WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Information Technology at Purdue (ITaP) and Purdue Sustainability Council officials are encouraging the campus community to make “powering down” personal computers as common a practice as turning off a car and shutting refrigerator doors.

Purdue faculty, staff and students are asked to visit www.powerdownfortheplanet.org/purdue and pledge to set their computers to “sleep” mode when not actively in use during the national, monthlong Power Down for the Planet pledge challenge, which runs from March 23 through April 17.

Purdue faculty, staff and students are asked to pledge to set their computers to sleep mode when not actively in use during national Power Down for the Planet month.

The initiative challenges university communities to promote reduction of computer energy consumption and CO2 emissions. It is conducted in collaboration with the Climate Savers Computing Initiative – a nonprofit group dedicated to reducing computer-energy consumption – and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program.

The pledge challenge includes Purdue, Ohio State and Pennsylvania State universities, and the universities of California at Los Angeles and San Diego, Iowa, and Michigan, among others. The winner – to be announced April 22, which is Earth Day – will be the university with the highest percentage of its campus population taking the pledge.

From March 23 to April 17, members of the Purdue community can visit the Power Down web site, enter their purdue.edu e-mail address, and submit their pledge to use power management on personal computers and to ensure their future computer purchases bear the Energy Star logo.

“We’re hoping that the Power Down for the Planet pledge challenge will remind individuals to enable the settings as a way to decrease power consumption,” said Gerry McCartney, vice president for information technology and chief information officer at Purdue. “I’ll be pledging, and I encourage everyone to pledge as well.”

When enabled, power-management features place the monitor, hard drive and computer into a low-power “sleep” mode after a designated period of inactivity. A touch of the mouse or keyboard “wakes” the computer in seconds. A 2008 Harris Interactive study, however, estimated that 90 percent of computers run with such settings turned off. According to Energy Star, enabling those settings on just 100 Indiana desktop computers would annually save more than $60 per user in energy costs and prevent more than 60 tons of CO2 emissions.

“One of the biggest challenges to a successful energy conservation program is finding a way to influence people’s individual choices about how they consume energy,” said Robin Mills Ridgway, director of sustainability and environmental stewardship for Purdue. “I applaud ITaP’s initiative and encourage everyone with a personal computer to take the pledge.”

ITaP and Purdue Convocations are offering incentives for pledging. Participants can use their e-mailed pledge confirmation receipt to receive ticket discounts from Purdue Convocations, as well as to enter drawings for a Pantech Duo C810 Smartphone from AT&T, an iPod Shuffle from ITaP Shopping, or a Targus backpack from ITaP Shopping.

To enter the drawings, a printed confirmation e-mail can be submitted at ITaP Shopping Offline in Stewart Center, Room G-65. Proof of pledging also can be submitted to lab assistants in the following ITaP computer labs: Beering B281, Mathematical Sciences Building B010, Matthews 116, McCutcheon C216, Meredith 146S, Stanley Coulter G073, Stewart 102 and Wetherill 114.

Prize winners will be announced April 27.

Those presenting the printed proof of pledge and their Purdue identification at any campus box office can receive $5 off a single ticket to STOMP (March 31 and April 1) and Ain’t Misbehavin’ (April 23), both presented by Purdue Convocations in Elliott Hall of Music.

All e-mails printed for all incentives and prizes will be recycled.

In addition to the pledge challenge, Power Down for the Planet is hosting a national video contest open both to all Purdue students and the general public. By April 17, participants can submit an original YouTube video of three minutes or less that educates, entertains and informs about the importance of energy-efficient computing. Winning videos will be judged on content and relevance in a competition to win $5,000 in cash and additional prizes. Contest winners will be announced May 4. For more information on the video contest, visit www.powerdownfortheplanet.org/video

WASHINGTON, DC — The number of visitors to IRS.gov is up more than 24 percent compared with last year, and more taxpayers rely on the Internal Revenue Service’s online resources to get answers to tax questions on the economic recovery legislation and to prepare and file tax returns accurately and timely.

More than 138 million taxpayers already visited the IRS Web site this year, up from about 111 million from the same period last year.

More than 138 million taxpayers already visited the IRS Web site this year, up from about 111 million from the same period last year.

Taxpayers can find the latest information about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, including details on extending health insurance for people who lost their jobs and tax breaks for first-time homebuyers. IRS also has developed “What if” scenarios and the possible tax implications for people who may be facing financially difficult times. Taxpayers periodically should check for updates to these pages.

Some IRS online publications contain hyperlinks allowing users to get the answers they need quickly. The links allow users to jump immediately to other parts of publications and external Web sites, reducing the time it takes to access information.

A total of 14 publications contain tailored hyperlinks that provide easier access, including Publication 3, Armed Forces’ Tax Guide, Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education, and Publication 936, Home Mortgage Interest Deduction. Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax, was issued for the first time with hyperlinks last year, and the new version now has more links than ever before. Publication 17 also is available online in Spanish for the first time.

Available on IRS.gov this year is a new on-line tool that allows taxpayers to complete tax forms, perform basic mathematical calculations and e-file their federal income tax returns free of charge. Free File Fillable Forms is most suited for those who prepare their own paper returns without the assistance of a tax return preparer or tax preparation software. There are no income limitations to use Free File Fillable Forms, and the most commonly-used federal tax forms are available.

Also available to taxpayers is Free File, which provides taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $56,000 or less in 2008 with free federal income tax preparation and electronic filing. Free File is free, fast and accurate.

Taxpayers also can download IRS audio podcasts on a variety of topics in English and Spanish. Video tax tips are also available.

Other electronic tools can be found on IRS.gov. Highlights include the following:

• Where’s My Refund? — Whether taxpayers opted for direct deposit or asked the IRS to mail a check, they can track their refund through the Where’s My Refund? tool.
• The Recovery Rebate Credit Calculator — The recovery rebate credit is a one-time benefit for people who didn’t receive the full economic stimulus payment last year and whose circumstances may have changed, making them eligible now for some or all of the unpaid portion of the credit. In most cases, taxpayers who received the full amount of the stimulus payment last year will not be eligible for it this year. The recovery rebate credit can be calculated using the online tool, Recovery Rebate Credit Calculator.
• How Much Was My 2008 Stimulus Payment? — Taxpayers will need to know the amount of their 2008 economic stimulus payment to calculate the recovery rebate credit. Taxpayers can use the online tool, How Much Was My 2008 Stimulus Payment?, to check how much their payment was in 2008. Taxpayers don’t need to report the 2008 stimulus payment as income because it’s not taxable.
• EITC Assistant — The earned income tax credit is a substantial credit for people who work but don’t earn a lot of money. Find out if you are eligible for the EITC by answering some questions and providing basic income information using the online EITC Assistant.

Taxpayers looking for the IRS online should type www.irs.gov into their Internet browser. Taxpayers should also beware of Web sites that may resemble IRS.gov but end in .com, .net, .org, .biz or any other domain name extension.

Also available is IRS.gov/Español, the IRS Web site offering tax forms, publications and information in Spanish. Interactive tools such as the following are available for individuals: EITC Assistant, (Asistente EITC); Free File(Presentacion FreeFile) Where’s My Refund? (¿Dónde Está Mi Reembolso?), How Much Was My 2008 Stimulus Payment (¿Cuánto fue mi Pago del Estímulo Económico?) and Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) Calculator (Calculadora para el Crédito por Recuperación de la Devolución de Estímulo Económico.)

LAFAYETTE, Ind. -– Based on a ruling yesterday (March 30) from the Marion County Superior Court-Civil Division in Indianapolis, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield will continue to recognize facilities operated by the Sisters of St. Francis Health Services (SSFHS), including St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Home Hospital, as in-network until the contracts between Anthem and SSFHS expire Sept. 1, 2009.

Although Anthem had sought to terminate the contracts early, the court ruling means that members of Anthem health plans can continue to receive in-network services at SSFHS facilities after May 1. The hospitals include St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers in Beech Grove, Indianapolis and Mooresville; St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Home Hospital in Lafayette; St. Clare Medical Center in Crawfordsville; St. Anthony Memorial Health Centers in Michigan City; St. Anthony Medical Center in Crown Point; St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center in Hammond and Dyer; and Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster.

The current Anthem-SSFHS contracts expire Sept. 1, 2009 with the exception of St. Elizabeth Regional Health’s contract which will continue at least through Dec. 31, 2009.

But leaders from both organizations emphasized they are committed to continuing contracts talks and securing a new long-term agreement to ensure that Anthem-insured patients receive in-network benefits at the highest level of care at all SSFHS hospitals.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Arni’s Restaurant and thousands of other eating establishments are represented by Indiana’s Restaurant Association, the voice of the state’s largest employer in the private sector.

Brad Cohen (right), owner of Arni’s Restaurant, joins State Sen. Ron Alting (left) in honoring Indiana’s Restaurant Association at a Statehouse ceremony Tuesday. Arni’s Restaurant and thousands of other eating establishments are represented by the organization that Alting and other lawmakers credit for improving the restaurant industry and creating positive dining experiences for patrons.

Brad Cohen, owner of Arni’s, joined State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) today in honoring the association that has worked to improve the restaurant industry and create positive dining experiences for patrons.

“With more than 295,000 workers, Indiana’s restaurants are an important part of the state’s economy and a key driver of employment,” Alting said. “Their sales also generate tremendous tax revenues for the state.”

According to Alting, restaurant jobs represent 10 percent of the state’s total employment and nearly 32 jobs are created for each additional $1 million spent in establishments. Alting said 2009 projections show the states’ restaurants will register $8.6 billion in sales. In addition, every $1 spent in Indiana’s restaurants generates an extra $1.06 in sales for Indiana’s economy.

“Not only do restaurants offer places for friends and family to gather, they employ more minority managers than any other industry,” Alting said. “One of my first jobs, like nearly 25 percent of other adults, was in food service. Because of this, I learned skills that have helped me throughout my entire life, how to relate to people, control waste and handle money.”

Indiana’s Restaurant Association – established in 1933 – provides educational, networking and job opportunities, among other benefits to members.

“Hoosiers wanting to learn more about the association or how to join can visit www.indianarestaurants.org ,” Alting said. “And if you haven’t visited one of Arni’s Restaurants yet, you are missing out on some great pizza, sandwiches and salads.”

CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Kroger Co. said today it is recalling Kroger Lite Mayo in 32-ounce plastic jars with a “Sell by” date of SEP-25-09 sold in Kroger stores in Southwestern Ohio, including Cincinnati and Dayton, and in Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and/or abdominal pain.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the product.

Kroger is recalling the following item:

• Kroger Lite Mayo sold in 32-ounce jars with a “Sell by” date of SEP-25-09 under the following UPC Code: 11110 66090.

Customers who have purchased the above product should not consume it and should return it to a store for a full refund or replacement.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and/or abdominal pain. For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov.

Consumers who have questions about this recall may contact Kroger toll-free at (800) 632-6900. For more information, please visit www.kroger.com/recalls.