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Justia Patents Pillow CoverUS Patent for Cover for a pillow or cushion Patent (Patent # 8,464,376)
Cover for a pillow or cushion
A cover for a pillow or cushion includes a first panel and a second panel. At least a portion of an outer periphery of the second panel is secured to at least a corresponding portion of an outer periphery of the first panel to form a cavity therebetween. A flap extends from a portion of the outer periphery of one of the first and second panels toward the cavity. First and second lateral edges of the flap are secured to a portion of the outer periphery of at least one of the first and second panels. At least one fastener is located proximate to the free edge of the flap. The fastener biases or holds the flap toward the interior surface of one of the first and second panels to at least partially surround and secure one of a pillow and a cushion within the cavity.
The present invention relates generally to a cover for a pillow or cushion, and, more particularly, to a pillow case that securely holds and/or retains a pillow within a cavity thereof.
Covers for pillows or cushions, and particularly pillow cases, are well known. Conventional covers are typically formed from a cloth and may serve the dual role of being protective and decorative. Certain conventional covers are also completely removable from the encased pillow or cushion, which permits laundering of the cover without the pillow or cushion.
Although conventional covers are quite acceptable and useful, conventional covers have a tendency to be inadvertently removed from the enclosed pillow or cushion. Conventional covers also have a tendency to become inadvertently misaligned or skewed with respect to the enclosed pillow or cushion, which can cause irritation to a user. Such inadvertent removal and/or misalignment often occurs after numerous and/or repeated uses of the cover, such as after a full night sleep by a user that moves or turns-over frequently and/or after the material used to form the cover begins to stretch, pull or otherwise expand. Further, conventional covers tend to be undesirably easily removed from the encased pillow or cushion when the combined covering and pillow are hastily thrown or tossed.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a cover for a pillow or cushion that is capable of readily securing the pillow or cushion within a cavity thereof. More particularly, it would be desirable to provide a fastener on or within the covering to secure at least a portion of the pillow or cushion therein. It would also be desirable if the fastener imparted force on the pillow or cushion in more than one plane or direction, which would make it less likely that the cover would be inadvertently removed and/or misaligned with respect to the encased pillow or cushion. The device of the present disclosure accomplishes the above-identified objectives.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, one aspect of the present invention is directed to a cover for a pillow or cushion having a generally planar first panel with an exterior surface and an opposing interior surface and a generally planar second panel which has an exterior surface and an opposing interior surface. At least a portion of an outer periphery of the second panel is secured to at least a corresponding portion of an outer periphery of the first panel to form a cavity between the interior surface of the first panel and the interior surface of the second panel. A flap extends from a portion of the outer periphery of one of the first and second panels toward the cavity. The flap includes a first lateral edge, an opposing second lateral edge and a free edge extending from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge. Each of the first and second lateral edges of the flap are secured to a portion of the outer periphery of at least one of the first and second panels. At least one fastener is located proximate to the free edge of the flap. The fastener biases or holds the flap toward the interior surface of one of the first and second panels to at least partially surround and secure one of a pillow and a cushion within the cavity.
In other aspect, the present invention is directed to a cover for a pillow or cushion having a generally planar first panel with a first end edge, an opposing second end edge, a first lateral edge, an opposing second lateral edge, an exterior surface and an opposing interior surface. The first panel is formed of a non-elastic, woven or knit material. A generally planar second panel has a first end edge, an opposing second end edge, a first lateral edge, an opposing second lateral edge, an exterior surface and an opposing interior surface. The entire first end edge of the second panel is secured to the entire first end edge of the first panel. The entire first lateral edge of the second panel is secured to the entire first lateral edge of the first panel. The entire second lateral edge of the second panel is secured to the entire second lateral edge of the first panel. The second panel is formed of a non-elastic, woven or knit material. A cavity is formed between the interior surface of the first panel and the interior surface of the second panel. An opening is formed between the second end edge of the first panel and the second end edge of the second panel for accessing the cavity. A flap includes a first lateral edge, an opposing second lateral edge, a free edge extending from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge and an opposing attached edge. The entire attached edge of the flap is integral with or secured to the second end edge of one of the first and second panels. The entire first lateral edge of the flap is secured to a portion of one or both of the first and second panels. The entire second lateral edge of the flap is secured to a portion of one or both of the first and second panels. The flap is formed of a non-elastic, woven or knit material. An elastomeric member extends along at least a portion of the free edge of the flap. The elastomeric member biases the flap toward the interior surface of one of the first and second panels to at least partially surround and secure one of a pillow and a cushion within the cavity. The elastomeric member biases the first lateral edge of each the first and second panels toward the second lateral edge of each of the first and second panels to secure one of a pillow and a cushion within the cavity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a cover for a pillow or cushion according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view thereof;
FIG. 3 is a bottom front perspective view thereof, wherein a portion of a second panel is pulled back to expose a portion of a fastener and a pillow or cushion;
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the cover of FIG. 1, wherein a first panel, the second panel and the fastener are each shown in a relaxed, non-attached configuration; and
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a cover for a pillow or cushion according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "bottom" and "top" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the cover, and designated parts thereof, in accordance with the present disclosure. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms "a," "an" and "the" are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning "at least one." The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, FIGS. 1-4 show a cover, generally designated 10, for a pillow 12, cushion or the like according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The cover 10 has a length LC and a width WC measured generally perpendicularly to the length LC. The cover 10 is illustrated as a generally rectangular structure when viewed from above or below, and is capable of being at least slightly expanded to receive the entire pillow 12 therein. In other words, a thickness or height HC of the cover 10, which is preferably measured generally perpendicularly to both the length LC and the width WC thereof, is preferably variable or adjustable.
The cover 10 is not limited to a rectangular shape, as the collapsed or at least slightly expanded cover 10 may have any of a variety of shapes, such as circular or square, when viewed from above or below. Further, the cover 10 is not limited to enclosing and/or surrounding a pillow 12 or cushion that is of a size and/or shape typically used on a bed (not shown) to support an individual's head during sleep. Instead, the size and/or shape of the pillow 12 or cushion may have any of a variety of forms, such as a relatively small, circular pillow for a sitting chair or a relatively large and thick pillow or cushion that extends across a back or width of a sofa.
Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the cover 10 includes a first or top panel 14 having a first end edge 16, an opposing second edge 18, a first lateral edge 20 and an opposing second lateral edge 22. The combined first end edge 16, the second end edge 18, the first lateral edge 20 and the second lateral edge 22 define an outer periphery of the first panel 14. The first panel 14 also includes an exterior surface 24 and an opposing interior surface 26. As shown in FIG. 4, the first panel 14 is preferably generally flat or planar when in a relaxed and/or non-stretched, pre-attached configuration. The first panel 14 is preferably at least generally rectangular in shape when viewed from above or below (FIG. 4), such that the first end edge 16 extends at least generally perpendicularly to each of the first and second lateral edges 20, 22. However, the first panel 14 may have any of a variety of shapes, such that the first and second end edges 16, 18 may be at least slightly angled or arcuate with respect to each other and/or with respect to either or both of the first and second lateral edges 20, 22. The first panel 14 preferably has a length LFP measured from the first end edge 16 to the second end edge 18. Further, the first panel 14 preferably has a width WFP measured from the first lateral edge 20 to the second lateral edge 22. The length LFP and the width WFP of the first panel 14 are preferably generally, if not exactly, the same dimensions as the length LC and the width WC, respectively, of the cover 10.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-4, the cover 10 includes a second or bottom panel 28 having a first end edge 30, an opposing second end edge 32, a first lateral edge 34 and an opposing second lateral edge 36. The combined first end edge 30, the second end edge 32, the first lateral edge 34 and the second lateral edge 36 define an outer periphery of the second panel 28. The second panel 28 also includes an exterior surface 38 and an opposing interior surface 40. As shown in FIG. 4, the second panel 28 is preferably at least generally rectangular when in a relaxed and/or non-stretched, pre-attached configuration. The second panel 28 is preferably at least generally rectangular in shape when viewed from above or below (FIG. 4), such that the first end edge 30 extends at least generally perpendicularly to each of the first and second lateral edges 34, 36. However, the second panel 28 may have any of a variety of shapes, such that the first and second end edges 30, 32 may be at least slightly angled or arcuate with respect to each other and/or with respect to one or both of the first and second lateral edges 34, 36. The second panel 28 preferably has a length LSP measured from the first end edge 30 to the second end edge 32. Further, the second panel 28 preferably has a width WSP measured from the first lateral edge 34 to the second lateral edge 36. The length LSP and the width WSP of the second panel 28 are preferably substantially similar or even identical to the length LFP and the width WFP, respectively, of the first panel 14.
Preferably, at least a portion of the outer periphery of the second panel 28 is secured or sewn directly to at least a corresponding portion of the outer periphery of the first panel 14. More specifically, the entire first end edge 30 of the second panel 28 is preferably secured or sewn directly to the entire first end edge 16 of the first panel 14. Further, the entire first lateral edge 34 of the second panel 28 is preferably secured or sewn directly to the entire first lateral edge 20 of the first panel 14. Furthermore, the entire second lateral edge 36 of the second panel 28 is preferably secure or sewn directly to the entire second lateral edge 22 of the first panel 14.
Referring to FIG. 3, a cavity 42 is formed between the interior surface 26 of the first panel 14 and the interior surface 40 of the second panel 28. The cavity 42 is preferably expandable and/or collapsible depending upon the relation or position of the first panel 14 with respect to the second panel 28. Expanding the cavity 42 increases the height HC of the cover 10, and collapsing the cavity 42 decreases the height HC of the cover 10. The cavity 42 is preferably sized and shaped to receive the entire pillow or cushion 12 therein when at least partially expanded. In the preferred embodiment, the second end edge 18 of the first panel 14 is not attached, sewn or otherwise affixed to any portion the second end edge 32 of the second panel 28. Thus, an opening is formed between the second end edge 18 of the first panel 14 and the second end edge 32 of the second panel 28 for accessing the cavity 42. The opening provides access to the cavity 42 of the cover 10, and allows the pillow or cushion 12 to be inserted into or removed from the cavity 42.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-4, the cover 10 preferably includes a flap 44 that helps to maintain, hold or secure the pillow 12 within the cavity 42 of the cover 10. The flap 44 is preferably a portion of one of the first and second panels 14, 28. More particularly, it is preferred that the flap 44 is a portion of the first panel 14. Alternatively, the flap 44 may be a separate and distinct component that is fixedly or removably secured or sewn to one of the first and second panels 14, 28 and, more particularly, to the first panel 14. The flap 44 is preferably movable from a first position, in which the flap 44 extends outwardly from a portion of the outer periphery of one of the first second panels 14, 28 and outwardly from the cavity 42, and a second position, in which the flap 44 extends inwardly toward and/or into the cavity 42 when the cover 10 is in a fully assembled configuration (see FIGS. 1-3).
The flap 44 preferably includes a first lateral edge 46, an opposing second lateral edge 48 and a free edge 50 that extends from the first lateral edge 46 to the second lateral edge 48. The flap 44 also preferably includes an attached edge 52 that opposes the free edge 50 and extends from the first lateral edge 46 to the second lateral edge 48. As shown in FIG. 4, the flap 44 is preferably at least generally rectangular when in a relaxed and/or non-stretched, pre-attached configuration. The entire attached edge 52 of the flap 44 is preferably integral with, secured or sewn directly to the second end edge 18, 32 of one of the first and second panels 14, 28. The attached edge 52 of the flap 44 may be a fold line and is preferably positioned at or adjacent to the opening of the cavity 42. The combined first panel 14 and the flap 44 has a length LFPF measured from the first end edge 16 of the first panel 14 to the free edge 50 of the flap 44. As shown in FIG. 4, the length LFPF of the combined first panel 14 and the flap 44, when the flap 44 is in a fully outward position, is preferably greater than the length LC of the cover 10, the length LFP of the first panel 14 and the length LSP of the second panel 28.
Each of the first and second lateral edges 46, 48 of the flap 44 are preferably secured to a portion of the outer periphery of at least one of the first and second panels 14, 28. More specifically, it is preferred that the entire first lateral edge 46 of the flap 44 is fixedly secured or sewn directly to a portion of one or both of the first and second panels 14, 28, such as at least a portion of one or both of the first lateral edges 20, 34 thereof. Further, it is preferred that the entire second lateral edge 48 of the flap 44 is secured or sewn directly to a portion of one or both of the first and second panels 14, 28, such as at least a portion of one or both of the second lateral edges 22, 36 thereof. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the flap 44 is maintained in the inward position (FIGS. 1-3) after the cover 10 has been fully assembled, such that a user cannot move the flap 44 from the inward position (FIGS. 1-3) to the outwardly position (FIG. 4) without removing or breaking the attachment or stitching of the first and second lateral edges 46, 48 of the flap 44 with the first and second lateral edges 22, 36 of the first and second panels 14, 28. As such, the cover 10 provides the aesthetic appearance of a conventional cover to a user that does not examine or realize that the flap 44 is included in the cavity 42 of the cover 10.
The first and second panels 14, 28 and the flap 44 are each preferably formed of a non-elastic, woven material. However, the first and second panels 14, 28 and the flap 44 are not limited to being formed of a woven material. For example, it is possible that one or more of the first and second panels 14, 28 and the flap 44 are formed of a non-woven, knitted material. Further, the first and second panels 14, 28 and the flap 44 are preferably formed of a material that is fluid (i.e., water and air) permeable. Alternatively, at least a portion or the entire first and second panels 14, 28 and/or the flap 44 may be formed of a material that is impermeable to fluid.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the cover 10 preferably includes at least one fastener 54 to at least partially surround and/or retain at least a portion of the pillow 12 within the cavity 42. In the preferred embodiment, the fastener 54 is a single, continuous elastomeric member, as described in detail below, formed of an elastomeric material that extends across the entire width WC of the cover 10. However, the fastener 54 is not limited to such a specific configuration, as the fastener 54 may be any of a variety of devices that are capable of removably attaching one item to another. For example, the fastener 54 may be two or more elastomeric members extending in series and/or in parallel across the width WC of the cover 10. Alternatively or additionally, the fastener 54 may include one or more equidistantly spaced-apart hook-and-loop type fasteners proximate the free end 50 of the flap 44 that directly engage one or more hook-and-loop type fasteners fixed to an exterior surface of the pillow 12. Alternatively or additionally, the fastener 54 may include one or more equidistantly spaced-apart buttons or slots proximate the free end 50 of the flap 44 that receive one or more corresponding slots or buttons of the pillow 12.
In the preferred embodiment, the elastomeric member 54 preferably extends along or approximate to the entire free edge 50 of the flap 44 from the first lateral edge 46 to the second lateral edge 48 thereof. More specifically, a first end 56 of the elastomeric member 54 is preferably fixed or sewn directly to a portion of the outer periphery of one or both of the first and second panels 14, 28, such as the first lateral edge 20, 34, respectively. Similarly, it is preferred that an opposing second end 58 of the elastomeric member is fixed or sewn directly to another portion of the outer periphery of one or both of the first and second panels 14, 28, such as the second lateral edge 22, 36.
In the first preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the elastomeric member 54 is preferably positioned proximate to one edge of the cover 10, such as at or closer to the second end edges 18, 32 as opposed to the first end edges 16, 30. In such a configuration, the cover 10 is preferably a pillow case. However, a second preferred embodiment of the cover 110, which is substantially similar to the first preferred embodiment and shown in FIG. 5, includes the elastomeric member 154 proximate a midsection thereof. In such a configuration, the cover 110 is preferably a sham. Thus, the elastomeric member 54, 154 is not limited to an exact or specific location to function as intended and described herein. In the second preferred embodiment, the cover 110 may include a decorative ruffle, cord and/or flange 162. The description of certain similarities between the first and second preferred embodiments may be omitted herein for the sake of brevity and convenience, and, therefore, is not limiting.
In use, when the pillow 12 is placed within the cavity 42 of the cover 10, 110 and at least a portion of the pillow 12 is positioned between the flap 44 and the interior surface 26 of the first panel 14, the elastomeric member 54, 154 preferably biases at least the free end 50 of the flap 44 toward the interior surface 26 of the first panel 14 to at least partially surround and/or secure the pillow or cushion 12 within the cavity 42. Thus, the elastomeric member 54, 154 preferably biases the flap 44 downwardly in the direction of a thickness force FT, shown in FIG. 2 and described in more detail below, to push at least a portion of the pillow 12 toward the interior surface 26 of the first panel 14. The thickness force FT is preferably of a sufficient magnitude that a user can relatively easily overcome to pull the elastomeric member 54, 154 and the flap 44 away from the pillow 12 so as to relatively easily remove the pillow 12 from the cavity 42 of the cover 10, 110.
In the first preferred embodiment, it is preferred that the elastomeric member 54 is at least substantially surrounded and/or enclosed by the flap 44. More specifically, the free edge 50 of the flap 44 preferably extends around an entire periphery of the elastomeric member 54 to secure and/or enclose the elastomeric member 54 within the flap 44. As shown in FIG. 3, the elastomeric member 54 preferably creates a series of folds or ridges 60 in the free edge 50 of the flap 44 due to the inherent pull force (i.e., lateral force FL described below) of the elastomeric member 54 across the width WC of the cover 10.
In addition to biasing the flap 44 toward or to the interior surface 26, 40 of one of the first and second panels 14, 28 to secure and/or hold at least a portion of the pillow 12 therebetween, the elastomeric member 54, 154 also preferably biases each of the first lateral edges 20, 34 toward the second lateral edges 22, 36 to secure and/or hold the pillow 12 therebetween. In other words, as shown in FIG. 2, the elastomeric member 54, 154 preferably creates forces in two separate and generally perpendicular planes or directions, namely the lateral force FL inwardly in the direction of the width WC of the cover 10 and the thickness force FT inwardly in the direction of the height HC of the cover 10, so as to secure and/or hold the pillow 12 within the cavity 42 of the cover 10, 110. The multi-directional force created by the elastomeric member 54 helps to maintain the pillow 12 within the cavity 42 of the cover 10, 110 and in the desired and/or proper position, which reduces or eliminates inadvertent removal and/or misalignment that is common with conventional covers.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
1. A cover for a pillow or cushion, the cover comprising:
a generally planar first panel having an exterior surface and an opposing interior surface;
a generally planar second panel having an exterior surface and an opposing interior surface, at least a portion of an outer periphery of the second panel being secured to at least a corresponding portion of an outer periphery of the first panel to form a cavity between the interior surface of the first panel and the interior surface of the second panel;
a flap extending from a portion of the outer periphery of one of the first and second panels toward the cavity, the flap including a first lateral edge, an opposing second lateral edge and a free edge extending from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge, each of the first and second lateral edges of the flap being secured to a portion of the outer periphery of at least one of the first and second panels; and
at least one fastener proximate the free edge of the flap, the fastener extending generally parallel to the free edge of the flap, the fastener biasing or holding the flap toward the interior surface of one of the first and second panels to at least partially surround and secure one of a pillow and a cushion within the cavity,
wherein, when a pillow or cushion is positioned in the cavity, the flap is positioned between an exterior surface of the pillow or cushion and the interior surface of one of the first and second panels; and
wherein, when the pillow or cushion is positioned in the cavity, the first panel, the second panel and the flap combine to surround an entire periphery of the pillow or cushion.
2. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the fastener is an elastomeric member extending along the entire free edge of the flap from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge thereof.
3. The cover according to claim 2, wherein the elastomeric member biases one lateral edge of the cover toward an opposing lateral edge of the cover to secure the pillow or cushion within the cavity.
4. The cover according to claim 3, wherein the elastomeric member creates a biasing force in two separate and generally perpendicular planes.
5. The cover according to claim 4, wherein the first panel and the second panel are formed of a non-elastic, woven or knit material.
6. The cover according to claim 5, wherein the flap is formed of a non-elastic, woven or knit material.
7. The cover according to claim 6, wherein the entire first and second lateral edges of the flap are sewn into a portion of the outer periphery of one or both of the first and second panels.
8. The cover according to claim 7, wherein a first end of the elastomeric member is fixed to a portion of the outer periphery of one or both of the first and second panels, and wherein an opposing second end of the elastomeric member is fixed to another portion of the outer periphery of one or both of the first and second panels.
9. The cover according to claim 8, wherein the flap substantially surrounds the elastomeric member.
10. A cover for a pillow or cushion, the cover comprising:
a generally planar first panel having a first end edge, an opposing second end edge, a first lateral edge, an opposing second lateral edge, an exterior surface and an opposing interior surface, the first panel being formed of a non-elastic, woven or knit material;
a generally planar second panel having a first end edge, an opposing second end edge, a first lateral edge, an opposing second lateral edge, an exterior surface and an opposing interior surface, the entire first end edge of the second panel being secured to the entire first end edge of the first panel, the entire first lateral edge of the second panel being directly secured to the entire first lateral edge of the first panel, the entire second lateral edge of the second panel being directly secured to the entire second lateral edge of the first panel, the second panel being formed of a non-elastic, woven or knit material;
a cavity formed between the interior surface of the first panel and the interior surface of the second panel;
an opening formed between the second end edge of the first panel and the second end edge of the second panel for accessing the cavity;
a flap including a first lateral edge, an opposing second lateral edge, a free edge extending from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge and an opposing attached edge, the entire attached edge of the flap being integral with or secured to the second end edge of one of the first and second panels, the entire first lateral edge of the flap being secured to a portion of one or both of the first and second panels, the entire second lateral edge of the flap being secured to a portion of one or both of the first and second panels, the flap being formed of a non-elastic, woven or knit material; and
at least one elastomeric member extending along at least a portion of the free edge of the flap, the elastomeric member extending along the entire free edge of the flap from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge thereof, the elastomeric member biasing the flap toward the interior surface of one of the first and second panels to at least partially surround and secure one of a pillow and a cushion within the cavity, the elastomeric member biasing the first lateral edge of each the first and second panels toward the second lateral edge of each of the first and second panels to secure one of a pillow and a cushion within the cavity,
wherein, when a pillow or cushion is positioned in the cavity, the first panel, the second panel and the flap combine to surround an entire periphery of the pillow or cushion.
11. The cover according to claim 10, wherein the flap substantially surrounds the elastomeric member.
12. The cover according to claim 11, wherein the entire first lateral edge of the flap is fixedly secured to the first lateral edge of one or both of the first and second panels and the entire second lateral edge of the flap is fixedly secured to the second lateral edge of one or both of the first and second panels.
13. The cover according to claim 12, wherein the elastomeric member creates a biasing force in two separate and generally perpendicular planes.
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Assignee: Perfect Fit Industries, LLC (Charlotte, NC)
Inventor: Carmen Waite (Charlotte, NC)
Primary Examiner: Robert G Santos
Current U.S. Class: Pillow Cover (5/490); Having Pocket (5/485); For Head Or Neck (e.g., Pillow) (5/636)
International Classification: A47G 9/02 (20060101); A47G 9/10 (20060101);


The Graduation Event for Oulu Business School's Bachelor's and Master's degree students will be held on 22nd of March at 15.00.
The Graduation Event for Oulu Business School's Bachelor's and Master's degree students will be held on 22nd of February at 15.00.
The Graduation Event for Oulu Business School's Bachelor's and Master's degree students will be held on 25th of January at 15.00.
The Graduation Event for Oulu Business School's Bachelor's and Master's degree students will be held on 19th of December at 15.00.
The Graduation Event for Oulu Business School's Bachelor's and Master's degree students will be held on 23rd of November at 15.00.
The Graduation Event for Oulu Business School's Bachelor's and Master's degree students will be held on 19th of October at 15.00.
The Graduation Event for Oulu Business School's Bachelor's and Master's degree students will be held on 21st of September at 15.00. It will take place in restaurant Kastari.
The Graduation Event for Oulu Business School's Bachelor's and Master's degree students will be held on 20th of June at 15.30. It will take place in Saalasti hall.
The Graduation Event for Oulu Business School's Bachelor's and Master's degree students will be held on 24th of May at 15. It will take place in Tellus Stage.
The Graduation Event for Oulu Business School's Bachelor's and Master's degree students will be held on 27th of April at 15. It will take place in restaurant Stories.
The Graduation Event for Oulu Business School's Bachelor's and Master's degree students will be held on 23rd of March at 15. It will take place in restaurant Stories.
The Graduation Event for Oulu Business School's Bachelor's and Master's degree students will be held on 23rd of February at 15. It will take place in restaurant Stories.
Academic dissertation of Matti Koivuranta (Economics) is presented for public defence at the University of Oulu, Oulu Business School on Thursday February 16.
The Graduation Event for Oulu Business School's Bachelor's and Master's degree students will be held on 26th of January at 15. It will take place in restaurant Stories.
The Graduation Event for Oulu Business School's Bachelor's and Master's degree students will be held on 19th of December at 15. It will take place in TellUs stage.
The Graduation Event for Oulu Business School's Bachelor's and Master's degree students will be held on 24 of November at 15. It will take place in restaurant Stories.
Oulu Business School has an honor to host two distinguished Professors, Eero Vaara and Robin Holt on 16th - 18th of November.


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More information about the side effects and complications potentially associated with Abilify can be found in the drug's Medication Guide.
Abilify Marketing Settlements
In September 2007, Bristol-Myers Squibb entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to pay $515 million to settle civil charges involving Abilify and other medications. Among other things, federal prosecutors had alleged that from 2002 through the end of 2005, the company knowingly promoted the sale and use of Abilify for pediatric use and to treat dementia-related psychosis. The medication has never been approved to treat elderly dementia patients. When the settlement was announced, it had yet to be approved for any pediatric indications.
In March 2008, Otsuka Pharmaceutical agreed to a $4 million Abilify settlement in order to resolve similar charges with the DOJ.
Studies Link Abilify and Compulsive Gambling
Dopamine is a neuro-transmitter that is associated with feelings of pleasure, as well as addictive or compulsive behaviors. Some research has indicated that Abilify may over-stimulate dopamine reward receptors in the brain – called dopamine 3 (D3) receptors – causing some patients to experience compulsive behaviors, including pathological gambling.
February 2011: A study detailed three patients who developed compulsive gambling habits while using Abilify to treat schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. None of the patients had a prior history of pathological gambling, and their compulsive behavior began after they initiated treatment with Abilify.
April 2011: A paper that appeared in the British Journal of Psychiatry reported on three more cases of compulsive gambling among Abilify patients.
March 2014: Eight more cases of pathological gambling possibly associated with Abilify were reported in the journal Addictive Behavior.
October 2014: JAMA Internal Medicine reported on 37 cases of gambling addiction in Abilify patients.
Impulsive Behavior Warning Added to Abilify Label
In May 2016, the FDA added stronger warnings to the Abilify label regarding a possible association with compulsive gambling and other impulsive behaviors, including binge eating, compulsive shopping, and sexual action. A review conducted by the agency had uncovered scores of case reports in which there was an association between aripiprazole use and impulse-control problems. The majority of reports involved patients with no prior history of impulse control issues, and in which the behavior stopped once treatment with the drug cease or dosage was decreased. Read More
FDA (2013) "Medication Guide – Abilify" http://www.fda.gov/downloads/drugs/drugsafety/ucm085804.pdf
DOJ (2007) "Bristol-Myers Squibb to Pay More Than $515 Million to Resolve Allegations of Illegal Drug Marketing and Pricing" http://www.justice.gov/archive/opa/pr/2007/September/07_civ_782.html
DOJ (2008) "Otsuka to Pay More than $4 Million to Resolve off-label Marketing Allegations Involving Abilify" http://www.justice.gov/archive/opa/pr/2008/March/08_civ_244.html
NCBI (2011) "Aripiprazole-induced pathological gambling: a report of 3 cases" http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21241242
British Journal of Psychiatry (2011) "Pathological gambling and the treatment of psychosis with aripiprazole: case reports" http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/199/2/158.full
Addictive Behavior (2014) "Aripiprazole: a new risk factor for pathological gambling? A report of 8 case reports." http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24315783
JAMA Internal Medicine (2014) "Reports of Pathological Gambling, Hypersexuality, and Compulsive Shopping Associated With Dopamine Receptor Agonist Drugs" http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1916909

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
2013 JFed campaign saw slight decrease
By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
After seeing a mild recovery in 2012, the unrestricted portion of the annual campaign for the Jewish Federation of St. Louis fell slightly last year, to just under $9.37 million, a decline of about $150,000.
"We are flattening the decreases from the crisis, and we are very optimistic that with the renewed focus on community development and community building from the Federation, there does seem to be a renewed excitement," said Andrew Rehfeld, president and CEO of the Federation. "You are not going to see the results of that for a year or two."
In 2007, the Federation's unrestricted dollars topped $11 million, but since the economic crisis, the umbrella agency's annual effort declined in five of the past six years.
The Federation's total fundraising, including restricted dollars and Create a Jewish Legacy gifts, also fell, to just under $19.7 million last year from close to $27 million in 2012.
However the agency's leadership said that a significant share of the difference represents the conversion to a more conservative accounting method for longer-term giving rather than a real change.
Rehfeld expressed optimism with the campaign, pointing to hopeful signs, such as the fact that returning donors from 2012 were more generous, boosting their contributions by 3 percent.
The organization also recorded an 82 percen increase in money from new givers. The number of new donors increased as well, by 6 percent, which Rehfeld lauded as a first in the past seven years.
"That's where the future of the campaign is," he said.
He said the solid totals on new giving failed to push the effort into positive territory because of "the passing of a number of very important and very committed (high-end) donors. The loss of their vision and their legacy in the community was significant."
Rehfeld said the small decline essentially amounted to a flat campaign during a transitional year for the organization. The Federation continues to fill out its development staff, including a search for a vice president of philanthropy to head the department that has been ongoing since September.
"When we have a full complement of staff, I think you'll see our ability to raise targeted dollars will increase as well," Rehfeld said.
Those targeted dollars were a major focus of the 2012 campaign, which brought in over $4.2 million in restricted cash. By contrast, last year's effort pulled in just under $1.8 million. However, Rehfeld said that it isn't unusual for restricted funds to vary substantially from one year to the next depending on needs in the community. The previous restricted total was buoyed by a major campaign for Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School.
"Some of the targeted giving goes to crisis giving as well," he said. "We were fortunate last year. We didn't have a Gaza campaign to raise money for. Sometimes it is a good thing to have lower numbers because there aren't these kinds of crises that create these one-time spikes you see."
The targeted collections this time around are more in line with figures from 2011, when the Federation brought in just under $1.7 million into the restricted pool of funds.
Longer-term giving under the Create a Jewish Legacy program totaled $8.3 million in 2013, significantly less than the $12.5 million recorded the previous year. Yet, Federation leadership said that much of the change is just a switch in the manner in which such dollars are counted. Previously, the methodology used involved estimating funds when a potential donor signed a pledge to consider giving. From now on, the Federation will only count that cash when it has solidified into an irrevocable commitment by the donor.
"We're going to assign values to gifts that the donor assigns value to," Rehfeld said. "That's the responsible way to do it going forward."
Rehfeld said that, given the figures, the Federation would be able to continue to support the community at the same level as last year at allocation time, a fact he said is more important than the exact total.
"What the number is, is irrelevant," he said. "It is what those dollars can do for the community serving those in need and helping to build identity, education and community."
Rachel Pereles, campaign director and associate director of development, said she was very proud of what the organization had been able to do.
"It has been a time of transition this last year that has made things a little bit more challenging but to hit the number that we hit with about half the staff was really incredible," she said. "We have amazing volunteers and a board that really stepped up."
Pereles said she believes the augmentation of the new donor base is a step in the right direction. While final goals haven't been set for this year, she said the agency will look to break the $10 million mark again, a total the campaign hasn't seen since 2009.
Rehfeld said the Federation will continue its mission of supporting the growth of Jewish education, community and social services.
"We are committed to finding a way to meet last year's allocations level so that the community can maintain the expectations it has had of Federation," he said. "We need to use this as a base and grow from here."
Axe throwing with a mohel
New literary magazine will share stories of St. Louis' Jewish students
CRC welcomes artist Siona Benjamin for Spiritual Enrichment Shabbat Weekend
Adina Talve-Goodman's posthumously published book of essays is poignant blend of humor, insight
St. Louis' 'Bagel Renaissance" continues with opening of Bagel Union
Newsmakers: January 2023
Kol Rinah to welcome back Hazzan Joanna Dulkin for special weekend
Graffiti removed from Temple Israel monument sign
St. Louis Jewish Film Festival moving to new location
Kranzberg Foundation awards $75K to local Jewish groups


text:
Q: Broke my terminal with a bad PATH I put an invalid path into my bashrc and now my terminal doesn't work.  I've deleted my bash_profile as well as my bashrc and I still can't get it to work.
Every command I use in terminal gives me the error:

sh: parse_git_branch: command not found

This was something I had in my bash_profile for git autocompletion.  The problem is once I've deleted the files using /bin/rm <file>, I can't apply my changes with source ~/.bash_profile because it's giving me errors.  I've looked at this question, and this question, but I still am having no luck.
How can I fix my command line after breaking things like this?

A: You can export a correct PATH in your current session using a command similar to :
export PATH=/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin:/bin
After using this, you should be able to source your bashrc.

A: You can always change your path right on the command line for the rest of the current shell session: PATH="/usr/local/bin:/usr/sbin:/usr/bin:/bin:/sbin:"
Exporting the PATH won't solve your problem. It will only export the value of PATH to child shells/processes. This only achieves the same thing as resetting/changing the PATH variable from the command-line (as shown above), because your scope is limited to the current shell process (and its children) while you are working within that shell environment (working from the command-line). If you open a new terminal (start a new login shell, which is a parent process), bash will still be trying to read from the resource files (.bash_profile and .bashrc), which no longer exist.
So, we need to be able to widen our scope and tell bash that we want to make changes for all future bashes (shell processes--new shells, shells within shells, etc.), and the way that is done is by writing those statements in the resource files.
Once you set your PATH there, every shell session will spawn with those resources (all the aliases, commands, variables, and functions stored in those files), loaded, regardless of whether you export it or not, since each shell process will always consult those files before it does anything else (so they effectively pre-emptively import what you are trying to export to them).
bash is like any other script or program. You took away all its inputs and pointers and shortcuts, and now its just been made pretty dumb, so you've got to be explicit with everything you do till you can teach it where to look for stuff (give it a PATH to search) and shorten your conversations with it.
If you don't have a backup of your .bash_profile, here's one that you can use:
    # This loads in the configuration in .bashrc
    # Put all configuration in there!
    if [ -f ~/.bashrc ]; then
        source ~/.bashrc
    fi

And here's a .bashrc that can get you started:
    export PATH="/bin:/sbin:/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin:/usr/sbin:"

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Q: Strange Huawei Exception I see strange exception in flurry. This Exception appears only on Huawei devices with android 5.1 and 5.1.1. I can't reproduce it. May be somebody know what this exception mean? And how i can reproduce it?
UnknownException
at res.content.android.StringBlock.get(StringBlock.java:65)
at res.content.android.XmlBlock$Parser.getPooledString(XmlBlock.java:458)
at res.content.android.TypedArray.loadStringValueAt(TypedArray.java:1029)
at res.content.android.TypedArray.getString(TypedArray.java:188)
at widget.android.TextView.<init>(TextView.java:1078)
at widget.android.TextView.<init>(TextView.java:680)
at widget.v7.support.android.AppCompatTextView.<init>(62)
at widget.v7.support.android.AppCompatTextView.<init>(58)
at app.v7.support.android.AppCompatViewInflater.createView(103)
at app.v7.support.android.AppCompatDelegateImplV9.createView(1021)
at app.v7.support.android.AppCompatDelegateImplV9.onCreateView(1080)
at view.v4.support.android.LayoutInflaterCompatHC$FactoryWrapperHC.onCreateView(47)
at view.android.LayoutInflater.createViewFromTag(LayoutInflater.java:744)
at view.android.LayoutInflater.inflate(LayoutInflater.java:501)
at view.android.LayoutInflater.inflate(LayoutInflater.java:425)
at view.android.LayoutInflater.inflate(LayoutInflater.java:368)
at com.huawei.android.hwcontrol.HwEditor$HwActionPopupWindow.initContentView(HwEditor.java:929)
at widget.android.Editor$PinnedPopupWindow.<init>(Editor.java:2308)
at widget.android.Editor$ActionPopupWindow.<init>(Editor.java:3023)
at com.huawei.android.hwcontrol.HwEditor$HwActionPopupWindow.<init>(HwEditor.java:879)
at com.huawei.android.hwcontrol.HwEditor.createActionPopupWindow(HwEditor.java:186)
at widget.android.Editor$HandleView.showActionPopupWindow(Editor.java:3460)
at widget.android.Editor$InsertionHandleView.show(Editor.java:3749)
at widget.android.Editor$InsertionPointCursorController.show(Editor.java:4015)
at widget.android.Editor.showInsertionController(Editor.java:4755)
at com.huawei.android.hwcontrol.HwEditor.showInsertionController(HwEditor.java:212)
at com.huawei.android.hwcontrol.HwEditor.onTouchUpEvent(HwEditor.java:203)
at widget.android.TextView.onTouchEvent(TextView.java:8445)
at view.android.View.dispatchTouchEvent(View.java:8624)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at impl.policy.internal.android.com.PhoneWindow$DecorView.superDispatchTouchEvent(PhoneWindow.java:2503)
at impl.policy.internal.android.com.PhoneWindow.superDispatchTouchEvent(PhoneWindow.java:1813)
at app.android.Activity.dispatchTouchEvent(Activity.java:2827)
at view.v7.support.android.WindowCallbackWrapper.dispatchTouchEvent(71)
at view.v7.support.android.WindowCallbackWrapper.dispatchTouchEvent(71)
at impl.policy.internal.android.com.PhoneWindow$DecorView.dispatchTouchEvent(PhoneWindow.java:2464)
at view.android.View.dispatchPointerEvent(View.java:8830)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$ViewPostImeInputStage.processPointerEvent(ViewRootImpl.java:4799)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$ViewPostImeInputStage.onProcess(ViewRootImpl.java:4657)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$InputStage.deliver(ViewRootImpl.java:4166)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$InputStage.onDeliverToNext(ViewRootImpl.java:4219)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$InputStage.forward(ViewRootImpl.java:4185)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$AsyncInputStage.forward(ViewRootImpl.java:4322)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$InputStage.apply(ViewRootImpl.java:4193)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$AsyncInputStage.apply(ViewRootImpl.java:4379)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$InputStage.deliver(ViewRootImpl.java:4166)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$InputStage.onDeliverToNext(ViewRootImpl.java:4219)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$InputStage.forward(ViewRootImpl.java:4185)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$InputStage.apply(ViewRootImpl.java:4193)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$InputStage.deliver(ViewRootImpl.java:4166)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl.deliverInputEvent(ViewRootImpl.java:6608)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl.doProcessInputEvents(ViewRootImpl.java:6582)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl.enqueueInputEvent(ViewRootImpl.java:6535)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$WindowInputEventReceiver.onInputEvent(ViewRootImpl.java:6778)
at view.android.InputEventReceiver.dispatchInputEvent(InputEventReceiver.java:185)
at os.android.MessageQueue.nativePollOnce(Native Method)
at os.android.MessageQueue.next(MessageQueue.java:148)
at os.android.Looper.loop(Looper.java:151)
at app.android.ActivityThread.main(ActivityThread.java:5929)
at reflect.lang.java.Method.invoke(Native Method)
at reflect.lang.java.Method.invoke(Method.java:372)
at os.internal.android.com.ZygoteInit$MethodAndArgsCaller.run(ZygoteInit.java:987)
at os.internal.android.com.ZygoteInit.main(ZygoteInit.java:782)
view.android.InflateException: (Binary XML file line #23: Error inflating class TextView)
at view.android.LayoutInflater.createViewFromTag(LayoutInflater.java:782)
at view.android.LayoutInflater.inflate(LayoutInflater.java:501)
at view.android.LayoutInflater.inflate(LayoutInflater.java:425)
at view.android.LayoutInflater.inflate(LayoutInflater.java:368)
at com.huawei.android.hwcontrol.HwEditor$HwActionPopupWindow.initContentView(HwEditor.java:929)
at widget.android.Editor$PinnedPopupWindow.<init>(Editor.java:2308)
at widget.android.Editor$ActionPopupWindow.<init>(Editor.java:3023)
at com.huawei.android.hwcontrol.HwEditor$HwActionPopupWindow.<init>(HwEditor.java:879)
at com.huawei.android.hwcontrol.HwEditor.createActionPopupWindow(HwEditor.java:186)
at widget.android.Editor$HandleView.showActionPopupWindow(Editor.java:3460)
at widget.android.Editor$InsertionHandleView.show(Editor.java:3749)
at widget.android.Editor$InsertionPointCursorController.show(Editor.java:4015)
at widget.android.Editor.showInsertionController(Editor.java:4755)
at com.huawei.android.hwcontrol.HwEditor.showInsertionController(HwEditor.java:212)
at com.huawei.android.hwcontrol.HwEditor.onTouchUpEvent(HwEditor.java:203)
at widget.android.TextView.onTouchEvent(TextView.java:8445)
at view.android.View.dispatchTouchEvent(View.java:8624)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTransformedTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2521)
at view.android.ViewGroup.dispatchTouchEvent(ViewGroup.java:2171)
at impl.policy.internal.android.com.PhoneWindow$DecorView.superDispatchTouchEvent(PhoneWindow.java:2503)
at impl.policy.internal.android.com.PhoneWindow.superDispatchTouchEvent(PhoneWindow.java:1813)
at app.android.Activity.dispatchTouchEvent(Activity.java:2827)
at view.v7.support.android.WindowCallbackWrapper.dispatchTouchEvent(71)
at view.v7.support.android.WindowCallbackWrapper.dispatchTouchEvent(71)
at impl.policy.internal.android.com.PhoneWindow$DecorView.dispatchTouchEvent(PhoneWindow.java:2464)
at view.android.View.dispatchPointerEvent(View.java:8830)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$ViewPostImeInputStage.processPointerEvent(ViewRootImpl.java:4799)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$ViewPostImeInputStage.onProcess(ViewRootImpl.java:4657)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$InputStage.deliver(ViewRootImpl.java:4166)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$InputStage.onDeliverToNext(ViewRootImpl.java:4219)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$InputStage.forward(ViewRootImpl.java:4185)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$AsyncInputStage.forward(ViewRootImpl.java:4322)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$InputStage.apply(ViewRootImpl.java:4193)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$AsyncInputStage.apply(ViewRootImpl.java:4379)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$InputStage.deliver(ViewRootImpl.java:4166)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$InputStage.onDeliverToNext(ViewRootImpl.java:4219)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$InputStage.forward(ViewRootImpl.java:4185)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$InputStage.apply(ViewRootImpl.java:4193)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$InputStage.deliver(ViewRootImpl.java:4166)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl.deliverInputEvent(ViewRootImpl.java:6608)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl.doProcessInputEvents(ViewRootImpl.java:6582)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl.enqueueInputEvent(ViewRootImpl.java:6535)
at view.android.ViewRootImpl$WindowInputEventReceiver.onInputEvent(ViewRootImpl.java:6778)
at view.android.InputEventReceiver.dispatchInputEvent(InputEventReceiver.java:185)
at os.android.MessageQueue.nativePollOnce(Native Method)
at os.android.MessageQueue.next(MessageQueue.java:148)
at os.android.Looper.loop(Looper.java:151)
at app.android.ActivityThread.main(ActivityThread.java:5929)
at reflect.lang.java.Method.invoke(Native Method)
at reflect.lang.java.Method.invoke(Method.java:372)
at os.internal.android.com.ZygoteInit$MethodAndArgsCaller.run(ZygoteInit.java:987)
at os.internal.android.com.ZygoteInit.main(ZygoteInit.java:782)


The second phase of an annuity contract, called the distribution phase, begins when you start receiving payments from the annuity. These payments are called annuity distributions. Distributions typically consist of principal and earnings.
Caution: The examples used throughout this discussion are hypothetical. They do not reflect the actual performance of an annuity or the fees and charges associated with an annuity.
How are annuity distributions made?
You can choose to simply withdraw earnings (or earnings and principal) from the annuity. There are several ways of doing this. You can withdraw all of the money in the annuity (both the principal and earnings) in one lump sum. You can also withdraw the money over a period of time through regular or irregular withdrawals. By choosing to make withdrawals from your annuity, you continue to have control over money you have invested in the annuity. In a sense, it is similar to a savings account at a bank. You can withdraw only earnings (interest) from the account, or you can withdraw both the principal and the interest. However, if you systematically withdraw the principal and the earnings from the annuity, there is obviously no guarantee that the funds in the annuity will last for your entire lifetime.
Caution: Withdrawals made prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10 percent federal penalty tax.
A second distribution option is called the guaranteed income (or annuitization) option. If you select this option, your annuity will be "annuitized," which means that the current value of your annuity is converted into a stream of payments. This allows you to receive a guaranteed income stream from the annuity. The annuity issuer promises to pay you an amount of money on a periodic basis (e.g., monthly, quarterly, yearly, etc.).
If you elect to annuitize, the periodic payments you receive are called annuity payouts. You can elect to receive either a fixed amount for each payment period or a variable amount for each period. You can receive the income stream for your entire lifetime (no matter how long you live), or you can receive the income stream for a specific time period (10 years, for example). You can also elect to receive annuity payouts over your lifetime and the lifetime of another person (called a "joint and survivor annuity"). The amount you receive for each payment period will depend on the cash value of the annuity, how earnings are credited to your account (whether fixed or variable), and the age at which you begin receiving annuity payments. The length of the distribution period will also affect how much you receive. If you are 65 years old and elect to receive annuity payments over your entire lifetime, the amount you will receive with each payment will be less than if you had elected to receive annuity payouts over 5 years.
Caution: Annuity guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the annuity issuer.
Example(s): Over the course of 10 years, you accumulated $300,000 in an annuity. When you reach 65 and begin your retirement, you annuitize the annuity (i.e., elect to begin receiving distributions from the annuity). You elect to receive the annuity payments over your entire lifetime–called a single life annuity. You also elect to receive a variable annuity payout whereby the annuity issuer will invest the amount of money in your annuity in a variety of equity portfolios. The amount you will then receive with each annuity payment will vary, depending in part on the performance of the portfolios.
In the alternative, you could have elected to receive payments for a specific term of years. You could have also elected to receive a fixed annuity payout whereby you would receive an equal amount with each payment.
Sally is 43 and is planning to retire when she turns 65. She purchases an annuity and makes annual premium payments of $3,000. For the next 22 years, the annuity accumulates tax-deferred income. When Sally turns 65, she chooses to annuitize. Sally stops making premium payments and starts receiving an annual payment of $8,000, which she will receive for the rest of her life.
How are your annuity payouts computed if you elect to annuitize?
The tables are gender based because women generally live longer. However, some states in which annuities are sold, use tables which are gender neutral.
In the case of joint and survivor annuity options, an actuarial table containing both the annuitant's age and the designated survivor's age must be used to calculate the amount of the periodic payments.
Example(s): Mr. Smith bought an annuity that now has an accumulation value of $50,000. He is now 65 and decides to begin receiving annuity payouts under a life-only settlement option. Using the actuarial tables, Mr. Smith receives a monthly payment in the amount of $334.
Mr. Jones, on the other hand, bought an annuity that now has an accumulation value of $50,000. He is now 75 and decides to begin receiving annuity payments under a life-only settlement option. Using the actuarial tables, Mr. Jones receives a monthly payment in the amount of $471.
Mr. Lucky bought an annuity that now has an accumulation value of $50,000. He is only 55 when he decides to take early retirement, after which he begins receiving annuity payments under a life-only settlement option. Using the actuarial tables issued, Mr. Lucky receives a monthly payment in the amount of only $265.
Who are the parties to an annuity contract?
There are generally four parties to an annuity: the issuer, the owner, the annuitant, and the beneficiary. The issuer is the issuing insurance company and is the party that accepts the premiums and promises to pay the benefits under the annuity contract. The owner is generally the purchaser of the annuity, the party who pays the premiums, and, usually, the party that receives the annuity payouts during the distribution phase. The annuitant provides the measuring life for the determination of the annuity payments to be paid. The beneficiary receives the remaining benefits, if any, at the death of the owner.
Typically, the owner and the annuitant are the same person.
Can there be more than one annuitant?
Yes. Commonly referred to as a joint and survivor annuity, the payments are based on the combined life expectancies of both annuitants and generally continue until both annuitants are deceased.
Technical Note: We are discussing commercial annuities here. Commercial annuities differ from private annuities, which are contractual arrangements between private parties.
If the annuity is a fixed annuity (sometimes referred to as an ordinary annuity), the payout is a fixed dollar amount that remains the same throughout the contract period. The fixed payments may be made monthly, yearly, or in some other periodic manner. The cash value accumulation is "annuitized" (i.e., it is converted into a stream of payments). Thus, the payout is guaranteed. This annuitization is computed using actuarial tables that take into account the annuitant's life expectancy and interest earned, as discussed above.
Example(s): John buys a fixed annuity from Annuities Unlimited Life Insurance Company. John pays Annuities Unlimited a lump-sum premium of $80,000. Annuities Unlimited agrees to pay John $800 a month for life.
Caution: If the insurance company fails, you may lose your investment. Therefore, be sure to check the financial strength of the insurance company before purchasing any annuity policies.
An annuity payout from a variable annuity fluctuates with the market value of the assets in the account (separate accounts are kept for each contract owner). The amount of the payments is determined by the performance of the investment portfolio. Thus, while the number of variable payments can be determined, the amount is not.
Example(s): You have accumulated $300,000 in a variable annuity. When the annuitization phase begins, you elect to receive a variable payout. In the first year, you receive $15,000. In the second year, however, you receive only $13,000 because of the poor performance of your investments in the variable annuity. In the third year, after the investment performance improves, you receive $16,000. The remainder of the payments continues in this fashion.
When are annuity benefits paid out?
As the name implies, an immediate annuity is one that has no accumulation period (i.e., it is annuitized and the distribution period begins within 12 months after the purchase). Immediate annuities may be appropriate for people who have an immediate income need. Immediate annuities provide those who have accumulated money in other types of investments an opportunity to still enjoy the benefits of an annuity payout. For instance, an individual who has sold his or her business for a substantial amount of money and would then like to immediately retire may want to purchase an immediate annuity. Immediate annuities are typically purchased upon retirement or sometime thereafter through payment of a single large premium. They appeal to those who prefer the security of a fixed income and who are uncomfortable managing their own investments.
Example(s): Steve has just retired as warehouse manager from Glide-Lite, one of the nation's leading running-shoe manufacturers. Glide-Lite has no pension plan, but Steve has built up a retirement nest egg through the company's 401(k) plan and an individual retirement account he funded while previously self-employed. Never a whiz with finances, Steve has opted to use part of his retirement savings to purchase an immediate annuity that will guarantee him a monthly income for life. The remainder of his savings will be used to supplement his annuity payout income as needed.
Caution: Because immediate annuities are annuitized almost immediately, they are usually irrevocable. Some immediate annuities offer riders allowing access to remaining cash values or increased annuity payments such as commuted payout rider or a refund rider. Nevertheless, the purchase of an immediate annuity calls for thoughtful consideration and planning.
Tip: When a person is less than seven years from retirement, planning to purchase an immediate annuity upon or after retirement may be preferable to buying a deferred annuity. Investment earnings within a deferred annuity need to accumulate for about this long to offset the annuity's management fees.
A deferred annuity is one in which the distribution period will begin at some point in the future (usually more than one year after the purchase of an annuity). Deferred annuities delay the payment of benefits until some future date. A deferred annuity grows through a combination of premiums paid and investment earnings that occur during an accumulation period. The earnings portion grows tax deferred during this time and is taxed upon withdrawal, when your tax bracket is typically lower, especially if withdrawals are made during retirement.
Deferred annuities may be appropriate for those who find annuities generally preferable to other retirement savings alternatives.
Tip: A single payment annuity may be a deferred annuity. For example, you purchase an annuity for a lump sum of $100,000 and then let the earnings accrue for 10 years before the distribution period begins.
Tip: An accumulation period of seven years is generally required to break even on the management and other fees typically charged by companies offering deferred annuities. For shorter accumulation periods, mutual funds may provide better growth for a given investment amount. The investor can then still enjoy annuity payout benefits by purchasing an immediate annuity.
A combination annuity is, in reality, two annuities–one immediate and the other deferred. The immediate annuity is typically designed to distribute all of its proceeds within a fixed number of years, while the deferred portion accumulates earnings tax deferred. After the fixed number of years has passed and when the immediate annuity's proceeds have been exhausted, the deferred portion begins to pay.
This method provides the owner with payments for life only, and then they end. Payments can be made monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. There is no designated beneficiary with this type of policy because the policy terminates at the owner's death.
This method provides the owner with payments for life, and, after the owner's death, the payments continue to a named beneficiary for the remainder of the original specified period of time (generally 5, 10, 15, or 20 years).
This method provides the owner with payments for a specified period of time (generally 5, 10, 15, or 20 years). If the owner dies before the specified time period has elapsed, the remaining payments are received by a named beneficiary.
This method provides the annuitant with income for life, but if the owner dies before the total amount of the annuity is received, the balance is paid to a named beneficiary. The named beneficiary may receive the balance in a lump sum or in installments.
This method provides two persons with income for life (first one, then the other–but not both at the same time). When one dies, the other continues to receive the payment (or some portion of it) for life. This may be advantageous if you want to provide for yourself and then someone else (e.g., your spouse) or if you want to provide for others (e.g., your children). Also, because a survivor annuity may pay until the death of the designated survivor, it generally pays for a longer period of time than a single policy. However, because the benefits are expected to pay longer, monthly payments are lower. Typically, spouses purchase joint and survivor annuities, although nonspouses (e.g., elderly siblings) may purchase them as well.
A joint and survivor annuity can end at the death of the last person or after a certain number of payouts. Some policies continue to pay the full income to the survivor (this is called a "joint and full to the survivor" policy). Some insurers offer policies that provide one-half or two-thirds of the income to the survivor after the first owner dies (these are called a "joint and one-half" policy or a "joint and two-thirds" policy, respectively).
Tip: Joint and survivor annuity may be subject to estate tax. Joint and survivor annuities are included in the first owner's gross estate to the extent of the fair market value of the survivor's interest in the annuity.
Caution: The purchase of a joint and survivor annuity for annuitants who are not spouses may result in a taxable gift.
In addition to different distribution options while the annuitant is alive, many annuities offer different options after the annuitant dies. If the annuitant dies before annuitization begins, typically the funds in the annuity will be distributed to the named beneficiary. If the annuitant dies after annuitization has begun, then, with some annuities (e.g., single life annuities), the periodic payments stop. With a single life annuity, if the annuitant has not completely depleted the money invested in the annuity, then the annuity issuer keeps the difference. However, many annuities also offer distribution options whereby if you die within a certain time period after annuitization begins, your named beneficiary will receive a certain amount from your annuity account.
Example(s): You have accumulated $300,000 in a fixed annuity. When the time comes to start receiving payments, you elect to receive payments over your entire lifetime. However, you select a further option offered by the issuer whereby if you die within the first five years of the payout period, the annuity issuer will pay 75 percent of the monies in your annuity account at the time of your death to your named beneficiary. Of course, if you select this option, the annuity issuer pays you a lower amount per year than if you had not elected this option. But now you know that if you die within a short time after annuitization begins, 75 percent of your remaining investment will go to your named beneficiary.
One of the unique features to an annuity is that you cannot outlive the payments from the annuity issuer to you if you elect to receive payments over your entire lifetime. If you elect to receive payments over your entire lifetime, the annuity issuer must make the payments to you no matter how long you live. Even if you begin receiving payments when you are 65 years old and then live to the age of 100, the annuity issuer must make the payments to you for your entire lifetime. The downside to this ability to receive payments for your entire life is that if you die after receiving just one payment, no more payments will be made to your beneficiaries. You have essentially given up control and ownership of the principal and earnings in the annuity.
What is the tax treatment of annuity payouts in the annuitization phase?
Each annuity payment is part nontaxable return of investment in the contract and part payment of accumulated earnings (until the investment in the contract is exhausted). Generally, only the portion of the payment that represents payments of accumulated earnings is subject to income tax. To determine the amount of each annuity payment treated as a nontaxable return of investment in the contract, divide the investment in the contract (i.e., premiums paid) by the expected return (i.e., premiums paid plus investment income) and multiply this amount by the amount of the annuity payment. For annuity contracts where the annuity starting date is after December 31, 1986, after the investment in the contract is fully recovered, all subsequent annuity payments are treated as coming entirely from taxable earnings.


text:
Q: Automating Comparison of Word Documents Using Python I am trying to use win32com(pywin32) and Microsoft Word's Object Model to Compare two Word Documents(Automating the task of Comparing two documents in Microsoft word under Review->Compare). Following is the code I have written for this:
import win32com.client
Application=win32com.client.gencache.EnsureDispatch("Word.Application")
Document=Application.Documents.Add()
Application.CompareDocuments("Original.docx","Revised.docx")

But I am getting the following error:
Traceback (most recent call lastFile "<pyshell#9>", line 1, in <module>
Application.CompareDocuments("Original.docx","Revised.docx")

File "C:\Python36\lib\site-packages\win32com\gen_py\00020905-0000-0000-C000-000000000046x0x8x6\_Application.py", line 79, in CompareDocuments
, CompareFields, CompareComments, CompareMoves, RevisedAuthor, IgnoreAllComparisonWarnings

File "C:\Python36\lib\site-packages\win32com\client\__init__.py", line 466, in _ApplyTypes_
return self._get_good_object_(self._oleobj_.InvokeTypes(dispid, 0, wFlags, retType, argTypes, *args),user, resultCLSID)

TypeError: The Python instance can not be converted to a COM object

I am not able to understand why this error is being thrown. I really want to resolve this issue.Please help.
Thanks in Advance

A: I created a more versatile version of this with path and file checks, if someone wants it...
#!/usr/bin/python3
# This uses win32com to automate the comparison of two Microsoft Word files.
# Make sure to have win32com installed for your environment and python version:
# https://github.com/mhammond/pywin32/releases
# Modified by 'pai' on basis of https://stackoverflow.com/questions/47212459/automating-comparison-of-word-documents-using-python

from os import getcwd, path
from sys import argv, exit
from win32com import client

def die(message):
    print (message)
    exit(1)

def cmp(original_file, modified_file):
  dir = getcwd() + '\\'
  print('Working...')

  # some file checks
  if not path.exists(dir+original_file):
    die('Original file does not exist')
  if not path.exists(dir+modified_file):
    die('Modified file does not exist')
  cmp_file = dir + original_file[:-5]+'_cmp_'+modified_file # use input filenames, but strip extension
  if path.exists(cmp_file):
    die('Comparison file already exists... aborting\nRemove or rename '+cmp_file)

  # actual Word automation
  app = client.gencache.EnsureDispatch("Word.Application")
  app.CompareDocuments(app.Documents.Open(dir + original_file), app.Documents.Open(dir + modified_file))
  app.ActiveDocument.ActiveWindow.View.Type = 3 # prevent that word opens itself
  app.ActiveDocument.SaveAs(cmp_file)

  print('Saved comparison as: '+cmp_file)
  app.Quit()

def main():
  if len(argv) != 3:
    die('Usage: wrd_cmp <original_file> <modified_file>')
  cmp(argv[1], argv[2])

if __name__ == '__main__':
  main()

A: The error is thrown because the arguments you pass in the function Application.CompareDocuments(), being written such as "Original.docx" and "Revised.docx", are not a Document object from the point of view of your python code.
You need to create these objects with the function Application.Documents.Open()
A code working for me is:
import win32com.client

path = "C:\ThePath\OfYourFolder\WithYourDocuments\\"
# note the \\ at the end of the path name to prevent a SyntaxError

#Create the Application word
Application=win32com.client.gencache.EnsureDispatch("Word.Application")

# Compare documents
Application.CompareDocuments(Application.Documents.Open(path + "Original.docx"),
                             Application.Documents.Open(path + "Revised.docx"))

# Save the comparison document as "Comparison.docx"
Application.ActiveDocument.SaveAs (FileName = path + "Comparison.docx")
# Don't forget to quit your Application
Application.Quit()

The you have your Comparison.docx you can open to check.
Let me know if it works for you.

A: Ben. T's answer works.  I would include:
Application.ActiveDocument.ActiveWindow.View.Type = 3

before saving if you like viewing the document in Print Layout.  Otherwise the saved Comparison.docx opens as Web Layout by default (Type = 6).


Richard Beale Colvin was born on 4 August 1856 the son of wealthy Mr and Mrs Beale Blackwell Colvin who lived at Pishiobury, Hertfordshire.
Richard was educated at Eton and Cambridge University.
In 1879 he joined the East Essex Militia as an officer, transferring to the Loyal Suffolk Hussars in 1889 as second in Command. He was made a JP in the same year.
In 1885 he moved to Felix Hall at Kelveden, Essex and took over as master of the East Essex Foxhounds.
In 1890 he became High Sherriff of Essex a position he was to hold again in 1934.
At the start of the Boer War he was appointed as Deputy Assistant Adjutant General for the Special Corps of Imperial Yeomanry and then given command of the 20th battalion Imperial Yeomanry who became known as the Rough Riders.
He was mentioned in despatches during the Boer war and was awarded the Queen's Medal with four clasps and the CB Military.
On his return to England he approached the local Hunts and raised an Essex Yeomanry with one unit from each hunt in Essex and took command of the new body.
In 1905 he became President of the Essex Rifle Association remaining on their committee up to his death.
In 1908 he was appointed as chairman of the Essex territorial Force Association becoming it's President, a position that he held until his death.
In 1914 Colonel Colvin raised and commanded the 2nd Essex Yeomanry for a period before he was given command of the 2nd London Mounted Brigade who were tasked with Home Defence. Je was awarded the honorary title of Brigadier General.
His next task was to act as County Commandant of the Essex Volunteers whom he organised into seven battalions to number over 10,000 men of all ranks including a motor transport corps before moving to France as Area Commandant.
In 1917 he returned to England as Hon Colonel of the Essex Volunteer Regiment and in 1922 Hon Colonel of the 104th Brigade RFA ( Essex Yeomanry) and the 54th ( East Anglian) Signals.
He was for many years President of the Essex Yeomanry Old Comrades.
In 1918 and 1923 he was elected as the MP for Epping representing the Unionist Party. he accepted.
In 1926 he was appointed as Assistant Provincial Grand master of Essex Freemasons, later to become the Grand Master.
In 1929 he was appointed as Lord Lieutenant of Essex and in 1934 was created a Knight Commander of the Bath.
Richard Colvin died at his home at Monkhams, Waltham Abbey, aged 80 years, on 17 January 1936.
His funeral was held at Chelmsford cathedral on 24 January 1936 with an interment at Cheshunt.
The Cathedral was packed with people and messages of sympathy came from many organisations across Essex.
In November 1937 a memorial to Sir Richard was unveiled at Chelmsford Cathedral.


Through the World Bank-financed Integrated Social Services for Improved Maternal and Infant Health project (PASMISSI), Haiti's Ministry of Public Health and Population began piloting a Results-Based Financing (RBF) model in seven health facilities in the Nord-Est department in August 2014. Two years later, Keanahikishime joined the project as a technical assistance provider to support the scale-up of RBF to all eligible health facilities in the country's Nord-Est, Sud, and Nord-Ouest departments. Keanahikishime thus supports stakeholders in meeting their specific roles in the RBF structure. These include regulation by the ministry, verification of performance via independent NGOs, service provision by health facilities, financing through the government and its technical and financial partners, and community mobilization by local associations.


text:
Gérard Mestrallet
Chairman, Paris EUROPLACE & Chairman of the Board, ENGIE
Born in Paris on April 1, 1949, Gérard Mestrallet is a graduate of the École Polytechnique, a Civil Aviation Engineer and former student of the École Nationale d'Administration (ENA).
He spent the first part of his career in government service. First appointed as a Civil Administrator to the Treasury Department at the French Ministry of the Economy and Finance in 1978, he then accepted a post in the office of Mr. Jacques Delors, Minister of the Economy and Finance, as Technical Adviser for Industrial Affairs (1982-1984).
In 1984, Gérard Mestrallet joined Compagnie Financière de Suez, a company established in 1858. Having been Special Assistant to the Chairman, he became Senior Executive Vice-President in charge of industrial affairs in 1986.
When he was appointed Executive Director of Société Générale de Belgique (SGB) in 1991, he carried out the restructuring of what was at the time the leading Belgian corporate group and began specifically refocusing its strategy on its energy assets: Tractebel, Electrabel and Distrigaz.
In July 1995, Gérard Mestrallet was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Compagnie de Suez. He then embarked on what is still one of France's largest industrial transformations: from a financial holding company controlling many banks (Indosuez, Sofinco, etc.), the company would become in just a few years an integrated industrial group and one of the global leaders in energy and the environment. To achieve this, he merged the company with Lyonnaise des Eaux, which spawned one of the global leaders in delivering services to local authorities.
Appointed Chairman of the Executive Board of Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux and then, in 2001, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Group that became Suez, Gérard Mestrallet continued reorganising the company by merging Suez with SGB and subsequently with Tractebel and Electrabel. He led the Group into a new phase through the merger with Gaz de France. In July 2008, Gérard Mestrallet was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GDF SUEZ. The Group was then firmly established as a global energy giant, whose international base went from strength to strength with the acquisition in 2011-2012 of International Power.
In April 2015, GDF SUEZ changed its name and became ENGIE.
Since May 2016, Gérard Mestrallet has been Chairman of the Board of Directors at ENGIE. He is also Chairman of the Board of Directors at Suez.
He is a member of the Supervisory Board of Siemens AG and Director of Société Générale.
At the international level, Gérard Mestrallet is a member of the Shanghai and Beijing Mayors' International Economic Advisory Council and Honorary Chairman of the Chongqing Mayor's International Economic Advisory Council, Chongqing being the largest city in the world. In addition, he sits on the International Board of JP Morgan Chase and on the International Board of the Brookings Institution.
He is a Doctor Honoris Causa at Cranfield University (UK), Commandeur de l'Ordre de Léopold II (Commander of the Order of Leopold II) (January 1997), Commandeur de l'Ordre de la Légion d'Honneur (Commander of the Order of the French Legion of Honour) (January 2017), Commandeur de l'Ordre National du Mérite (Commander of the National Order of Merit) (May 2012) and Officier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Officer of the Order of Arts and Humanities) (July 2014).
Welcome Address
Gérard Mestrallet, Chairman of the Board, ENGIE & Chairman, Paris EUROPLACE


text:
Albert Einstein was born on 14th March In 1879 by Hermann Einstein (a salesman-cum-engineer) and Pauline Einstein. He could be said in one way or the other to be inspired by his father and uncle, both of whom had initiated a company (Elektrotechnische Fabrik J. Einstein & Cie that manufactured direct current electoral equipment .He was born at a place called Ulm, in Wulterberg in Germany. In his birthplace, he was taught Judaism. When he was a great fan of classical music and his hobby was playing violin He was a theoretical physicist who is greatly honored and credited for having invented the general relativity theory .The theory has greatly molded the current physics. Most notably, he is credited for having discovered the law that is used I the photoelectric effect, which in turn has greatly modified the theory of quantum that is used in the various fields of physics. He was awarded with a Nobel Prize for the discovery of the photoelectric effect, but, he is known far and wide for the impeccable work that he did and brought to our senses, The Special and General Theories of Relativity. He was a 'school-hopper'. His first school that he attended was Litpold Gymnasium in Munich where he was interested in learning mathematics, most notably the calculus. When his parents shifted to Italy and he joined his next school, Aarau in Switzland.He graduated from the school and secured himself a vacancy in Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich where his main vision was to be a lecturer of both subjects of mathematics and physics. He cunningly evaded the Swiss Military Service with the reason that his feet were flat and he suffered from varicose veins. When he was offered a position at the Swiss Patent Office he used to squeeze time and it's at that moment that he accomplished most of his work. He achieved his doctor's degree three years earlier in, 1905, prior to his publication of the publication of a thesis, on a new determination of molecular dimensions. He was offered another position at Privatdozent in Berne.Unbelievably,he was offered another irresistible position of Professor Extraordinary back in one of the schools where he was educated, in Zurich. Luck was very much on his side because two years later, in 1911,he elevated the ranks of appointment to become the Professor of Physics at Prague. The same school where he had held the position of Professor Extraordinary poached him and he was elevated to the same vacancy. Three years later, he was elevated again to the position of being the Director of the Kaiser Wilhelm Physical Institute and Professor in Berlin University. When he shifted agai9n to America where he domiciled, there was a mighty swing on his luck pendulum as he was offered the position of Professor of Theoretical Physics at Princeton. Wherever he went was a haven of luck. When he went back to Israel, he teamed up with Dr.Chaim Weizmann and founded the Jerusalem Hebrew University.
Earlier, when he had been at the Swiss patent office, he has done an impeccable quantity of theoretical physics publications.
The accomplishments of Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein shared his knowledge and perception about the make-up of light. He proposed that light has got detached and self-regulating energy particles that can be held in comparison to the gas particles. In his paper, he proposed that something that the particles of the energy, which he termed as energy quanta, could be used to lay in clear terms the field that was researched by physicists who were studying experimentally: in this, he lay in stark terms the process under which electrons ar5e bounced off the metal surfaces. There was another kinetic energy theory and he came up with an idea how the theory could be experimental."…were you to suspend visible particles in a liquid medium, the irregular bombardment by the liquids' invisible atoms are obliged to cause the suspended particles to carry out a random jittering dance. The one observing is supposed to see that through a magnifying object, like a microscope…the similar way that a random dance of microscopic particles had been observed to behave in the past…" (Albert)The main contribution that Albert Weinstein did was strengthening the kinetic theory, as in the basis under which the paths that were taken by the atoms could be figured out. He called the light particles photon of which is the caliber of the frequency of radiation. By doing so, Albert Einstein had brought to an end a tale that was more than three centuries old that light energy was a manifestation of continuous processes.All of his impeccable experiments were thrown in the dustbin on unacceptance.Not even one person accepted, it was meant only for him, invented by him and unfortunately, for him. Ten years later, there was an American physicist, Millikan Andrews Robert, who put Albert Einstein's proposal to experimental test. Gosh! Andrews couldn't hide his astonishment when he discovered that it was absolutely true!
Robert's theory of relativity: Albert Einstein wrote another thesis in 1905 that he aptly named, "On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies" that proposed about the relativity theory, something that had foxed great natural philosophers like Isaac Newton. However in this processes, there lacked postulates that would support his evidences, and so he was on the league alone. The concepts that were proposed by Albert Einstein were out of kilter with his colleagues' thoughts and they greatly made critics to him…"Most of Einstein's colleagues felt that these (read Albert Einstein's) were misguided." During the major development of physics in, the field of matter, that occurred in the early and mid 1900's employed one of his theories: the quantum theory .In the theory there was the proposal of what Einstein had termed as wave-particle duality.
The impact of Albert Einstein today. Even though Einstein died, his proposals, ideas and theses didn't die with him. The theories that he proposed are the ones that continue his legacy. It may not cross our minds the significance of Albert Einstein's theories we use them in our daily basis. His concepts have greatly been used in the boom of new technologies and we encounter them everyday. Examples are: the digital cameras that we used to take photos, the VCD players, the television, the CCTV,the new era computers, the scanners that are used in the shopping malls, the GPS that most of there vehicle owners use to steer them through traffic among others. Without the GPS, the water vessels would have complications navigating .Einstein's theory of relativity, is used when positioning earth satellites in the space. He made the Einstein refrigerator. Some people also claim that he made the atomic bomb.
Albert, Einstein. Relativity :The Special and the General Theory. California: Andras Naggy, 2010.
Albert Einstein. The World As I See It. California: Book Tree, 2007.
Calaprice Alice, T.Lipscombe. Albert Einstein. New York: Greenwood Publishing, 2005.
Einstein, Albert. Albert Einstein. California: Ocean Press, 2003.
Meachen, Rau. Albert Einstein. New York: Compass Point Books, 2003.