ユナイテッド航空の安全ビデオが新しくなったらしいです。儂は暫く乗っていませんでしたが、来週は成田行きの UA837 に搭乗予定なので、ホントにこれになってるか確かめてきます。
・・・てか、UAに乗ったら今後暫くはこればっかり眺めることになるわけ？ なんだかなぁ…。
ようつべに堕ちていたのは、ボーイング 777-200 用のバージョンでした。
最初は撮影セットの全体をざっと見せてくれますが…
今回のテーマは『青い玉 Blue Ball』です。
セットの壁を、こんな感じで飛び回っていたり。
青い玉はUAロゴの中に飛び込んでいって・・・
NHK教育テレビジョンを御覧の毒者さんは、めっちゃパクリっぽく感じることでしょう。
なお、英語で複数形の Blue Balls というと…
『すっげーたまってる』
『おきゃんたまが重い』
『いきそうでいけない』
『ものすごくやりたい』
…等の意味を表す俗語になります。
要するに『臨界前核実験』みたいな。(笑)
（Blue balls は医学的に epididymal hypertension を指すようですが、俗語ではこうです）
ユナイテッド航空は、この俗語を気にしないみたい…。ゲーム屋の業界用語だった？
個人的な体験で、ゲーム会社勤務時に『ギザギザ青鼠さん』主演のゲームで…『ソニックは青い玉を集めます』…というステージになっているタイトルがあって、「こんなものアメリカで子供に売れない！」ってサンフランシスコから抗議が来た事がありました。（当時はまだ東京本社勤務）
この安全ビデオを YouTube で御覧いただく場合は、こちらからどうぞ。
念のため、低画質バージョンも上げておきます。
This article is about airplanes, your main profession (?), rather than cars this time. How often do major airlines around the world, including United Airlines, update their safety videos? I don't know when United Airlines started using their previous version of the safety video.
ReplyDeleteOh, I see you're scheduled to fly on UA837 to Narita next week instead of NH 007. Indeed, your recent flights have mainly been with Turkish Airlines, and United hasn't appeared much. Well, for you, United Airlines is like your own car (lol), so comparing the old and new safety videos and evaluating their clarity should be a piece of cake for you.
Speaking of in-flight safety videos, in the past, they monotonously explained things like "wearing seat belts" and "where to place luggage." Nowadays, if the videos aren't creative, you'll end up watching the same version repeatedly once they’re updated, which is a big concern, especially for frequent flyers like you. Moreover, even if you're watching other programs on your personal monitor, the safety video suddenly interrupts and forces you to watch it.
I watched the version for the Boeing 777-200 that you found on YouTube right away. I'm not sure why they initially showed an overview of the entire filming set, but as passengers, we can appreciate the effort United put into creating this safety video for our benefit.
ReplyDeleteAnd just as I wrote this, breaking news came in! A "Ginza Premium Ice & Sorbet" package from Ginza Sembikiya has just arrived at the clinic!
When we took a look inside, we found:
Ginza Premium Ice:
Custard Vanilla, Tochiotome Strawberry, Muscat, Peach, Blueberry Cheese, 2 pieces each/90ml each
Ginza Premium Sorbet:
Melon, Strawberry, Yuzu Honey, Golden Pineapple, Mango, 2 pieces each/90ml each
For a total of 20 pieces!
Although I’m not well-versed in sweets, I know that Ginza Sembikiya is renowned for using the finest ingredients in their creations. The ice creams and sorbets must also be made with a focus on high-quality ingredients.
The package was quickly moved to the freezer in the staff room, and as usual, a lottery（あみだくじ） was immediately organized to distribute the treats evenly among the staff. According to an employee who sampled one ahead of time, "The high-quality fruits carefully selected by Ginza Sembikiya perfectly harmonize with the rich, fragrant flavor of the creamy ice cream."
Even the female staff, who are used to eating sweets regularly, were thrilled, as they rarely get the chance to enjoy such luxury items. Your reputation has SKYROCKETED today (LOL).
On behalf of all the staff, I extend our sincere thanks.
I have also watched NHK's "PythagoraSwitch" a few times absentmindedly. If I remember correctly, the show features "Pythagora Devices" which use stationery and other items to create interesting paths that roll a ball to the goal. It’s a program that didn’t exist when we were kids, but if it can foster new ways of thinking in the children who watch it through these segments that seem designed to delight kids, it’s quite a remarkable show.
ReplyDeleteFrom my own research, the term "Blue Balls" in its plural form is an informal slang term used to describe a state of male sexual frustration caused by unfulfilled arousal, typically leading to discomfort or pain in the testicles if climax is not achieved. This expression is informal, mostly used in colloquial speech, and is somewhat vulgar, so it should be used with caution. Additionally, even when used in the singular form "Blue Ball," it is generally understood to mean the same thing, and using it in singular form could still cause misunderstandings depending on the context. Therefore, it should be avoided in formal settings, and more appropriate expressions are recommended.
That's how I learned about this American slang.
At first, I wrote the comment, but it seemed likely to be flagged by Google's censorship. Therefore, I have deliberately rewritten it in a more careful and academic manner and will post it again. If it still gets deleted... please help me clean up the mess again.
When you talked about being involved in a game featuring "Jagged Blue Mouse" while working at a game company, I didn't know about this blue mouse, so I did a quick search.
ReplyDeleteThe first result that came up was an old post from this blog.
Sonic the Movie - 2020/02/18
Furry, jagged blue mouse... Eyes are too far apart… Teeth are uneven… And the nostrils are too weird. Can such facial features be considered ugly-cute?
The second result was also an old post from this blog.
Kanji Tattoo - 2020/08/07
This article starts with "peeping" (lol). First, I was told about a tattoo meaning "Friendship" on the upper arm, but it's written in hiragana as "ともださ". Is this a mistake by a tattoo artist who doesn't know Japanese well?
Then the story of the blue mouse, Soni○ the Hedgehog, continues. Following the links further, I returned to the first article. In front of the San Mateo movie theater, which is a two-minute walk from your house, there's a poster of the movie at that time... Personally, what caught my attention was not the blue mouse in the center but the actor in the background. He reminded me of the late Freddie Mercury, and I was captivated by his manly appearance.
After reading these two old posts, I might become oddly interested in this blue mouse (though I probably won't come across it any time soon).
Oh, you are coming back to Japan on a United Airlines flight tomorrow. I wish you a safe trip.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the current forecast, "As of 9:00 AM on the 28th, a strong typhoon, Typhoon No. 1, is located east of the Philippines and moving northeast at a speed of 20 km/h. By 9:00 AM on the 30th, it will reach the south of Japan. After that, the typhoon will transform into an extratropical cyclone and is expected to reach east of Japan by 9:00 AM on the 1st." Therefore, the typhoon should weaken by the time I head to Tokyo on the 31st, so it should be fine, right?
If I give up on the plane and take the Sanyo-Tokaido Shinkansen to Shinagawa Station, it’s certainly just a two-minute walk to the hotel from the ticket gate. However, based on my past experience when returning from Tokyo to Okayama, a large typhoon was approaching the Tokai region. I had to choose between the plane and the Shinkansen. After much deliberation, I decided to take the plane as scheduled, and it turned out to be the right choice. Although the departure was slightly delayed, I arrived safely at Okayama Airport. On the other hand, I heard later that the Shinkansen was stranded near Nagoya overnight due to a power outage caused by a catenary accident, and temporary toilets were distributed on the train. I can only imagine the dreadful situation.
So, I’m planning to fly to Tokyo as scheduled with a carefree attitude, but I’m more worried about turbulence due to bad weather than the typhoon itself. There have been a series of accidents recently. However, I’ve heard that turbulence can occur even in clear weather, so there’s no point in worrying about it. I’ll adopt a “Let it be” attitude and head to Shinagawa.
Thank you for all your assistance. I appreciate your help.
Thank you very much for your hospitality last weekend.
ReplyDeleteNot only did I receive a watch that is more than I deserve, but also my first access to the InterContinental lounge, and even a fine dining at Tinc Gana. I can't find words to express my gratitude.
I imagine you are now enjoying a wonderful family trip. Please convey my regards to your mother and sister.
The following is a fictional travel journal of your Hakone Yumoto Trip that you are currently undertaking.
Being thoughtful of your mother, you arranged to take the yellow Sobu Line train from Tsudanuma all the way to Shinjuku, ensuring a seat with minimal transfers despite the extra time. After seeing up with your mother and sister, you adjusted the time by enjoying tea at Lumine before "boarding" the Romance-car (though usually, we would say "taking" the train, you always prefer to use the language of flying, don't you?).
The passengers are mostly Japanese tourists, but there are also many foreigners (including you, of course). Given Japan's current popularity, you are likely to hear a variety of languages, not just English.
Your seats are probably in the front row, thanks to your sister's arrangements. Did you get the Romance-car where the train conductor sits above this time?
Since the train runs on the Odakyu line, it passes by the T Academy's training farm. Could you see the crops managed by the laboratory where your senior was? In any case, it must have been a very nostalgic sight for you. Unfortunately, I have no connection to T Academy, but through my friendship with you and your senior couple, I feel as if I can imagine the scenery of T Academy and indulge in a lot of memories.
It's time for another breaking news update. Today, we received two wonderful gifts at our clinic.
ReplyDeleteFirst, we have "Ginza Fruit Jellies (12 pieces)." Although we haven't tasted them yet, we unwrapped them to enjoy their appearance. Judging by their look, these jellies are a combination of juicy fruit-filled jelly and beautifully colored two-layered jelly that captures the deliciousness of the fruits. The flavors include Peach & Grapefruit, Mango & Passion (130g x 3 each), Apple & Orange, Apple & Muscat, and Citrus Mix (130g x 2 each), making a total of 12 pieces.
Next, we have "Ginza Straight Juice (10 bottles)." Based on their appearance, they seem to be delicious juices made from seasonal fruits harvested at their peak. They are straight-type juices without any added sugar or flavoring. The flavors include Mandarin Orange, Grape, Apple, Grapefruit, and Pineapple (180ml x 2 each), totaling 10 bottles.
These gifts were likely meant for Midori-san, who was in charge while I was away, and for the clinic staff. I instructed that they be distributed as evenly as possible, but the exact distribution remains unknown (lol).
After receiving such thoughtful consideration last weekend, I am once again at a loss for words to express my gratitude. For your next birthday, I would also like to send you a gift. However, I can only do so through the Centurion Concierge, so it might end up being another suspicious delivery service, which concerns me. If you are okay with that, please allow me to send you a gift.
In any case, thank you very much for your kind consideration.
ReplyDeleteobaKoba様
2年ぶりになります。2022年5月31日の記事で物撮りの教えを乞うたAnonymousです。
あれ以来、obaKoba様のアドバイスを念頭に、ひたすら写真を撮ってはブログにアップしました。
標準～中望遠のスマホは高くてあきらめましたが、デジタルズームは極力やらず、陰が落ちないように気をつけ、写真の引き算用に紺色の敷布を使い、色温度は5000K（昼白色）に定め、写真の後加工は極力やらないようにしました。
物撮りがうまくなった実感はありませんが、最近は風景や、さらには人物をとる機会も出てきました。
もしまたよろしければちょっとでいいので、風景撮りや人物撮りのコツもお教えいただけることはできますでしょうか。物撮りの時と同様、参考にしたいと思ってます。
Anonymousさま、コメントありがとうございます。
Delete拙のアドバイスでは至らない点も多いかと存じますが、ブログを続けていらっしゃる由、嬉しく存じます。
昨今、自分自身では横着な撮影で済ませております。ブログ写真を撮るよりも旅行を楽しむ事に傾注しているので、結果的にあまり撮影しておらず、結果的に記事も書かずにほったらかしです。撮影機材は iPhone 14 Pro だけで、ライカも松下も持ち歩くことがなくなりました。Photoshopでの後処理にも頼りまくりで、とりあえずざっくり写っていたら後でどうにでも加工できる♪ という杜撰なスタンスになってきました。
Anonymousさんのブツ撮りはオーセンティックで非常に好ましいですが、あまり拘らずに写してもいいかと存じます。ブツ撮りに限って申し上げるなら、レンズの焦点距離は大事です。広角レンズですと遠近感がつきすぎて被写体が歪んでみえ、後処理でも補正し難いので、そこだけはご注意ください。色温度に関しては最近のスマホには賢い色補正が搭載されているようで、不自由は感じません。色温度そのものよりも色相と彩度の補正が有効だと思います。
ポートレイトは不得手だったんですが、これこそ最近のスマホ、例えば iPhone のニューラルエンジンに任せればかなり自然な仕上がりになると思います。さほどのコツはありません。被写体になっている人物の、カメラ寄り（手前）の瞳へピントを寄せるのが基本です。あとは最近のカメラが全部やってくれます。(笑)
また何かございましたらお気軽にお聞かせください。
なお、来週は１週間バルセロナ旅行の予定ですので、お返事が遅れたらすみません。
obaKoba様
Deleteさっそくのご返答、どうもありがとうございます。
返答を読んでいろいろと考えました。
風景とポートレイトはobaKoba様のアドバイスをもとにして、自分の感性を信じて感性にまかせて写真を撮りたいと思います。
あとはがんばって、標準レンズ（光学2倍ズーム）の付いたスマホを入手したいと思います。あらためてありがとうございます。
Anonymousさま、
Delete今はスマホの補正機構がヘルプしてくれるので、構図だけしっかり決めていれば良い写真が撮れると思います。
ポートレイトで、一点だけ must なことがあります。
「キャッチライト」です。
要は瞳の中に白い反射をひとつだけ入れるのが大事です。例えばバストアップになる証明写真等の撮影を頼まれたら、レフ板（大きな白い模造紙とか画用紙でOK）を、画面に入り込まないように、撮影される本人に持たせます。そして「紙が反射して眩しく感じる角度を探して。でも頑張って目を瞑らないで！」と無茶振りしていますが、いつでも結果は良好です。
もしもキャッチライトが入らない写真を撮ってしまった場合は、後加工でもいいですから、瞳に『違和感が出ない程度の』白い点を入れてください。位置は蘭ティングにもよりますが、虹彩と瞳孔にまたがったあたりにキャッチを置くのがベストです。ほんのちょっとの加工ですが、被写体になった人物に命が宿って(笑)、見違えるように変わります。
楽しいフォトグラフィ・ライフをお続けください。
I keep writing emergency news, but I'll continue regardless (hahaha).
ReplyDelete2 bottles of Organic Shochu Kame-no-Shizuku Kou (Organic) Volume: 1800mL, Alcohol Content: 20% arrived at the clinic. According to the Kyoya Distillery website, "This is a premium product limited to six bottles per person per order. Please note that we cannot accept duplicate orders from the same address (including companies). It is a limited edition of 200 bottles on a first-come, first-served basis, and may sell out before the end of the sales period."
Of course, I haven't tried it yet, but the glittering golden package and the solid container adorned with gold thread are befitting of the name "Kou煌." This one is definitely best served on the rocks. I can't wait to try it as soon as I get home.
I sincerely thank you, along with Dr. Doi. However, I'm a bit troubled—should I change the birthday gift for you? I'm quite confused...
Yamada Denki sensei,
DeleteThank you for letting me know the arrival of my summer appreciations. I do know you will like it but hope this limited edition would be fit your taste buds. And even though you loved it, I won’t be able to resend the same version because as per you mentioned, I can’t ship it to your clinic again. If I try to cheat, I would ship it to your home address but their stock will be out by then anyway. So, please enjoy as usual! ←I know I don’t have to say this.(lol)
I received a thoughtful message from Dr. Doi as well. Hope both of you survives from this crazy-hot summer season with having cold Shochu cups.
> should I change the birthday gift for you?
I have already received astronomically-expensive Champagne last year when I publicly achieved a senior, so please don’t send me anything such embarrassing gifts. You won’t be able to recoup even if I sent KameShizuku every month for two years!