I've seen the future of news gathering--and it's not pretty. Actually, it's pretty embarrassing. That's me festooned in probably $15,000 worth of technology. And not a cent spent on style. So help us caption this picture. Take your best shot in the comments.
First, some background: A small team (well, two) from Microsoft accompanied us to Bay St. Louis last week to capture 360-degree video of the devastation. They practically invented the technology. And to our knowledge, this will be the first time it's even been used in news. The resulting movie is something akin to the panoramic photo at the top of this page, only moving video in every direction. For the most part, they strapped the shiny red cylindrical camera to the roof of their rental car and roamed the neighborhoods. But cars can't venture inside obliterated buildings or drive down a beach littered with debris. That's were I, the human tripod (or is it bipod?), came in.
A screen capture of unwrapped 360-degree video shot along the beach in Bay St. Louis, Miss. The horizon bends when the camera person's head isn't level. (Image: Ashley Wells / MSNBC.com)
In case you're interested in this high-tech Halloween costume, here's what you need:
1 skydiving helmet with camera mount on top. Carbon fiber is the hot look this season. And don't forget the chin strap. That's key.
1 Ladybug 'spherical digital video camera' complete with six cameras. Only available in red, like a ladybug. Get it?
2 'storage units' for that camera, each packing four 40GB hard drives. Bonus feature: Their heat output can keep a RV warm all night.
1 backpack to hold said storage units.
2 optical link cables connecting the camera to the storage units. Sexier when taped down the back of the helmet.
1 separate camera to record audio, presumably of your tour guide. Even more fun when a 4-foot wire tethers you to that tour guide.
1 tricked out Acer Ferrari laptop, also in carbon fiber. Hey, it's an accessory. But unlike a purse, it can't be closed, at least not while recording. So sashay while holding it upright and open. Totally completes the look.
I suited up in cyborg gear to shoot a few guided tours in the area, one through the dilapidated, and allegedly haunted, county courthouse; another through the wreckage of the city attorney’s home; and one walking down a beach with the director of the local historical society. No one beat me up or even laughed. When there are boats in trees, this getup doesn't look so strange.
MSNBC.com's Ashley Wells takes a guided tour along the beach with Charles Gray, executive director of Bay St. Louis' historical society. (photo: Rick Welsh / Microsoft MapPoint)
But it was awkward. Clearly, I'm no bio-engineered camera stand. The trick is to walk with your subject while holding your head steady and level. You can't look down, even when you step in sewage runoff. You can't let your subject get more than three feet away, either, because of the microphone cord tether. Like Fletch, I was 6-foot; 6-8 with the helmet and camera. So you also have to duck very gradually under some doorways. Imagine walking like this through your living room after pushing everything you own onto the floor. That's what it's like inside these homes, if a living room exists at all.
If it seems I'm making light of all of this, I'm just trying to own the embarrassment from the goofy getup. The situation itself is very serious. This technology will help us show the unimaginable scope of destruction in ways that other images just can't communicate. That's key to truly understanding this story. With any luck, we'll have these 360-degree video tours up on this site in the next few weeks, so please check back often. Now, about that caption ...
My fashionable idea
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I know it's for taping video but the first thing that came to mind when I saw the photo is the devastaton the police and sheriff's department went through. I thought "Cop without a car?"
KT, Bay St. Louis - in FL temporarily (Sent Nov 9, 2005 6:25:04 PM)
"Thank you very much Mr. Roboto"
MSNBC.com's Ashley Wells, decked out head to toe in the latest high fashion techno-wear,sponsered by the well-known "Katrina" label, which is of course owned by Microsoft...:)
I wouldn't mind having access to all that gear, what wonderful technology to have at your disposal!
Keep up the wonderful stories and perspectives on Bay St. Louis and Waveland!
Best Wishes,
JoAnn Bush
Los Angeles, CA
www.generation2b.com
JoAnn Bush, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Nov 9, 2005 6:40:19 PM)
The equipment is goofy-looking and will result in some negative comments about the frivolous tone of this report but the reporter is right, hopefully, that this technology may be the best way for someone to see and comprehend what it really looks like. I was in Waveland and Bay St. Louis 10 days after Katrina was. I took some photos to show everyone back here and found myself saying over and over again that photos and even video do not capture the magnitude of the destruction wrought by Katrina. Not even close. I will be quite interested to see if this "view" of the two towns will resemble what I see in my memory of those places.
paul wahler, falls church va. (Sent Nov 9, 2005 6:49:34 PM)
...What Captain Morgan can't do, Ashley Wells can!Drink Responsibly.
Frank, Surviving on Seabrook, Waveland MS (Sent Nov 9, 2005 7:28:15 PM)
Reminded me of Ray Bradbury's character Montag in the film version of Fahrenheit 451. The caption "Do I really want to do this?"
Jim Hatboro, PA (Sent Nov 9, 2005 8:01:02 PM)
"Unwarped perspective: prototype gear for newsgathering brings us closer to seeing the story for ourselves."
It looks like about the same bulk as a good newscamera (tough on the shoulders). While the helmet part seems unavoidable, I imagine better packaging could lead to even more realistic reports from "embedded" journalists.
GJB, Cambridge, United Kingdom (Sent Nov 9, 2005 8:10:01 PM)
Photo Editor to Ashley, "All we needed was a mugshot of the guy!"
Joseph Hollak (Sent Nov 9, 2005 9:16:18 PM)
My first thought...."light's on, but nobody's home"
Sorry Ashley - but you asked for a caption!
Stephanie Umbro, Standish, ME (Sent Nov 9, 2005 9:31:44 PM)
My first thought was "Mobile Sound Stage - Quiet on the set while the Red Light Is Flashing".
I have a funny feeling though, that the horizon is going to bob up and down in sync with your gate unless you've mastered the soft shoe shuffle ;-)
Hopefully the finished product will allow us viewers to pan around the camera axis during playback - the flatlook panoramic unfolded leaves a bit to be desired. But a flash style interface allowing the viewer to look "around" will be fantastic!
H.W. Gramm Baldwin Park, CA (Sent Nov 9, 2005 9:34:00 PM)
I'm not clever about captions, so I'll let Robert Shaw's character, Quint, from "Jaws," take a stab at it: "What are you? Some kind of half-a**ed astronaut?"
For one of your next blog entries, take a drive down Hwy 90 after dark.
It's going to be a long time coming back. Two months are barely enough to make a dent in the debris. I hope this blog intends to stick around and go the distance to log that journey. In spite of focusing on part of Hancock County, make sure you remind readers now and again that the situation is pretty much the same along the entire MS coastline, approximately 80 miles of coastline...not to mention Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes, right up Hwy 90 to the tiny coastal communities that were wiped out between Lakes Ponchatrain and Borgne, and Slidell LA, and on the other side, Bayou La Batre, AL. About 200 miles of coastline, wiped out by storm surge.
Margie, Twin Cities (Sent Nov 10, 2005 12:55:26 AM)
GHOSTBUSTERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
James Webster (Sent Nov 10, 2005 2:27:20 AM)
"Who called me Panoramus? That's MR. PANORAMUS, to you"
Mary Brown (Sent Nov 10, 2005 3:42:28 AM)
"DANGER WILL ROBINSON, DANGER, BEEP BEEEP" As a long time resident of Pass Christian , Bay St.Louis and Gulfport, I am glad to see the "eye" of the news being focused here. The majority of the residents here are in no way prepared to recover from this event without massive assistance. My old hospital, Hancock Medical Center , where I worked for three years , will need extensive repairs, and this is the only hospital in the area. I live in Tacoma Wa. now, but my heart goes to the friends and co-workers I hold so dear.
Alexander Rad Tech (Sent Nov 10, 2005 5:54:11 AM)
"Do you like my new shirt?"
Mark, Andover, MN (Sent Nov 10, 2005 7:42:26 AM)
How about "Mars-Walk in Mississippi" for a caption. The idea behind the technology is excellent, but the equipment could use a tweeking (smaller and lighter camera, cordless mic, etc.). Looking forward to future reports, thank you.
Chuck in Cherry Hill, NJ (Sent Nov 10, 2005 8:22:15 AM)
NO NEED TO FEAR THE GEEK SQUAD IS HERE!!!!!!!!!!
WITH MY TRUSTY LAPTOP I WILL CTRL,ALT & DELETE EVIL DOERS!!!!!!!
gee (Sent Nov 10, 2005 8:33:21 AM)
To those who document the devastation I say a prayer of hope for them and those who must rebuild in the most difficult of times.
c wilson, ridgewood, nj (Sent Nov 10, 2005 8:41:13 AM)
Tele-Tubbie?
Bob Green (Sent Nov 10, 2005 9:03:10 AM)
Earthlings seemingly unaware as Martian gathers planetary data.
Mary Dann, Washington, DC (Sent Nov 10, 2005 9:06:02 AM)
jeez what have we got?...some kind of josh darnned houdini
andy,ms (Sent Nov 10, 2005 9:57:16 AM)
BEAM ME UP SCOTTY !!!!
Liz Kansas City, MO (Sent Nov 10, 2005 10:02:17 AM)
A former computer geek turned cop.
Michael Beck, Garden City, KS (Sent Nov 10, 2005 10:19:54 AM)
There is a video game called "Ape Escape", and the monkey's have a similar device on their heads. Too Funny! As for a caption, how about "Please help me, I am desperately in need of a date"! Outstanding technology, tho
Kate Kelly, Deering, NH (Sent Nov 10, 2005 10:38:36 AM)
As a skydiver who is also a videographer, I have to say that this will be the first true view of life here on the Gulf Coast. As a resident of Mobile I understand the magnitude of the destruction and it is important not to forgot those in need as time, holidays and other events go by. BTW, you'll get used to the gear.
Jennifer Jones, Mobile AL (Sent Nov 10, 2005 10:40:03 AM)
"Carbon fiber is the new black!"
"Mark my words! Next year, Matt Lauer will be wearing one of these."
Hey, the helmet will fit better if you put your chin in the chin cup rather than over the cup. Then cinch the sides down evenly. It takes a little practice but you'll get the hang of it!!!
Kirsten Johnson, Houston, Texas (Sent Nov 10, 2005 10:55:27 AM)
TELETUBIES LIVE
BOB KENTON MANCHESTER, CT (Sent Nov 10, 2005 11:11:21 AM)
If the light turns on, run!
Tasha Moore, Huntsville, Alabama (Sent Nov 10, 2005 11:18:48 AM)
Take me to your leader!
Marsha Blackburn, Raleigh, NC (Sent Nov 10, 2005 11:26:27 AM)
Fashion police officer, Joe King, hits the streets looking to arrest poorly dressed citizens in St. Louis.
Jude Barman, Las Vegas Nevada (Sent Nov 10, 2005 11:39:11 AM)
Caption for above photo: "Scotty? Can you hear me now?"
karen sagebiel dallas texas (Sent Nov 10, 2005 11:40:38 AM)
My first thought for a caption: "Buzz Lightyear goes to college." Great idea for capturing a story!
Sylvia Moody, Costa Mesa, CA (Sent Nov 10, 2005 12:32:41 PM)
"Has Hat, Likes to Travel"
Lisa D, Brooks, Georgia (Sent Nov 10, 2005 12:43:03 PM)
Next year McDonalds will introduce a new concept in fast food. This mobile restaurant will walk up to your car, take your order and the produce your meal via the replicator in his backpack.
dstod (Sent Nov 10, 2005 1:14:16 PM)
Russian Space travel has come a long way!!
Tony, Los Angeles (Sent Nov 10, 2005 1:19:42 PM)
"AV nerds of the future...with a fancy hat!"
Your boss must love directing you. If he or she ever asks you to try out a shark suit just say no! HA...cool pic.
Kari, Seattle, WA (Sent Nov 10, 2005 1:42:21 PM)
After hours of shopping for this online I found one with a FREE chin strap. However the drool cup was extra.
Mark, Eagle River,Wi (Sent Nov 10, 2005 1:45:11 PM)
The new panorama-cam for the hardwired hero. Comic book companies will be leaving you messages and strangers will want your autograph. A "must have" for the christmas wish list that lends new meaning to the phrase "I've seen it all".
Tracy Eng, Fryeburg, Maine (Sent Nov 10, 2005 2:12:45 PM)
"And they said I couldn't be a Rocket Scientist!"
Kristen, Yutan, Nebraska (Sent Nov 10, 2005 2:48:01 PM)
I think that look went out back with the band DEVO ... "Crack That Whip" "hip it Good!!"
Jonathan, Indianapolis, Indiana (Sent Nov 10, 2005 2:50:31 PM)
"It wasn't what I had expected, but with my new internet accountability suite installed I bravely marched forth..."
Scott, Detroit, Michigan (Sent Nov 10, 2005 3:55:02 PM)
"UNBORROWED VISION" "AND THAT'S ALL I NEED" It's heartwarming to see everyone working together and having a sence of humor." I've wrecked one too many police cars" Three captions
Theresa Loder Sarasota,Florida (Sent Nov 10, 2005 4:08:27 PM)
Mississippi Coast on the rebound. TeleTubby 2005 arrives.
Gerry McOsker, St. Louis, Missouri (Sent Nov 10, 2005 4:30:58 PM)
"Chick Magnet"
George Applegate, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Nov 10, 2005 5:35:31 PM)
My mom made me wear this.
Cheryl Stonestreet (Sent Nov 10, 2005 5:36:38 PM)
That is the weridest look I have eversaw. But I think that it will do th ejob. So keep it up.
Kayla, Harrison, ID (Sent Nov 10, 2005 5:46:17 PM)
captain dipwad to the rescue!!!
bob blossom (Sent Nov 10, 2005 6:06:55 PM)
REALIZING AL FRANKEN'S VISION
[OF A ONE-MAN BROADCAST STATION]
(remember that skit on SNL many years ago when he had a satellite dish on his head?)
Stephen, northern Texas (Sent Nov 10, 2005 6:18:49 PM)
"The first human prototype police vehicle"
Richard Yale, Santa Clarita, California (Sent Nov 10, 2005 7:19:02 PM)
"Third Shift Ranger"
Theresa Mack, Germantown, MD (Sent Nov 10, 2005 7:31:57 PM)
"When my wife told me to be home early, I should've listened! Oh-boy is she MAD..."
R. Chananie (Sent Nov 10, 2005 7:48:48 PM)
Captin Technology prepares for battle against the minions of Ignorance!
Jon Carignan, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Nov 10, 2005 7:53:51 PM)
"Excuse me, could you tell me the way to the Village People reunion?"
Stephanie (Sent Nov 10, 2005 8:46:29 PM)
"Keep staring. If you see the light flash, I will blow up, so run away... now!"
Maya, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Nov 11, 2005 12:43:45 AM)
"When danger arrives, push the red button", the chief told me. But do you see one?
Bart, Maastricht, The Netherlands (Sent Nov 11, 2005 8:13:11 AM)
Ashley Wells does an expose on Lazer Tag twenty years too late.
Jon (Sent Nov 11, 2005 2:13:40 PM)
"I won it on EBAY!!!"
karen barrilleaux (Sent Nov 11, 2005 2:20:48 PM)
Guess who's coming to dinner?
ann, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Nov 11, 2005 2:24:05 PM)
Because of gas prices, the new pimp mobile.
Judith Lyon, Yucaipa, CA (Sent Nov 11, 2005 2:58:49 PM)
The New and improved thinking cap 6000! I can access the internet with my brain. and if youre wondering about the light ... it lets you know when my brain is fried.
Wade Hicks Jr., Bay St. Louis, MS (Sent Nov 11, 2005 3:58:46 PM)
When's the next bus to Roswell???
Jim Blair, Houson, TX (Sent Nov 11, 2005 4:41:03 PM)
Creative thinking moves our world on to unsuspected progress. If this is not a hoax and after all corners have been smoothed (ex. mirrors on all sides, etc) and details polished it will be a great tool, specially for reporters -and police force too- which will have their hands free.
Luisa M. Fournier, Naples, FL. (Sent Nov 11, 2005 6:11:36 PM)
After the hurricane, FEMA was even more despised than Colonoscopy Guy.
Bill Erickson (Sent Nov 11, 2005 6:13:16 PM)
Journacop on the Job!
Forgot to send my caption.
Luisa M. Fournier, Naples, FL (Sent Nov 11, 2005 6:37:17 PM)
The new hybrid human powered police vehicle for the environmently conscientious budget challenged police department
Cami, White City, OR (Sent Nov 12, 2005 3:07:10 PM)
And if you take on this mission............This device will self destruct in 5 seconds (damn budget cuts}
Steve Melton (Sent Nov 15, 2005 1:54:14 PM)
Cyber Cop for the Information Super Highway! He`s just looking for digital donuts maam.
Jess Thompson (Sent Nov 15, 2005 4:41:05 PM)
I come from France
Jim LeValley, NewYork, New York (Sent Nov 15, 2005 5:16:50 PM)
"Low Flying Aircraft Beware! are you kidding me?"
Having lived in Biloxi for most of 1976, i can still remember seeing remenants of the 1968 hurricane. I can only imagine what we might still be seeing in 2012/13. But i learned, during the short time i was at Keesler, you cannot keep Mississippians down! They will be back stronger then ever.
Jeff Coon, Tularosa NM (via Holloman AFB) (Sent Nov 15, 2005 5:36:35 PM)
When the red light is on, thinking in progress
or
"When Red Light Flashes, Interstellar Communication in Progress"
Val, San Diego, California (Sent Nov 15, 2005 6:57:56 PM)
"Yeah, I lost the Bet"
Chris, Erie, PA (Sent Nov 15, 2005 9:26:00 PM)
...because of the gas price-hike, emergency vehicles were hit the hardest by downsizing...
Erik Dayton,Ohio (Sent Feb 4, 2006 3:47:02 PM)
Thank you for the effort you've made to show the world what remains of some of the best years of our lives.
It's most difficult to see the havoc wrought by Katrina -- again -- but we are grateful that the effort has been made to show how complete the destruction is. What is missing are pictures of the area before the storm showing the treeshded streets and carefully tended homes.
Our house was built in 1911 and we lived in it for almost 30 years. The house was completely destroyed and we only salvaged small items that didn't float. No furniture, clothing, artwork, family treasures of all sorts -- gone without a trace. We feel fortunate to be among the living survivors.
V N Tanner, Winter Park, Fl (Bay St Louis, North Beach) (Sent Sep 27, 2006 11:35:50 AM)
Nice shirt!?
Ginger, Tuscaloosa, AL formerly of North Beach Blvd. B.S.L. (Sent Nov 27, 2006 9:42:16 AM)
rto deto has return please come with me
tamika sterling, illinois (Sent Mar 20, 2007 9:52:48 AM)
You should see the guy wearing the siren.
pakocat (Sent Apr 2, 2007 4:41:27 PM)
k mart red light special
taylor livingston (Sent Apr 15, 2007 7:10:23 PM)
life in the us 20 years from now; new styles coming up :)
danielle np ca (Sent May 22, 2007 3:18:59 PM)
How well does that hood ornament work in a lightning storm?
MRJS, Moultonborough, NH (Sent Aug 17, 2007 8:06:45 PM)
The time has come when computers control humans
Noel, Philippines (Sent Aug 22, 2007 7:17:30 PM)
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