Online piracy is a term used to elucidate on the illegal copying of licensed and copyrighted materials from the Internet. Online piracy, as a term, is widely used and upheld by agents who distribute licenses and trademarks for Internet companies in a multitude of industries. 

There are three fundamental forms of Online Piracy: music piracy, software piracy, and movie piracy. Although other forms of online piracy exist, these three remain the most common and the most fundamental avenues for which online piracy is present. 

The opponents of online piracy feel that the illegitimate or fraudulent actions of the maneuver pose a serious threat to the creative and artistic development of the world. In addition to violating terms in copyrights, opponents of the actions believe that online piracy limits profits, by reducing the amount of money an artist or programmer can obtain through the production of their particular good.

The majority of individuals who participate in online piracy do so to obtain the benefits of a particular item for free. The most dominating example of online piracy is found in the illegal download market for free media, such as music and movies. Opponents of the online piracy market further point out that the use of such creative works without paying for them also affects the large support staffs (i.e. publishers, designers, engineers, sound technicians etc.) who lends a hand in the creation of the work. 

The most common form of Internet piracy that is present today are found in bit torrent sites. A Bit Torrent is an illegal, digital file-sharing program that is operated from a centralized location, which grants access to its users that allows them to participate in the transfer, import, and export of intellectual property.

Typically, a Bit Torrent website will contain a series of servers that houses the intellectual property through which is being circulated throughout the Bit Torrent web site; membership to Bit Torrent websites – ranging from those offered without a charge to those that require membership fees – are able to download and upload digital media belonging to the members of that particular Bit Torrent website. 

Bit Torrent, which is classified as a Peer-to-Peer (p2p) digital file-sharing program is considered to be more efficient than its predecessors, which include Napster, Kazaa, and Limewire. In contrast to traditional fire-sharing programs in which full files are circulated through digital transmission, Bit Torrent sharing allows for the segmented transmission of digital media through its server(s); as a result, users are inundated with much smaller files, which allow for more a more comprehensive and seamless transmission – however, this design does not detract from the illegality innate in all file-sharing programs.

The criminal activity inherent in digital file-sharing can be covered by a multitude of legal fields, including copyright law, cyber law, and criminal law; the unlawful transmission and dissemination of digital media in lieu of both legal purchase, as well as financial recuperation on the part of the industry applicable to the digital media is considered to be a criminal activity punishable by law enforcement.

Travel insurance is a form of insurance that provides coverage for medical and financial expenses and other losses that might occur while an individual travels. The financial expenses in this regard refer to the loss of money from the investment in non-refundable pre-payments associated with travel. 

Travel insurance is typically offered in a short-term form and is usually arranged at the time of the booking. These characteristics are intended to cover the costs associated with the exact duration of the trip. Continuous travel insurance policies may be purchased from travel insurance companies, travel agents, or directly from a travel supplier (such as tour operators or cruise lines). That being said, any travel insurance policy that is purchased from a travel supplier will be less inclusive than plans offered by reputable insurance companies. 

Travel insurance will provide coverage for a variety of travelers. For example, student travelers, business travelers, adventure travelers, those who are travelling for leisure, cruise travel, and international travel will all possess different intricacies as well as an assortment of options that may be insured. 

Travel Insurance Coverage Types:

A travel insurance policy will cover the most common risks that are experienced during travel. The following risks or expenses are typically covered by a travel insurance policy:

    Medical Expenses

    Return of a minor child

    Repatriation of remains

    Fees associated with trip cancellation or interruption

    Emergency evacuations

    Overseas funeral expenses

    Delayed departures

Any losses obtained from theft or damage to personal possessions and money—travel documents are included in this description

Any costs associated with delayed baggage—travel insurance will also provide emergency replacement of essential items

    Legal assistance

    Personal liability and excessive damages to rental cars

    Curtailment

Some forms of travel insurance will additionally provide coverage for unexpected or additional costs; these forms of coverage will vary widely between particular providers. Additionally, separate insurance may be purchased for the accruement of specific costs such as:

    Coverage for any pre-existing conditions

    Sports with an element of risk that are associated with travel such as skiing, spelunking, or scuba diving

    Traveling to countries that are regarded as high-risk due to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or war

    Kidnap and ransom insurance

    Additional AD&D coverage policies

Although different policies will include additional forms of coverage, there are common exclusions that are typically eliminated by all travel insurance plans. For example, an insurer will cover any expenses related to pregnancy if the travel occurs within the first trimester, after that; however, the majority of plans will not provide coverage for any costs obtained. 

Travel insurance plans are typically priced in relation to the trip’s overall cost and the duration of the journey. In most cases, a typical coverage plan will cost approximately 5-7% of the cost of the trip.

What are the Tax Brackets for 2010?

The federal income tax in the United States is a progressive model where those individuals who earn higher wages are taxed at a higher percentage and vice versa. The tax brackets represent the divisions at which tax rates are implemented; these rates will change based on a given fiscal year in accordance with inflation and the macro-economic standing of the country. In essence, the tax brackets represent cutoff values for an earner’s taxable income—incomes past a certain point will be taxed at the next available tax bracket.

Additionally the tax rates will fluctuate for individuals who file separately or for those couples who file joint returns. The tax rate is dependent on income, meaning the amount of money an individual earns from his or her job; however, the tax rates will also fluctuate given the delivery of tax deductions, tax credits, and the status of the filing. Contact an income tax lawyer to review your case.

The following brackets will elucidate on the taxable incomes of American earners and the separate filing statuses that are present in the Federal income taxation system. 

2010 Tax Brackets for single earners:

Single 2010 Tax Brackets

Taxable Income:    Income Tax:

$0-$8,375    10% of the amount over $0

$8,375-$34,000    $837.50 plus 15% of the amount over $8,375

$34,000-$82,400    $4,681.25 plus 25% of the amount over $34,000

$82,400-$171,850    $16,781.25 plus 28% of the amount over $82,400

$171,850-$373,650    $41,827.25 plus 33% of the amount over $171,850

$373,650+    $108,421.25 plus 35% of the amount over $373,650

 

An individual’s tax bracket is dependent on two primary variables: the individual’s taxable income and their filing status. The options for filing status include the following: the individual will file a single return, a Married Filing Jointly return, a Married Filing Separately Return, a head of household, or a Qualifying Widower with Dependent Child. 

The filing status is dependent upon the filer’s marital and family situation on the last day of the taxable year. If on the last day of the taxable year, multiple filing statuses apply, the individual will be allowed to choose between them.

2010 Tax brackets for individuals who file for  Married Jointly:

Married Filing Jointly 2010 Tax Brackets

Taxable Income:    Income Tax:

$0-$16,750    10% of the amount over $0

$16,750-$68,000    $1,675 plus 15% of the amount over $16,750

$68,000-$137,300    $9,362.50 plus 25% of the amount over $68,000

$137,300-$209,250    $26,687.50 plus 28% of the amount over $137,300

$209,250-$373,650    $46,833.50 plus 33% of the amount over $209,250

$373,650+    $101,085.50 plus 35% of the amount over $373,650

Tax Brackets for those who are Married but File Separately:

Married Filing Separately 2010 Tax Brackets

Taxable Income:    Income Tax:

$0-$8,375    10% of the amount over $0

$8,375-$34,000    $837.50 plus 15% of the amount over $8,375

$34,000-$68,650    $4,681.25 plus 25% of the amount over $34,000

$68,650-$104,625    $13,343.75 plus 28% of the amount over $68,650

$104,625-$186,825    $23,416.75 plus 33% of the amount over $104,625

$186,825+    $50,542.75 plus 35% of the amount over $186,825

Tax Brackets for those who file as Head of Household:

Head of Household 2010 Tax Brackets

Taxable Income:    Income Tax:

$0-$11,950    10% of the amount over $0

$11,950-$45,550    $1,195.00 plus 15% of the amount over $11,950

$45,550-$117,650    $6,235 plus 25% of the amount over $45,550

$117,650-$190,550    $24,260 plus 28% of the amount over $117,650

$190,550-$373,650    $44,672 plus 33% of the amount over $190,550

$373,650+    $105,095 35% of the amount over $373,650

 

•    When people file tort claims, the individuals are filing a civil lawsuit against the individual or entity who committed the tort, meaning the action which precipitated some sort of damage. To win a tort claim and be awarded the monetary compensation to recoup the damages undertaken, the plaintiff must prove that all of the elements of the tort law were committed. 

•    To file a tort claim for an intentional tort, the plaintiff (the individual who suffered some sort of damage, whether physical or damage incurred on his or her property)must successfully prove the elements of the pledged duty, the subsequent breach, and the aftereffects of the situation, meaning the causation and damages incurred. 

•    A negligence tort claim arises when a party does not intend to cause harm to the plaintiff, but the unreasonable act or the unreasonable failure to act precipitates an injury to the plaintiff. In turn, the defendant of a tort claim might have possessed a direct duty to uphold the standard of care but must breach the intended duty and subsequently cause an injury to the plaintiff. To have a legitimate negligence claim, it is not enough for the defendant’s negligent act to have created harm to another party. The plaintiff must also show damages that resulted from the negligent act carried out by the defending party.

•    In a strict liability tort claim, a person will be held liable for the victimized party’s injury without having committed a wrongful act. In this instance, the plaintiff must assert the elements that the aggressing party had a direct duty to institute a safety protocol or institute something safe and that the defendant blatantly breached that duty, which resulted in injury to the plaintiff or to the plaintiff’s property. Strict liability tort claims arise when a defendant has engaged in a hazardous or abnormally dangerous activity.

•    The majority of products liability claims come under a strict liability theory. Under this principle, the commercial supplier and manufacturer of the underlying product that has caused an injury to a plaintiff can be held strictly liable for the victimized party’s injuries, particularly if the product in question was inherently unsafe or dangerously defective.

On October 11, 2012, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are going to be updated for people living along the coast in the Southeast.  The updated FIRMs will present a clearer picture of flood risks and provide flood hazard information for other areas as well.  

 

According to FEMA, floods are most commonly occurring natural disasters in the United States, and towns and cities along the coast are in the most danger of floods.  About 40 percent of the population in the United States lives in communities along the coast, and these communities need to know the risks of floods and steps they can take to protect themselves and their property.  

 

FEMA and other partners need to update the FIRMS because flood risk changes over the course of time.  All of the following can lead to new water and flow patterns: construction, environmental factors, shoreline erosion, and numerous other manmade and natural factors.  

 

FEMA will work with regional, state and local partners through the Southeast over the next couple of years to revise the FIRMs along coastal areas.  The new FIRMs will qualify as the most detailed and accurate flood risk data because of new technology and engineering tools.  

 

The state of Mississippi received completed FIRMS in 2007.  The updated counties include Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson.  In order to see the progress of the FIRMs for the FEMA Region IV Coastal Analysis and Mapping, you can visit the following website: www.southeastcoastalmaps.com.  You can find information for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.  

 

Community planners can use the new information when planning activities.  Developers can use the information in order to make decisions where to build and how the construction might affect flood risks.  Insurance companies and real estate agents can use the new information to make changes to their rates.  

 

Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

 

 

Travel Insurance Explained:

 

Travel insurance is a type of insurance that is intended to cover medical expenses, financial hardships over travel suppliers and other losses, such as stolen or lost luggage, cancelled flights, and weather delays, that may occur while travelling. Travel insurance may be purchased by an individual travelling within his or her country or abroad; regardless of the location, the insurance policy provides coverage against any financial losses or any negative externalities that occur as a result of travelling. 

 

 

Types of Travel Insurance:

 

 

In addition to a traditional or comprehensive travel insurance policy—typically referred to as direct travel insurance–an individual can purchase temporary coverage, which is usually arranged at the time the trip is booked. This form of cheap travel insurance will provide coverage for exactly the duration of the trip. As a result of the limited coverage offered, temporary travel insurance is far less extensive than traditional travel insurance, which is typically purchased from travel agents (individuals who work for travel insurance companies) or directly from travel suppliers, such as tour operators or cruise lines. That being said, a comprehensive travel insurance package, purchased from a travel supplier, will tend to be less inclusive than a policy offered by an insurance company. 

 

 

Travel insurance will often provide coverage to an assortment of travels; student travel, leisure travel, adventure travel, business travel, international travel and cruise travel are all options or forms of travel that can be covered by travel insurance. To broaden the types of direct travel insurance we will forego the specifics associated with what is covered and instead, label the forms of direct travel insurance with a wider lens. The first and most common form of direct travel insurance is Trip Cancellation/Interruption coverage. The majority of these policies will cover all trip or flight cancellations due to weather, sudden illness or death, emergency military operation, jury duty and bankruptcy of the airline of cruise line prior to departure. The majority of these direct travel insurance policies, will provide terrorism insurance; a form of catastrophic coverage that will reimburse expenses in the event that the United States Department of States issues a travel warning advising individuals not to travel within a given country for a specified period of time.  

 

 

Another form of direct travel insurance is offered to cover expenses associated with medical emergencies. This policy is particularly useful if the individual is travelling to underdeveloped regions of the world or for individuals who are inflicted with a chronic illness. These policies will reimburse the holder for all costs that stem from doctor’s visits, medication and occasionally medical evacuations out of the destination. 

 

 

For longer trips or habitual travels, an extensive form of direct travel insurance is typically the most common policy purchased. These comprehensive plans will provide a wide variety of coverage as well as a personalization characteristic, which ultimately enables the traveller to choose what kinds of coverage to be included. Since it is difficult to prognosticate in regards to what problems may arise during a trip, a comprehensive direct travel insurance policy will cover every aspect or situation that may carry a monetary loss for the traveler.  

 

Indemnity insurance is a traditional type of insurance where an insurance company gets paid a fee. Indemnity insurance is used to compensate beneficiaries of policies for the actual value of their economic losses, up to the amount limited by the policy. Indemnity insurance normally requires the person who is insured to prove the value of the loss before he or she can recover.

Recovery under indemnity insurance is limited to the value of the loss that is provable, even if the policy’s face amount is greater. There are many different types of indemnity insurance, such as personal indemnity, health insurance, and professional indemnity insurance. This insurance works as a means of financial support if a policy holder happened to get sued for damages.

The most basic type of indemnity insurance is a health insurance policy. A typical health insurance policy can be either a group policy or an individual. Both provide coverage for any medical costs are included in the policy, or rather, that are not excluded. An exclusion can be an issue such as a preexisting condition or other issues that a health insurer chooses not to provide for in the policy. Coverage in this type of indemnity insurance usually depends on the health of the policy holder when getting the policy.

Personal indemnity insurance is given as a form of a renters or homeowners insurance policy. The insurance company usually offers a policy that will indemnify if a policy holder has losses that are covered according to the terms of the policy. Individuals who pay a landlord rent can be sued for being the cause of damage. This is also applicable for landlords that do not repair or fix a previously acknowledged problem with or on the property. In either situation, a landlord or individual would have to pay for any damages that the other party suffered.

Professional indemnity insurance is a form of a professional liability insurance policy. The policy provides protection to the policy holder for any actions that may cause harm or impose damages to a client. Examples of this can oversights that happen while performing a certain service. For example, many professional services tend to have errors and omission coverage that pays for any legal costs in the case of a lawsuit brought by a client.

The amount of coverage required in an indemnity insurance policy relies on the type of policy purchased. Most insurers require a minimum coverage amount for a professional policy while a personal indemnity policy needs enough coverage for possible injury or damage that occurs.

All indemnity insurance policies have limits as well as fees. These fees can be the deductible and the co-insurance payment. The purpose of these fees is to lower overall costs by having the policy holder pay a bit of the expenses.