Research and Analysis: Pirates of the World Wide Web

Since the birth of the Internet, it has become increasingly easier to obtain pirated copies of music, movies, and even video games at no cost. Piracy has been around a long time, but with the Internet, just about anyone can download entertainment software in a matter of minutes. With the economy down, even more people will give up their morals to save a few dollars, which ultimately damages the entertainment industry. I firmly believe that people should not download illegally because of the negative impact it is having on our society. The truth of the matter is that it is stealing, and though a free movie or game is nice, the consequences of these actions are not worth it. To understand what will happen if nothing is done, it is important to understand the historical context of piracy and where we are headed. After that, I will analyze the impact that illegal downloading has had on our economy and the measure out society is taking to prevent it.

Jack Johnson's To the Sea: A Critical Review

Hawaiian-born Jack Johnson is easily one of the most recognizable voices in recent decades; he is his own genre. His “sun-kissed” (Hermes), laid-back style is highlighted in his most recent album, To the Sea, released June 1, 2010. This was his 5th studio release and he still has found ways to steal the heart of almost any listener. Each track on this piece is especially aquatic sounding; with a flow like the waves Jack surfs effortlessly in his downtime.  Although his songs carry a theme of love and togetherness, Jack tends to steer away from the gushy, cliché love ballad. Each song is laced with soft acoustic guitar and gentle percussion which make for music that can be listened to while studying, driving, cooking, sleeping, relaxing, or whenever you need a moment to chill. While some reviews rebuke Johnson for creating another immature surfer-boy album, I would argue that despite the easy-to-listen to qualities, To the Sea is relatable to almost anybody and is abounding with complex themes, maturity gracing the pages of his sheet music.

The Good Ol’ Days of Gaming: Ar Tonelico II

Ar Tonelico II is a fantastic game that left me wanting more from its creators, NIS America and Gust. As suggested by the name of the game, Ar Tonelico II is heavily based upon the tone of music to drive its plot. There are a variety of songs placed within the game to help fit the different moods of certain areas and evoke overall feelings of satisfaction and sorrow. The player is first introduced to the region of Metafalss, a region of land connected to a tower that controls the world. We play as a young knight, named Croix, whose role is to help deal with IPD outbreaks (Infel Phira Dependency) that have threatened the world of Metafalss. This IPD epidemic is a virus that infects those called “Reyvateils,” female magic song users, and causes them to go berserk. With the epidemic of the IPD virus, the people of Metafalss have lost faith in their goddess and are rebelling because she refuses to help them with their land and food shortage. Through the plot, the game emphasizes a theme of remembrance, which we see in the town’s symbolic name of “Pastalia.” The game gives a feel for classic RPGs that revolve around a turn-based battle system. These effects contribute to my desire for RPGs with an older feel that have not been influenced by the advances of today. NIS America and Gust did a fantastic job creating Ar Tonelico II. By spending less on 3D visuals and focusing more on the importance of pleasant anime visuals, game play, and connecting their soundtrack to the plot, the game company created a masterpiece that reminds us of what makes a great classic RPG enjoyable.