The song paraphrases James 2:17 this way: ‎”Faith amounts to nothing when we just pray prayers but never move to care.” – James 2:17 (paraphrased). Love others as yourself. Go and do likewise!

A “Free” Cruise!

First let me give a little background of how this came together. It all started with a trip to the Pennsylvania Homebuilder’s show in the winter of 2010 with my parents. My dad was helping me with some basement improvements, and we wanted to see if we could get some ideas. Now, anyone familiar with trade shows knows that it’s a common tactic to get people to sign up for a contest to get an address or phone number to follow up with advertising. We politely declined a few, but for some reason, I decided to sign up for a kitchen makeover contest. My dad and I each filled out a card and the next day received a call informing us that we had “won” a cruise through a company called Sundance Vacations.

I did some research and found mixed reviews.We would have to attend a sales pitch, and at the end of it we would get vouchers for the cruise. Some people reported having success with it, and I figured I didn’t have much to lose so I went. The sales pitch was fine even though I wasn’t interested in spending tens of thousands of dollars on wholesale vacations. Afterward they sent us to a room where they talked with us individually, and I politely declined. (To their credit though, it wasn’t a hard sell, and they were respectful) I was then sent to another room to speak with someone else who offered a lower-end product (which actually didn’t seem like a bad deal although still outside my budget). After politely declining again, I was given two vouchers for the cruise and airfare to Miami. Nice! I called my parents and told them how it went, and they decided to go to the afternoon session. They also got vouchers.

Granted, we did have to follow a very specific months-long process with some restrictions. We had to send in some forms, put down a deposit toward “port fees”, and we had to provide three possible dates well in advance for the trip (and accept whichever they chose on the spot). And, even though we eventually learned our free cruise wasn’t exactly ‘free’ (Port fees, hidden fees, a fee to make sure we all traveled together, and a one night hotel stay) it was more than worth it. We never would have dreamed of going on a cruise anyway had it not been for entering that contest, so it worked out perfectly.

We had an amazing time. And the memories of that weekend became extremely important after my sister’s tragic accident less than a year later that took her life. I had a very close bond with my sister, and her and I shared a lot of fun on this trip. A big part of that fun was working on a very special video.

The Video

Alicia and I were both fans of The Lonely Island’s “I’m On A Boat” which was featured on Saturday Night Live. We had never been on a cruise ship before, so it was especially exciting for us. The “I’m On A Boat” theme was at the front of our minds the entire trip, and so we decided we would take a bunch of video of us doing ridiculous things on the trip and compile the footage later into our own “I’m On A Boat Video”.

So for the three days we were on the cruise, her and I would find time to record everything from dancing in elevators, to having pillow fights, sliding down railings, and more. We had so much fun with it.

After we got back, I got into my normal busy routine and never got around to finishing the video. After Alicia’s accident however, I just had to finish it. We had a very busy Summer and Fall, but finally I decided this would be just about the best Christmas gift I could give this year. So even though it may be a little rough, it’s finally done. The video is embedded below. If you’ve never seen the original “I’m On A Boat” video, please read the disclaimer below first before you watch it. Thanks and enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: If you have not seen the original version that inspired this, you really should watch it first or you simply won’t get it. Also, please note that the music to this video does have some censored language and includes some things which some folks may find offensive, but allow me to explain a little. The point of the original version is, in fact, to make fun of such outlandish song lyrics and various other clichés, and the over-the-top nature of it is what makes it so hilarious. And sure, alternative lyrics could have been attempted (I thought about it), but it wouldn’t have been nearly as good. And besides, judging something (or someone for that matter!) just because of a little profanity could be considered on the surface rather vain (and maybe even hypocritical) practice in itself. And I’m not a fan of vulgarity by any means. But if it still bothers you please don’t watch it, and please keep it to yourself. This is for my sister and my family, so if you don’t like it, I don’t care.

One way that my sister has impacted me is in her great sense of having fun. She would always give me a hard time about not having a ‘bag of fun’ with me, and her and her best friend Abby had a very thorough list of fun. Well, in the months to follow, despite the grief and pain, we found ways to have fun. And I’ve acquired memories and stories that I’ll always remember and cherish in that time. It was later in September after being interviewed for a story to air on TV that I began reflecting on Job. In a single day he lost everything, yet his response was “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21 ESV) I am very grateful for my sister, the time we had together, and the impact she has had on me. She was a blessing to all of us, and words cannot express the pain in losing her at least for now. However, I am also grateful for the many fun experiences I’ve had with family and friends since that tragic Friday afternoon.

So here is my “List of Fun” from Summer and Fall 2011 (more or less in chronological order):

Make Time For Fun and Pack Fun Clothes

One thing I have learned from my sister is the importance of having fun. I’ve always filled my life with work and doing, but I have made consistent efforts to make room for fun. A week after her accident, I was scheduled to attend a one-day conference in New York City. I had already booked the latest train out of the city so that I could spend some free time doing something interesting, but after what happened there was an even bigger imperative to have fun. So I packed a change of clothes, and after the conference ended, I changed in the hotel bathroom, dropped off my bag at a storage locker, and headed for Central Park. I walked around as long as I could trying to enjoy this natural escape from the city, before heading home. Later I would have a real bag of fun, but this was a start.

Make a New Friend

In the weeks to follow, my parents and I became close friends with Alicia’s best friend, Abby. The two of them did everything together, and while I had only met her before a couple times, the circumstances brought us all together. We all loved Alicia very much, and so we leaned on each other during difficult times creating many fun memories together whether biking, boating, meeting up at Friendly’s for my sister’s favorite meal (Honey BBQ Chicken Supermelt), pulling pranks, boat building, and more.

About the pranks…my sister and Abby would play pranks back and forth on each other. Often this involved drawing on, throwing cake on, or doing something with the other’s car. So, I became the new prank target. To be honest, I was a little resistant at first, falling back on my old boring ways, but I eventually got into it myself (even though I’m not so good at retaliating). I had to keep paper towels and Windex in the glove compartment just in case, but it was fun.

Alicia was always encouraging me to have more fun. She helped rekindle in me a love for the outdoors and being active. You could say Abby picked up the work where Alicia left off, helping us to simply have fun.

I also reconnected with a friend from my days in York Youth Symphony who I hadn’t seen in 10 years. We have since kept in touch and have a shared interest for biking.

Eat At the Strip House and Order the 24 Layer Cake

My parents and I hastily planned a getaway to New York City just to take our minds off things. We had a great time visiting the Gugenheim, Central Park, and seeing two Broadway shows. Although one of the most memorable experiences was dinner the last night. My mom, my sister, and I had watched a special on the Food Network not long before where food critics listed their favorite guilty pleasures. One of them was a 24-layer cake at The Strip House in New York. We had joked about going there just for the cake or ordering one ($100 plus tax/shipping), but we never seriously entertained the idea.

Well, since I was contributing meals for the trip, I decided on a whim to set up a reservation for the Strip House and treat my parents to a meal and an experience, and an experience it was! Visiting a highly renowned four star restaurant is not something we normally do. We’re more the Red Lobster type, but this was something special. The steak alone may have been $90 and the slice of cake $20 (and both were incredible), but it was more about the experience than the food. We had a great time! It was also fun seeing the reaction of friends when they saw we were at a place called “The Strip House”. Now, full disclosure, while it wasn’t that type of establishment, there were some old risque photos as part of the ambiance…but Alicia wouldn’t have taken it too seriously. I know she would have been laughing and enjoying along with us.

Finish and Sail The Boat

This is a big one. My sister and Abby came up with the idea to build their own boat, and this would become a very special project for all of us. You can read the full story at www.aliciasboat.com. The boat consists of two pontoons constructed out of 2×4′s and chicken wire, filled with plastic bottles to provide buoyancy. Alicia had tested one of the pontoons, but never to got to finish it. So July 23rd, we got her friends together and completed the boat. Two weeks later we tested it, and a week after that we hosted a boat launch picnic where we officially launched the boat at Pinchot Park complete with nautical themed pashmina afghans. We even had a second boat launch get-together, and a third boat launch where Abby and I gave it a real test by floating it from one side of the lake to the other and spending a nice afternoon out on the lake fulfilling the boat’s original purpose. Turns out it’s way better than a normal boat, this one you can lounge out on! And there are more plans, upgrades, and future adventures planned!

The boat project was a very special gift that Alicia gave us. It was something that we could rally behind, and it helped create some very wonderful memories. It even led to some more things on this list of fun.

Eat a Friendly’s Honey BBQ Chicken Supermelt

On our way to the PA Grand Canyon, we stopped at Friendly’s to each have a ceremonial Honey BBQ Chicken Supermelt in honor of Alicia. This was my sister’s absolute favorite thing to eat, although it would be my first time ordering it. Oh, and Abby made sure that it was legit and not without any changes or substitutions. It was yummy.

Bike the Pine Creek Rail Trail

I mentioned before that my parents and I had each bought new bikes a few months before. We started riding the York Heritage Rail Trail the previous summer and had planned to do a lot more biking this year. One of our goals was to bike the 60-mile Pine Creek Rail Trail that goes through the Leonard Harrison and Colton Point state parks (also known as the PA Grand Canyon). So the first week of August my parents, Abby, and I went up together to achieve that goal.

We spread it out over three days so we could enjoy the scenery and pace ourselves, and though we had to bike in a heavy downpour on the last day, we finished it! (You could say we were determined!)

It was a beautiful place. We even saw a bear on the trail. Despite one flat tire and almost losing a pair of glasses, we had a wonderful time. I am hoping to return next Spring to canoe or kayak down the creek.

Be In a Live Album Recording

Since 2008 I have been attending the bi-annual Worship God Conference held by Sovereign Grace Ministries. It’s an amazing conference, and I highly highly recommend it to anyone involved in church musuic. This year, on the final night of the conference they did a live album recording. It was a neat experience (although a bit tiring).

The album, The Gathering is out and available on Amazon, Bandcamp, and iTunes.

Perform As a Featured Soloist in a Concert

I have been a member of the Spring Garden Band of York since high school. The band regularly provides solo opportunities, but at the August 21 concert in Red Lion, I had my first opportunity. As a musician, I love to perform for people (and show off a little), so I definitely enjoyed it. What made it even more special was that the piece was titled “Fantasy on a Sea Chantey” featuring the tune to “What Shall We Do With a Drunken Sailor”. The concert was the evening following our boat launch picnic, so it fit perfectly.

Go On a Fishing Trip

I always enjoyed fishing when we would go to the mountains when I was little, though I don’t get around to fishing much anymore. Still, my parents, aunt, and two uncles decided to take a day off and go on a fishing charter. My parents, Alicia, and I had done it before and it was a good time…mostly because you have a good chance of catching some big fish.

Oh, and I caught the biggest one as you can see in the photo!

Bike 500 Miles

The last time I saw my sister was at the local bike shop where I was making up a friendly bet about who could bike 500 miles first over the summer. The loser would have to buy the winner ice cream. Well, I just had to get 500 miles, I had to. And I did, on August 23rd I biked mile 500. We went out for ice cream together.

As of this writing, I’m now up to 850 miles! Not only that but I feel great, healthier, and even dropped a couple pounds since the beginning of the summer. The rail trail has been both an escape and a destination to spend time with friends and family. I’m so glad Alicia got us interested in getting new bikes. It was without a doubt the best money I’ve spent in a long time.

Bike The York Heritage and Northern Central Rail Trails

Earlier in the summer I had achieved the goal of biking each section of the York Heritage Rail Trail and even did the entire York trail round trip. Although, I learned that the 20-mile Northern Central connected with the York Heritage Rail Trail at the Maryland line. So it seemed a natural goal to do both trails in one day. Round trip: 80+ miles.

My dad and I left early on  Saturday, September 17, for Ashland, MD where we would start our attempt at riding both trails. After having a good breakfast at the Ashland Diner we started out heading for York. (We decided to start in Maryland to avoid having to ride the uphill climb from Maryland to York on the way back). We made it up to York and stopped at Central Market House for lunch. Unfortunately it then started to rain, but that hadn’t stopped us before. We were exhausted and starving by the we returned to Ashland, but we made it.

Be On TV

Who knew Alicia’s Boat would become so popular! After the boat launch picnic, my mom posted a photo of the boat on the WGAL uLocal website along with a caption. uLocal is a site where people in the area can upload photos which sometimes get featured on the news. Well, one of the producers saw the photo, read the story, and thought there might be a story here. So Abby gets a mysterious message on Facebook from one Lori Burkholder, a morning reporter at WGAL expressing interest in doing a story. She even left her mobile number to call. At first Abby thought I was pulling a prank on her, but she very conveniently copied the entire message (including phone number) to me. So of course I called. It went to voicemail, but the greeting clearly identified her as Lori Burkholder and a reporter…so I left a message.

At least a week went by with no response, so even I became  a little skeptical. Although this was the same time we had hurricanes and flooding which overtook the news. Later during one of our boat planning meetings at Friendly’s, the topic came up. Abby still didn’t think it was real, but I decided to call her bluff and tried the number again. This time I got through and was speaking (much to someone’s chagrin) with Lori Burkholder who was very interested in the story. We spoke again next week and set up a date and time for interviews.

Well, when we saw an SUV with “WGAL 8″ on the side arrive at Pinchot Park the morning of September 19, we all knew this was no joke. It was real! We put the boat together, and then Abby and I both were interviewed, and we took the boat out on the lake. We even went out a second time with the videographer on the boat (along with a VERY expensive camera) to get some really good footage. It was an exciting day, very exciting.

The story aired that Friday morning during the 6:30 AM hour. And during the 6:00 newscast. And again during the 11:00 news. And one final time Saturday morning. It was so amazing, and we know many people were touched by the story. In fact, we have had people (friends and strangers) who saw the story remember it even a month after it aired.

Make Front Page News

Within a week of being interviewed for the WGAL story, we had the opportunity of being interviewed for a feature story in the York Daily Record. Bill Landaeur had reported twice before on Alicia, first on the accident, and second including a mention about her boat in an article about the York boat parade. But this time it would be a large feature story with a large photo spread on the front page of the local section. We also had a photo at the top of the front page of Alicia and Abby testing one of the pontoons. We were so appreciative of all the coverage and the opportunity to share this story.

Visit Two Must-See State Parks

With Summer winding down, I decided to take a trip to the Endless Mountains, PA for one last Fall getaway. My plan was to stay the night and spend a full day hiking at World’s End and Ricketts Glen State Parks. These were my sister’s two favorite parks and definite must-see’s. I had been to World’s End many times since I was a kid and revisited last year, although I had never been to Rickett’s Glen though I had heard good things from when my sister and Abby went there the summer before. My parents came along, and we definitely had a full day hiking both parks. Though we were tired and didn’t finish until dark, it was a great trip.

Parade Down the Street in Public Dressed as a Pirate

Yes, there’s more to the boat story. We decided to enter the boat as a float in the Manchester Halloween Parade. Now I had been in parades before with the marching band, but never like this. It was an unusual idea, but it turned out great. My dad built a trailer, and we were all set for the parrrade (pun intended). Alicia’s friends (Abby, Brittni, and Lauren), my cousin, Melissa and her daughter, and I all dressed as pirates and rode the boat down the street. My dad towed the float and donned a pirate hat and sword as well. We threw candy, handed out cards to tell people about our boat, talked like pirates, and even sang a sea chantey at times. It was such a fun day, and it was so great to see people both young and old smile as we would act like pirates. “Arrrrr you enjoying the parrrade?” “Have ye seen me treasure?!” We celebrated afterward with pizza and a bonfire, had a real nice time. If you had told me before all this that I would be doing this in front of hundreds of people I would have said you were crazy….but I have learned to not take myself too seriously, and it was so worth it.

Oh, and we won second place in our division!!

Take and Share Lots of Photos and Videos

If you follow me on Facebook, you will no doubt have noticed all the pictures and videos posted over the last 5 months or so. Prior to that I hardly had any, but now they tell the story of a very full summer and Fall. There are photos of the boat, of me “falling” (read: being pushed into) into a lake. (Ok there is one where I did actually fall in) Some of the photos are scary (staged photos in dangerous looking situations), others silly (seesaw!!).

One thing my family has learned is how important photographs are. Take lots, keep the originals, back them up…you never know how much they might mean down the road.

Stage Scary Photos

One of my sister and Abby’s favorite things to do was to stage scary/dangerous-looking photographs. Whenever they went on a trip they would make sure to take some photo that would make mom panic a little. Well I got into the fun myself and now have a few such photos.

Play In The Snow

I realize this is a Fall & Summer list, but this year we had a freak snowstorm around Halloween, so I get to include that too.

I can’t remember the last time I really played in the snow, let’s just say it had been a long time. As someone with a long driveway, I don’t usually enjoy the snow, but for once I actually enjoyed it! It was the best kind of snow too, perfect for a snowball fight and building a snowman. I had a blast doing both.

Go To a Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert

I ordered tickets online for something awhile back and ever since I’ve been getting emails telling me about upcoming concerts and other events. So when I saw the TSO was coming to Giant Center for their winter tour, remembering that my dad was a fan, I thought it along with dinner after would make a great early Christmas present. Besides, after everything we’ve been through I had been thinking about how it’s better to spend on experiences rather than things anyway. I ordered three tickets for floor seats two months in advance and held on to the tickets so I could surprise my dad a week or two before the concert. The concert was amazing, and we all had a great time.

Run a 5K

I was never much a fan of running; in High School I dreaded the mile run. Even up until recently it was not one of my favorite activities, although I have recently taken more of an interest in exercising and being active, especially with the biking I’ve been doing. I was told by someone at church about the Turkey Trot which is held every year on Thanksgiving in York to benefit the YMCA of York. It seemed like something fun that I had never done before, so I signed up. The weather was great, I was able to get a respectable time of 33:16, and overall had a great time. There was so much energy with 3500 people running together, and it was so much better than just sitting at home. I plan to run another one soon and will definitely be doing the Turkey Trot again next year.

——

These things all represent the best of times that I have been blessed with over the past six months amid the worst of times. They by no means  remove the pain of losing my sister, but I am nonetheless grateful for all of them. I’ve probably done more fun things in these two seasons than perhaps I ever did before. I’m definitely more active and have learned how important it is to have fun and to not take yourself too seriously. I am thankful for the impact my sister has had on me such as leaving us the boat to inspire us, and for the good times I have had this past Fall and Summer which have brought joy to an otherwise depressing time.

There are still some plans for fun, perhaps another project or a vacation. It’s harder now with colder weather, but we will have to work at it. I have my bag of fun, and now I need to start working on a winter list of fun. If you have any ideas, please submit them in a comment!

So it’s Thanksgiving, and you may be wondering why I would choose a song called “Out of the Depths” for a Thanksgiving service.

Well, the thing is while we know we should always give thanks with a grateful heart, there are times in life when, because of our circumstances, if we’re really honest deep down we simply don’t feel like it.

It could be trouble at home, a sickness, difficulties at work or a job loss, or maybe lost someone  you love this year…more than one someone perhaps. Or maybe you feel stuck in life, not sure where you’re going or what God’s plan is for your life if there is one. The harvest time comes, but while others seem to be doing well your basket is empty of fruit.

So we have seasons of life where we find ourselves, as the psalmist writes, in a pit or a miry bog (Ps 40:1-2)…and it happens to all of us. Don’t be taken in by a false prosperity gospel that trivializes faith into just doing all the right things, being a good person, and being blessed for it. Because the truth is that whether you build your house on the rock of Christ or on sand, the wind and rain will come (Mt 7:24-27). And when it’s raining, it’s really hard to say thank you.

It’s in those times when we are crying out to God from those depths and asking why? what now? what do you want from me? … are you even there?

It’s then that we must cling to that which is eternal, God’s promise that whether in summer or in winter, through every trial and loss, He will never leave us or forsake us. And while the answer at first might be wait, He always hears our prayer. And whether we are on the mountain top or the deepest valleys in life, our hope is in the cross of Christ and not of this world, and that is something we can be truly grateful for.

Here is a a sample from one of my practice recordings (note the quality is not great):

Full lyrics and real song sample available here.

This idea of waiting on God has been on my mind for awhile, waiting for an answer a direction, anything. I’ve been in a similar place before, and eventually there was an answer which gives me hope even though it’s painful in the meantime. I also looked through the Psalms and found a few examples that talk about waiting that are helpful:

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.

Psalm 25:4-5

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!

Psalm 31:24

But for you, O Lord, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer

Psalm 38:15

And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.

Psalm 39:7

I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.

Psalm 40:1-2

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.

Psalm 62:5-8

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.

Psalm 130:4-6

Articles of Confederation Day Celebration
November 12, 2011
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Colonial Court House
York, PA

On November 15, 1777 the Second Continental Congress, while seated in York, adopted the Articles of Confederation, an epic document in American history, which served to unite the thirteen colonies into a unified confederation. This document matured as the forebear of the United States’ current Constitution.

In commemoration, the York County Heritage Trust will hold a day of activities at the Colonial Complex (157 W. Market St. York, PA) on November 12, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Event Schedule:

10:00 – 4:00 – Tours and 18th Century Games
Throughout the day, visitors can tour the first floors of the General Horatio Gates House, Golden Plough Tavern,
and the Colonial Court House, while partaking in interactive demonstrations of period children’s games.

10:00 – Performance by the Central York Middle School Fifes & Drums Corps
The corps is directed by current band director Rick Worley, and consists of students in grades 7 & 8. The unit exists
as one of the only fife and drum corps in America which is part of a public school music program. The Corps will
perform period 18th Century music typical to the fife and drum corps of Britain and the American colonies.

10:30 – Bake Oven Program General Horatio Gates House Summer Kitchen
See an authentically reproduced bake oven in use for the first time. Find out how colonials made bread and pies and
the challenges associated with 18th Century cooking. (The oven will be in operation throughout the day)

11:00-12:30 – Tours of the Colonial Court House with the York Town Crier
Join Tom Gibson, the “York County Heritage Trust Town Crier” for exhibit presentation and interpretation at the
Colonial Court House.

12:30-1:00 – The York Revolution’s Mascot Downtown On Site
Do not miss your chance to meet York’s favorite mascot Downtown as he pays a visit to one of York’s most
“Revolutionary” locations.

1:00 – Firing Demonstration by the York Revolution’s Cannonball Charlie
Cannonball Charlie will provide a public firing demonstration on the lawn of the Colonial Court House.

1:15- Performance by the Spring Garden Band of York
Enjoy a free concert by The Spring Garden Band of York, believed to be the fourth oldest continuously active band in the United States.

2:00 –The First American Republic: 1774-1789 (The First Fourteen American Presidents Before Washington)
Lecture by Thomas Patrick Chorlton
Join author and historian Thomas Patrick Chorlton will present a lecture based on his recent book The First
American Republic: 1774-1789 (The First Fourteen American Presidents Before Washington.) Chorlton will
chronicle the individual fourteen presidents of the Continental Congress providing insight into their backgrounds,
challenges faced in Congress, their successes, and ultimate legacy on the federal government. Chorlton uses
numerous diaries and journals, providing a unique understanding of the personal thoughts and feelings of each
president, offering a new perspective on the Articles era of the United States. Chorlton will conduct a book signing
beginning at 3:30 following the program. Books will also be available for purchase. Program to take place on the
first floor of the Colonial Court House.

2:45-3:15 – 5th Annual York County Heritage Trust and York Daily Record/Sunday News Articles of
Confederation Essay and Artwork Contest Awards Ceremony Light Refreshments to follow on the Second
Floor of the Colonial Court House

Event sponsored by: First Capital Credit Union, York Revolution, Stock and Leader Attorneys at Law, York Daily Record/Sunday News
 

Finding The Right Prototyping Tool

Recently I began working on a project to build an iPhone application, and we wanted to create some detailed prototypes right from the start. This presented a challenge especially because we did not have a Mac available, and iPhone prototyping tools can be difficult to find. I tried Lucidchart which is great for diagramming and website mock ups, but it quickly proved inadequate for this task, lacking several basic iOS UI elements. Ultimately I decided upon Blueprint for iPad. At $14.99 it isn’t cheap as far as apps go, but it’s more than worth the cost given the unlimited flexibility it offers. You can create multiple screens using virtually any iOS UI element available, and on top of that you can make the screens interactive. There is a demo mode where you can tap on buttons just as though it’s a real application which is very impressive, especially given how easy it is to create the screens.

Blueprint offers three ways to export your screens. You can export a Blueprint file which can be read on the free Blueprint Reader. I tried this, but one person I sent it to wasn’t able to open my file, but unless you have every UI interaction nailed down and the other person has an iPad, that format isn’t all that useful. Fortunately you can also export to a single PDF file or a ZIP file containing PNG formatted images of each screen.

Recording Demos

Since we are a distributed team working with remote vendors and given the complexity of the app we’re developing, I wanted to provide more than static screen images. So I set out to record video demos showing the screens and the interactions I had built into Blueprint. There were a few challenges to get the video working just right, but I came up with an improvised solution that worked pretty well. Following are the different elements that went into creating my setup, and I’ve posted a photo at the bottom of this post.

Camera: I first tried recording with a Kodak Zi8 HD Pocket Video camera, but the text on the screen came out fuzzy. Next I tried my Logitech C910 HD webcam, and it worked very well. Getting the angle right was a bit tricky, and the camera had to be mounted directly above the iPad for the best results. There are a number of ways you could do this, but for me being a percussionist I had a cymbal stand with a boom that worked very well.

Lighting: Dealing with lighting was the biggest challenge. Mostly, I had to remove all sources of light except for the iPad itself to avoid glare. My office has a window with closed blinds, but I ended up hanging a blanket over it to cut out any natural light. I used a simple piece of cardboard to block light coming from one of my monitors and simply turned off the other. My webcam has nice lights on it that indicate when it’s on, but they were also causing glare…some masking tape fixed that. The only downside is when I used my fingers to tap on the screen, they were dark, but this was acceptable in my situation.

Physical Setup: As previously mentioned, I used a cymbal stand with a boom to mount my webcam. It’s not the most elegant solution, but it worked. I sat the iPad on my desk and positioned the camera so that it showed just the relevant portion of the screen. I then used simple post-it notes to indicate where on the desk I need to position the iPad to have properly centered video for both portrait and landscape orientations.

Audio: Good audio is very important to any demo. I chose to use my Plantronics .Audio 995 wireless headset which produced decent audio quality.

Video Capture: I first attempted to capture the video using Windows Live Movie Maker, but the result was very choppy. I then downloaded AVS Video Recorder (I own an unlimited license for all AVS products, and I highly recommend them) which worked perfectly. There was a slight delay between what I was doing and the preview video, but the output video was perfect. I then used AVS Video Converter to convert the resultant video file to a format that was accessible to those to whom I would be sending it to.

York Symphony Concert this Saturday at 8PM with guest soloist Zuill Bailey. Selections will include:

Wagner – Prelude to Die Meistersinger
Tchaikovsky – Rococo Variations
Massenet: Meditation from Thais
Brahms: Academic Festival Overture
Rossini: William Tell Overture

I’ll be the guy in the back holding a triangle.

That’s … Unidentified FLOATING Object!

If you couldn’t make it to our last boat launch mark your calendars for this Sunday, September 18 starting at 2:00 1:00 PM. We will be launching the Alicia Marie for a second time out on the lake at the Pinchot Park Conewago Day Use Area. There will be cookies!

The story…

The Alicia Marie is a very special boat, which we completed and sail in memory of Alicia Daugherty whose idea it was to build the boat. It started with collecting plastic bottles. Any kind would do: milk bottles, juice bottles, soda bottles. Her and her best friend, Abby Householder collected the bottles and built the two pontoons out of 2x4s and chicken wire. They were able to successfully test one of the pontoons, however Alicia never got to see it completed.

Friends and family got together to finish the boat which led to a very successful boat launch August 21st at Pinchot Park. At least 60 people came out to see her boat sail, and it was an enormous success. We gave boat rides and had a wonderful picnic. We are planning another boat launch for those who couldn’t make it the last time, and you sure won’t want to miss it!

Read the York Daily Record Article: http://www.ydr.com/local/ci_18772622

Update: The time has been changed to 1:00 PM.