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Today β€” 5 July 2025Main stream

Pixar's chief creative officer says AI is 'the least impressive blah average of things'

5 July 2025 at 11:06
Pete Docter attends Disney and Pixar's "Elio" at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles on June 10, 2025.
Pete Docter, Pixar's chief creative officer, doesn't think artificial intelligence will fully replace human animators.

LISA O'CONNOR / AFP

  • Pixar's Pete Docter said he doesn't think AI will fully replace humans in animated filmmaking.
  • However, the chief creative director said AI could relieve animators of some "heavy burdens."
  • Last month, Pixar released "Elio," a sci-fi animated film.

Not everyone believes AI spells the end for animators.

Pixar's chief creative officer, Pete Docter, recently said on comedian Mike Birbiglia's "Working It Out" podcast that he was unimpressed with AI so far, calling it "bland."

"AI seems like it is the least impressive blah average of things," he said.

AI is an anxiety-inducing topic in Hollywood. Critics of the technology are concerned that it could eliminate jobs across the entertainment industry. It was one of the reasons unionized writers went on strike for nearly five months in 2023. Those in support of integrating AI, on the other hand, like director James Cameron, believe it could make the filmmaking process more cost-effective.

From Docter's perspective, while he said everyone is "troubled" by AI, he doesn't think it will erase humans from the animated filmmaking process. Pixar's 29th animated feature, "Elio," hit theaters on June 20.

"If you look back in time, the number of hand-drawn animators that were really brilliant was in the dozens," Docter said. "A very small number of people who could draw well enough. Understood the dynamic of movement. Character acting. Had the right sensibilities."

Computers, he said, made animation more accessible, meaning people don't have to be a "brilliant draft person" to be an animator. "I still have to have performance and timing, but one of the heavy lifts has been done by the computer," he said.

Docter said AI, like computers, could alleviate some of the more cumbersome tasks associated with animation.

"I was wondering whether AI will continue to help us lift some of the heavy burdens that we have to carry as an animator and maybe put the focus more on the performance," he said.

Representatives for Disney did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Read the original article on Business Insider

The Kris Jenner-Approved Self-Emptying Vacuum Leaves 'No Crumbs' β€” On Sale

5 July 2025 at 05:15

Has your cleaning schedule taken a backseat to your summer plans? Juggling so much fun in so little time can make it hard to keep your house tidy, especially your floors. So if you’re always on the go, consider snagging this Kris Jenner-approved Shark robot vacuum to stay on top of things while you do, well, anything else.

On her quest for easy, breezy cleanliness, Jenner appeared in a video on Shark Home’s Instagram accountΒ last December. Set in an office, she talked on the phone while the Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty Robot Vacuum went to work, picking up everything from food crumbs to feathers in hard-to-reach areas. β€œAs the kids are saying, β€˜she ate… no crumbs,'” Jenner joked. Right now, you can save up to $275 off the celeb-approved vacuum on Amazon right now.

This self-emptying vacuum will simplify your cleaning routine thanks to powerful cleaning and intuitive design. With clever sensors, the vacuum won’t knock into furniture or appliances that are in its way. Instead, the Shark will move around β€œobstacles” without getting stuck in the process.

Whether there are crumbs, hair or dirt that isn’t visible to the naked eye, this vacuum will get it. In fact, the robotic vacuum will use even more power to suction up the tiniest particles upon sensing them. Plus, this vacuum is smart enough to adjust to different types of flooring.

Along with removing dirt and particles from floors, the robot vacuum features a HEPA filter that removes virtually all the dust, allergens and pet hair in your home. Meanwhile, odor neutralizer gets rid of unpleasant smells from baby spit up or pet accidents, for example.

Amazon Prime Day 2025 Details Are Live β€” PlusΒ Early Deals for Up to 88% Off

Another perk? You can build out a foolproof cleaning plan based on your daily schedule. Want to clean a room with heavy traffic? Schedule a vacuum sesh for a time when no one’s home and the coast is clear. Is there a space you’d like to avoid? There’s a feature that highlights no-go zones.

The PowerDetect automatically empties after each clean and holds up to two months’ worth of debris.

β€œPerfect for dog hair,” one shopper titled their review. β€œThis vacuum is such a step up from the old one,” they said. The shopper raved that the new model β€œdoes better” with detecting cliffs and moving around large objects on hardwood, tile floors and area rugs. According to the shopper, they use it β€œnearly every day.”

β€œI was really skeptical about a robot vacuum and held off for quite some time,” another fan shared. The shopper revealed that they use the vacuum daily due to pets and family members’ allergies. β€œThis guy getting run every day really helps. I have to dust less and I love that it gets under our main couch.”

Don’t wait. Add the Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty Robot Vacuum to your cart while it’s still on sale.

See it! Get the Shark PowerDetect Self-Empty Robot Vacuum on sale for just $525 (originally $800) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Snag more robot vacuum deals here and don’t forget to check out Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds.

Hotel Collection’s Summer Sale Will Make Your Home Smell Like a Luxe Resort

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Β© Photo by Mireya Acierto/Getty Images for amfAR

What's In Store for Selena Gomez and More Famous Cancers This Year?

5 July 2025 at 05:00

With summer in full swing, Cancers have stolen the astrological spotlight β€” and Us turned to world-renowned astrologer Susan Miller to get the forecast for the water sign.

In the latest issue of Us Weekly, on stands now, Miller shared a snapshot of what Cancers β€” including Pamela Anderson β€” can expect this year.

The actress (born July 1, 1967) has a Gemini rising, so she might feel like she’s on the verge of an exciting breakthrough. β€œIt’s going to reach her very soon,” explained Miller, who told Us how Anderson’s fiery Aries moon placement lends to her entrepreneurial spirit. β€œI wouldn’t be surprised if she gets a [business proposal] that really intrigues her.”

Kevin Hart (born July 6, 1979) has the sign of passionate and action-driven Mars in his 10th house β€” a.k.a. the β€œhouse of fame” β€” so his career is β€œsuper important” to him. β€œHe’s going into his Emerald Year,” Miller said, which means success and abundance will continue to follow the comedian. β€œHe’ll just get more and more offers.”

What's In Store for Kelly Clarkson and More Famous Tauruses This Year?

Selena Gomez might also be cashing in. Born July 22, 1992, Gomez has natal Jupiter in her β€œhouse of money” β€” a rare but advantageous placement. β€œI don’t see it that often,” Miller acknowledged. β€œShe’s going to make money her whole life, and she’s going to earn it herself.”

Miller also predicted Gomez could be making more music over the next two years thanks to lucky Jupiter sitting in Leo, starting mid-2026 until mid-2027.

Keep scrolling for a breakdown of Miller’s predictions for Cancer signs in 2025:

What Cancers Are Really Like

Described as β€œsensitive, intuitive and romantic,” the β€œvalentine of the zodiac” is a homebody and mastermind of creating cozy and stylish spaces, Miller told Us. The moon is the fourth astrological sign’s ruling planet, which blesses them with an β€œexquisite capacity for both feeling and expressing a wide range of emotions.”

Added the expert: β€œLike the moon, [Cancers] will always be associated with pure and luminous white β€” their most flattering hue.”

Work and Career

β€œCancers will get the recognition and affirmation that they’re doing great,” Miller shared. If they encounter trials and tribulations while chasing success, she assured Us that they will be ready β€” and even welcoming β€” of any challenge. Plus, Jupiter bestows good fortune. β€œFrom now until June 30, 2026, Jupiter will favor Cancer most. [Plus], when Jupiter is in Cancer, he expresses his most loving qualities, which are then easily absorbed by the Cancer person,” Miller added.

Relationships

β€œThey are going to be so magnetic,” the astrologer shared of the typically β€œshy” sign. Single men and women may encounter a love interest while enjoying vibrant social lives. β€œLove could really blossom in the next 12 months,” she hinted. Already spoken for? This could be a fantastic year to tie the knot!

Astrologer Susan Miller Makes 2025 Predictions for Famous Cancers Like Selena Gomez
Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks. Getty Images (2)

What to Watch For

Miller said Cancers shouldn’t doubt themselves. β€œStop wondering if you made the right decision β€” you did,” she stressed. And although their careers are skyrocketing, it’s important to schedule time for a spontaneous vacation. The astrologer anticipates they β€œwill go to at least one exciting place far away that they didn’t expect.”

A Tale of Two Toms

Tom Cruise (July 3, 1962) and Tom Hanks (July 9, 1956) both have prominent birth chart placements that indicate careers in film and theater. β€œAll Cancers bring emotion,” Miller told Us. β€œThey allow us to feel for the character.” And while Cruise’s moon is in Cancer, Hanks has his in Leo, which also benefits his profession. β€œLeo is the sign of entertainment and acting,” she noted. Miller even predicted they’ll win coveted awards this year!

Β© Getty Images (3)

15 Comfy Shirt Dresses to Look Effortlessly Polished β€” All Under $30

5 July 2025 at 04:45

There’s no easier way to look put-together than by wearing a shirt dress. Shirt dresses combine casual and classy elements, featuring relaxed silhouettes, short sleeves, button details and cooling fabrics that don’t stick or squeeze. In other words, they’re exactly what you want to wear every day during the summer.

Some of the best options we’ve seen are on Amazon, and they’re all under $30! Whether you need a new errand outfit, something for the beach or a fail-proof patio party dress, these everyday finds have you covered. Read on for our top picks.

15 Comfy Amazon Shirt Dresses to Look Effortlessly Polished

1. Summer Staple:Β Just trust Us, you’ll reach for this gauze-looking knee-length wonder every chance you get.

2. Classy Act:Β What a steal! This striped dress has three-quarter sleeves, a tie waist and a $15 price tag.

3. Vacation Mode: Airy and chic, this lightweight layer will carry you from the beach to brunch in style.

4. Modest Maven:Β Look Parisian in this elbow-sleeve midi dress that has a waist-cinching design that won’t squeeze or highlight trouble areas.

5. Above Average:Β It’s Amazon’s Choice for a reason! Shoppers can’t get enough of this printed V-neck dress, especially since it has pretty flutter sleeves.

19 Zara-Style Dresses to Make Women Over 40 Feel Rich β€” Under $31

6. Boutique Style:Β We’re obsessed with the subtle frills, pleats and ruffles that decorate this all-white mini.

7. Office Envy:Β Pair this striped long-sleeve shirt dress with tights and flats, and consider your workday ensemble complete.

8. Everything Dress:Β Look no further for the ultimate versatile dress that’s suitable for dinner, wine tasting and lounging alike.

9. Yacht Wife:Β Stripes and a preppy design make this cotton-blend number a must-add to cart.

10. Sassy Maxi:Β Enter your rich mom era in this Bali-ready maxi dress. It’s made with a linen-looking material that looks so expensive.

11. Utmost Breathability:Β If you’re traveling to Europe this summer, don’t leave without this ultra-light button-front mini.

12. Dreamy Denim:Β Designed for summer wear, this drapey denim maxi is billowy, cooling and skin-soft.

13. Center of Attention:Β The dusty orange hue is optional, but not really! This short-sleeve dress guarantees fashionista status.

14. Professional Princess:Β Sophisticated is an understatement when it comes to this tie-waist midi. It features a foldable collar and dainty buttons, too.

15. The Finale:Β No sleeves are needed with this playful tank shirt dress that even has pockets.

18 Cooling Amazon Two-Piece Sets to Look Effortlessly European β€” Under $30

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Β© Getty Images

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