The recently reported $2 billion loss at JPMorgan was a result of risky investing in credit default swaps. While some investments consistently make money, others -- like the ones on this list -- stand a greater chance of losing it.

Astrophysicist, cosmologist, lecturer, cartoon voice actor, author, parent, grandparent -- Stephen Hawking wears many hats, and he also has a few ideas about black holes, time, aliens and wormholes.

Which photos are the strangest? The funniest? The most awesome? Vote for your favorites, or submit your own photos for a chance to win an iPad on June 1.

A new AP-CNBC poll has found that 59 percent of people don't trust Facebook to keep their information private. Are these concerns valid?

What are the odds you'll be struck by lightning? Become a millionaire? Be in a plane crash? Find out with these videos.

Yahoo CEO Scott Thompson resigned last weekend after it was discovered that he listed a degree on his résumé that he didn't really have. Most of us know how to write a résumé, but you'd be surprised at the unnecessary information that people place on them.

It's a bird; it's a plane; it's a stealthy military aircraft. Take a look behind the scenes at special planes and technology used in warfare and peace-keeping.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 was released on Sunday, adding yet another choice to the already vast Android tablet market. With few built-in controls except for a flat touch-screen interface, tablet computers are attractive, highly portable, easy to use and just plain cool. But how do you decide which one is right for you?

Computers can do a lot more than just word processing and Internet browsing. See some the biggest, coolest and most cutting-edge computers out there.

Graduation is just around the corner, and many new graduates want to get out and see the world. What if you could travel the world and get paid for it? Sound too good to be true? Here are 10 careers designed to satisfy anyone's wanderlust.

Who was the greatest inventor of all time? Sixteen superstar inventors are battling to be the greatest inventor of all time. Vote for your favorites!

What goes on inside the mind of a serial killer? What motivates a stalker? What prevents criminals from feeling remorse? Learn about criminal psychology in these videos.

Wile E. Coyote wasn't the first to strap on a pair of wings and fall off a cliff. Humans have spent years plummeting from great heights with the hopes of taking flight.

Learn about the science behind surreal and supernatural phenomena, from alien hand syndrome to zombies, in these videos from Stuff You Should Know and Stuff They Don't Want You to Know.

How can meditation help a fighter? How does the U.S. Army use ancient martial arts techniques? How can basic karate moves help you defend yourself against attackers? Learn about the many martial arts disciplines in these videos.

Pisa without its precariously tilted landmark is like San Francisco without the Golden Gate or London without Buckingham Palace. Will the peculiarly enduring tower ever vanish from the Italian skyline?

Are hybrid cars worth the investment? What vehicles can we look forward to in the future? Learn about the allure and promise of new fuel technologies.

Michael Phelps recently announced that London 2012 will be his last time competing in the Olympic Games. Phelps is truly an outstanding athlete -- but could his swimwear be partially responsible for his record speeds?

Temperature-sensitive inks once rocked the '70s in the form of mood rings. These days, they're turning products like beer cans, wallpaper and footballs into color-changing chameleons. Learn more in How Thermochromic Ink Works.

Fans of famous homes like Fallingwater and Taliesin point to Frank Lloyd Wright as the father of green architecture. He wasn't the first to build sustainably, though. Nine other pioneers join him in our list.

We tend to think of rain as simply a part of life -- certainly nothing to fear. But when that rainfall gets out of hand, the rising waters can be deadly. Watch these videos to see daring rescues and the tragic aftermath of extreme floods.

It could be the fuel economy as high as 85 miles per gallon, or maybe it's that telltale rumble when the throttle is wide open. There's just something about motorcycles that thousands of folks can't resist.

It's hard to believe that we're the only life-form in this vast universe, and scientists are fervently seeking proof of other life-forms. Watch these videos to learn about the technologies used to track down Earth-like planets, and find out what clues we've already found.

A bad contractor may try to pull the wool over your eyes in a number of ways -- by buying shoddy materials, then pocketing the remainder of the dough you gave him for quality materials, for example. What signs should tell you it’s time to take action?

What was the turning point in the Civil War? Were there female ninjas in ancient Japan? Find out in these "Unsolved History" videos.

Google has acquired a license to operate self-driving cars -- just one of the technologies on our list. One down, four to go. What else is in store for future cars?

Famous for his extremely malformed skeleton and skin, Joseph Merrick -- perhaps better known as the Elephant Man -- remains a medical curiosity, even 120 years after his death. Learn about Joseph Merrick's life and deformities in these videos.

See Africa's most incredible sites, from Lemurs in Madagascar to Egypt's ancient pyramids, with these videos from The Coolest Stuff on the Planet.

Would you wear a coat made of killer bees? Who would win in a fight -- a dog or a grizzly? Just how fat can a cat be? Watch these videos to see some of the weirdest creatures Mother Nature has to offer.

From religion in space to digital immortality, the future is full of profound challenges and astonishing opportunities. Join the staff of HowStuffWorks.com as we explore some of the most promising -- and perplexing -- global issues of the future.

While Londoners in the East End saw their fair share of grime, drugs and prostitution, nothing could've prepared them for Jack the Ripper's bloody rampage in 1888. What's the story behind this legendary butcher?

It's often said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but scientists have found some evidence to the contrary. Check out this playlist to learn more about the Science of Sex Appeal.

From automatic climbing systems to Boston's infamous Big Dig, human civilization is full of remarkable feats of engineering. Check out this playlist for a closer look.

Monsters. Rainbows. Magnets. Volcanoes. Kids love 'em. (We do, too.) These videos showcase a variety of wild, weird and fascinating topics to make your offspring's’ jaws drop.

Most of us eat at least three times a day, but did you ever stop and think about who came up with the idea for potato chips or how the microwave oven works? Dig into these Stuff of Genius and Stuff You Should Know videos to learn about the invention of popular foods.

What's going on under your hood, and what you can expect from the future of transportation? Find out with these videos from HowStuffWorks.

Whether they're sorting out scrap metal or helping us unlock the secrets of the universe, electromagnets are pretty nifty devices. What's so great about magnetism on demand? We'll electrify you with the details in these videos.

In this video series, Ben Bowlin interviews Josh Clark from Stuff You Should Know about the morally uncharted waters of death derivatives.

And what about those flying cars? Watch these clips to learn about real-life science projects inspired by "Men In Black," "Terminator," "The Matrix" and other sci-fi hits.

Whether it’s the flexible straw or the search engine, every invention has a story. Get a closer look at the inventors responsible from everything to dishwashers to dynamite in this animated series by HowStuffWorks.com.

From barking to marking, wet noses to wagging tails, these videos answer the most puzzling questions you've ever had about man's best friend.

Think you have what it takes to join the ranks of special forces?

Stuff You Should Know and The Coolest Stuff on the Planet take a look at fascinating holidays and traditions from around the world.

Famous for his extremely malformed skeleton and skin, Joseph Merrick -- perhaps better known as the Elephant Man -- remains a medical curiosity, even 120 years after his death. Learn about Joseph Merrick's life and deformities in these videos.

Can humans cause earthquakes? What the heck is alien hand syndrome? Join Chuck and Josh as they explore the some of the coolest (and weirdest) Stuff You Should Know in their television shorts on Science.

From UFOs to psychic powers and government conspiracies, history is riddled with unexplained events. Get a closer look at the Stuff They Don't Want You to Know in these videos.

From card tricks to crystal balls to levitation to levitation, it's easy to get taken in by a magician's elaborate demonstrations and sleight of hand. It's part of the fun. But how do these tricks work? Is there a way to avoid looking like a rube?

If a tornado was heading your way, you'd probably head for the hills. But for some people, it's just the beginning of a chase.

The northern lights dancing along the magnetosphere have captivated observers for millennia. While they are beautiful to watch, they're actually a violent collision between our atmosphere and massive solar emissions. Still, they look really cool. See more in these videos.

It could be the fuel economy as high as 85 miles per gallon, or maybe it's that telltale rumble when the throttle is wide open. There's just something about motorcycles that thousands of folks can't resist.

What causes conjoined twins to form in the womb is still a mystery, but many are successfully separated these days. Check out these clips to learn about life as a conjoined twin and what it's like to share a brain.

How do acoustic guitars get that signature twang? Why are accordions are so loud? Get a close-up look at the nuts-and-bolts of building instruments in this playlist.

Can you imagine having a roof covered in plants, or a house half-buried underground? Tune in to see these innovations and more in the World's Greenest homes playlist.

What happens if you accidentally encounter an animal that feels threatened or frightened by you? What if it attacks? Take this quiz to see whether you've got what it takes to survive or if Mother Nature will reign supreme.

The average American household throws away 470 pounds of food waste every year. Sure, composting is the responsible thing to do, but isn't it complicated and labor-intensive? Doesn't it stink up your yard? Take our quiz and find out.

Even if you haven't cracked open any of the seven enormous volumes in the series, you probably know who Dumbledore is and how Harry got that scar on his forehead. If you have read them all, you know that 20 questions barely scratch the surface -- so don't dwell on what we've missed. Pretend this quiz is your N.E.W.T. exam and see if you pass.

Is it really possible to love more than one person? People who practice polyamory think so. Find out how much you know about polyamorous relationships with this quiz.

What was your favorite toy when you were a kid? How much do you really know about classic toys, such as Silly Putty, Monopoly or Mr. Potato Head? Take our quiz to find out.

Do you have hair in weird places? Do you find yourself suppressing an urge to howl at the moon? Does your significant other call you an animal -- and not in a good way? Well, you’re either extra quirky or you’re a werewolf. Take this quiz to find out what’s really keeping you up at night.

We read about them in books and see them on the silver screen, but what's the real deal on coffins? Test your knowledge of the realities and myths that surround these creepy containers with this fact-or-fiction quiz.

Sometimes it feels like Google is taking over the world. Seriously, "Google" is actually in the dictionary as a verb. And rumors are always swirling about the next new Google development. Do you know which of them are true? Take our quiz and find out.

Unless you're an automotive designer or a car fanatic, you probably don't know too much about automotive physics. But don't be intimidated if you don't know a carburetor from an alternator -- take our quiz and you'll learn a little something about what's going on under the hood of your car.

Worried about your online passwords being compromised? Think you're playing it safe? Take the quiz to find out if you're doing all you can to protect your information online.

The Google Chrome Web browser is full of fun and useful features. How much do you know about Chrome? Surf through this quiz to find out!

Wireless networks are easy to set up and inexpensive. They're also unobtrusive -- unless you're on the lookout for a place to use your laptop, you may not even notice when you're in a hotspot. But as you’ll find out in this quiz, there’s a lot more to them than meets the eye.

Learning to ride a bicycle seems to be a universal experience for children around the world. Whether you've been riding bicycles since you were a child or just recently started pedaling, how much do you know about this elegant and simple vehicle?

When it comes to painting your home, there's more to picking a color than meets the eye. Your choices are often based on deep-seated psychological reactions to color that you may not even think about at first. Take this quiz to see how much you know about the effects of color on your mind!

So you think you know a lot about spray paint, huh? OK, smarty-pants -- let's see if you can tell fact from fiction when it comes to aerosol paint.

You probably figure you're a goner in the event of a plane crash, right? In some situations, yes, but don't count yourself out. With some advance planning and quick thinking you could improve your chances -- even when falling from 35,000 feet.

How much do you actually know about the unknowable? It's time to put your supernatural knowledge to the test. Pray you spent enough time in your bookstore's candlelit occult section.

Those of us who have grown up around TV can't help but have heads full of snappy slogans and jingles from watching (or really, just listening to) commercials. While you'd never admit it in polite society, you know every one of the following slogans, and probably many, many more. But can you match them with the right brands?

If you find yourself locked out of your house, you might be tempted to learn your way around a lock pick. But while the theory is easy, getting a lock to open without a key is a little harder.

We humans can do amazing things -- whether it's out of sheer will to live (see "surviving adrift at sea") or an intense desire to be globally recognized for a bizarre achievement. Can you guess what these record breakers got up to?

Whether you're aching for a return to the good old days or simply not yet ready to join the digital revolution, take this quiz to discover some tips and techniques for terrific photography on film.

Adults commonly rate relationship breakups as some of the most traumatic events of their lives, casting them from heights of euphoric love into the emotional doldrums. But guess what's one of the best ways to ease the post-relationship blues? Distracting the brain from revisiting old love. How is that possible? By taking this breakup quiz, of course.

Loved for its deep-fried goodness and loathed for its cheap, fatty fare, McDonald's has become more than just a chain restaurant: It's a bonafide cultural icon. But it'll take more than a little McNugget know-how to pass this quiz.

The Apple iPad still holds an impressive lead in the tablet computer market, but it's not the only game in town. With dozens of tablet models to choose from, how do you begin to find the one that's right for you? Take our quiz and see what you know!

The events in the "Star Wars" trilogy (times two) take place in a galaxy far, far away -- that much is obvious. But it takes a whole lot of planets, moons and asteroids to make a galaxy.

It's no secret that technology changes fast -- and the auto industry is no exception. So what's in store for future cars?

It may not seem that way all the time, but professional athletes are generally worth every penny they make -- except when agents and general managers hand out overpriced contracts like candy. Here are 10 of the worst.

Whether we're trying to save a sinking city or digging massive tunnels, our appetite for construction knows no bounds. But if designers had known the cost of these 10 projects, they might have gone back to the drawing board.

iTunes is like most other complex tools. It works well right out of the box, but it can become a powerful, personalized media manager with a few simple modifications and adjustments. So, what can you do to get the most out of iTunes?

Apple is one of the most successful companies around -- and one of the most mysterious. Here, we consider and debunk five of the biggest myths surrounding this tech giant.

If you think that the world's greatest inventions came from the fevered minds of solitary geniuses, think again. As you scan this list of the 10 inventions that changed the world, note how many of them perfected workable designs.

It doesn't take much skill to steal, but printing and using fake currency requires some finesse. Counterfeiting has become something of a lost art over the years, but here's a list of five of its best practitioners.

Knowing how to manage your money is a valuable skill, regardless of the state of the economy. And in today's tech-savvy climate, an array of tools can help you do just that. Read on to see the top 10 tech tools for managing your money.

If you're stranded in the wild and you're not carrying a hunting rifle, your best bet for bagging dinner is probably a snare or a trap. But how do you set one up?

In the race to find alternative energy sources, wind power is a strong contender. In fact, it's already making its mark. How much do you know about this up-and-coming energy source?

A levitating lounger, a toilet seat that rises to greet you, a fold-out balcony. Some of these household gadgets are useful, and some are absolute fluff. Which ones are the wackiest?

Even the best camera needs a good photographer to capture the best images possible. No matter your skill level, you still need to know the basic terms and tenets of photography. Here are 10 of the most important ones.

For most of us, the dream of buying an island is just that -- a dream. But if you're having fun pretending, or you've actually lucked out and inherited a ton of cash, check out these 10 secluded isles. Trust us, they're all over-the-top.

Leaving a job can be one of the most stressful occasions in your working life, but some situations make it almost mandatory for a career-minded person to change jobs. What are some of the best reasons to switch to a new job?

The airwaves bring a variety of sports, sitcoms, dramas, news and reality shows into our homes. But the best shows punch through these genres to create -- well, something new. So what are some of the shows that changed the way we view TV?

It's nice to take off for a week of kayaking, hiking and rafting. But it'd be a whole lot cooler if all that adventure were right in your backyard. Where can you live that lifestyle?

Who couldn't use a little extra cash at some point? You may not have the time to go out and hit the pavement in search of a second job, but you could use the skills you have to get the cash you need.

Necessity may be the mother of invention, but many inventors are also mothers. By the end of the 20th century, female inventors held 10 percent of all patents -- a disparity indicating the hurdles women faced in receiving credit for their ideas. The inventions on this list overcame those obstacles.

It wasn't so long ago that Apple sold its one billionth iPhone application. What are some of the best applications that run on Apple's smartphone?

There are some views so magnificent that people travel across oceans and continents to see them. What are they?

Since the dawn of cartoons and comic books, kids have imagined themselves endowed with superpowers. What extraordinary abilities are scientists working to bring to you right now?

Even though prices are lower than ever before, a laptop is still a significant investment. If you use the right criteria when shopping, you can feel confident that you're getting the best value for your money, and the best machine for your needs.

The Smithsonian Institution, America's attic, is home to some 137 million objects -- ruby slippers, presidential hair, shrunken heads, animal pelts and even dinosaur poop. What are 10 of the strangest items in the museum's collection?

In honor of Douglas Adams and galactic hitchhikers everywhere, we submit this list of 10 spacecraft that we hopelessly pine for. Mindboggingly beautiful!

It's actually quite rare, but occasionally a concept car does make it to production. In fact, here are 10 examples of proof that automotive designers' dreams can and do come true.

We're currently suspended between two ages: a time dependent on fossil fuels and a future dominated by renewable energy sources. Yet not everyone is sold on this vision, so a number of myths about renewable energy persist.

Put on your sweatbands and get ready to train your brain! Improve your concentration by matching words and colors in the Color Match Game. Flex your brain and focus your mind, play Color Match today!

With these free jigsaw puzzle games, you won't have to worry about losing a piece under the dining room table.

Take charge of your own Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) Cannon, the revolutionary gun that represents the future of U.S. Field Artillery.

Super TextTwist revolutionized casual word games. Now, TextTwist 2 takes it to the next level. Featuring 25,000 words to find, amazing new graphics, and nearly endless family fun, TextTwist 2 is a must-have for word game fans.

Peel back the curtain and visit a 19th century world that never existed in this beautiful hidden object game! The Clockwork Man takes seek-and-find gameplay to new dimensions.

Plant powerful perennials and defend your brain from hordes of hungry zombies in the all-new Plants vs. Zombies -- Game of the Year Edition. The zombies are on the march for tasty brains and only you can stop them!

Enjoy the island fun of Ranch Rush 2, a new tropical farming sequel to the hit game! More than 120 levels of farm-frenzied fun await you in this exciting new adventure.

Return to a magical world beyond your wildest dreams in The Magician's Handbook II, a hidden object adventure to defeat an evil magician pirate!

Improve your mathematics skills and sharpen your mind with the Raindrops Game. Can you solve the math equations in the raindrops before they hit the water? Flex your brain and play Raindrops today!

Flip Out is a game chock-full of unique twists that will tickle your brain just the right way, with a fun visual style and feel-good gameplay to keep you coming back for more.

Overcome dangers including rugged terrain, vicious animals and natural disasters. Can you get Victorious back to Rome?

Build an all-new underwater kingdom in Fishdom™ 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the hit game! Fishdom is back and better than ever with a rewarding aquarium escapade.

Expand your car repair empire in Fix-it-Up 2 -- World Tour, the fun sequel to the hit automobile restoration game!

Upgrade the hotels with charming décor, learn new skills to become more efficient and challenge eight wonderful mini-games to stay on the right track. Together, you'll help Jane and Jenny succeed in Jane's Hotel Mania!

Can you balance the urge to fulfill a prophecy and the need to survive and get out of this unbelievable predicament? Bring your adventurous spirit to life and take part in this wild journey.

You only have 80 days to circumnavigate the globe. Think that sounds easy? Travel back in time to the late 19th century and get ready for spectacular adventures on land, sea and air together with the English daredevil Phileas Fogg and his loyal French servant Passepartout.

Think you have what it takes to make the high score? Get to the top spot and earn extra treats for being the queen or king of online Mahjongg Age of Alchemy.

You'll flip over our new word game: Flip Words! Click on letters to make words and solve familiar phrases.

Prove that you’ve got those keen special eyes with Auto Channel: Picture Pieces!

Play two extra mini-games, test three difficulties, and enjoy a fine balance between fast-paced battles and brain-teasing puzzles.

Can you keep up with the flock? Do you remember which direction they were going? Exercise your brain and improve your attention span with Lost in Migration. Don’t get left behind, play Lost in Migration today!

Sudoku is the hottest game in America, and we have free online sudoku for you here every day.

Use your keen eye to pick the right locations to build parks and shops. Pick your paint colors, upgrades and landscaping to create the ultimate curb appeal and earn outstanding profits with Build-a-lot 2: Town of the Year!

Chuzzles are googly-eyed little balls of fur that giggle, squeak and sneeze as you poke and push them across the board. Free them by forming groups of three, but watch out for dangerous puzzle locks! Explore four different game modes as you earn trophies, unlock secret games and more! Once you start popping Chuzzles you might not be able to stop!

Show your hold'em skills in the all-new Governor of Poker 2, a masterful poker adventure set in the Wild West!

Super Collapse! Puzzle Gallery is a puzzle party! Are you a puzzle genius? It isn't as easy as it looks!

Solitaire isn't just a solo game anymore! Play the largest selection of Solitaire games on Facebook - Klondike, Pyramid, Spider, Crescent and Freecell! Challenge your friends, collect game boosts and more.