The problem of kids working in dangerous slaughterhouses continues to be a concern as the Labor Department announced its third agreement this week with a company in the industry agreeing to pay a penalty and reform its practices to help ensure it wont hire underage workers again.On Thursday, the Department said investigators found that another slaughterhouse cleaning company called QSI had employed 54 children at 13 meatpacking plants in eight states on overnight shifts sanitizing the industrial carving and slicing machines companies use to produce beef and chicken between 2021 and 2024. This is at least the fourth example of one of these cleaning contractors being caught employing kids in the last two-and-a-half years. QSI will pay a $400,000 penalty.QSI disputes the way the Department describes the problem and points out that investigators werent able to find any current juvenile workers and didnt require a formal court agreement with ongoing monitoring like they did a couple years ago with the most egregious offender: thePSSI cleaning companythat ultimately paid more than $1.5 million and agreed to changes.Earlier this week, Perdue Farmsagreed to pay$4 million after children were found working at one of its chicken processing plants in Virginia. One day earlier, meatpacking giant JBS Foods also agreed to pay $4 million and make changes to try to keep kids from getting jobs at its plants.All three of these announcements come just days before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, but they follow a number of other child labor investigations in the meatpacking industry in the past few years. To Debbie Berkowitz, who was a top OSHA official in the Obama administration, the flurry of announcements this week helps solidify the Biden administrations legacy of trying to stamp out child labor in this very dangerous meat and poultry industry while putting the new administration on notice.Youre just going to have to keep an eye on whether this administration decides to make a total U-turn and say, its okay for children to be exploited in these dangerous industries and get injured and die and have their futures robbed, said Berkowitz, who is now a fellow at Georgetown University focused on labor issues.Whats the problem?Its against the law for anyone under the age of 18 to work at a dangerous job like a meatpacking plant, but ever since the PSSI investigation was announced in the fall of 2022 investigators keep finding more examples of it. Over the past fiscal year the department found more than 4,000 children in all industries employed in violation of federal child labor laws.That PSSI case got started after one 13-year-old suffered a serious chemical burn from the caustic chemicals used to clean the JBS plant in Grand Island, Nebraska, every night. But then investigators found more and more examples of PSSI employing children.That prompted additional investigations and abroad callfor the meatpacking industry to tighten up its hiring practices to make sure kids dont get hired. Sometimes the major meat companies, like JBS, Tyson Foods, Cargill, and Smithfield Foods, have pointed to contractors as the ones with hiring problems, but officials maintain that the big companies are responsible for all their contractors taking appropriate precautions.The Department of Labor is determined to stop our nations children from being endangered in jobs for which they should never be hired and to leverage our enforcement work to affect industries, said Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda.Some of the settlements included a Mississippi processing plant, Mar-Jac Poultry, that paid a$165,000 penaltyfollowingthe death of a 16-year-old boy. In May 2023, a Tennessee-based sanitation company, Fayette Janitorial Service LLC,agreed to pay nearly $650,000in civil penalties after a federal investigation found it illegally hired at least two dozen children to clean dangerous meat processing facilities in Iowa and Virginia.In addition to the federal investigations some states got involved. Last fall, Smithfield Foods, one of the nations largest meat processors,agreed to pay$2 million to resolve allegations of child labor violations at a plant in Minnesota,Whats new?The Labor Department said that QSI, which is based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as part of a company called the Vincit Group, employed children on overnight shifts at 13 meat processing plants in Collinsville, Alabama; Livingston, California; Harbeson and Georgetown, Delaware; Milford, Indiana; Ottumwa, Iowa; Canton and Winesburg, Ohio; Shelbyville and Morristown, Tennessee; and Temperanceville, Virginia. The Department didnt name the companies that own those plants.QSI spokesman Dan Scorpio said he doesnt believe thats accurate because investigators didnt provide details of the violations the company could verify. QSI has a zero-tolerance policy for any employment of underage workers, he said. We have taken extensive steps over the last two and a half years to strengthen our hiring and compliance practices as we continue to serve our customers with integrity and excellence.Perdue was employing children at a Virginia plant using dangerous knives and other tools to slaughter chicken.The JBS agreement didnt include a finding that children were working directly for that company, but there have been examples at its plants.The Department of Labor has made clear that too often, companies look the other way and claim that their staffing agency, or their subcontractor or supplier is responsible. But everyone has a responsibility to keep childrenour most vulnerable workerssafe, the Department said.What is being done?The Labor Department has more than 1,000 open child labor investigations it is pursuing. And every one of these settlements includes a set of standards for hiring practices that the Labor Department believes will help keep kids from getting hired.That includes steps like training all managers about how to spot underage applicants and avoid hiring them. False identification documents continue to be a problem. Companies are also expected to require all of their subcontractors to take precautions.Companies are also expected to set up hotlines where people can report any child labor concerns. And the Labor Department expects them to maintain accurate records of all their employees including their birth dates and work they do.And companies should discipline anyone who does hire children in violation of labor laws.___This story has been corrected to show that Berkowitz works at Georgetown University, not George Washington University.Josh Funk, Associated Press

Our latest lookbook showcases kitchens that incorporate blue hues in unexpected and striking ways, transforming the heart of the home into a vibrant statement. From terrazzo-inspired countertops to floor tiling, the kitchens featured in this lookbook go beyond traditional uses of the colour blue.Whether it's paired with gold accents, timber details or other colours, here are eight kitchens that redefine how shades of blue can be used to bring personality and character to the home.This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen's archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring earthy finishes, listening bars and bathrooms with sculptural stone sinks.Photo by Sean DavidsonHudson Heights Apartment, USA, by Ideas of OrderNew York architecture studio Ideas of Order injected this 1,000-square-foot apartment at the northern tip of Manhattan with bright hues, creating distinct identities for each area of the home.Periwinkle blue and raspberry purple cabinets define the kitchen, which also features an aluminium backsplash and matching panels above.Find out more about Hudson Heights Apartment Photo is courtesy of Surman WestonMakepeace Mansions Apartment, UK, by Surman WestonDrawing from the nearby art deco tube stations, architecture studio Surman Weston decorated this apartment with bespoke elements and curved shapes that were synonymous with the art deco period.The turquoise blue kitchen countertops were inlaid with timber chips of varying sizes to create a terrazzo-like finish, complemented by the oakwood fluted panels and circular brass handles of the cupboards.Find out more about Makepeace Mansions Apartment Photo by Jacob MilliganJewellery Box, UK, by Michael Collins ArchitectsAptly named Jewellery Box, this two-storey home extension and renovation by Hertfordshire studio Michael Collins Architects features a vibrant textured interior that contrasts its subdued exterior.The kitchen's Inchyra Blue cabinets and surfaces were paired with gold backsplashes and door handles, creating an unexpected interplay of colour and material.Find out more about Jewellery Box Photo by Sam FrostCasa Mallorca, USA, by Rob DiazDark blue-green stone counters and a matching backsplash stand out from the wood-dominated kitchen of Casa Mallorca, the self-designed Los Angeles home of Rob Diaz.Inspired by Mallorcan villas, the house was designed to bring the outdoors in through the use of earth-toned surfaces and natural materials.Find out more about Casa Mallorca Photo by Ypsilon Business PhotographyLamat House, Belgium, by Objekt ArchitectenBelgian studio Objekt Architecten updated this traditional red-brick home with a contemporary interior that features a double-height living area at the rear of the house.The kitchen was outfitted entirely in blue, with matching pale blue cabinetry, worktops and floor tiles that extend to the tropical planter dividing the kitchen from the dining room.Find out more about Lamat House Photo by Ruth Maria MurphyLovers Walk, Ireland, by Kingston Lafferty DesignDublin studio Kingston Lafferty Design drew inspiration from the work of designer Verner Panton for the 1970s-style interiors of this family home in Cork.A seafoam blue ceiling adds an unexpected pop of colour to this red-toned kitchen, where the counter, island and backsplash are finished in veined red quartzite.Find out more about Lovers Walk Photo by Jos HeviaPSM21 House, Spain, by Ral Snchez ArchitectsSpanish studio Ral Snchez Architects merged two separate apartments into one home by adding an interior staircase and incorporating colourful details.At the heart of the space is a blue-painted "kitchen cube", which houses the kitchen, a small storage room and the internal staircase, combining character with functionality.Find out more about PSM21 House Photo by Andy StaggKennington House, UK, by R2 StudioThis narrow 19th-century house was revitalised by London-based architecture studio R2 with a colourful open-plan living space and loft extension offering rooftop views.The kitchen is characterised by its use of primary colours, integrating dark blue cabinets with yellow cabinets and bright red bar stools.Find out more about Kennington House This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen's archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring earthy finishes, listening bars and bathrooms with sculptural stone sinks.The post Eight kitchens that incorporate bold splashes of blue appeared first on Dezeen.

Microsoft Copilot 365 marks the end of an iconic brand.

After President Biden declined to reassure Apple, Google, and Oracle that they wouldnt be fined for giving Americans access to TikTok, the apps hopes now hang on president-elect Trump.

TikTok is set to be blocked in the U.S. after the Supreme Court upheld a law that effectively bans the app. TikTok, a Chinese-owned social media platform, has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers for its national security risks and its ties to China. Sapna Maheshwari, a business reporter for The New York Times, examines the security concerns and the reactions to the news.

MacworldTheres more to AI than just answering basic prompts. Sure, that can save you time, but thats only a fraction of what tools like ChatGPT can do. Dont know how people are getting AI to automate different parts of their job? Check out the ChatGPT and Automation E-Degree for 12 lectures breaking it down into simple steps. Its only $24.99 (reg. $790) when you use code CHAT5OFF at checkout.You know all those little repetitive tasks throughout the day that take up so much time? This course introduces you to 20 new AI tools to help take them off your plate. There are also lessons on AI tools to help improve your communication, streamline data analysis, develop creative solutions to problems, and just make work so much easier to handle.This course has 25 hours of instruction, but theres no rush to complete it. All course materials are yours for life, so the only reason to rush is if youre in a hurry to get AI to write your emails, visualize your data, and so much more.Let AI do the work you dont want to.Get $5 off the ChatGPT and Automation E-Degree, now only $24.99 with code CHAT5OFF.ChatGPT & Automation E-Degree $24.99See DealStackSocial prices subject to change.

On This Day in HistoryOn This Day in 1993, Production Began on This Groundbreaking Movie That Transformed Hollywood ForeverWith Toy Story, computer animation began its rise to dominanceToy Storywas the firstfull-length feature film to be produced entirely with computer animation. PS Photography via Getty ImagesWith a To infinity and beyond! Toy Story captured the hearts of kids and adults alike when it reached theaters in 1995. But when the movie began production on January 19, 1993, its makers didnt know it would rake inand spawn a successful franchise.They did know that they were attempting something groundbreaking: the first full-length feature film to be produced entirely with computer animation.Toy Story was shot entirely on locationin cyberspace, Wireds Burr Snider wrote in 1995.How Toy Story Changed Animation History | Pixar's First CGI Animated MovieWatch on Prior to Toy Story, animated movies were largely hand-drawn. At that point, the contribution of computer animation to feature films was measured in seconds or minutes, wrote a group of Pixar employees in a paper for an international computer conference in 1996.Pixar had put out several computer-animated short films during the 1980s, including Tin Toy, which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film and caught the eye of Walt Disney Pictures. Its plot of toys coming to life also provided the basis for Toy Story. In 1991, Disney made a big bet, signing a deal funding a full-length film from Pixar. Toy Storys creative development phase began that year.They essentially made a commitment to the film before we had all the software ready to do it with, Ed Catmull, then president of Pixar, told Wired. It was nuts when you think about it, but we knew we could do it.Computer animation offered higher visual complexity than hand-drawn animation, from a new 3D style to details like the pattern of the plaid shirt worn by cowboy doll Woody or the precise timing of action hero Buzz Lightyear waving his hand.It was a movie. It was lit, it was dimensional, we had cameras moving around through things. It felt like a movie, Pixar co-founder John Lasseter said in 2015. Yet, they were cartoony, and they were moving like cartoons. They were plastic.The new approach also made animation less time- and labor-intensive. Hand-drawn animation could require up to 30 people to complete one shot. Meanwhile, a team of just 30 total animators completed Toy Storys more than 1,500 shots.Pixars subject matter matched the mediumthe animation style rendered geometric shapes well, but struggled with more organic shapes, making them look plastic. Toys were the perfect central characters.Though Pixar had spent years developing animation tools, still plenty more was left to be figured out on the fly.Id always say, Hey can we do this? Theyd say, No, but lets try, Lasseter told Time magazine in 2015.Despite the technological innovation and ingenuity involved, the Toy Story team didnt want the animation to be the star of the film. Instead, they wanted the story to be the priority.There are more PhDs working on this film than any other in movie history, and yet you dont need to know a thing about technology to love it, Lasseter told Wired.That dedication paid off. Lasseter received a Special Achievement Academy Award for the films technological prowess, and Toy Story also became the first animated feature ever to be nominated for Best Original Screenplay. The movie launched Pixars longstanding commercial success and movies that continued to push the bounds of what was possible in animation.Its the ugliest picture we will ever make, but you dont care because you get wrapped up in the story to this day, Andrew Stanton, who co-wrote Toy Story and many subsequent Pixar films, told Time.Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.Filed Under: Disney, Film, Movies, On This Day in History

TikTok just ran out of tiktoks as the countdown ended for the apps time in the U.S. In the early hours of January 19, the wildly popular short-form video app went dark. The shutdown left me (and millions of other users) in shock as they were greeted with a message saying, Sorry, TikTok isnt available right now or an imagRead More

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How to Bridge Blender to External Image Editing Tools By Michael Bridges on January 19, 2025 Education Michael Bridges shares how you can edit Blender images externally with tools like Krita or Photoshop. Ever wondered if there is an easy way to edit images within Blender Externally using tools such as Photoshop, Krita and GIMP?Discover two methods to edit Blender images externally with tools like Krita or Photoshop. Learn to streamline your workflow and tackle common challenges!In this video, I explore two effective methods for editing Blender images using external software. Blender, while a powerful tool, often lacks the comprehensive image editing features found in dedicated programs like Krita or Photoshop. I demonstrate how to prepare your Blender projects for external editing, including setting up the image paths and preferences to integrate seamlessly with your chosen software.I also discuss potential challenges, such as image path issues and refresh inconsistencies, and provide solutions to keep your workflow smooth. Beyond this, I highlight another approach for exporting 3D viewport images to external editors, detailing the benefits and pitfalls of each method.Are you maximizing Blenders potential by combining it with external tools? Learn how to elevate your projects with these streamlined techniques!