is always spot on. Such a treat to receive this box each month.' —Nevada $36+ per box (available in four styles; also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) Or a Spinning Hand knitting project to get you back in the swing of an old fave or learn a new hobby. It comes with a full-color printed knitting pattern specially designed for the yarn included, so it's perfect for beginners and it's-been-a-minute enthusiasts alike! Promising reviews: "I would give 10 stars if I could! The projects, the yarn, the packaging, everything was above and beyond! The customer service was exceptional, and I loved everything about this subscription. The positive impact on my mental health was major, and I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea." —Miriam O."My box was beyond wonderful. Beautiful, quality yarn, a nice pattern, lip gloss, bath bomb, tea, and a cute project bag. Also, excellent communication with the Spinning Hand staff. I am already looking forward to my next box!" —VirginiaPrice: $50 per box (available in four styles; also available in 2-, 4-, and 6-month subscriptions) A monthly scrapbooking kit if you want to be better at documenting family history, travels, or anything else you want to put on Actual Real Paper. (It's such a vibe to flip through a scrapbook instead of scrolling through your photo gallery, tbh.) Promising review: 'Beautiful quality papers! I've been receiving these kits for three years. Each collection contains 12 double-sided color-coordinated designer papers and a coordinating sticker sheet. There is a challenge presented online each month...a great way to get inspiration from fellow crafters. The Design Team members also post sample layouts on the Facebook page, providing even more ideas to help create beautiful layouts.' —Nancy Price: $13.98 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A Shaker & Spoon Cocktail Club kit because nobody wants to be stuck in a cocktail rut. This box has everything you need (except liquor and ice) to make 12 drinks, including syrups, bitters, aromatics, garnishes, and more! Cheers to that and to new bubbly hobbies. Promising review: "Wow! I love this box! I'm not much of a cocktail drinker, but this really stepped me out of my comfort zone. I was able to make amazing cocktails and share them with my friends and family. I highly recommend this box to anyone!! It's so much fun and so delicious!" —John $59 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A BloomsyBox flower subscription for the makings of a perfect bouquet delivered right to your door. If you've ever wanted to give flower arranging a shot but don't know where to start, it's time to put the ~pedal~ to the metal and start strong! Plus, all the flowers are picked from sustainable, eco-friendly farms, so it's good for ye olde earth, too. Promising review: "The lovely flowers were packaged beautifully, I can truly recommend these pleasing flower bouquets as excellent gifts that you can rely on for lovely packaging, beauty, and quality!!!" —Wendell $69.99+ per box (available in three sizes; also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A charcoal drawing box for those of us who constantly doodle on grocery lists, work notes, and lunchbox letters, and want to take our sketches to the next level. But there's no drawing experience needed, so it's also the perfect box for beginners looking for a new hobby to become obsessed with. Promising reviews: "I went into this with a very open mind as I am not an artist and wanted to try something new. I started out nervous and thought, at least I would have a good 'nailed it' fail picture to laugh about in the end. The artist is so super talented and a very good instructor, as I was so proud of the results. Even better, the entire experience was so relaxing and positive. What a wonderful box and well worth the cost." —Kathy"This is so much fun. He's so easy to follow. You have everything in the pack to make a great picture. It's totally suitable for framing and something I'm proud to have made." —JenniferPrice: $44.98 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A Spice Madam box if your ideal hobby is trying new foods in new places. With a new destination as the spicy focal point each month, give yourself the gift of culinary sightseeing right from the comfort of your own kitchen! Promising review: 'Do it! I was searching for quick, healthy, international recipes to expand my family's dinner experience and found Spice Madam. This product brings me so much happiness each month. The boxes are thoughtfully and tastefully designed and assembled — the recipes, the spices, the playlist, the packaging — all of it. The recipes I have made are DELICIOUS, and the amount of each spice provided is generous.' —Mary $29.99 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A sourdough starter box, because is there a better hobby than fresh bread straight from the oven? I don't think so. Give yourself the ultimate gift of being known as "that wizard of a bread friend." Price: $15 per box (also available in 3- and 6-month subscriptions) An introvert's retreat book box so you can finally get back on the I Am A Reader hobby train in the sweetest, tastiest way possible: A new book, a sweet treat, and a relaxing bath salt or shower steamer to get you in the mood for an introvert's delightful night in. Promising reviews: "I love the scents that were included in the box. The candle smells so good, and I can tell that the soap and bath salts will be amazing. I ate the popcorn as soon as I opened the box, and it was a great snack for starting the book." —Kendal M."I got this as a gift and it's perfect! The best way to spend a night in is with a good book, a candle, and bath salt soaks. Just what I needed to reset! Highly recommend this for book lovers or those just looking for something different to do one night. It doesn't get any better than this." —Keagan $60 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) Or a thriller plot twist book box for similar vibes, but with a little more edge-of-your-seat action thrown in. (Hey, Siri: Play the James Bond theme.) Promising review: "One of my absolute favorite subscription boxes! Everything is so wonderfully curated, shipping time is superb, and customer service at Plot Twist Parcel is unbeatable." —LisaPrice: $19 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) An Adults & Crafts Crate with a trendy new craft to try out each time. Some teach new skills, and some even make functional products you can use around your home when you're through! (So you can show off your sweet, sweet skills to anyone who enters your place!) Promising review: "I love these craft boxes. Everything is good quality, enjoyable, and clear instructions. A bonus to them is that you can do more than just the one, like the mold for the resin project, or stamps and paint for the tote bags. You can use what you've got with the crafts to make more. I look forward to the next shipment." —Liz $36 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A journal savvy box that will help turn your chaotic thoughts into aesthetic reflections, one washi tape piece at a time. Price: $43.95 per box (also available in 3- and 6-month subscriptions) And a vintage craft supply box if you want to go the junk-journal-route instead. (Or a lovely mishmash of the two: Reflections and maximalism!) Check out this TikTok to get some vintage junk journal inspo!Promising reviews: "I love my first box! I didn't expect this much material for the price. Amazing value. I've never used a lot of these items before, so it's great to get to try new materials. There was so much I had plenty to share with my grandson, so he's got cool Egyptian stickers that no one else in his kindergarten has. I'm so glad I just went for it and signed up for a year at once. Very much looking forward to my next box, and a year of lovely goodies in the mail for my journaling and for sharing with my grandson." —Kerra Q."First box is awesome! Will definitely keep this subscription going. The selection and quality of items are thoughtfully curated. Most assuredly worth more than the cost of the subscription. Thank you." —Jan $37 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A clay creations gift set to release your inner Michelangelo and finally sculpt your pièce de résistance. Whether it's of David, your fave animal, or just an homage to what you ate for breakfast, this kit will have everything you need to fully realize your vision. (And start a new hobby!) Promising review: "Such an incredible gift idea for someone special or even just for yourself! I purchased a subscription as a gift for a friend and will be going back to sign up for myself. These craft boxes are incredible for the price and provide all the materials you need to get crafty and add your own creative flair to each product! Would definitely recommend!" —GracePrice: $69.95 A Magic: The Gathering monthly box because even big imaginations can use a little help sometimes, and why not take up a new hobby that will let you stretch those creative muscles in the most fantastical of directions? Promising review: "I will do this forever." —Eva $34.99 per box (also available in 3- and 6-month subscriptions) Or a Dragon's Hoard D&D crate if you're less about cards and more about dice. Each box includes a set of seven mystery TTRPG dice to get you ready to roll for initiative on your new fave evening activity. Psst. New to tabletop role-playing games? Check with your local indie comic book and gaming stores to see if they have campaigns for newbies! (They'll all be so impressed that you came with dice in hand!) Price: $37.99 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A nature sketch crate that'll have you squinting at leaves like a forest-core scientist with a flair for aesthetics. Each box comes with simple step-by-step instructions so you can have a new watercolor and ink creation each month. Promising reviews: "Lessons are fun and easy to follow. Added perk, I'm learning about how to mix colors and how to get more out of the colors I have." —Kai E. "Fear and anxiety be gone. My previous tries at watercolor have been miserable. Sad even. Now I have these fancy paints, fancy watercolor paper, and the easy lessons, and I am painting! Still need more practice, but coming along. Finally! The ink at the end hides my 'mistakes.' Added bonus: Stephanie is very calm and reassuring. This helps me get much-needed relaxation. I'm learning about nature and painting. Who would have thought I would learn about those at the same time? Amazing." —MackenziePrice: $45 per box (also available in 3- and 6-month subscriptions) A Patio Farmer box to turn your thumbs green and give you the magical ability to grow food in whatever space you have! All items included in this box are suited for growing food in containers, raised beds, or directly in the ground. So whether you've got room for rows and rows of veggies or a small windowsill setup, this box has got your new fave hobby ready to go! Price: $36 per box (also available in a 3-month subscription) A mini jigsaw puzzle monthly box for turning your coffee table into a calm little corner of cozy concentration. Promising reviews: "The puzzle pieces are really small, but it was so much fun putting it together. I am so glad that I subscribed and can't wait for the next one." —Ann H."They're small enough to do almost anywhere. Can redo them over and over again and still takes between 30-45 mins. Good way to relax." —Teresa P. Price: $23.99 per box (also available in 3- and 6-month subscriptions) A paint pouring art box so you can make messy magic without needing a single brushstroke of experience. And gloves and an apron are included, so no fear of turning your clothes and hands into unintentional "art projects." Promising review: "I ordered three months of Chartiers Creek Creative Arts paint pour kits for each of two people, including me. The kits included everything we needed for us novices, including detailed instructions. The two of us worked on our kits together, remotely, via Zoom. What a great time. I only wish I had found these during the pandemic when we were home-bound. What a fun way to stay connected. The seller was great to work with. I can't say enough good things about these kits." —Chris $59.99 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) A wood-burning DIY kit if you want a hobby that's also going to do you a solid come holiday season, because you can make so many cool personalized things with your newly honed skills! Prep your friends and fam now: They're going to be getting FULLY CUSTOM wood signs this year. Promising review: "This is a great way to find a new hobby! Lots of fun!" —Electra $44 A Weekend Warrior box so you can start using a "gone fishing" sign unironically. The box comes with a selection of lures and baits to get your tackle box in tip-top shape! Promising review: "Got this as a Christmas gift. The quality and amount of things I have gotten have been exceptional. Definitely recommend!" —Brady $31.99 (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions) And finally, a cookbook box that will have you excited to make your meal plan for the week because you'll have SO MANY NEW recipes to explore and work your way through! If cooking is something you enjoy or something you want to gain experience in, have a new cookbook arrive on your doorstep to get you kick-started. Promising review: "I have received two shipments of cookbooks, and am over the moon thrilled! What a treat to open these! Highly recommend!" —MelissaPrice: $34.99 per box (also available in 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions)
Japan Forward
12-06-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
Need a Job? Who's a Target for Chinese Spies
On February 6, this notice appeared on a Washington DC job board: Job Opportunities for Recently Laid-Off US Government Employees Wavemax Innovation Co, Ltd The linked advertisement included the following language: As many dedicated public servants are facing job transitions, we are proud to extend a warm invitation to those affected by recent layoffs to explore exciting new career opportunities with us. At Wavemax Innovation Co, Ltd, we value the experience, skills, and commitment that government employees bring to the workforce. We are actively seeking talented professionals with backgrounds in project management, research, technology, communications, policy analysis, etc to join our team. Wavemax Innovation claims to be a Singapore-based company. But according to a May 16 report by Max Lesser, a senior analyst on emerging threats at the Washington-based think tank Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD), it is likely a dummy company. And it is part of a broader network of websites, LinkedIn pages, and job advertisements from fake consulting and headhunting firms used by Chinese intelligence to target former government employees and artificial intelligence researchers worldwide. The US National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) recently warned that foreign intelligence services are posing as recruiters and headhunting firms on professional networking platforms to gather information. And it is hardly a problem limited to the United States. In 2017 German intelligence reported that China used LinkedIn to target at least 10,000 Germans as potential intelligence sources. Thereafter, in 2019 French authorities claimed that more than 4,000 French citizens had been contacted by Chinese operatives via social media. In 2023 British intelligence pegged the number of Britons approached by active Chinese state actors on LinkedIn at 20,000. The situation in Japan is probably not much different. Consider, for example, that nearly 100,000 Japanese are still living in China, although the social media approach likely differs. Aldrich Ames was a CIA analyst who famously sold US secrets to the Soviet Union and Russia. He was convicted of espionage in 1994. (Public domain image) One case is that of Kevin Mallory. He was recruited in 2017 by a Chinese intelligence officer posing as a headhunter on LinkedIn. The former CIA officer, who had fallen $230,000 USD into debt and was late on his mortgage, eventually agreed to spy for China. Later, the FBI and National Counterintelligence and Security Center produced a film ( The Nevernight Connection - FBI ) loosely inspired by the Mallory affair. However, it hardly captures the gravity of his crime. Mallory even gave his Chinese handlers highly classified information about US intelligence officers who were scheduled to go to China. As one of the US attorneys who prosecuted the case put it, "Mallory not only put our country at great risk, but he endangered the lives of specific human assets who put their own safety at risk for our national defense." The Nevernight Connection is a fictional account about a former US intelligence community official who was targeted by a Chinese agent via a professional networking site. It explains how he was recruited to turn over classified information and ended up arrested. Frankly, the plot is rather ludicrous in some respects. For example, the main character ー despite being a former intelligence agent ー is unaware that a foreigner in China cannot access the worldwide Internet without use of a VPN. However, the fact that China's intelligence services have targeted thousands of individuals in the US and other Western nations for recruitment using social networking platforms is certainly no laughing matter. Those targeted include current and former officials, business professionals, academics and researchers. Individuals who agree to spy for China are typically paid through overseas bank transfers, frequently through front companies. American businessman Elon Musk headed the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE. (©AP via Kyodo) According to a report issued by Challenger, Gray & Christmas dated May 1, during the first quarter of 2025, the US Government shed 282,227 jobs. Of those, 281,452 were attributed to DOGE-related cost-cutting. The number was up 680 percent from the same period a year before. Another 75,000 Federal workers accepted buyouts before the February 12 deadline set by DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency). Many of the jobs cut were sensitive positions in intelligence, defense or other fields requiring a security clearance. According to the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC), as of October 2019, over 1.25 million US government employees, contractors and others held top-secret clearances. There have also been multiple media reports that many employees let go by DOGE did not receive the mandatory security exit briefing. However, that exact number is unknown. Experts emphasize that the failure to conduct exit briefings for employees with high-level security clearances is a grave concern for counterintelligence efforts. That is because during these debriefings it is emphasized that after leaving government service the employee must not divulge any confidential information and doing so is a violation of the Espionage Act. Veteran US officials like Mallory or the infamous counterintelligence officer Aldrich Ames who spied for the Soviet Union were willing to sell out their country. Therefore, confused, angry former government employees who suddenly find themselves in dire financial straits could also at least be tempted. In December 2023, the European Intelligence Academy published a research paper by Nicholas Eftimiades, entitled "China's Espionage Recruitment Motivations: Getting Rid of the MICE." Eftimiades is also the author of the book, Chinese Intelligence Operations . He explains the traditional motivations of individuals who spy for a foreign power, namely Money, Ideology, Coercion and Ego, summed up in the acronym MICE. However, in the paper, he argues that the traditional motivations of individuals who spy for a foreign power are not sufficient to explain China's "whole of society" approach towards collecting vast amounts of commercial, scientific and national security information for the PRC. This effort involves several Chinese Communist Party entities, such as the United Work Department. Government ministries, state-owned enterprises and private businesses are also involved. According to Eftimiades "hundreds of thousands of people are available to support these varied intelligence collection efforts." In the paper, Eftimiades proposes a new acronym to account for several added dimensions of complexity when considering motivational factors in Chinese espionage recruitment efforts. That is BEWARE (Business Opportunities, Ethno-Nationalism, Wealth/Money, Academic Advancement, Repression/Coercion and Emotional Bonds). Chinese American historian Shujan Wang was convicted of espionage for China, but he also explained how he got caught in the recruitment process. (Radio Free Asia YouTube, screenshot) The "thousand grains of sand" metaphor has also frequently been used to describe how China spies on other countries. It conjures up an image of spymasters in Beijing running a supercomputer that collates and synthesizes all the intelligence that legions of Chinese spies have collected worldwide. However, that is not how things actually work. Many different parties with their own distinct motivations are involved. They also have a vast range of collection targets. Those include national secrets, commercial and military technology, academic research, intellectual property and trade secrets. When the Ministry of State Security (MSS) is involved, its case officers typically try to win the trust and cooperation of individuals targeted for recruitment. The primary exception is intelligence concerning dissident groups abroad. Those include especially democracy advocates, Falun Gong believers, Taiwan "separatists," Uyghurs and Tibetans. For these individuals, the gloves are off and coercion, appeals to ethno-nationalism and financial rewards are the preferred tools. Eftimiades warns, "If Western law enforcement, intelligence and security agencies are to meet the current challenge posed by Beijing's massive global intelligence program, they will need to start by better understanding recruitment process and motivations." That warning includes Japan. Continues in Part Two: An Offer You Should Definitely Refuse Author: John Carroll
USA Today
12-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Indianapolis Colts' TE Will Mallory building momentum during offseason programs
Indianapolis Colts' TE Will Mallory building momentum during offseason programs Indianapolis Colts' tight end Will Mallory has been building momentum during offseason programs. Indianapolis Colts' tight end Will Mallory has been building momentum during offseason programs as he looks to carve out a more prominent role in his third NFL season. As the Indy Star's Joel Erickson noted in his minicamp takeaways, Mallory has been targeted often, regardless of whether it's Daniel Jones or Riley Leonard at quarterback. "Mallory has been a frequent target of both quarterbacks during the team's offseason workouts, and Leonard hit him three times in four plays to start the second unit's two-minute drill on Sunday," wrote Erickson. "Mallory has a knack for finding holes to sit in coverage, although he doesn't have Warren's ability to run after the catch." This isn't the first we've heard of Mallory this offseason, either. Jake Arthur of Horseshoe Huddle recently highlighted Mallory's performance during OTAs. A fifth-round pick by the Colts in 2023, Mallory's playing time in his first two NFL seasons has been minimal. This includes playing just 93 offensive snaps in 2024 and totaling just eight targets, per PFF. But with Kylen Granson now in Philadelphia, there may be more of an opportunity for Mallory to see the field this season, even with the addition of Tyler Warren. While Warren will certainly impact the passing game, he's also going to be utilized as a blocker quite often as well. And in those instances, in Shane Steichen's offense where 12 personnel is used often, Mallory could be the second tight end on the field, specifically filling that pass-catching role. With Mo Alie-Cox and Drew Ogletree primarily filling blocking roles, Mallory may be best equipped to provide that pass-catching presence to pair with Warren. Of course, the caveat here is that we are still a long ways off from Week 1, and ultimately, what happens during training camp, when the pads come on and the intensity is kicked up several notches, will play a key role in determining what kind of role Mallory has this season. However, with that said, Mallory has laid a strong foundation this offseason, providing himself with a jumping off point heading into the summer.
