Fatty Matty Brewlog

How to Leave a Comment (using a WordPress website)

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Fatty Matty Brewing) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:33:17 PDT

Navigate to the webpage which you would like to leave a comment on – make note of it.
Click the “Register” link found in the sidebar menu.
Complete the user registration form (fill in your “Username, E-mail, First Name, Last Name and Nickname”).
1. In some instances (certain websites) you will have to type in a security phrase [CAPTCHA] shown as an image.
  This can help prevent spam from automated bots.
Click the “Register” button (to submit your user registration information).
1. Now that you have registered for a user account, a temporary password is emailed to the email you supplied in the registration form.
Go to your email account (again this would be the email you supplied on the registration form).
In your email account, open the email from “WordPress”.
Copy and paste the supplied temporary password from the email.
Click the login link in the email.
Enter your username and newly acquired password on the Login screen, then click the “Login” button.
From here you can either…
1. click on the “Profile” link on the top left sidebar and update your account with a new password
  
  or
2. navigate back to the webpage which you originally wanted to leave a comment on and…
Go to the bottom of the page (where you wanted to leave a comment) where you will find a comment box.
Enter your text in the comment text area (below “Leave a Reply“).
Submit your comment using the “Submit Comment” button.
After this, your comment is submitted to a moderation que where a website administrator will review/approve your comments (or not)!

Top Plugins/Widget List for Using WordPress as a CMS

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Fatty Matty Brewing) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:40:04 PDT

After using WordPress for so long on this Fatty Matty Brewing blog, I decided to use WordPress as a CMS (content management) with a few new clients’ websites including Greenspirit Farm and Free Congregation of Sauk County. Each of these unique clients has different business communication needs from WordPress and with the huge amount of WordPress plugins available, I knew I could pretty much accomplish any requests for website customization.

This list of WordPress plugins gives your website flexability to perform tons of fat website functions.

My Favorite WordPress Plugins

(tested on WordPress 2.7.1)

Plugins Used on the Fatty Matty Brewing Brewlog

Akismet – A must have spam catcher for ALL WordPress websites!
BrewPoll – For all you beer bloggers… Adds a BrewPoll icon to each post on your blog.
WordPress Database Backup – On-demand backup of your WordPress database. Have you backed up your WordPress database today? Do this before you upgrade to WordPress 2.8!

WordPress Plugins Used on the Greenspirit Farm website

All in One SEO Pack – Improve your website’s popularity on Google with super SEO.
Force User Field Registration – Forces new users to register additional fields. As a WordPress admin, it is nice to know that your website’s members are human.
Google XML Sitemaps – This plugin will generate a sitemaps.org compatible sitemap of your WordPress blog which is supported by Ask.com, Google, MSN Search and YAHOO!.
Login Configurator – Sick of looking at the WordPress logo on your website? Get your company logo on the WordPress registration / login page.
Multi Column Category List – Want to create a WordPress Page with a list of categories? See the Recipes Category list at the bottom of this page. Requires the use of WordPress Page Templates and some custom coding.
Page Links To – This plugin allows you to point a post or page to any URL you want. Very useful if you want a WordPress Page to link an external URL.
Simple Login Widget – If you are using WordPress as a CMS, this simple widget will show just the login/logout and register links instead of all the RSS and Meta Feed crap.
WP Render Blogroll Links – Display your blogroll or WordPress links on a page like this!

Plugins Used on the Free Congregation website

Drop-down menu – Add a cool drop down style page menu to your WordPress theme.
Event Calendar – After a ton of searching for the perfect Event Calendar plugin – this one is the BEST!
Inline Posts – Allows you to include dynamic WordPress posts in your static WordPress pages (and in other posts). See an example here.
Simple:Press Forum – as far as I can tell (and there are not many to choose from) the best WordPress Forum Plugin. See a brand new installation of this WordPress Forum plugin here.

Check out some of our other favorite Free WordPress Add-Ons.

Hop Rhizome Spring Time Beer Garden Roundup!

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Fatty Matty Brewing) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:35:18 PST

For all you brewers out there with a green thumb or new interest in growing the ingredients you use to make your beer, its getting around to that time to pre-order hop rhizomes from your favorite homebrew supplier or local organic hop farm. Find a sunny spot to put up a trellis system, dig a hole and plant your rhizome at the base of the trellis, water, prune, give it some love, watch for harvest time, dry, package and brew!

Below is a short list of retail locations to aquire hop rhizomes and a super shortened list of some hop varieties that you may want to think about growing.

Hop Rhizome Resources

NORTHERN BREWER Hop Rhizomes http://www.northernbrewer.com/rhizomes.html
…A hop rhizome is a living segment of the root of a female hop vine and is the best way to start a new plant for growing at home….
Added: Mar 1, 2006
Category: Hop Rhizomes

Freshops Rhizome Varieties http://www.freshops.com/rhizinfo.html
…Odering info to get Rhizomes from Freshhops. Remember, upon obtaining the rhizomes, they should be stored in a plastic bag, slightly moistened, and kept in a refrigerator until you are ready to plant them….
Added: Mar 3, 2006
Category: Hop Rhizomes

Fatty Matty Brewing Hop Growing Project http://www.fattymattybrewing.com/ingredients/index.php?cat=8
…Photos and descriptions of growing hops in Wisconsin including the trellis system, planting, pruning, cultivation, harvesting, drying and packaging….
Added: Jan 29, 2009
Category: Hop Rhizomes

Hop Rhizomes from Midwest Supplies Homebrewing Supplies http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products/ProdBySubCat.aspx?SubCat=11179
…For those who want to grow their own hops, we are now taking pre orders for hop rhizomes. …
Added: Jan 29, 2009
Category: Hop Rhizomes

Common Hop Rhizomes Available

Cascade: 4.5-7% Grows well in all climates. Susceptible to aphids.

Centennial – 9.5-11.5% alpha. Grows well in all climates. Susceptible to downy mildew.

Chinook – 11-13% alpha. Grows well in dry, hot climates. Does not grow well in moist. Subject to spider mite

Fuggle – 4-5.5% alpha. Grows well in damp climates, suffers a little in hot.

Glacier – 5.8% alpha. Grows well in all climates

Goldings – 4-5% alpha. Grows well in mild, moist climates, does ok in hot.

Hallertau – 3.5-5.5% alpha. Grows well in mild, moist climates. Suffers a little in dry, hot climates

Horizon – 12-13.5% alpha. Grows well in all climates

Liberty – 3-5.5% alpha. Grows well in mild climates. Can grow in hot climates.

Mt. Hood – 5-8% alpha. Grows well in all climates

Nugget – 12-14% alpha. Grows well in all climates

Santiam – 6-7% alpha. Grows well in a moderate climate, does ok in hot climate

Sterling – 5.5-7% alpha. Grows well in a moderate climate, does ok in hot climate.

Tettnang – 4-5% alpha. Grows well in a moderate climate, suffers a little in hot climate.

Willamette – 4-6% alpha. Grows well in all climates.

Brewing Links Added

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Fatty Matty Brewing) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:35:24 PST

Featuring some recent beer links from mutual beer loving Facebook users which I added today to the links section of fattymattybrewing.com

Ft. George Brewery Public House
http://www.fortgeorgebrewery.com/

…Brewpub located in Astoria, Oregon with a fantastic Flash media based website and a non-broadband version of their website too….
Added: Jan 28, 2009
Category: Georgia, USA – Breweries, Brewpubs & Wineries

Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub and Guesthouses
http://www.spinnakers.com/

…Located Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub and Guesthouses is committed to farm fresh local ingredients and handcrafted ales brewed with the finest imported hops and grain…
Added: Jan 28, 2009
Category: Canadian Breweries & Brewpubs

Lift Bridge Brewery
http://www.liftbridgebrewery.com/

…Stillwater, Minnesota microbrewery in the beginning phase of releasing small batches into the Midwest market…
Added: Jan 13, 2009
Category: Minnesota, USA – Breweries, Brewpubs & Wineries

MidwestMicroBrews
http://www.midwestmicrobrews.com/

…a source for information on the great craft brewers in the Midwestern US. Brews…
Added: Jan 9, 2009
Category: Regional Sites & Beer Travels

Brew Bums Brewing Supply Store
http://www.brewbums.com/

…Homebrew and winemaking supply shop located inside Kelly’s Kitchen and Klutter on Main St. in Ansley Nebraska…
Added: Sep 17, 2008
Category: Central USA Homebrew Shops

Walker Interactive
http://www.walkerinteractive.com/

…Web Design and Copywriting Studio of North Carolina…
Added: Nov 18, 2008
Category: Web Hosts & Design Services

Beer & Food [Pairing Some of Life's Greatest Consumables]

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Fatty Matty Brewing) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:14:54 PST

If you have not enjoyed your favorite beer while eating some of your favorite food, you must at some point accompany a great meal or snack with a beer that you love. Beer can compliment many foods, often creating unexpected and amazing complex combinations. Below is a list of some random beer styles to try them with some food recommendations.

Kölsch Bier

Chicken or Beef Kabobs
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled Lobster

English Bitter

Bruschetta
Burgers and Fries
Steak Burritos with cilantro

Irish-Style Red Ale

Corned Beef with Horseradish
Grilled Lamb Chops
Polish Sausage with Kraut

India Pale Ale

Cajun Dishes
Indian Cuisine
Carrot Cake

Nut Brown Ale

BBQ Ribs
Dungeness Crab
Cheesecake

Oatmeal Stout

Cold Boiled Shrimp
Oysters
Cream of Broccoli Soup

This is just a start – find your own favorite pairing of beer and feed. This article and all content courtesy of Goode Island Brewing Company’s Food & Beer Selector Recommendations.

Making Cream Soda at Home

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Fatty Matty Brewing) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:35:28 PST

Here are the instructions from the Gnome Soda website:

“Instructions for 5 gallons artificially carbonated
Gnome Soda Pop

* Heat .5 – 1 gallon water 130 F. +/-
* Dissolve in 4-5 lbs. sugar
* Add 2-4 oz. Gnome Soda Extract
* Transfer to Corny tank
* Top tank up to 4.5-5 gallons with cold drinking water
* Fill tank up with 35 psi CO2
* Refridgerate for 6-8 hours
* Sample & repeat as many times as neccessary”

Here are some other sugars you can use with the recipe as an alternative to corn sugar:

“Sugar Amounts (Cups) Per Gallon
Cane Sugar (Sucrose) -2 Cups
Corn Sugar (Dextrose) -2.25 Cups
Brown Sugar -2 Cups
Maple Syrup -3.25 Cups
Honey -3 Cups
Molasses -3 Cups
Dry Malt Extract -3.25 Cups
Turbinado Sugar (Raw) -2 Cups
Make a sugar free, no carb Gnome Soda with a sugar substitute.
Feel free to experiment with different amounts and combinations of Gnome Soda Extracts and sugar equivalents to suit your taste.”

Beer is Proof That God Loves Us

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Fatty Matty Brewing) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:34:12 PST

Benjamin Franklin lived from 1706-1790 and was an American Statesman, Scientist, Philosopher, Printer, Writer and Inventor. This quotation by him describes beer as God’s gift to us…

“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”

Holiday Season Brew Gift Ideas

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Fatty Matty Brewing) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:23:06 PST

One of the best ideas about the holiday season is giving gifts to others and enjoying watching them open what you got for them. In the spirit of cold weather, holly, jingle bells, spiced holiday beers and warm fireplaces… here are some excellent beer and homebrewing related gift ideas you can give to the brewer in your life!

Gift Certificate for Beer Making Supplies…

from the Wine & Hop Shop in Madison, WI
from Seven Bridges Coop in Santa Cruz, CA
from Northern Brewer in St. Paul, MN

A Gift Subscription to Draft Magazine

Brewing Refrigerator Magnet Set

from the American Homebrewers Association and distributed by Seven Bridges Coop

BeerAdvocate Gear

BeerAdvocate is a huge beer community website and magazine publisher. Check out BeerAdvocate’s online store and give the gift of beer promotion in the form of a magazine subscription, “Hop Head” t-shirt, BeerAdvocate embroidered zippered hoodies or “Respect Beer.” bumper sticker.

Craft Brewing Books

Choose from a huge selection of homebrewing and professional, commercial craft brewing books from Fatty Matty Brewing. Filled with technical advanced and homebrew beer receipes, techniques and beer related books.

If you still can’t find teh perfect gift for the beer lover or craft brewer in your family, just do a Google search for Holiday Beer Gifts.

Beer Froth – Trivia Update

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Fatty Matty Brewing) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:52:11 PST

Here are a slew of beer trivia’s thanks to JT Whitney’s of Madison, WI. These all come from JT Whitney’s weekly newsletter Beer Trivia of the week question.

From May 29, 2008…

Q: In the 13th century it was customary to use beer instead of water in what religious custom?
A: Babtism

From June 5, 2008…

Q: Where and when was beer first sold in bottles?
A: Beer was first sold in bottles in 1869 by English brewer Francis Manning-Needham.

From June 12, 2008…

Q: Where is Castlemaine XXXX beer From?
A: Australia

From June 19, 2008…

Q: What brewery was America’s largest in 1895?
A: Pabst

From June 26, 2008…

Q: When and where was the first Canadian Beer bottle produced?
A: Mallorytown, Ontario 1825

Homemade Soda – Kiddie Beer

Your (optional) podcast author email address (Fatty Matty Brewing) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:04:39 PST

I know for sure that I will be getting the kids a cream soda extract kit but am still debating if I am going to buy it from Northern Brewer or Midwest Homebrew Supplies. Both offer Sprechter, Gnome and a few other brands with a good variety of different soda flavors. I am more concerned about making sure that the kit I buy does not have high fructose corn syrup amd will be for sure adding another tapper faucet to the kegerator so the kids can poor themselves a kiddy beer too!