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IUPUI June 2009

COMMUNITY: BUILD A BETTER LIFE

ARTS & CULTURE: SUMMERTIME LOCAL EVENTS

HEALTH: STIMULUS PACKAGE AND HEALTH CARE

ENVIRONMENT: “GREEN” WAYS TO SAVE

TECH: WHAT TO KNOW WHEN BUYING A GPS

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: TACO POTATOES

HOME: ENERGY STAR TAX CREDITS

Local places and events for the family that won’t empty your wallet.ART & CULTURE page 2

Tasty tacos without the shells?FOOD FOR THOUGHTpage 6

Tips for a healthy mind, body, soul and environment.HEALTHpage 3

The New PackageThis issue is all about how to save money, what others are doing, and ways to help you during this economic recession.

New eStaff Forum on the DOE website! Post and answer questions athttps://doer.uc.iupui.edu

Technology

With summer just around the corner, many of us are starting to prepare for the long-awaited annual vacation. The current state of the economy might force some of us to look for more affordable destinations close to the city where we live.

If driving will be your way of reaching your chosen vacation spot, why not con-sider investing in an affordable GPS unit? Many new GPS devices not only provide you with driving directions, but also they include points of interest so you can locate nearby attractions and businesses.

Do your research before buying a GPS unit and you could save some money. Prices range from $80 to $800 and you will find a big difference in the features that are offered.

The most recent models come with a broad range of functions such as slideshow, MP3 player, video player, and Bluetooth kit). Some GPSes feature POI (points of interest) such as restaurants, parking, live traffic updates, or weather service. You will need a subscription to most of those services, however.

What do you need to look for in a GPS? ∙Screen Size (varies between 3.6 and 4.3 inches)∙Ease of use∙Traffic info∙Text-to-speech capabilities/Voice navigation∙Maps. Some units have pre-installed maps that only cover a limited geographic area. Others have more far-reaching maps. Updated maps can be purchased as a CD or on pre-loaded memory cards.

What to Know When Buying a GPS By Peter Stamenov

“Tech” SitesIf you need detailed price and product information, you could visit one of the following Web sites:

www.pricegrabber.comwww.bizrate.comwww.nextag.comwww.dealtime.comwww.shopping.com

Want to do something different with your family that will be fun and budget friendly? There’s no need for a big spending weekend outside of the state when there are entertaining activities things that can be experienced this summer right here in Indianapolis!

Local museums and galleries such as the IMA and The Arts Garden at Circle Center are definitely a cheap alternative to taking long drives to vacation spots and going to the movies and the mall. The IMA hosts a monthly event called “Summer Nights,” in which films – ranging from spy thrillers to comedies to old classics – are shown after dark in an outdoor amphitheater. Before the movie is shown, friends and fam-ily can enjoy a night outside eating dinner and drinking wine. Learn more about this unique event at www.imamuseum.com/calendar.

Another event that will attract Hoosiers from all over the state will be the Indi-ana State Fair, celebrating its 151st anniversary this year. The 12-day annual August fest will be showcasing the state’s prized livestock, homegrown bests like the larg-est watermelon and tallest sunflower, an international wine competition, and big-name entertainers. Visit www.in.gov/statefair for more information.

Fairs and festivals will be going on all summer and can be another way to expe-rience fun, food, and entertainment. An upcoming festival is the Vintage Indiana Wine & Food Fest’s “Taste the Experience” on June 6 at Military Park. Enjoy delicious food from top Indiana chefs and experts while tasting wine, listening to Indiana’s most popular musicians, and browsing through artists’ booths. There is also a place with fun activities for children called the “Kidszone.” Visit www.vintageindiana.com for more information.

As you can see, there is a variety of opportunities in Indianapolis – and, of course, in the surrounding areas – for you and your family to spend quality time together without breaking the bank.

Summertime Local Events By Jessica Morgan

Indy Art GalleriesIndianapolis Museum of

Contemporary Art (iMoca) 340 N. Senate AvenueIndianapolis, IN 46204

www.indymoca.org

Indiana Museum of Art (IMA)4000 Michigan Road

Indianapolis, IN 46208www.imamuseum.com

Big Car Gallery1043 Virginia Ave., Suite 215

Indianapolis, IN 46203www.bigcar.org

Herron School of Art and Design735 W. New York St.

Indianapolis, IN 46202www.herron.iupui.edu

Sources:www.imamuseum.com/calendarwww.in.gov/statefair www.talbotstreet.orgwww.vintageindiana.com http://www.visitindiana.net/festivals.html

Art & Culture

As part of the new 2009 stimulus package, President Obama has tried to find ways to help people keep and maintain good health insurance. He has set aside approxi-mately $150 billion to use toward health care and medical research. Most of that money makes it possible for the federal government to provide health care cover-age in the form of Medicaid ($86.6 billion) as well as COBRA ($24.7 billion).

The new plan known as COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) falls under the stimulus legislation known as the American Recovery and Re-investment Act of 2009 (ARRA). This act is designed to assist employees who have lost their jobs and are left with little or no health care. For certain qualifying former employees and their dependents, under this act the federal government will pay for almost two-thirds of the full health care premium amount for up to nine months after a worker has lost his/her job. Estimated to provide coverage for some 27 mil-lion people, the new provisions went into effect March 1, 2009.

Stimulus Package and Health Care By Alli Cushinberry

HealthHealth Tips1. Move MoreMake it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body.

2. Cut FatAvoid the obvious such as fried foods, burg-ers, and other fatty meats.

3. Protect Yourself from Pollution If you can’t live in a smog-free environment at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traf-fic areas, breathing in highway fumes, and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low.

4. Wear Your Seat BeltStatistics show that seat belts add to longev-ity and help alleviate potential injuries in car accidents.

5. Floss Your TeethRecent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing.

6. Avoid Excessive Drinking While recent studies show that a glass of wine or one drink a day can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer.

7. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook There is a definite connection between liv-ing well and healthy and having a cheerful outlook on life.

8. Laugh oftenPeople that are happier tend to live healthier lifestyles which in turn prolong life span. Resources

http://www.informationweek.com/news/government/stimulushttp://www.nolo.com/article.cfmhttp://www.medhealthinsurance.com/blog/stimulus-package-cobra-health

Resourceshttp://www.informationweek.com/news/government/stimulushttp://www.nolo.com/article.cfmhttp://www.medhealthinsurance.com/blog/stimulus-package-cobra-health

Habitat for Humanity, one of the best known nonprofit groups in the world, was founded by Millar and Linda Fuller in 1976. Despite the organization’s popularity, its needs are greater now than ever. Sagging home prices and a stagnant econo-my have driven a renewed demand for Habitat homes.

As an alternative to a government bailout, Habitat is helping resolve some of the greatest problems the economy is facing such as home ownership and financing. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit, financed with affordable no-interest loans, and the homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are recycled into a revolving Fund for Humanity that is used to build more houses. Donations of time, money, and materials are also accepted by Habitat.

In addition to the builds, Habitat for Humanity Indianapolis is having two BAGI (Building Association of Greater Indianapolis) yard sales. Building products, new and old can be donated to Habitat for the yard sale and are accepted every Friday in May from 10:00am – 1:00pm at the Habitat for Humanity Re-store at 1011 E. 22nd Street. To drop off donations at BAGI, contact Rosemary to schedule a drop-off time (317-236-6330).

Habitat for Humanity Indianapolis is building homes every Wednesday through Saturday during the month of May. NCAA is sponsoring builds June 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 24, 25, 26, and 30. With a favorable summer schedule and beautiful weather maybe you can get out and help Habitat build a home, restore a family, and revive a neighborhood.

Community

Building a Better LifeBy Elijah Howe

Sourceshttp://www.indyhabitat.org/index.phphttp://www.habitat.org/

Environment

There are many things that people are doing now to save money that they may

not have done a decade or so ago such as turning off lights when no one is in the

room, taking shorter showers, and using coupons at the grocery store. Most people

may think that “Going Green” is expensive, but here are a few ideas that may help

keep money in your wallet and help the world we live in.

1. Walking, riding a bike and taking public transportation can save you money at the

gas pump, be beneficial to your health, and help minimize pollution.

2. Unplugging the toaster, microwave, and other appliances or technological gad-

gets will help you save on electric bills. Those appliances still draw electricity even

when they are turned off.

3. Buying a water filter instead of bottled water can instantly save you money and

the amount of trash you throw away. Bottled water can cost up to 10,000 times

more per unit than the same amount of tap water.

4. Look for natural ingredient alternatives to harsh chemicals in household cleaners.

You probably already have things in your pantry such as baking soda, vinegar, and

lemon juice that can be used to tidy up around the house.

5. Try eating smaller portions at mealtimes and eating less meat each week. The live-

stock industry causes major environmental damage, producing 18% of the planet’s

greenhouse gas emissions. So eating smaller portions and less meat is yet another

way to save money, go green, and positively affect your health during a recession.

Going green during a recession doesn’t have to be expensive. Just try a few of

these tips and see how going green can benefit your life and your wallet.

“Green” Ways to Save By Jessica Morgan

Sources: http://www.ehow.comhttp://www.greenlivingtips.comhttp://www. sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife

Go Green at Work

1. Be bright about lightArtificial lighting accounts for 44 percent of the electricity use in office buildings. Make it a habit to turn off the lights when you’re leaving any room for 15 minutes or more and utilize natural light when you can.

2. Maximize computer efficiencyComputers in the business sector unneces-sarily waste $1 billion worth of electricity a year. During the day, setting your computer to go to sleep automatically during short breaks can cut energy use by 70 percent. Remember, screen savers don’t save energy.

3. Print smarterThe average U.S. office worker goes through 10,000 sheets of copy paper a year. Make it a habit to print on both sides or use the back side of old documents for faxes, scrap paper, or drafts. Avoid color printing and print in draft mode whenever feasible.

4. Go paperless when possibleMake it a habit to think before you print: could this be read or stored online instead? 5. Ramp up your recyclingMake it a habit to recycle everything your office collects. Just about any kind of paper you would encounter in an office, including fax paper, envelopes, and junk mail, can be recycled. So can your old cell phone, PDA, or pager.

7. Watch what (and how) you eatMake it a habit to bring your own mug and dish ware or paper goods for those meals you eat at the office.

Food For ThoughtIngredients: • 3 or 4 medium potatoes • Salsa • 1 large onion sliced • Sliced black olives • 2 Cups cheddar cheese • Diced fresh tomatoes • 1-2 Cups mozzarella cheese • Sliced jalapeno • 1 large can kidney beans and/or • Chopped scallions refried beans • Sour cream • 1 lb. ground meat (optional) • Guacamole • 1 packet of Taco Mix • Shredded lettuce

Wash and pat dry the potatoes. Slice thinly, with or without skins. Place in skil-let with vegetable oil and sliced onions, salt and pepper. (Prepared frozen hash browned potatoes would work well with this also). After the potatoes and onions have cooked thoroughly, layer the bottom of a baking dish that has been buttered or sprayed with oil. On top of the potatoes, place a layer of cooked ground meat, then spread over meat drained kidney beans and/or refried beans. Next spread a lay-er of mixed cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Place the dish in a 350 degree F. oven for about 35-40 minutes or until the cheese melts. Cut in desirable portions. Make taco toppings available to top the potatoes: sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped scallions, black olives, guacamole, shredded lettuce, sliced jalapenos, salsa.

Taco PotatoesBy Linda Trackwell, Recipe Provided By Regina Turner

Origins of the Recipe Like many other recipes, this recipe

came about accidentally. We were

having a family gathering at which I

planned to serve tacos. After most of

the guests arrived, I discovered I forgot

the taco shells! How can you have

tacos without the shells??!!

I didn’t want to leave my guests to go

buy some, so got creative. What I did

have on hand was some potatoes and

onions. So out of necessity, the recipe

for Taco Potatoes was created. The

guests came back for seconds.

Home

Resourceshttp://www.informationweek.com/news/government/stimulushttp://www.nolo.com/article.cfmhttp://www.medhealthinsurance.com/blog/stimulus-package-cobra-health

If you have been tolerating a drafty house, leaky roof, cold showers, or high util-ity bills, now is the time to upgrade your home! There are federal tax credits avail-able to help ease the cost of energy efficient home improvements. For a full list of products that qualify, visit www.energystar.gov/taxcredits.

Here is a brief overview of the federal tax credits available:

• 30% of the cost (up to $1500) for existing homes—only in 2009 and 2010o Windows and doorso Insulationo Roofso HVACo Water heaterso Biomass stoves• 30% of the cost (no upper limit) for existing homes and new construction—through 2016o Geothermal heat pumpso Solar panelso Solar water heaterso Small wind energy systemso Fuel cells

If you are planning any of these upgrades or repairs, visit the Web site mentioned above for the specifications needed to qualify for this great tax incentive.

Energy Star Tax Credits By Stormy Thrasher

New eStaff Forum on the DOE website! Post and answer questions athttps://doer.uc.iupui.edu