Today, Taylor Swift turns 23, but you would never know how old the singer actually is based on her love life.

From 18-year-old Conor Kennedy to 35-year-old John Mayer, Swift is no ageist when it comes to who she will date.

Young or old, British or American, Swift really doesn't discriminate in her love life.

But at the age of 23, Swift has already had at least ten high-profile relationships (some more flings, really) that have all ended the same way — in song.

In honor of her 23rd year, let's relive Swift's vast array of boyfriends, shall we?

2008: Taylor Swift, 19 & Joe Jonas, 19

Swift's first Hollywood romance was perfectly age-appropriate. While Swift was just entering emerging onto the pop scene, Jonas, along with his singing and dancing brothers, were at the top of their game.

Between concert stops and personal appearances, Swift and Jonas were spotted spending time together, but neither copped to a romance at the time.

Swift told MTV News of the relationship: "For me, in dealing with things that people write, I try not to let it affect my life ... He's an amazing guy, and anyone would be lucky to be dating him."

But the pair split months later when Jonas reportedly left Swift for his "Lovebug" video co-star Camilla Belle.

It's all good, though, because Swift says "I addressed it, and, you know, that's a chapter in my life that's closed now."

And of course she got a song out of the relationship: "Forever & Always."

2009: Taylor Swift, 20, & Lucas Till, 19

Swift's "You Belong With Me" music video co-star Lucas Till spilled the beans on the not-so-secret, brief relationship: 

"We just really both liked each other ... but most relationships work out 'cause you get along and then you don't, and then you make up and it's passionate. And with us I really just liked her as a friend. That's the only reason that didn't work out."

2009: Taylor Swift, 20, & Taylor Lautner, 17

And here's where she started to slide.

Technically, this relationship was possibly illegal in many states as 20-year-old Swift was dating a minor.

The two met after co-starring in the year's "Valentine's Day" and never publicly admitted they were dating, but were frequently spotted spending lots of quality time together.

In October 2010, Swift revealed her crush: "Taylor Lautner. It's always going to be Taylor."

It's believed that the song "Back To December" is Swift's apology to Lautner for their breakup.

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Some of the world's most famous restaurants wouldn't have a star to their name if it weren't for the staff. The food and the atmosphere are only part of what makes a fabulous dining experience — the rest comes down to your waiter.

So the editors at Zagat went back to their 2013 New York City Restaurants guide to see which of the high-end eateries were rated with the best service.

Just remember when you visit any one of these establishments to be prepared not only for the hefty price tag of your meal, but the 20+ percent tip at the end. Don't worry — it'll totally be worth it.

#10 Mas (farmhouse)

39 Downing Street

This West Village New American spot is still slightly under the radar, but gaining popularity thanks to its cozy atmosphere, seasonal menu, and rave-review service.

They make sure to ask about allergies and dislikes up front, so you can be confident your experience will be spot-on.

#9 Gramercy Tavern

42 East 20th Street

The expensive tabs at this prix fixe-only, Michelin-starred restaurant are easily forgivable due mainly to the superb waitstaff.

They are not only knowledgeable about everything on the seasonal tasting menu, but friendly and accommodating, too.

#8 Four Seasons Restaurant

99 East 52nd Street

The Four Seasons in NYC is a classic for a reason with it's impressive decor and chic Mad Men-era menu.

Not to mention the outstanding waiters and waitresses who are praised in every review for their attentiveness and professionalism.

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There's three weeks left in the NFL regular season and the fantasy football playoffs are picking up steam.

In this must-win week, we've done our best to recommend the players we feel should be in or out of your fantasy lineup.

The advice is based on standard 10-team leagues.

Best of luck in your playoff matchup!

START: Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback at NO

It's hard to overlook a matchup against the New Orleans pass defense. They've given up the most passing touchdowns in the NFL (27), and give up 297 yards per game through the air.

Freeman has eight multi-touchdowns in the Buccaneers' last nine games.

Season Total: 231/422, 3192 yards, 25 TDs, 8 INTs

32 carries, 112 yards

SIT: Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears Quarterback vs. GB

The Bears need Cutler to play well to stay on top of the NFC Wildcard race, but the odds are stacked against him this week. Cutler is battling back from a neck injury and must go against the stingy Packers defense.

He should only be started if you're really desperate this week.

Season Total: 213/356, 2,495 yards, 16 TDs, 13 INTs

32 carries, 187 yards

START: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati Bengals Running Back at PHI

Green-Ellis is averaging 5.4 yards per carry over the Bengals' last four games. He's been racking up fantasy points away from the end zone, which is unusual for a touchdown threat of his stature.

If he gets a steady helping of carries against Philadelphia, Green-Ellis will be a solid No. 2 option. And a touchdown isn't out of the question.

Season Total: 238 carries, 974 yards, 5 TDs

21 catches, 104 yards

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While most people think of electric cars as a new phenomenon (or a very old one), BMW has been working on them since 1972.

To mark its fourth decade of producing zero-emissions vehicles, the German automaker brought some past models together for a group photo shoot.

The trip down memory lane revealed some pretty cool cars, but none that could be used for practical driving until just a few years ago.

The 1602 Electric was born in 1972, and was used at the Olympic Games in Munich. It had a top speed of 62 mph and took eight seconds to go from 0 to 31 mph. Its battery pack weighed nearly 800 pounds.

From 1987 to 1990, BMW worked on the 325iX. It was actually slower than the 1972 car, but its 93 mile range was a big step up.

The E1 and E2, from the early 1990s, were BMW's fastest electric cars yet. They were also by far the ugliest.

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Who hasn’t dreamed of traveling like royalty, sleeping in some of the world’s most expensive suites, and eating in Michelin-starred restaurants?

The time and money for that kind of trip can be tricky to come by, but it’s always good to be ready just in case the opportunity arises, right? We here at Oyster have been lucky enough to have visited thousands of hotels around the globe and across the states.

The U.S. is known for having high standards when it comes to hotels, and hotels stateside offer some of the most decadent services around. So we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite luxury properties in the States for those planning a luxe trip — and for those who just like to dream. Enjoy!

The St. Regis New York

There are dozens of ultra-luxurious hotels in New York, but The St. Regis is second to none, with a refined atmosphere, extraordinary service that includes butlers on call 24-hours, Clefs d’Or concierges, a signature bath menu, gorgeous guest rooms, a great Fifth Avenue location (the better for shopping), and a stunning Beaux Arts lobby. (Phew! That was a long list.) It won’t come cheap, but the level of luxury offered here is not found in any other hotel in the city.

Our favorite luxe amenity: The packing and unpacking services offered by the guest’s personal butler.

Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

Those who associate the Trump brand with over-the-top (in a bad way) glitz and glamor will be pleasantly surprised by this tasteful luxury hotel. The 339-room Trump International Hotel & Tower is the top luxury hotel in Chicago, with a riverside location near the Magnificent Mile, a Michelin-rated restaurant, a gorgeous indoor pool, a first-rate spa, and excellent service. The huge, refined rooms have limestone bathrooms with soaking tubs and floor-to-ceiling windows (often with phenomenal views).

Our favorite luxe amenity: The custom-stocked minibar set up prior to arrival, based on the guest’s preferences.

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas

The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek feels like a Tuscan villa — the hotel is pink stucco, the roof is terra cotta, and beautiful fountains, tile mosaics, and trellis plants surround the pool. The property is lavish from top to bottom, with a grand lobby; large, upscale rooms with patios; renowned dining at Mansion Restaurant, and outstanding services such as free car service and concierges. In Dallas, only The Joule, A Luxury Collection Hotel compares.

Our favorite luxe amenity: An outdoor heated sauna near the lovely pool.

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A penthouse in the famous SoHo Gallery building has sold for $10.6 million, a 33 percent discount from its initial asking price of $16 million, according to The Real Deal.

The gorgeous triplex at 94 Thompson Street boasts a 29-foot living room ceiling, a glass-enclosed Zen viewing garden and a big terrace with 360-degree views. Square footage is 3,500 on the interior and 2,200 on the exterior.

Owned by Ian Tarr, the CEO of a scientific database company, the property was gutted and rebuilt a few years ago by architect Nico Rensch.

The buyer was listed only as an anonymous LLC, according to The Real Deal. Stribling & Associates had the listing.

A beautiful double-height living room

Full listing at Stribling.

From the other side

Full listing at Stribling.

Looking out on the zen garden

Full listing at Stribling.

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Doomsayers who believe the world will end on Dec. 21, 2012, base their prediction on the end of the 5,125-year-long cycle of the ancient Mayan calendar. 

But what will the end of days look like?

There are a range of theories about how our planet will be destroyed. 

Although scientists say there's nothing to worry about, we thought you should be aware of some of the ways Earth might meet its doom.

Earth will collide with a massive rogue planet.

Believers in the Nibiru Cataclysm think Earth will collide with the rogue planet Nibiru, also called Planet X.

If a planet of this size was speeding toward us, "it would be the brightest thing in the sky," NASA scientist David Morrison tells ABC News. While he's likely exaggerating, there's no way researchers would miss a planet in our solar system. I mean, heck, we can even see rogue planets 100 light years from Earth.

An "alignment of planets" will cause a total blackout.

In this apocalyptic event, the planets align in a way that creates a total blackout on Earth.  

"There are no planetary alignments in the next few decades and even if these alignments were to occur, their effects on the Earth would be negligible,"writes NASA. 

A massive asteroid will destroy Earth.

In this scenario an asteroid more massive than the one that wiped out the dinosaurs will smash into Earth.

Although a newly discovered 120-foot-wide asteroid that zipped between us and the moon earlier this week may have raised some hairs, astronomers are certain that no threatening space rocks will slam into us in 2012.

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With more than 100 million users worldwide on both iOS and Android, Instagram’s success as a mobile platform is clear to see and now with its expanded web presence, there are now more opportunities than ever to show off your photography skills.

However, how many times do you take a photo and use a filter without really thinking about it? For many of us, we just slap on a filter because it just happens to make it look better, but what you mightn’t know is that each filter suits a certain type of image. Knowing which one to use, and what effect it will create, will go a long way towards improving your photos.

Here is our guide showing you what filters are available and when you should be using them. We’ve also provided images to show you exactly what effect they have and the best places to use them.

Amaro

What it does: Adds more light to your image, but focuses it mostly towards the center. The darker the photo, the more you will notice this effect.

Use When: You want to give your photo a somewhat aged appearance.

Rise

What it does: Gives images a nice glow and provides softer lighting on the subject.

Use When: You’re taking close-up shots of people.

Hudson

What it does: Gives your images an icy look. The slight tint and altered lighting gives these images a colder feel.

Use When: You’re outdoors. It’s particularly effective when you’re taking photos of buildings or monuments.

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Digiday was kind enough to ask me to give a presentation on the mobile industry at their conference in New York today.

Aalysts Marcelo Ballvé and Alex Cocotas and I put together the deck with slides from our BI Intelligence chart and data library. 

We've posted the deck here. We hope you enjoy it.

BI Intelligence is a research and analysis service focused on mobile computing and the Internet. Subscribers can download the entire deck as a PDF or PowerPoint, as well as any of the individual charts from the presentation. Please sign up for a free trial here.

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American ingenuity is an incredible force, and nowhere more so than on the battlefield.

Weapons like the M16 rifle have  been battle tested and refined to near-perfection. Others like the atomic bomb are so powerful they changed the world.

While there's no scientific way to compare these weapons, we took what we saw in service, what we've read, and what we've heard from troops to rank the most effective.

These weapons are trusted by the U.S. military to defeat the enemy and save lives.

#25 — The GBU-28 Laser Guided Bunker Buster

Range: 5 miles from plane to target

Depth: 20 feet, reinforced concrete

Weight: 4,700 lbs

Payload: 630 lbs high explosives

Analysis: Nicknamed "Deep Throat" this bunker buster is integral to digging out a well-entrenched enemy and is the largest such bomb in the Israeli arsenal.

There's a certain comfort in the ability to disable well-fortified enemy positions allowed by the GBU-28 and after the US sold Israel 100 of the bombs in 2005, it sold a batch to South Korea in 2009. The South received them just months after the North's successful nuclear test in May of that year.

#24 — The M18 Claymore Mine

Service record: Exemplary.

Name: After the large two handed Scottish sword.

Method: A shaped direction charge, either victim operated or command detonated, flings several hundred high-velocity steel ball bearings into the face of the enemy.

Round: 700 1/8 inch steel balls traveling 4,000 feet per second.

Analysis: Not just deadly, but deadly reliable, it's got 60 years of active service. The claymore mine can be used for area denial and alarm systems, as well as for coordinated ambush — and at $110 a unit, America could line it's borders with Claymores.

#23 — M72 Light Anti-Armor Weapon

Caliber: 66 mm

Max Effective Range, Stationary Target: 600 feet

Warheads: fragmentary, anti tank, and a heat and high-pressure thermobaric, capable of killing everyone in a room or bunker with air pressure and heat alone.

Analysis: Practicality and Spread are key here. Marines can each carry two of these instead of one AT-4 rocket, at approximately the same cost. It's small size and minimal backblast make it perfect for urban warfare — a favorite of ground troops who know the enemy is behind a wall, or hunkered inside an enclosure.

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A lot of companies launched this year. A few really stood out.

We asked tech executives, founders, and investors about their favorite new companies.

Here are 22 of the best apps and startups that launched in 2012. They're sure to do amazing things in 2013.

SmartThings wants to make ordinary objects smart by connecting them to the Internet

Startup:SmartThings

CEO: Alex Hawkinson

Date Launched: January 2012

Funding: $3 million from First Round Capital, SV Angel, Lerer Ventures, CrunchFund, Max Levchin, David Tisch, Chris Dixon, Vivi Nevo, Alexis Ohanian; $1.2 million from Kickstarter users

What it is: Ambitious. SmartThings wants to connect everyday objects — from ovens to thermostats — to the Internet and make them smarter.

Why we like it: Imagine a storm causing the power in your house to go out while you're out of town, and getting a notification on your smart phone. Or a woman in your household forgetting to unplug a hair straightener, and being notified before a fire starts.

SmartThings is building a hub that acts like a bridge between everyday objects and a platform in cloud. It provides things like motion detectors and moisture sensors you can place around your house. Every SmartThings sensor and hub-connected object is also connected to a mobile app, where you can monitor your objects.

"Once you connect everyday objects to the Internet, you can control them, but the bigger change is you can control them with software that any developer can write,” Hawkinson told AllThingsD.

Here's more on how it works:

Medium is trying to create a new type of media publishing platform

Startup: Medium

CEO: Ev Williams, Biz Stone (co-founders)

Date Launched: August 2012

Funding: N/A

What it is: Medium is a publishing platform that organizes text and images into theme-based collections.

Why we like it: Medium combines the best features from Pinterest, Tumblr, and the new Digg to let people express themselves in a medium-length format. It's incredibly useful and also beautiful to look at. 

Sherpaa is making it cheaper and easier to see a surgeon

Startup: Sherpaa

CEO: Jay Parkinson

Date Launched: February 2012

Funding: $1.8 million from O'Reilly AlphaTech Ventures, Collaborative Fund, and First Round Capital

What it is: Sherpaa provides companies with affordable health care and round-the-clock access to doctors. 

Why we like it: Parkinson is a doctor who actually wants to help people save time and money. He completed his residency from Johns Hopkins, then started doing house calls in Brooklyn. Patients would book time on his Google calendar, he'd visit them, and they'd pay him through PayPal. Fast Company called him the "Doctor of the Future."

The business he's starting could solve major pain points in hospital visits. He describes his mission more thoroughly here:

"Say, for example, you cut your finger slicing a bagel a few minutes ago. You send us an email with a photo you just took with your iPhone. We look at it and then text it to our network of plastic surgeons in the area to see who has the bandwidth to sew you up in the next hour or so.

"Our goal is to give you a great experience, and as a side-effect, also decrease your costs. Because it’s quite idiotic that triage has been allocated to the ridiculously expensive ERs and ridiculously inaccessible primary care doctors."

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Braintree is an e-commerce startup that processes payments – $5 billion annually – for more than 3,000 marketers including Fab.com, AirBnB, LivingSocial and Rovio's Angry Birds.

The company just moved offices into a new space in Chicago’s West Loop, and the new HQ is a doozy.

Sure, it features the usual startup suspects -- like a fully stocked kitchen, snack bar and an open-plan working area with all the beams  and pillars exposed.

But the standout feature is the office's indoor treehouse, complete with hammocks and tree stumps.

Welcome to Braintree! This is founder Bryan Johnson.

Like a lot of startups, the company has gone with the open-plan, refurbished warehouse look.

Here's the kitchen. A lot of attention has been paid to the interior design.

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Tom Brady, the sexiest athlete alive, takes a ton of heat for things that have nothing to do with football.

He is half-celebrity, half-athlete, and has to deal with the dual pressures of football and mainstream stardom as a result.

Brady wasn't highly rated coming out of high school, or highly drafted coming out of college.

But he defied the odds, made millions of dollars, and now lives the lifestyle of an elite-level celebrity.

First thing's first, let's see how he makes his money. Brady earned $22 million total last year. $12 million of that came from his Patriots salary

His endorsements tallied a massive $10 million. Under Armor is one of his main deals

Source: Sports Illustrated

He's a spokesman for UGGs as well, much to everyone's delight

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There’s something — should we say a certain je ne sais quoi— about getting away to a spot that’s completely different. A different culture, different food, different people, a different language — all of these things can make you feel worlds away from home (in a good way, of course).

And when we’re choosing a destination, we often can’t help but be drawn to French-speaking locales. After all, French is the language of love, and we feel pretty glam when we’re casually conversing with locals in Francais.

But Paris is so last year. (Okay, so that’s a lie — Paris is always fabulous. But work with us here.) So why not visit a French-speaking spot that has, say, a beach as well? Or skip away to a European lakeside locale where French is the official language. If you want to immerse yourself in the French culture, France is certainly not your only option.

St. Barts: Hotel La Banane

Nicknamed St. Barts, St. Barthelemy in the French West Indies has been a playground to the rich and famous for several decades.

Nestled among the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea, it was a French colony until 2007 when St. Barts officially became a “separate overseas collectivity.” French is spoken by many locals (although almost everyone on the island can speak some English) and much of the cuisine has a French flair. This, paired with the fact that almost all food products are imported from France, means meals can be pricey. Seafood, however, including conch — an island specialty — is caught locally. The well-heeled venture out to St. Barts not only for its gourmet restaurants, but also for its high-end designer shops, secluded beaches, and exclusive location. Celebs such as Jimmy Buffet, David Letterman, and Steve Martin own property on the island and are frequent visitors.

Stay at the retro-chic boutique hotel, Hotel La Banane. It's located just a skip away from Lorient Bay, and makes up for a lack of amenities with a hipper-than-thou scene. It’s a Parisian escape on St. Barts, with rooms inspired by 1950s Paris — white and pastel blues and tile, open bathrooms, art books, wall murals, and vintage minimalist furnishings. The nine freestanding bungalows all have indoor/outdoor showers and private terraces, and two small pools are surrounded by palm trees and white lounge chairs. This place is tres chic — not to mention sexy. It’s a good choice for couples looking for a getaway with ambiance.

Geneva, Switzerland: Hotel Les Amures

Geneva is a picturesque city, divided into two banks by Lake Geneva, and surrounded by mountains.

During the winters, visitors and locals head to the mountains to ski; ski resorts such as Verbier and Crans-Montana are conveniently only about an hour away. And in the summertime, the lake — and nearby beaches — become popular spots for swimming. But all year long, tourists can enjoy the city’s cafe culture (reminiscent of Paris), beautiful gardens, specialty shops (the city is known for its gorgeous jewelry and watches), fabulous restaurants, and many sights. It’s located in Romandy, the western French-speaking portion of Switzerland, and has excellent French-influenced cuisine, gorgeous architecture, and views of Mont Blanc.

Stay at the Hotel Les Amures, a quaint luxury boutique with a fabulous location in Old Town. The 32 rooms in this 17th century mansion are charming and high-end, with details such as wood-beamed ceilings, faux-fur throws, and stone walls that create a French chalet vibe. The style extends into the restaurant, breakfast room, and common spaces — beamed ceilings are present throughout, and there’s even a suit of armor in the lobby. The hotel attracts well-heeled couples and even the occasional celebrity — George Clooney stayed here — but amenities are few: There is no spa, fitness center, or pool. Rates are a bit steep considering the lack of features, but at least breakfast and Wi-Fi are free.

St. Martin: Esmeralda Resort

St. Martin, the French side of the Caribbean island split between the Dutch and the French, takes up the northern two-thirds of the island.

The native language is French, the area is subject to French law, and it has a very European vibe. Less developed than the Dutch side, St. Martin offers plenty of natural attractions, including the beautiful (and clothing-optional) Orient Beach and Loterie Farm’s tree-to-tree zip-line. Visitors seeking a more relaxed pace might want to check out Marigot, the French capital, which offers a European feel and a laid-back vibe with secluded, intimate accommodations.

Stay at the Esmeralda Resort. Located within an upscale community featuring several resorts, restaurants, and one of the island’s best beaches, the Esmeralda Resort offers seclusion and elegance with semi-private pools (shared among four units), stylish tropical rooms, and a well-respected restaurant — all within a two-minute walk of the beach. The rooms stand out for quality furnishings — you won’t find the tacky wicker furnishings so common in St. Maarten/St. Martin here. Rather, dark wood chairs and tables with a French Colonial style accent terracotta floor tiles and dramatic whitewashed vaulted ceilings. Plus, the hotel’s L’Astrolabe bistro is an island highlight thanks to its acclaimed classic French-Caribbean cuisine with a modern twist. Additional features are few, but for self-sufficient couples and families looking for a lush retreat with a great location, Esmeralda delivers the goods.

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Atlantic writers and staffers pick the most memorable sports events of the year, from the Super Bowl to Olympic table tennis.

Men's Tennis: Lukas Rosol beats Rafael Nadal in the second round of Wimbledon

June 28, 2012

In this age of tennis, it feels like every year offers a new little wrinkle in the Roger-Rafa saga, and at least one epic Nadal-Djokovic battle. (As fans, let’s enjoy that while it lasts.) But I’d say this year’s most truly surprising Nadal story was a major upset loss: The No. 2 seed made his earliest exit from a Grand Slam since 2005 after a once-in-a-lifetime performance from Lukas Rosol, an unknown ranked No. 100 in the world.

It was 26-year-old Rosol’s first-ever outing on Centre Court; known on the circuit as a hard hitter with an accuracy problem, the Czech was presumed to be routine warm-up fodder for the ever-precise Nadal. But Rosol, who later told reporters he’d been “in a trance,” played the match of his life, painting the lines with dazzling accuracy and persistently bouncing back after small disappointments with superhuman resolve (coincidentally, something like vintage Nadal). At the end of five tense sets (6-7 [9], 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4), the 11-time Grand Slam champion trudged back to the locker room, stunned; headlines around the world invoked David and Goliath.

Two days later, Rosol lost in straight sets to the No. 27 seed. But for a fleeting moment, Lukas Rosol was the giant-slaying, underdog hero of Wimbledon.

—Ashley Fetters, editorial fellow

Football: The New York Giants defeat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI, 21-17

February 5, 2012

When the New England Patriots earned a Super Bowl rematch with the New York Giants, the team that just four years prior had upset them in Super Bowl XLII (spoiling their chance to become the second NFL franchise ever to record an undefeated season), the Patriots found themselves in position to avenge that loss and further augment the legacies of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.

On paper, the Patriots seemed superior. They had compiled a much better regular season record behind a dynamic offense featuring one of the best tight-end combos ever seen in professional football. But the Giants entered the game undaunted, scoring first and keeping the Patriots offense in check. New England eventually gained the lead and held it heading into the fourth quarter.

But in the dramatic fashion that has come to define this burgeoning rivalry, Giants quarterback Eli Manning led a game-winning drive that started with a nearly unfathomable 38-yard pass to unheralded receiver Mario Manningham, and ended with the game winning touchdown. With the win, the Giants became the first NFL franchise to finish a regular season 9-7 and still win the Super Bowl.

—Kevin Craft, contributor

Men’s Table Tennis: South Korea beats North Korea 3-1

Aug 4, 2012

In one sense, the most politically charged event of the London games was a sublime expression of the Olympic ideal. The two Koreas are technically at war and share the world's most heavily-armed border. You might think the mere fact that they played ping-pong in London is a positive sign. Not so much. That's because they played against each other, which shows just how bad inter-Korean relations have become.

As recently as 1991, the Koreas unified on the same side of the net, playing as one country to win the World Championships over powerhouse China. Last May, a popular film about that 1991 team reignited hopes that the nations might play as one in London. It wasn't to be. A scheduled reunion of the 1991 team was canceled earlier this year, around the same time that North Korea decided to conduct a missile test. That effectively signaled that the nations would once more compete under different flags.

—Hampton Stevens, contributor

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With just two weeks to go in the year, the number of job cuts announced by U.S. employers is behind last year's pace, though it's still staggering high — with 490,806 job cuts this year (as of November).

Last month alone, the nation's employers announced plans to cut more than 57,000 positions, only the fourth time this year in which monthly job cuts exceeded 50,000, according to data compiled by employment-services firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc.

The reasons that employers have given for mass layoffs have ranged from a change in business strategy to bankruptcy. And the layoffs have occurred across a wide spectrum of industries, from retail to manufacturing to financial services. But what most have shared: extraordinary generosity to the corporate titans at the top.

So which American companies have made the most draconian job cuts in 2012? AOL Jobs has compiled a list of employers that slashed the most jobs in the United States.

Metlife Inc.

Job cuts: 4,300

Though best known for selling life insurance, Metlife was also in the mortgage-origination business — that is until it announced plans in January to shutter the unit.

The move led to the elimination of most of the 4,300 workers who worked in that sector, and cost the company $90 million.

About 20 percent, or 860, of the jobs were based in Irving, Texas, with the rest scattered throughout the nation.

J.C. Penney Co.

Job cuts: 4,700

As part of its plan to refresh its stodgy image, the venerable retailer announced plans in January to sell its merchandise at "everyday prices," rather than relying on frequent promotions to drive sales.

As part of that plan, the Plano, Texas-based company said it would lay off 4,700 workers. T

he company said the cuts largely affected temporary workers.

The pricing plan has failed to ignite sales, however. Last month, J.C. Penney said it recorded a $123 million loss in the quarter ending Oct. 31 — likely leaving many still-employed Penney workers to ponder what the future holds.

PepsiCo

Job cuts: 8,700

The beverage-and-snack giant announced its plans to cut 8,700 jobs in February as part of its plan to reduce costs by $1.5 billion.

The layoffs affect workers in 30 countries, with fewer than 2,000 of the cuts expected to occur in the U.S., where the Purchase, N.Y.-based company has some 100,000 employees.

Globally, PepsiCo employs three times that number and the announced cuts account for 3 percent of the company's total workforce.

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Jack Bogle, founder of Vanguard and pioneer of index funds, is one of the most brilliant and most important minds in investing.

We recently reached out to Mr. Bogle and asked him for what he thought were the best books in investing.

What follows is his list of six "must-read investment books."

Any one of these would make a perfect gift this holiday season.

The Intelligent Investor

By Benjamin Graham, updated with commentary by Jason Zweig

"First published in 1949, Benjamin Graham’s classic text is perhaps the best book ever written about investing. With his clear and accessible writing, Graham laid the foundation for all investment books that followed."

Buy It Here >

A Random Walk Down Wall Street (10th edition)

By Burton G. Malkiel

"Princeton economist Burton Malkiel’s influential book (now in its 10th edition) presents a compelling argument for his random walk hypothesis, which states that market prices are essentially random and therefore cannot be reliably predicted over the long-term. Professor Malkiel’s work helps solidify the intellectual basis for my personal favorite investment, the index fund."

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Unconventional Success

By David F. Swensen

"David Swensen’s investment strategy for Yale University’s endowment—characterized by shifting assets from traditional stocks and bonds to less liquid, alternative assets—has been so influential, it’s now commonly referred to as the Yale Model. While the Yale Model may make sense for endowments, Unconventional Success lays out an approach for individual investors that focuses on investing in low-cost index funds and rails against the high fees and abdication of fiduciary responsibility so pervasive in the mutual fund industry."

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New clues about President Barack Obama's Cabinet shuffle emerged Thursday, with United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice's withdrawal from consideration for the Secretary of State post and reports that former Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel is at the top of the list for Defense Secretary.

At least six Cabinet members are expected to depart over the next few month, leaving vacancies at several important posts, including Secretaries of State, Defense, and the Treasury.

According to recent reports, Obama is first focused on rebuilding his national security team, and is expected to announce his picks for the Secretaries of State and Defense posts as soon as next week. The President will also have to name replacements to head the CIA and the FBI, but it is not clear if he will announce the national security appointments individually, or as a package deal. 

The next step will be finding a replacement for Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, who is expected to depart once a deal is reached on the fiscal cliff. And additional openings are expected at the top of the departments of Commerce, Energy, Transportation, and the Interior. 

Here's a breakdown of the top names on Obama's shortlist — and who we think he will choose to join his inner circle.

Sen. John Kerry (D-MA)

Kerry has always been the most drama-free contender to replace Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. The Massachusetts Democrat is relatively well-liked by the Senate, where he has chaired the Foreign Relations Committee since 2009. Top Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) have basically guaranteed a painless confirmation if Kerry is chosen for the job.

Now that Rice has withdrawn from consideration, insiders say Obama is almost certain to nominate Kerry. Although he is also rumored to be under consideration for Defense Secretary, it's no secret that Kerry has coveted the Secretary of State post ever since he lost his 2004 presidential bid. Kerry also has a strong relationship with Vice President Joe Biden, and proved his loyalty as a top campaign surrogate — and debate partner — for Obama during the 2012 race. 

But Kerry's departure from the Senate will also cause problems for Democrats. The last thing the party wants is another special election in Massachusetts, especially if Republicans run outgoing Sen. Scott Brown. To add to the headache, Kerry's spot on the Foreign Relations Committee will likely go to Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a combative Democrat who has been embroiled in several scandals this year.

Former Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE)

Bloomberg reported Thursday that Hagel is at the top of Obama's shortlist to replace Leon Panetta as Secretary of Defense, and met with the President last week to discuss the position. According to the report, Hagel has passed the vetting test, and insiders say he is definitely the preferred pick over other contenders, including Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, Panetta's low-key No. 2.

Hagel, a Vietnam combat veteran, would be the second Republican to head the Pentagon under Obama, an attractive prospect for an administration that has struggled to find GOP allies. Hagel's familiarity with the inner workings of Congress will also make him an asset as the Pentagon grapples with pending budget cuts.

Hagel's political affiliation should make his confirmation relatively smooth, although his moderate foreign policy positions — and longstanding friendships with Obama and Biden — has put him at odds with some of his former colleagues. In particular, Hagel could run into problems over his often critical stance toward Israel, and for his past support for open, unconditional negotiations with Iran. 

White House Chief of Staff Jack Lew

Lew, a former White House budget director, is widely thought to be the frontrunner to replace Geither at the Treasury Department. The personality conflicts and management problems with Obama's first economic team have been well-documented, so it makes sense that the President would want to put a trusted advisor at the helm this time around.

Moreover, Lew is a veteran Washington budget aide with a deep understanding of the tax and spending issues dominating the White House's dealings with Congress, qualities that would make the Treasury transition relatively seamless. 

There are a few reasons why Lew might not get the job, though. Reports have suggested that Lew's heavy-handed approach to the 2011 debt ceiling negotiations alienated Republicans and Democrats, and even rankled Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Nominating Lew would also mean Obama would have to find new chief of staff — his fourth in almost as many years. 

Still, Lew has definitely outpaced the other top contender for the Treasury post, former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles, the co-chair of Obama's debt commission. While picking Bowles would send a strong signal about deficit reduction, Democrats are unlikely to go in for Bowles' plans for entitlement reform.

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We live in a more overwhelming world than ever. Businesses are more complex, work is more demanding, and our data is constantly tracked. Too often, we just accept that as a given.

According to author Matthew May, we don't have to. In his recent book, The Laws Of Subtraction, May and a series of business executives, creatives, and thought leaders focus on what's an increasingly essential skill for success, the ability to simplify and remove complexity, rather than just adding more.

We've taken May's 6 laws, and some of the best examples and contributions that illustrate how you can subtract to become more successful. 

Law 1: What you leave out is just as important as what you keep.

In a world where there's an incredible, rapidly growing amount of information, we're constantly scared about leaving something out. Whether it's a product feature, a fact, or a strategic option, we tend to try to include everything. 

May's first law is the idea thatsimple goals are easier to focus on, and that the simplest designs and shortest speeches have the greatest impact. Taking more time to focus on removing what's unneeded helps let other people's imaginations and capabilities do more of the work. It's more satisfying for them, and leads to more success for you. 

Source: The Laws Of Subtraction

Perfect the things you're confident in, rather than hedging with extra features.

You would think that Behance, which offers tools to help creatives feature their work online, would over time add more products and more options. According to Founder and CEO Scott Belsky, they've subtracted them.

Removing features was a sign of confidence, because the company was able to focus on their core offering, the thing people came to the site for. A "safe and scattered strategy" means you're likely just hedging a product or idea you aren't confident in. 

Source: The Laws Of Subtraction

The FedEx logo's use of empty space and subtle arrow have made it an iconic design.

The FedEx logo has vibrant colors and bold lettering, but it's that subtle arrow that few people notice that make it so memorable. In the presentation where he introduced the logo among several alternatives, designer Lindon Leader didn't tell executives about it, the appealing thing was the discovery. 

FedEx's PR firm wanted to super-size and emphasize the arrow, but they missed the point. "It wasn't about the arrow. An arrow isn't even interesting to look at," Leader says. "It's only because of the subtlety that it's intriguing."  

Source: The Laws Of Subtraction

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Some species of viruses, fungi, protozoans, wasps, and tapeworms take over the brains and actions of the animals and insects they infect — making them do whatever their new master wants.

A recent issue of the Journal of Experimental Biology was completely dedicated to these parasites, which turn their hosts into zombies.

This is usually controlled by special biochemistry. The parasites release chemicals or manipulate the genes of their host, changing their behaviors. Most them them do this by changing the brain's chemicals, or by inducing "sickness behaviors" by messing with the host's immune system.

"The fact that parasites can so efficiently alter host behaviour is fascinating," guest editor of the journal, Michael Dickinson, from the University of Washington, said in an article in the issue. "There is something horrifying and wondrous about a tiny 'implant' being able to control such a large animal machine."

Hymenoepimecis argyraphaga – These wasps live in the spider Plesiometa argyra. The wasp injects chemicals into the spider that make it abandon its web and build a completely different one, with a thick sheet to protect the wasp's offspring's cocoons, which they build after chewing threw the spider's body.

Baculovirus – This virus infects Gypsy moth caterpillars and releases an enzyme that stops their natural molting cycle, makes them eat continually, and forces them to climb to the top of trees and clamp onto the leaves until it dies and liquefies, raining down viruses across the forest to infect other caterpillars.

Toxoplasma gondii – Picked up from cat poop, this tiny (one-celled) parasite infects the brains of rats, causing them to make extra dopamine and testosterone, which makes them fearless. When they aren't afraid of cat smells, they venture out into the animals' presence, and get eaten, spreading the parasite to the cat. They also mate more, spreading the parasite to other rats.

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