Elden Ring. | Image: FromSoftware Reports that Sony was in talks to acquire Kadokawa, the Japanese media conglomerate that owns Elden Ring developer FromSoftware, have been confirmed. Kadokawa has released a short statement acknowledging Sony’s intention but stating that no decision had been made. Read the full letter below: There are some articles on the acquisition of Kadokawa Corporation (hereinafter “the Company”) by Sony Group Inc. However, this information is not announced by the Company. The Company has received an initial letter of intent to acquire the Company’s shares, but no decision has been made at this time. If there are any facts that should be announced in the future, we will make an announcement in a timely and appropriate manner. In addition to owning a... Continue reading…

A series of reports said recently that all the big AI companies are struggling with their next-gen models, OpenAI included. As a result, the expected GPT-5 upgrade for ChatGPT might see delays. However, all the big AI firms are continuing to launch new features for their existing models, and that includes OpenAI. Rumors say the company will soon roll out its first AI agent, which will let you control computer apps via ChatGPT. The precursor of such a tool is already available in the ChatGPT app for Mac, which can see the contents of certain coding apps. However, OpenAI is taking advantage of built-in macOS functionality rather than deploying a groundbreaking AI innovation. Until then, we have other features to get excited about. I'm talking about ChatGPT Search, which now appears to be rolling out to free users, and Advanced Voice Mode, which is now coming to the desktop version of the app. Continue reading... The post ChatGPT Search is finally rolling out to free users appeared first on BGR. Today's Top Deals Today’s deals: 10% off PlayStation, Xbox, & Roblox gift cards, $4.75 Kasa mini smart plugs, more Amazon gift card deals, offers & coupons 2024: Get $415+ free Today’s deals: $120 Segway Ninebot eKickScooter C2 Lite, $20 Android smartwatch, $22 Fire TV Stick 4K, more Today’s deals: $280 Acer Aspire 3 laptop, $23 TP-Link WiFi extender, $199 Shark vacuum, $60 Keurig, more

In the society of Ancient Greece, the polis, or the city-state, was perhaps the most distinctive and important political innovation at the time. Emerging around the 8th century BC, this institution became the fundamental aspect of the ancient Greek civilization. Defining Greek life for centuries, the polis was not merely a city, but a distinct socio-political entity. Its emergence and development were closely connected with the traditional social structures of the time, the economy, and the landscape of Greece. And, as such, it shaped the development of Greek identity, politics, and culture. But more importantly, the polis laid the foundations for major political concepts that shaped the governance of the time, such as democracy, civic participation, and citizenship. What made the polis so successful and influential? And what was its ultimate fate? Read moreSection: NewsGeneralHistory & ArchaeologyAncient PlacesEuropeHistoryAncient TraditionsPremiumPreviewRead Later 

Stephan Blum & Michael La Corte/The Conversation   Twenty-four years after Gladiator, Ridley Scott has returned with a sweeping sequel to his epic tale. Thanks to cutting-edge CGI, Rome’s grandeur – and its downfall – have never looked so breathtaking. Warning: this article contains spoilers for Gladiator II. Gladiator II picks up years after the original film, taking place during the reign of the co-emperors Caracalla (played by Fred Hechinger) and Geta (Joseph Quinn) in the early 3rd century AD. The film follows Lucius (Paul Mescal), the son of Russell Crowe’s Maximus (protagonist of the first Gladiator movie). Now an adult, he’s been living in the ancient northwest African kingdom, Numidia, under the guise of a new identity to escape Roman politics. When Roman forces, led by Tribun Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal), invade Numidia, tragedy strikes. Lucius’s wife is killed and he is captured. Purchased as a slave by the Roman Macrinus (portrayed masterfully by Denzel Washington), Lucius is transported to Rome. There he is forced into the brutal world of gladiatorial combat, fighting to bring his captor profit in the arena. But which of these characters were based on real ancient people – and how far did their fates match the arc they have in Scott’s sequel? Read moreSection: NewsGeneralHistoryImportant EventsFamous PeopleRead Later 

Vice President Kamala Harris, who hasn't been seen much in public after losing her election bid to President-elect Donald Trump, left Washington, D.C., Tuesday night with her husband to travel to Hawaii, a move that raised some eyebrows.

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, commenting on the nomination of Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education, said the organization will work with her or anyone "who puts the aspirations of our students, families, and communities first."

The mother of late cinematographer Halyna Hutchins is boycotting the world premiere of "Rust" at a film festival in Poland on Wednesday, saying she views it as an attempt by Alec Baldwin to "unjustly profit" from her daughter's death.

An Italian teenager who used his computer skills to spread the Catholic faith will become the first saint from the millennial generation when he is canonized next April.

This easy Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread is a homemade, tender loaf of sweetened, moist banana bread with a ribbon of cinnamon sugar in the middle! AN AMPED UP BANANA BREAD RECIPE Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread takes classic banana bread to the next level with a rich, cinnamon-sugar ribbon running through every slice and a sweet cinnamon sugar topping. The moist, tender banana bread combines perfectly with the warm cinnamon. I love that you can make two loaves of this bread in under an hour – make one for now and freeze one for later (or give to a friend!) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:  What do I do if my bread is browning but still needs more time to bake? If you find that your bread loaf is starting to brown or burn on the top and you know the inside needs more time, you need to tent the top of the bread with aluminum foil. This protects the top of the loaf while letting the rest of the loaf have time to finish baking. It’s also a good idea to make sure your rack is in the middle part of the oven, not the top part. The top part of any oven is always going to be the hottest. How do I know when my Cinnamon Banana Bread is finished baking? You can insert a toothpick into the bread loaf and if it still has some moist crumbs (but not wet), it should be finished baking. Remember it will continue to bake a bite in the pan as it cools down. What else can I add to this bread? This bread would be even more incredible with a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze or a cream cheese frosting. It would also be lovely with some chocolate chips or chopped pecans tossed into the batter. How do I store leftovers? Leftover Cinnamon Banana Bread can be stored at room temp in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Can you freeze Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread? You sure can! Plus, this recipes makes 2 loaves. I like to enjoy one now and freeze one for later (for up to 3 months.) INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE) all-purpose flour – you do not need to sift the flour first. Make sure you are not over measuring the flour by dipping the measuring cup into the flour bag. You will end up with too much flour which will make a dry bread. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup (do not pack it down.) Then take the flat end of a butter knife and sweep off any excess. granulated sugar – you can use a sugar substitute if you prefer. It’s best to use a 1:1 like Splenda for baking. ground cinnamon– this is used in the bread and in the topping, just like the granulated sugar. baking soda salt large bananas – you want brown spots on your bananas. If they are just plain yellow or even green, they aren’t rip enough yet and aren’t as sweet as we need them for this recipe. unsalted butter– if you only have salted butter, you can use that, just leave out the additional salt in this recipe. vanilla extract large eggs – if you have time, allow the eggs to come to room temperature, this allows them to blend into the batter easier. HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON SWIRL BANANA BREAD Line (2) 9×5-inch loaf pans with parchment paper and preheat oven to 350F. In a medium bowl whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and sea salt and set aside. In a large bowl mash the bananas and stir in melted butter and vanilla. Add in 2 eggs and mix well. Pour dry ingredients in with the banana mixture and blend until fully incorporated and set aside.  Mix cinnamon and sugar into a small bowl for later. Place ½ to 1/3 batter into each prepared 9×5-inch pan and then sprinkle 3 ½ Tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar on top of each loaf. Evenly divide the remaining batter and spread over the sugar, then top with the cinnamon sugar that remains (divided evenly among both loaves). Bake on the middle rack at 350F for 38-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Place on a wire rack to cool for about 10-15 minutes then remove from the pan to cool completely before serving. CRAVING MORE RECIPES?  Banana Bread Cream Cheese Banana Bread Pumpkin Bread with Brown Sugar Glaze Banana Pumpkin Bread Apple Bread Cinnamon Apple Pull Apart Bread Easy Cinnamon Roll Bread Cinnamon Bread Nutella Swirl Banana Muffins Glazed Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread Dollywood Cinnamon Bread Cinnamon Sugar Butter Swim Biscuits Print Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread A moist loaf of banana bread with cinnamon and sugar toppings and mixed in swirls. Course BreadsCuisine American Prep Time 10 minutes minutesCook Time 40 minutes minutesTotal Time 50 minutes minutes Servings 12 Calories 381kcal Author Brandie @ The Country Cook Ingredients3 cups all-purpose flour1 ⅓ cup granulated sugar1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon sea salt5 very ripe large bananas⅔ cup unsalted butter, melted2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract2 large eggs, beatenCinnamon Sugar:½ cup granulated sugar1 Tablespoon cinnamon InstructionsLine (2) 9×5-inch loaf pans with parchment paper and preheat oven to 350F.In a medium bowl whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon sea salt and set aside. In a large bowl mash 5 very ripe large bananas and stir in 2/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract. Add in 2 large eggs, beaten and mix well. Pour dry ingredients in with the banana mixture and blend until fully incorporated and set aside. Mix ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 Tablespoon cinnamon into a small bowl for later. Place ½ the batter evenly into each prepared 9×5-inch pan and then sprinkle 3 ½ Tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar on top of each loaf. Evenly divide the remaining batter and spread it out to cover the cinnamon sugar layer as best as possible. Then top with the cinnamon sugar that remains (divided evenly among both loaves). Bake on the middle rack at 350F for 38-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Place on a wire rack to cool for about 10-15 minutes then remove from the pan to cool completely before serving. Notes Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions. NutritionCalories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12g | Sodium: 298mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 37g

Constitutional law scholar Jonathan Turley urged left-wing talk show host Whoopi Goldberg to publicly apologize to a family-owned bakery she had maligned as discriminatory after evidence emerged contradicting…