Orchard CMS WebAPI Module

I'm evaluating Orchard CMS for a proof of concept at work.  The one missing piece, at least that I haven't found out of the box, is an API that let me get certain data.  In this case I want a list of pages that I've created.  I've seen this post about creating a controller with API:

Orchard CMS And ASP.NET Web API

but I wasn't sure how to pull it together until I re-read, "I created a module, called Sunkist.ContactManager".  Ok, how do you do that, the post didn't quite explain that part, as that wasn't the intent.  And then I came across this post on another blog:

OrchardProject + WebApi = interesting

I'm hoping with these two pieces I'll be able to create a hook into Orchard that will allow me to do exactly what I want.  I'm hoping that something like this we'll be native in the future.  It seems like a fundamental aspect of a CMS.  Either way I'm enjoying using Orchard and hope we can adopt it at work.

Little Experience: Change the default Command Prompt directory

Searching BING produced very little results on this topic but this seemed to work.

Little Experience: Change the default Command Prompt directory:

However, the instructions are a tad off, create a string value of type REG_SZ and set the value according to the post.

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Fix for Windows Store App not working after Windows 8.1 Upgrade

If anyone is having trouble getting their windows store apps to run, or some of them, you might try installing windows media player.  I've using a KN/N version on my Surface Pro and upgrading caused some of my apps to stop working, 7 Little Words, Blockworld, etc.  Using this suggestion:

Fix for Windows Store App not working after Windows 8.1 Upgrade

Did not work but installing WMP from here did:

Media Feature Pack for N and KN versions of Windows 8.1.  Remember to use the x64 version if you're running the 64-bit version.  This seems to have fixed the issue.

Windows Phone 7.8 Upgraded Finally, Let The Test Drive Begin!

Windows Phone 7.8

It's done upgrading now to take it for a test drive to to re-size those ginormous live tiles.



Windows Phone (United States):

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Forcing the Windows Phone 7.8 update: Camera button not required but patience is | Windows Phone Central

Unfortunately I was not one of the lucky few to get the update right out of the gate but alas, with this trick I'm currently upgrading to 7.8.  I can't wait to play with the new home screen.  It's time to reorganize my apps with a better layout.

On ATT US with Nokia Lumia 900.


Forcing the Windows Phone 7.8 update: Camera button not required but patience is | Windows Phone Central:

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Team Foundation Service Online Pricing

If you're looking to use TFS but don't want to setup a server yourself this is the way to go.  I use this for all of my non open source projects.


Pricing Information - Team Foundation Service:

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Back On Track, Surface, SimpleHealthTracker Update

    It's been a while since I last posted.  I've just been busy.  Started a new gig and finally put the last cog in the machine that was my master degree.

I've been looking to get the Surface for a tablet, especially the pro version:

Microsoft Surface

    I was able to go to Bestbuy just yesterday, although not specifically to play with one, and after using it and many of the Android counterparts I can honestly say that I prefer the screen and behavior or Windows (RT in this case).  However, I wasn't fond of the touch cover since I couldn't tell how hard to press in order to register a key stroke.  My guess is that with some time I might pick it up.  However, I would like to check out the type cover in order to gauge the different between the two.

    One thing that strikes me is the price.  Granted, I've read plenty about how it's either too expensive or on par with the Mac Book Air.  If the surface ran a Intel Core-i7 it would be a no brainer.  But with the i5 it's harder to take the dive given the plethora of Ultra-books and cheap laptops at the same price point.  However, I'm in the market for both a tablet and laptop and in the end I might just take the plunge in order to get a two-for-one.  Ultimately I would like to see Microsoft introduced some discounts and bundle/package specials in order to get the price down $100-$200 more.

    In other news I'm about to release the next version of my health tracking app.  This version brings custom tags for saving records.  You can add and delete as many as you want.  However, records will persist with the tag until manually deleted.  I thought this was the best approach for consistency and backward compatibility   This is only for the paid version so get buy it!

SimpleHealthTracker For Windows Phone 7+

Here's the link:  Simple Health Tracker