The best headlines, the most interesting photography and conversation-starting articles from today’s newspapers.
$45M Stolen in Cyber ATM Heist
Details of a brazen credit card heist fill the pages of the New York Daily News this morning. A group of computer hackers amassed about $45 million from ATMs in 26 countries by hacking into credit card systems of several banks and manipulating the balances of hundreds of prepaid credit cards. Then “cashers” would fan out and withdraw the money from ATMs. In one hit, thieves were able to withdraw about $400,000 in a little over two hours from ATMs around New York City.
Opinion: Hey Grads, Learn Some Computer Programming
Some advice for recent graduates on the opinion page of the Wall Street Journal this morning from Kirk McDonald. McDonald, who runs an ad tech company, says if you want a job in media or technology, it would behoove you to learn some computer programming—otherwise he won’t be hiring you. You don’t have to gain the expertise of people who “hack into NASA’s computers for fun,” but knowing what an API is and being able to discuss it intelligently will go a long way in your hunt for a job.
Luxury Kids Rooms
Go to your room has a whole new meaning. In an attempt to keep their kids out of trouble, more parents are investing money in spaces within their homes that teenagers want to hang out in. And these “teen lounges” feature more than just a bean bag chair. Think DJ mixing stations, hidden passages a la Harry Potter and fully equipped video game arcades. Most of these spaces also feature ways for parents to keep on eye on their children’s computer usage.
Attention-Grabbers Top Most Popular Name List
The Social Security Administration released the most popular names for babies yesterday with Sophia and Jacob leading the pack once again. The Chicago Tribune notes that attention-grabbing names seem to be picking up steam with expecting parents—both King and Messiah are becoming more popular choices for boys. So is Major. That seems like a lot to live up to, doesn’t it?
Randy Jackson Leaves ‘Idol’
And then there was none. Randy Jackson, the last of the original “American Idol” judges, announced that he’ll be leaving the show after the current season concludes. The LA Times says Jackson’s decision to end his 12-year tenure comes on the heels of rumors that all four current judges would be let go after this season wraps. The “Idol” alum says he wants to spend time focusing on his “other business ventures.”
America Loves the Daily Mail
There’s an interesting media sotry in the New York Times today about the rapid rise of the Daily Mail’s online version. Seventeen million visitors a month come to the British website from the US. Understandably, the company has identified the US as a key market for growth. Other media companies say Mail Online’s ethics are shaky and that its stories are often taken from other websites with little or no attribution.
South Florida’s Newest Celeb: The ‘Bird Lady’
South Florida has a new celebrity, says the Sun Sentinel. Filomena Tobias has been dubbed the “bird lady” and become the latest Internet meme after unceremoniously jamming her middle finger in the face of Chicago Bulls player Joakim Noah earlier this week. The Sentinel calls Tobias a millionaire socialite who’s familiar with the spotlight, thanks to a lengthly legal battle over her late husband’s estate. Despite her support, Heat players lined up to lament her actions.