Git integration for all your PowerShells with Github for Windows

We use git for our source control at work. In fact, we use Github. I have GitHub for Windows (GfW) installed because it's one of the easiest ways to install git on a Windows desktop. As part of the installation, you get to choose how the git shell is provided; I selected PowerShell (PS). This works well. You can access the integrated console via a separate shortcut or by the ~ key when viewing a repository in GfW.

However, the git integration (provided by posh-git) isn't available in the standard PS console nor PS ISE1. I use PS ISE a lot more these days as it gives me tabbed console windows and some cool features like auto-complete dropdowns2, so I wanted git integration there too.

As I already have git and posh-git installed via GfW, I didn't want to install both separately again just to get this support, I wanted to use what was already there.

To do this, open your PS or PS ISE console (you'll need to do this for both as they have separate profiles) and enter:

notepad $profile

Then add the following lines and save:

# Load github shell and posh-git example profile
. (Resolve-Path "$env:LOCALAPPDATA\GitHub\shell.ps1")
. (Resolve-Path "$env:github_posh_git\profile.example.ps1")

To see the changes, you need to restart your console. If you're sure there'll be no nasty side-effects from running your profile twice in one session, you could also just enter:

. $profile

And there you have it, git support using the GitHub for Windows installation in all your PowerShell windows.

  1. Integrated Scripting Environment []
  2. There are some caveats to using the ISE console tab over a regular PS console []

Monster Trucks!

I went to see my first monster truck show this week with a couple of friends. It was at the Monroe County Fair in Monroe County, Michigan and it was tons of fun. Here are a few pictures.

Spinning monster truck
Spinning monster truck
Jumping monster truck
Jumping monster truck

The Odd Couple

Tonight, Chrissy and I went to see The Odd Couple presented by That Theatre Co. (@ThatTheatreCo) and it was fantastic. Now, before I go any further, in the interests of full disclosure I must tell you that some of my good friends started or are involved with That Theatre Co. though that certainly does not mean that I will blow smoke just to give them an audience as I think that is unfair on you and them.  It is with completely honesty that I urge you to see this show.

While other shows performed by That have been entertaining, none have quite reached the levels of this particular show or tonight's performance. From the casting to the set, everything was on point for opening night. This being the female version of The Odd Couple, Alexa Robbins and Keely Battle played the titular couple, Florence Unger and Olive Madison. Both were hilarious and uncomfortably accurate as the perfectionist and the slob trying to deal with living together in between game nights with their friends — played by Sarah Apple, Jasmine English, Paige Reynolds and Tori Stachelwitz — or date night with their Spanish neighbours — played by Eric Myrick and Armand Garnett, almost stealing the show as the Costazuelas brothers.

Having seen all of these actors in one or more shows, I admit that I was unsure of the casting when I first read the program. This is not meant as a slight to anyone involved; the cast is young and many factors can affect a performance, none more so than a lack of experience. However, my doubts were allayed; their experience has served them well as has the direction from Emily Bamrick and Jason Berry. if you add that several of the cast were pulling double duty as set managers, production assistants and make-up artists, it is truly impressive.

All in all, we had a really fun night out watching some talented people make us laugh, occasionally feeling awkward for it (I doubt we'd feel as awkward if Felix were grabbing Oscar's breast, but when it's Florence and Olive…). This theatre company deserves a bigger audience and you deserve to see this show. It runs for two more nights (Aug 2 and 3) at Washtenaw Community College. The show starts at 7pm, tickets are $10. Don't miss it!

Nothing Left To Take, Track 11, Holding On

Some of you may already know from my page on Facebook that I have started recording again. Not only that, but I have finished one song, Holding On, and it is now on SoundCloud for you to hear it. Thanks to my friends and family for the encouragement and support over the years. I am sorry that it has taken me so long to get back into this. It takes a lot of time and effort and I have so much to learn. I hope you enjoy the results.

Holding On is the first song off my current project, an album entitled Nothing Left To Take. Please take a listen and leave your comments on what you do or do not like, perhaps even share it with your friends.

Nothing Left To Take is somewhat of a concept album in that there's a theme to the songs and the order of the songs. As I complete a song, I will add it to the set on SoundCloud so you can see it take shape. The theme will become pretty apparent I think although I am considering the idea of writing a short story to accompany the finished album.

Here is the Nothing Left To Take playlist.