Styrax benzoin is a species of tree native to Sumatra in Indonesia. Common names for the tree include gum benjamin tree, loban (in Arabic), kemenyan (in Indonesia and Malaysia), onycha, and Sumatra benzoin tree.
It is a common member of the forests of Sumatra, where it grows to about 12 meters in maximum height.
Cultivation
Styrax benzoin is cultivated as a main source of benzoin resin in Indonesia. It is also grown as an ornamental tree for shade in West Africa.
References
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) include viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections that are passed from person to person during physical intimacy.
Rather than STDs, the current preference in medical literature is to use the term sexually transmitted infections (STIs), emphasizing the fact that many infections remain silent and may not cause obvious disease. For example, the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is thought to infect the vast majority of sexually active people at some point in their lifetime, yet most of these infections resolve without causing genital warts or cervical cancer, which are the “disease” states of HPV.
STIs are extremely common, with an estimated twenty million new cases in the United States every year. Over half of these new infections occur in young people ages fifteen to twenty-four years old. Over one million Americans are living with HIV infections, another million people are infected with chlamydia, while over seven million people are infected with trichomonas each year, and another million people are dealing with new cases of genital warts.
Contrary to popular belief, STIs are not restricted to the genitals. Virtually every STI can be passed to the mouth (and vice versa) during oral sex, and the same is true for anal sex. Additionally, some STIs can be transmitted to the eyes and skin. Untreated STIs such as hepatitis B and C, HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea can spread through the bloodstream, affecting the entire body.
Bacterial STIs
Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI, and fortunately, once diagnosed, it can be cured with antibiotics. Gonorrhea is often associated with chlamydia, and together these two bacterial STIs are the major culprits for developing chronic pelvic pain and infertility if they are not diagnosed and treated early on after initial infection.
Syphilis is another bacterial STI that can be cured with old-fashioned penicillin. Historically, syphilis is called “the great imitator” because if left untreated, syphilis can affect virtually every system in the body.
Bacterial STIs can be cured with antibiotics, although there is increasing bacterial resistance to these drugs.
Viral STIs
The most common STI is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which causes both genital warts and cervical, penile, anal and oral cancers. Over 79 million people are currently infected with HPV in the United States, and each year we have approximately 14 million new cases of genital warts. We have no cure for HPV, but now we are fortunate to have excellent prevention for HPV through vaccines.
Perhaps the best-known viral STI is HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. We currently have over one million people living in America with HIV infection. Although we do not yet have successful vaccine prevention or antiviral cures, people infected with HIV are now living longer, productive lives through aggressive multi-drug medical therapy.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is yet another extremely common viral STI. The CDC estimates that 80 percent of adults living in the United States are infected with HSV type 1 (the primary cause of cold sores, but also the cause of the majority of genital herpes cases, as well). Additionally, one in six Americans over the age of twelve is estimated to be infected with Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2). Our anti-viral medications have greatly reduced the severity and frequency of recurrent disease, as well as significantly diminished transmission to non-infected partners.
Parasitic STIs
Although more people have heard of syphilis than trichomoniasis, “trich” infects an estimated 5 million Americans each year (vs. 56,000 cases of syphilis). Trich remains a challenge to diagnose, but is relatively easily treated with antibiotics. The most challenging issue with untreated trich infections is that they greatly increase an individual’s risk of contracting viral STIs such as herpes and HIV (because the trich irritates the lining of the vagina, breaking down natural barriers and defenses against other STIs.) Vaginal trich infections also cause premature childbirth and low weight babies (if they occur during pregnancy).
“Crabs” are tiny parasitic insects that are actually considered the single most infectious STI, because rates of transmission after a single episode of intercourse exceed 90 percent. Scabies are similar parasites that dig into the skin. These STIs can also be transmitted without intercourse, as they can cling to bed linens, towels or underwear. Note that they cannot, however, be transmitted from a toilet seat.
STIs can be surprisingly silent, so please note that the only way you can be sure which STI you have or do not have is to be tested
The Woodworking Shows is ready to launch the 2014 -2015 tour and we’ve got some great shows in store for all our woodworking friends. We’ve lined up a bunch of the best woodworking presenters in the country, and along with a great line-up of tool vendors the season promises to be a blockbuster! I’ve had a lot of folks ask me why they should attend a woodworking tool show when there is plentiful information about tools and woodworking methods readily available on the web. The reason is simple: at the shows you can see the tools demonstrated; you can check out the tools up close, often trying them out for yourself, and ask questions of folks who really know the facts and who will be happy to show you the answers. The Woodworking Shows give you the chance to spend a day, or three, at the biggest woodworking store in the country! Plus there is always that item that you run across at the show that you didn't know existed, but is just the answer to a woodworking riddle that's been pestering you. In addition to the tool dealers there are a bunch of great seminars, given by nationally renowned woodworking experts. This is a great chance to spend some time with woodworkers you know well but have never had the chance to meet. Finishing, cabinetmaking, router inlay, furniture building, setting up shop, hand plane rehab, and a host of other interesting topics are featured in the seminars and most of the presenters are on hand all day long. Local woodworking organizations and schools are also typically well represented; a great way to meet other woodworkers in your area. If you are new to woodworking there is no better way to get pointed in the right direction than attending a show. The shows are a great motivator, and the chance to meet experienced pros face-to-face and get good, solid, reliable information is priceless. Plus it’s a lot of fun. Finally, it's just a wonderful way to spend a day or two totally immersed in the woodworking experience. You get to hang out with fellow woodworkers, spend time cruising the vendor isles, and just simply enjoying a great time.
So do yourself a favor and plan on spending a day or so with us at the show. Check out the tour schedule on The Woodworking Show’s website and make sure you mark your calendar; these shows are too good to miss. I’ll be at all of the shows this tour and I look forward to seeing you, so please stop by and say hi!
See you soon!
Roland Johnson
Report by:
An invitation from Roland Johnson, Contributing Editor - Fine Woodworking magazine Owner of Roland Johnson’s Woodworks Hand-tool and power-tool expert for The Woodworking Shows.
For further information log on website:
Welcome to the most active woodworking community on the Internet. Join us virtually in our forums, live at a woodworking show, or at our headquarters for a Weekend with WOOD.
Throughout the year, we hear about clubs and guilds using their collective tools, hands, and hearts to aid nonprofits in need. Maybe it's because we recognize our talents for the gift they are, and feel a responsibility to use them for good. Maybe it's because, after months of working solo in our own shops, we enjoy the camaraderie of a group project. Or maybe it's because we'll take any excuse to get out in the shop and make dust. Check out these charitable projects by clubs, guilds, and individual woodworkers.
According to MayoClinic.com, eating a healthful breakfast is essential to maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. Eating breakfast provides you with more energy so you can have an active, physical morning that is snack-free. You can design a healthy breakfast based on a simple core formula of whole grains, low-fat protein, low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables. Get creative and experiment with different food combinations to create a range of sweet and savory healthful breakfasts.
A bowl of cereal, raspberries and orange juice on a breakfast table.Photo Credit tashka2000/iStock/Getty Images.
Cold Cereal
Buy cold cereal that is high in fiber and low in sugar. In order to get your morning serving of protein, select a cereal that has nuts or includes a high-protein grain, such as quinoi. Top your cereal with fruit to add sweetness to your breakfast. Try sprinkling blueberries or sliced strawberries on top of bran flakes. Use low-fat milk or your favorite non-dairy milk--such as soy or rice milk--to top your cereal.
Hot Cereal
In the winter, a hot cereal can be the perfect way to warm up your morning. Try making creamy oatmeal topped with sliced almonds and dried cranberries. If you need a break from oatmeal, try cooking up farina, which is a milled cereal grain. Mix in sliced bananas and toasted walnuts.
Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of protein; however, because they are also high in cholesterol, eat eggs for breakfast only two to three times per week. Use low-fat oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, to cook your eggs.
If you prefer vegetables to fruit in the morning, try scrambling up two eggs with spinach, mushrooms, and onions. Serve with a side of toast spread with cream cheese. Another healthy option is to serve poached eggs on a whole wheat English muffin. Have a small bowl of berries with yogurt on the side.
Smoothies
Smoothies are a delicious breakfast alternative. The basic ingredients for a smoothie include low-fat yogurt, fruit, and milk. Experiment with different yogurt and fruit flavor combinations. Try making a banana and strawberry smoothie with raspberry yogurt. Choose fruits based on what is currently in-season, or use frozen berries. Add a teaspoon of wheat germ to your smoothie, or have a slice of whole wheat toast on the side.
Savory Breakfasts
Aside from eggs, there are many other savory, healthy breakfast options. Try a multigrain bagel with low-fat cream cheese and sliced tomato. If you are adventurous, make miso soup with tofu, bok choy, cabbage, and sea vegetables. You can also eat a simple, healthy breakfast of whole-grain crackers, cheese, and sliced vegetables.
Weekend Breakfasts
You can make a special breakfast on the weekend that is still healthful and delicious. Try making multigrain pancakes topped with lemon yogurt and blueberries. Another option is whole-grain waffles with peanut butter and sliced bananas. Get creative, and see what kind of delicious, healthful combinations you can create,
THE JEFF MILLER WOODWORKING COLLECTION - ORDER NOW!
By Roy Underhill
Format: DVD
For over 30 years, Roy Underhill has been educating and entertaining audiences with his unrivaled knowledge of traditional hand tools and building techniques. Join Roy for Season Twelve for creating the perfect outdoor chair, traditional Shaker oval boxes, a small table with twigs in geometric shapes, and so much more!
Each episode is filled with classic techniques and how-tos including:
1201 – Bentwood Boxes of the Northwest Coast – Roy visits Gregg Blomberg and explores woodworking traditions of the Pacific Northwest.
1202 – A Civil War Quilting Frame – Roy is joined by his wife, Jane, to build a traditional quilting frame.
1203 – An African Chair from the Ivory Coast – Roy and his friend Robert Watson make a “man’s chair” using tools from the Ivory Coast of Africa.
1204 – Hispanic Furniture Making – Roy learns about northern New Mexico woodworking on the Santa Fe Trail.
1205 – Colonial Tape Loom – Roy begins making a tiny tape loom, used for making decorative fabric.
1206 – Dovetailing a Loom Box – Roy finishes the tape loom by making a beautiful box for it with dovetails and turned columns.
1207 – A Colonial Standing Desk – Roy makes a standing desk using mortise-and-tenon and tongue-and-groove joints.
1208 – Banding Together – Instrument maker Marcus Hanson makes inlay banding with Roy at the Anthony Hay Cabinet Shop.
1209 – The Art of Finishing – Roy returns to the Anthony Hay Cabinet Shop to learn finishing.
1210 – 15 Tools from a Dead Man’s Chest – Roy restores the tools found in an antique chest.
1211 – A Pilgrim’s Chest of Oak – Roy makes a Spanish pilgrim’s chest from New Mexico.
1212 – Wood Carvers of the Sacred – Returning to New Mexico once again, Roy explores religious carving and woodworking in the mountains north of Santa Fe.
1213 – Moravian Chair – Roy makes a Moravian chair that’s reinforced with dovetailed battens, which make this small piece extraordinarily strong.
Papier d'Arménie, a type of Armenian paper produced in France, is a room deodorizing product sold as booklets of twelve sheets of paper each cut into three pieces, which are coated with benzoin resin, the dried sap of styrax trees.
Booklet of Papier d'Armenie.
History
At the end of the 19th century, Auguste Ponsot discovered that Armenian households would burn Styrax as a fragrance and disinfectant. M. Ponsot adopted this habit with the help of the pharmacist Henri Rivier and the recipe created by the celebrated French perfumer of Armenian origin Francis Kurkdjian, who recreated the recipe going from village to village in Armenia and France, whereby benzoin resin was dissolved in alcohol, then infused onto a blotting paper support. The "alchemy" inherent in Papier d'Arménie became a huge success with the emerging importance of hygiene from 1888–1889, and has been steadily produced in Montrouge, France since 1885.
Use
Typically, a strip of Papier d'Arménie is torn from the booklet, folded accordion-style, and placed on a heat-resistant support. The strip is lit and blown on until the paper begins to glow and release the vanilla scent characteristic of resin compounds. The smell is pleasant and subtle, underscoring its primary use as a "purifier". This belief began with the practice of burning Papier d'Arménie on a bell set above a piece of raw meat, which would not rot by the end of a week (as normal meat almost certainly would).
Papier d'Arménie being burnt on the right side.
Today Papier d'Arménie is sold primarily as a form of incense or perfume, or as a form of air freshener; strips tucked between the books of a library will keep the air from turning stale for much longer than a conventional product. Papier d'Arménie is also effective at covering the smell of cigarette smoke and that of animals.
Papier d'Arménie has been found to release benzene and formaldehyde in a study of interior deodorizers conducted by a consumer's union. However the same study shows that of the 72 products tested, Papier d'Arménie presented the lowest rates. Normal use does not present a hazard; it is typical to burn 3 or 4 strips per week, and to air the area regularly.
Sheets can be torn out for individual use.
References
"Papier d'Arménie", Monapart Barcelona, Barcelona, March 25, 2010.
Benzoin resin is a balsamic resin obtained from the bark of several species of trees in the genus Styrax. It is used in perfumes, some kinds of incense, as a flavoring, and medicine (see tincture of benzoin) Commonly called "benzoin", it is called "benzoin resin" here to distinguish it from the chemical compound benzoin. Benzoin resin does not contain this crystalline compound.
Kemenyan, benzoin resin as sold in Gombong, Central Java.
Benzoin is also called gum benzoin or gum benjamin, but "gum" is incorrect as benzoin is not a polysaccharide. Its name came via the Italian from the Arabic lubān jāwī (لبان جاوي, "frankincense from Java").
Benzoin resin is also called styrax balsam or styrax resin, but wrongly, since those resins are obtained from a different plant family, Hamamelidaceae.
Benzoin resin is a common ingredient in incense-making and perfumery because of its sweet vanilla-like aroma and fixative properties. Gum benzoin is a major component of the type of church incense used in Russia and some other Orthodox Christian societies, as well as Western Catholic Churches. Most benzoin is used in Arab States of the Persian Gulf And India, where it is burned on charcoal as an incense. It is also used in the production of Bakhoor (Arabic بخور - scented wood chips) as well as various mixed resin incense in the Arab countries and the Horn of Africa. Benzoin resin is also used in blended types of Japanese incense, Indian incense, Chinese incense (known as Anxi xiang; 安息香), and Papier d'Arménie as well as incense sticks.
There are two common kinds of benzoin resin, benzoin Siam and benzoin Sumatra. Benzoin Siam is obtained from Styrax tonkinensis, found across Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Benzoin Sumatra is obtained from Styrax benzoin, which grows predominantly on the island of Sumatra. Unlike Siamese benzoin, Sumatran benzoin contains cinnamic acid in addition to benzoic acid. In the United States, Sumatra benzoin (Styrax benzoin and Styrax paralleoneurus) is more customarily used in pharmaceutical preparations, Siam benzoin (Styrax tonkinensis et al.) in the flavor and fragrance industries.
In perfumery, benzoin is used as a fixative, slowing the dispersion of essential oils and other fragrance materials into the air. Benzoin resin is used in cosmetics, veterinary medicine, and scented candles. It is used as a flavoring in alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, baked goods, chewing gum, frozen dairy, gelatins, puddings, and soft candy.
References
^A. Dietrich (1986), "LUBĀN", The Encyclopaedia of Islam 5 (2nd ed.), Brill, p. 786a
Communicable diseases are caused by pathogens passed from one human to another. Pathogens are viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal. Methods of transmission include mucus, blood, breath, saliva and sexual contact. Contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs, counter tops and playground equipment, provide a medium for passing disease from one human to another. Top 10 Most Communicable DiseasesPhoto Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images.
Common Cold
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases states that as of 2007, Americans have an estimated 1 billion colds each year. The age group most susceptible to repeated colds is children. People older than 60 average less than one cold a year. The common cold is a viral infection.
Gastroenteritis
Viral gastroenteritis is a highly contagious disease spread by contact, such as sharing food or eating and drinking from contaminated utensils. Depending on the specific virus, gastroenteritis lasts from one to two days or up to 10 days. Two known causes of viral gastroenteritis are rotavirus and norovirus.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a communicable disease caused by group A streptococci bacteria. KidsHealth states that teens are particularly susceptible to strep throat during the school year. Strep throat bacteria spread easily by sneezing, coughing or shaking hands. A rapid strep test in the doctor's office will confirm whether the symptoms are because of strep throat or a viral sore throat.
Pink Eye
Pink eye is a common name for a highly contagious form of bacterial or viral conjunctivitis. The virus that causes the common cold causes viral pink eye. Staphylococcus or streptococcus cause bacterial pink eye. To reduce the chances for spreading pink eye, avoid touching the infected eye, wash your hands frequently and avoid reusing towels or washcloths in contact with the eye.
Fifth Disease
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia states that fifth disease, a human parvovirus, is most common among children and spreads through direct contact with nasal and throat discharge. Exanthem, a skin rash or eruption, appears at onset of the disease. Fifth disease spreads easily because it is contagious before symptoms of the rash appear.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium, is a common infectious disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates more than 700,000 people acquire gonorrheal infections every year. Sexual activity is the primary method of spreading the disease.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a viral infection of the liver. The three types of hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The most prevalent of the three types worldwide is the hepatitis B virus, with about 350 million people infected in 2005. Hepatitis causes inflammation of the liver that can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as cirrhosis and liver failure.
Whooping Cough
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly communicable disease that affects all ages. The symptoms of whooping cough include respiratory infection, runny nose, low-grade fever and a mild cough that progresses to an uncontrollable cough with a high-pitched whoop.
Rotavirus
Rotavirus is a highly contagious infection that affects the gastrointestinal system of children. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever and watery diarrhea. Rotavirus is a noted problem in daycare facilities. The virus spreads from the stool of infected individuals. Poor hand washing technique following toilet use easily spreads the rotavirus.
HIV/AIDS
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) in the late stages of infection. HIV is in the semen, vaginal fluid and blood of infected persons. Unprotected sex and shared needles or syringes with HIV or AIDS carriers are the main methods of disease transmission.
THE JEFF MILLER WOODWORKING COLLECTION - ORDER NOW!
By Roy Underhill
Format: DVD
Charismatic and innovative, woodworker Roy Underhill has been educating and entertaining people with his unrivaled knowledge of traditional hand tools and woodworking techniques for more than 30 years. Now you can enjoy all the classic episodes from the first season of his hit PBS show any time you want. This DVD sampler is an excellent way to get introduced to Roy!
When you've got a little too much fat around your thighs and hips, it's time to make some lifestyle changes. These changes include not only reducing your caloric intake, but also finding an exercise to help you burn calories. Don't spend much time looking for an exercise that doesn't require any effort -- it doesn't exist. However, if you don't want to exercise vigorously, walking can slowly help you burn fat.
A couple walking together outside.Photo Credit Big Cheese Photo/Big Cheese Photo/Getty Images.
Walk Off the Extra Pounds
Walking is arguably the easiest cardiovascular exercise to perform because it's something you likely do every day to some degree. Although no exercise will allow you to solely burn your thigh and hip fat, taking frequent walks can burn enough calories to result in a caloric deficit. This deficit, in turn, results in fat loss. Plan to spend at least 300 minutes walking every week to meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's exercise guideline for weight loss. It's often possible to lose 1 to 2 pounds per week through regular exercise. In addition to the benefit of weight loss, walking leads to stronger bones and muscles, a healthier heart and lower amounts of stress.
THE JEFF MILLER WOODWORKING COLLECTION - ORDER NOW!
By Popular Woodworking Magazine
Format: CD
Innovative & Ingenious Jigs!
Learn to build more quickly & efficiently
Cut accurate joints in less time
Make safety a priority in the shop
Jigs are Your Helping Hands
You can easily build these 55 indispensable jigs, fixtures and appliances with materials you already have in your shop – and greatly expand your woodworking capabilities and confidence. Your shop time will be more productive, safer and more enjoyable!
On this CD, you'll find detailed instructions to make jigs, fixtures and appliances to use with:
Hand tools
Band saw
Drill press
Router
Table saw
Clamping
Layout
Wood bending
Lathe
And more!
We combed through 12 years of Popular Woodworking and Woodworking Magazine to bring you this collection of our 55 best – order your copy now!
