Is there a way to subclass the MKAnnotationView used for the MKUserLocation blue dot?

I am not sure this will help you, but you can use the default user location annotation view, then steal the view in mapView:didSelectAnnotationView.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.