Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/245656
2B Daily News – Tuesday, January 21, 2014 A burst of steam and a cup o' Joe When it comes to making coffee and pressing clothes, you know already that there are two appliances that get a daily workout at my house -- the coffeemaker and steam iron. Over the years, I've tested many brands, models and options. My conclusion is that, for these two items, price does not always indicate a superior product. I prefer what I call the best inexpensives. When it comes to making coffee and getting rid of wrinkles, I don't need or want fancy options. What I'm looking for are reliable workhorses that can get the job done, don't need to be coddled and keep working well for a long time. Here are my recommendations for the two best inexpensive coffee makers and steam irons (everydaycheapskate.com/steamandcoffee): COFFEE MAKERS: Hamilton Beach Ensemble 12Cup does just one thing: Make great coffee. It has a programmable timer, it's easy to clean and looks sleek and cool sitting on the counter. It comes in both black/stainless and red/stainless. This coffee maker has that very nice feature that if you want to an "anti-calc" feature that really sneak a cup of coffee out works to keep the reservoir free of before the brew has complet- mineral build-up. With 1600 watts, ed, just remove the carafe to this baby gets really hot, which I pause the flow of coffee. love. Both heat and steam have variable controls. And it has Then it resumes "vertical steam," which lets when you replace me hold it up to an item that the carafe. Expect to is hanging upright to get rid find this coffee maker of wrinkles. Possibly the for around $30 -- half of very best feature for somethe suggested retail price. one like myself is the auto Mr. Coffee 12-Cup. shutoff. You can find this This coffee maker also amazing iron at under $50 has the "pause and serve" - a bargain for sure. feature, something I realBlack & Decker 1500 ly like in a coffee maker, Watt. I've tested this steam as I like to pour a cup Mary iron and it is an excellent while the coffee maker is machine, second on my list still brewing. A nice feabecause it is not quite as ture on this model is the comfortable to use and two-hour shut off that does not have vertical keeps the coffee hot, but steam. This iron does have then shuts off automatian auto-shutoff feature, cally. This can also be heats up quickly and proannoying if two hours is not long enough, so buyer beware. duces a good amount of steam. Look for this coffee maker at about About $50. I could go on and on about $40. household appliances, but I'll refrain STEAM IRONS: Rowenta 1600 Watt. This steam so you can get back to work. iron is the best I've owned, bar none. Besides, I have a sudden need to go It produces a ton of steam and has get a nice, hot, cup of coffee. Hunt Everyday Cheapskate Luncheon to feature bestselling author Shasta Regional Medical Center is asking the North State community to "Love Your Heart" and make it a goal to fight against America's No. 1 killer — heart disease — at the annual Go Redding Luncheon on Friday, Feb. 7 at the Holiday Inn. This year's keynote speaker is Professor Brian Wansink, PhD, best-selling author of Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think and director of the Food and Brand Lab at Cornell Uni- versity. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 35.7 percent of American adults are obese. Wansink wants to help. "If we knew why we ate the way we do, we could eat a little less, eat a little healthier and enjoy it a lot more," he says. Wansink, who earned a Presidential appointment as executive director of the USA's Center for Nutritional Policy and Promotion (2007-2009), is taking the work he's done at the Cornell Food and Brand Lab and experiments at other eateries, buffets and cafeterias to help people change their eating habits for the better. Cardiovascular disease kills more women than men each year, and is the #1 killer of women, taking the life of 1 in 3 women each year. That means women are dying at the rate of one per minute, because they don't know the seriousness of heart disease. The Go Redding Luncheon proceeds stay in the community to help educate women of all ages about heart disease, their risks, and symptoms as well as provide free cardiovascular disease screenings for those underserved. Tickets to the Go Redding Luncheon are $45 and are available online at www.shastaregional.com, in person at the Shasta Regional Medical Center Gift Shop or Enjoy the Store, at 1475 Placer St. Free File offers tax prep and e-filing WASHINGTON — To help people get a jump on their taxes before the Jan. 31 filing season opens, the Internal Revenue Service today announced the immediate availability of Free File brand-name software for most taxpayers. Fourteen commercial software companies that provide their Free File tax prep products at no cost began offering their products today -- available only at IRS.gov/freefile. Although you can complete and e-file your tax return now, the Free File companies will hold it until Jan. 31 when the IRS begins accepting returns. As previously announced, the IRS delayed the filing season due to critical system testing following the federal government closure. "Many tax preparers and tax software companies are now open for return preparation, includRubes ing Free File. If you plan to get a head start on your taxes, remember to e-file. Electronic filing will allow software companies to hold your return and to automatically send it to the IRS on Jan. 31. There is absolutely no advantage to filing by paper," said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. "If you want to save money and time, just use Free File to prepare and e-file your federal return at no charge." As Jan. 31 approaches, Koskinen reminded taxpayers that IRS.gov has a range of information and services to help taxpayers prepare their tax returns. "Free File is just one of the many services available through IRS.gov to help people with their taxes," Koskinen said. "Additional services include Where's My Refund for timely updates on refunds, YouTube videos with quick tax tips, and many other ways of getting informaBy Leigh Ruben tion. We encourage taxpayers to explore IRS.gov as tax season approaches." Free File, a public-private partnership, is the free way to do your federal tax returns either by using brand-name software or online fillable forms. Free File software is available now to more than 100 million individuals and families that earn $58,000 or less, which is 70 percent of taxpayers. Starting Jan. 31, Free File Fillable Forms will be available to accept tax returns for free e-filing from any taxpayer who is comfortable preparing their own tax return. Nearly 40 million taxpayers have used Free File since it debuted in 2003. These taxpayers have saved more than an estimated $1.2 billion by using Free File. Here's how it works: • At IRS.gov/freefile, select the "Free File Software" button. Each of the 14 Free File companies sets specific offers – generally based on income, state residency and age – to use their software. If your income is $58,000 or less, you will find at least one, if not more, offers available to you. • You can review each of the 14 company offers or use the IRS "Help Me Find Free File Software" tool to find an offer that matches your situation. Once you make your selection, you will be directed to the commercial provider's website to begin preparing your return. • Free File is for federal returns but most companies also offer state tax return preparation, some for free. • If your income was more than $58,000, you can still do your taxes and e-file them. Just select the Saigon Bistro "Serving our Community for over 19 years" NEW BUFFET Gold Exchange Lunch Express 19 Years of Merchandise HUGE American & International Food Inventory Reduction 50%off All Jewelry Shop Early - Save 413 Walnut Street, Red Bluff 530 528-8000 www.redbluffgoldexchange.com www.angelsamongusall.com Mon. 10am-4pm • Tues.-Fri. 10am-5:30pm • Sat.10am-4pm "Free File Fillable Forms" button. Again, this product will be available starting Jan. 31. • Free File Fillable Forms is the electronic version of IRS paper forms, and it is best for people used to doing their own taxes. This option helps with math but not with step-by-step assistance. Instructions for filling out the form can be found on the IRS website. State tax return preparation is not available using this option. The fastest way to get your refund is by combining IRS e-file with direct deposit. Once the IRS begins processing returns, it expects to issue more than 90 percent of refunds in fewer than 21 days. Check "Where's My Refund?" for personalized refund information based on the processing of your 2013 tax return. You can start checking on the status of your return within 24 hours after the IRS accepts your e-filed return. Updates to refund status are made once a day so you don't need to check the status more than once a day. The 14 Free File companies are part of a consortium called the Free File Alliance, which has partnered with the IRS for 11 years to make these commercial products available for free to taxpayers who don't earn high incomes. You must access these products through IRS.gov to be eligible for their free offers. There also are a number of products to help spread the word about Free File. Companies, organizations, churches or others that have eligible employees, clients or customers can help increase awareness about Free File. Learn more at freefile.irs.gov/partners. 530 529-2700 530-366-3166 545 Adobe Rd. Red Bluff www.redbluffdodge.com Lunch Buffet Wed-Sat 11 - 2:30 DINNER BUFFET Fri-Sat 5pm-8pm 314 Washington St, Red Bluff, CA Biscuits & Gravy, Meatloaf, Salad Bar, Sushi, Gumbo, Cajun Shrimp, Sandwiches, Fruit Salad and more Wine & Beer - Catering available www.TehamaCountyRealEstate.com 723 Walnut St. Red Bluff • 528-9670 Local Calendar Submit calendar items clerk@redbluffdailynews.com. to P .O. Box 220, Red Bluff, 96080 or TUESDAY, JANUARY 21 Red Bluff American Legion Mt. Lassen Post 167, 7 p.m., Veterans Memorial Hall, 735 Oak St. Antelope School Board, 5:30 p.m., Antelope District Board Room, 22600 Antelope Blvd. Bend School Board, 4:30 p.m., 22270 Bend Ferry Road Book Club, 6 p.m., Tehama County Library Childbirth Class, 6:30-8:30 p.m., St. Elizabeth Community Hospital, Columba Room, 529-8026 City Council, 7 p.m. City Hall, 555 Washington St. Cribbage Club, 6 p.m., Cozy Diner, 259 S. Main St., 527-6402 Diabetic Education, 12:30 p.m. St. Elizabeth Community Hospital, Columba Room, 529-8031 Fun Senior Aerobics, 8-9 a.m., $1, Community Center, 1500 S. Jackson St. 527-8177 PAL Kickboxing, 6 p.m., 1450 Schwab St., 529-8716 or 200-3950 Penny Bingo, 10 a.m., Community Center, 1500 S. Jackson St. P.E.T.S. (Providing Essentials for Tehama Shelter), 6 p.m., RaboBank, 500 Luther Road, 527-8702 Pinochle for Seniors, 12:30-3:30 p.m., 1500 S. Jackson St., free, 527-8177 Providing Essentials for the Tehama Shelter, 6 p.m., Cozy Diner Red Bluff Derby Girls open tryouts and practice, 6:30 p.m., Tyler Jelly building, Tehama District Fairground Red Bluff Rotary, noon, Elks Lodge Take Off Pounds Sensibly — TOPS, 10 a.m., First United Methodist Church, 525 David Ave., 824-0556 or 529-1414 Tehama County Arts Council Board of Directors Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Tehama County Department of Education Tehama County Board of Education, 5 p.m., Tehama County Department of Education, 1135 Lincoln St. Tehama County Board of Supervisors, 10 a.m., board chamber, 727 Oak St. Tehama County Society for Crippled Children and Adults, 11 a.m., Elks Lodge Tehama County Tea Party Patriots, 6 p.m., Grange Hall, 20794 Walnut St. Tehama District Fair board, 1 p.m., Tehama Room, Tehama District Fairground, 650 Antelope Blvd. Weight Watchers meeting, 9 a.m., 485 Antelope Blvd., #N, 1-800651-6000 WWE self defense training for women, 5:30-7 p.m., 1005 Vista Way, Ste. C Corning Corning-Area Red Cross Disaster Volunteers, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Corning Fire Department, 814 Fifth St., 1-800-934-5344 or arcnec.org Dance with Juana, noon to 1 p.m., Family Resource Center, 1488 South St., 824-7670 Domestic Violence Information and Support Group (Spanish language), Call for group time and location., 528-0226 ESL, 9 a.m., Family Resource Center, West and South streets, 8247670 Healthcare District, 6 p.m., district office building, 145 Solano St., conference room Planning Commission, 6:30 p.m., city hall, 794 Third St. Red Cross Disaster Volunteer meeting, 6 p.m., Corning Fire Department, 814 Fifth St., 800 934-5344 Soccer training, 4-6 p.m., except for holidays and rain, Woodson School Soccer Field, 150 N Toomes, 824-7680 Tehama County Health Partnership, 1-3 p.m., City Hall, 794 Third St. Cottonwood Cottonwood Community Library Readers Club, 4 p.m., 3474818 Los Molinos School Readiness Play Group, 10-11:30 a.m., up to 5 years, free, First Steps Family Resource Center, 7700 Stanford Ave., 384-7833 Paskenta Elkins School Board, 5:15 p.m., 2960 Elkins Road WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22 Red Bluff Adult Carving Class, 10 a.m. to noon, Red Bluff Veterans Memorial Hall, Corner of Jackson and Oak streets, 527-0768 Al-Anon, noon to 1 p.m., Presbyterian Church, Jefferson and Hickory Alcohol, Anger and Abuse Group, Call for group time and location, 528-0226 Dance with Juana, noon to 1 p.m., Family Resource Center, 1488 South St., 824-7670 Emblem club dinner, 5:30 p.m., Elks Lodge Nurturing Parenting Dads Program, 10 a.m. to noon, 1860 Walnut St. #D, Shasta Room, call Keith at 527-8491, ext. 3012 Nurturing Skills for Teen Parents, 9 to 10 a.m., 1900 Walnut St., 527-8491, ext. 3012 PAL Martial Arts Women's Self Defense, 5:30-6:30 p.m., 1005 Vista Way, Ste. C, 840-0345 Penny Bingo, 10 a.m., Community Center, 1500 S. Jackson St. Red Bluff Derby Girls open tryouts and practice, 6:30 p.m., Tyler Jelly building at Tehama District Fairground Red Bluff Kiwanis, noon, Elks Lodge Senior Dance, 7 p.m., Westside Grange, Walnut Street Soroptimist International of Red Bluff, 5:30 p.m., Community and Senior Center, 1500 S. Jackson St., siredbluffclub@yahoo.com Team Kid, 5:30 p.m., First Southern Baptist Church, 585 Kimball Road, 527-5083 TeenScreen Mental Health Appointments, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free by appointment only, Youth Empowerment Services, 1900 Walnut St., 527-8491, Ext. 3012 Tehama Coffee Party Loyalists, 6 p.m., Cozy Diner 259 Main St. Waterbirth Class, 6:30 p.m., St. Elizabeth Community Hospital Columba Room, 529-8026 Weight Watchers meeting, 5:30 p.m., 485 Antelope Blvd., #N, 1800-651-6000 Widowed Persons Breakfast, 8 a.m., call 384-2471 for location Y-FI Middle and High School Youth Group, 6:30-8 p.m., North Valley Baptist Church, 345 David Ave., 527-0543 Corning Corning Rotary, noon, Rolling Hills Casino, Timbers Steak House, 2655 Barham Ave., corningrotary.org Exchange Club membership meeting, 7 p.m., Iron Skillet Latina Leadership Group, 9 a.m., Family Resource Center, West and South streets, 824-7670 Nutrition Classes, 12:30-2 p.m., West Street FRC, 824-7670 School Readiness Play Group, 10-11:30 a.m., up to 5 years, free, Family Resource Center, 1480 South St., 824-4111 Spanish Adult Education, 5 p.m., Family Resource Center, West and South streets, 824-7670 Strategies for Success, Life Skill classes, 1:30 p.m., Family Resource Center, West and South streets, 824-7670 VFW Charity Bingo, 6 p.m., Veterans Memorial Hall, 1620 Solano St., 824-5957 RUNNINGS ROOFING Sheet Metal Roofing Residential Commercial • Composition • Shingle • Single Ply Membrane "No Job Too Steep" " No Job Too Flat" Serving Tehama County No Money 530-527-5789 530-209-5367 CA. LIC#829089 Down! FREE ESTIMATES Owner is on site on every job The Over 25 years of experience STOVE JUNCTION The North State's premier supplier of stoves Now Carrying! Green Mountain Grills & Accessories Serving Butte, Glenn & Tehama Counties Tues-Sat 9am-5pm • Closed Sun & Mon 22825 Antelope Blvd., Red Bluff 530-528-2221 • Fax 530-528-2229 www.thestovejunction.com