WPCNR PRESS BOX. November 24, 2004: Dale Berra, son of Yogi Berra, and a member of the World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates of 1979, whose teammates included Buccaneer greats, Willie “Pops” Stargell, Dave “The Cobra” Parker,Bill Robinson and Bill Madlock and pitchers John Candelaria, Bruce Kison and Bert Blyleven, reminisces about life with Yogi and baseball before the 1994 strike on WPPA-TV’s Beyond The Game with genial Johnny Vorperian, at 9 P.M.Friday evening on WPPA-TV, “The Spirit of 76,” White Plains Public Access Television.
PIN Number Fraud — Latest TeleThief Technique
WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. From Sonny The Solicitor. November 22, 2004: Sonny the Barrister reports the experience of a friend of his and says this new telemarketing fraud is being worked on credit card holders in the tri-state area. Here is his report:
I received this from a friend and thought that you should know about it so you can protect yourself.
The scam works like this:
Person calling says, “this is , and I’m calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I’m calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by bank. Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a marketing company based in Arizona?”
When you say “No”, the caller continues with, “Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?”
You say “yes.” The caller continues… “I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1-800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800-VISA) and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control #” The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. “Do you need me to read it again?”
Here’s the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works. The caller then says, “He needs to verify you are in possession of your card.” He’ll ask you to “turn your card over and look for some numbers. There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are your card number, the next 3 are the ‘Security Numbers’ that verify you are in possession of the card. These are the numbers you use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. Read me the 3 numbers.”
After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he’ll say ,”That is correct. I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?” After you say No, the caller then thanks you and states, “Don’t hesitate to call back if you do,” and hangs up. You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the card number. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did!
The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charge on our card. Long story made short, we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA card, and they are reissuing us a new number. What the scammers wants is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don’t give it to them.
Instead, tell them you’ll call VISA or Master card direct. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you’re receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement, you’ll see charges for purchases you didn’t make, and by then it’s almost too late and/or harder to actually file a fraud report.
What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a “Jason Richardson of MasterCard” with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn’t let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening.
Please pass this on to all your friends. By informing each other, we protect each other. Thank-You.
The Day President John F. Kennedy Was Shot.
WPCNR NEWS COMMENT. By John F. Bailey. November 22, 2004: Forty-one years ago at about midday today, President John F. Kennedy was shot. When I heard the news, I was heading to Gray Chapel at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. It was sobering news. Then within the hour it was reported that the President was dead, and the search was on for potential suspects.
Persons in their late 50s can probably remember exactly what they were doing when they heard that electrifying news told them. Disbelief. Concern. Sadness. President Kennedy’s popularity was ebbing at that time. The public was initially inspired by the vision of Camelot and the likable, energetic young president. However, by the time he was assassinated, President Kennedy was coming under harsh criticism for his foreign policy and his inability to move an agenda through congress. He was ridiculed by impressionists and pushed around by congressional heavyweights.
But, when he was shot, the American public, even those who disagreed with his politics and considered him in over his head in the presidency, were stunned by grief and horror. Nothing had happened like that in America since 1901 when President William McKinley was assassinated. An entire nation reflected in guilt for a week as the three television networks showed 24 hours a day assassination and funeral coverage.
Until the Trade Center Horror in 2001, this nation had not experienced anything on that national scale of reaction to an event.
Were we a more sensitive nation then? More sensitive to what killing actually is? I wonder. In the fast-moving sensationalism of news today, would the same sensitivity be there today?
Or, have we been hardened to violence, and do we now see violence as more of an acceptable solution to problems than to be avoided at all costs?
I remember how Americans sat mesmerized in front of their televisions as the Kennedy goodbye played out. I remember, too how Kennedy’s death swiftly paved the way for the landmark Civil Rights act of 1965, architected by Kennedy’s successor, Lyndon B. Johnson. That legislation, without Kennedy’s assassination would probably never have been passed. I believe it passed because of collective guilt over Kennedy’s demise.
For 41 years, politicians, when their charisma is measured, have always been compared to Mr. Kennedy. However, charismas does not get things done. Does not make for change by itself. It is nice but it achieves nothing unless you have some solid ideas, management skills, and are willing to work hard for it. Even, then, as a recent Kennedyesque President found out, it may not happen
Jody Cole Named New York Teacher of the Year, Lisa Sherman Named “Amazing Person
WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From Delegates to the NYSAHPERD Convention. November 22, 2004: The New York State Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance bestowed upon White Plains High physical education teacher, Jody Cole the Teacher of the Year Award for 2004. Each year the NYSAHPERD Association honors outstanding individuals in the area of teaching excellence. The winner of this award represents the entire state of
Lisa Sherman, another outstanding member of the White Plains High physical education faculty was honored at the same conference with “The Amazing Person” Award for her coordination of Jump Rope for Heart.
The audience of 500 people heard just a few of Jody’s many accomplishments and career highlights. Jody was recognized for her excellence in teaching and her commitment to children. Jody has been teaching for 25 years and is still as passionate about her craft today. She created reading and running marathons, bringing English Language Arts in to the gymnasium as well as numerous other inter-disciplinary endeavors.
Jody has written several curriculum guides and worked on the physical education curriculum map currently being used in
Contributions to WPHS 21st Century Physical Education
Jody brought her knowledge and expertise to
Jody has received the PTA’s Jenkins Award as well as the American Heart Association’s Service Award for her outstanding contributions as a Jump Rope for Heart coordinator.
In summary, a quote read to the NYSAHPERD award banquet audience epitomizes Jody’s passion and professionalism:
“Jody’s leadership qualities are evident in the gymnasium where her program is inclusive, non-threatening, packed with learning and enjoyment. It is amazing how effortless and natural it is for Jody to motivate students at all levels to learn. It is as if the students are on the edge of their seats, anticipating what she has prepared for them. Jody is a master at teaching to all levels, adapting to different learning styles, and of course various abilities. No child is left behind in a classroom in which Jody Cole is teaching.”
Lisa Sherman Recognized as “Amazing Person”
At the same conference on November 4th, Lisa Sherman, Highlands Middle School Physical Education Teacher, also received an award from the state organization. Lisa was awarded the “Amazing Person” honor for her sustained outstanding contributions to the SouthEastern Zone of NYSAHPERD. Lisa was recognized this year for her work on many levels of service to the zone and the state association.
Lisa has been the Zone Conference Planner for the past five years and has brought many fine and noteworthy presenters to our area. Her efforts have made the zone conference a model of staff development for school districts throughout
Lisa has also shared her technology expertise by presenting workshops at the local, state and national levels. Lisa continues to collaborate with the Statewide Assessment Committee to infuse technology and other ideas into the process. She currently is a turnkey trainer for the region and will be conducting assessment seminars for local school districts. Additionally, Lisa is an adjunct professor at