text:
ANAHEIM, CA – (April 15, 2013) Anaheim Police Chief John Welter and Anaheim Fire & Rescue Chief Randy Bruegman issued the following statement today:
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people in Boston as well as their loved ones.
In Anaheim, the Anaheim Police Department and Anaheim Fire & Rescue remain diligent in monitoring activity in Boston and any nexus to our community. We are in contact with Federal agencies as well as monitoring local intelligence activity.
Our level of daily preparedness allows us to respond to unplanned incidents. In the event of any local emergency, police and fire agencies are ready to respond quickly and activate established response protocols. We are in contact with our Resort, Sports and Entertainment venues to ensure preparedness for all of Anaheim's residents, businesses and guests.
We ask the public to remain calm and vigilant. If you see something, say something.
Anyone encountering suspicious activity should immediately call the Anaheim Police Department at 714-765-1900 or 911 with life-threatening information.
ABOUT ANAHEIM –The City of Anaheim, founded in 1857, is one of the nation's premier municipalities and is one of California's most populous cities. Anaheim covers 50 square miles with more than 343,000 residents and more than 2,950 City employees. The municipal corporation's annual budget is $1.5 billion. Anaheim supports a thriving business community with companies such as Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., L-3 Communications, Pacific Sunwear, and Disneyland Resort.
Successful sports franchises call Anaheim home, including Angels Baseball, Anaheim Ducks, the U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team, the 2012 Olympic Games Silver Medal winning U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team, and the Professional Arena Soccer League Anaheim Bolts. Anaheim also boasts world-class meeting and entertainment venues with the Anaheim Convention Center, LEED-certified and the largest on the west coast, Honda Center, City National Grove of Anaheim, Anaheim GardenWalk, and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. In addition, Anaheim embraces its vibrant cultural arts community, including the world-renowned Anaheim Ballet. Annually, Anaheim welcomes millions of visitors to the city, truly making it where the world comes to live, work and play. For more information, please visit www.anaheim.net.
|Be a leader in your neighborhood – Take the Hi Neighbor Pledge! Visitwww.anaheim.net/neighbor.
|Join the Anaheim community on Facebook.
|Submit service requests via Twitter – text "d Anaheim311" to 40404.
|Anaheim events and video news articles – updated weekly on Anaheim's YouTube channel.
|Download the FREE My Anaheim app for Apple iPhone and iPod Touch.
|Download the FREE My Anaheim app for Android devices.
|Anaheim Anytime is available 24/7. For questions regarding the City of Anaheim, simply dial 311 from any Anaheim-based landline phone or from (714) 765-4311 from a cell phone or any phone outside the city limits. Anaheim Anytime representatives are available from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday – Friday. Recorded information and a voice mail box is also available 24/7.
Filed under: Crime, Crime Prevention | Leave a comment »


text:
MTV News: Nas and Damian Marley. Also: Nas will pay you for naming his babyPosted by: Mark DiSalvo in News, Video, tags: damian marely, kelis, nas
The other day, it was announced that Nas and Junior Gong were going to be releasing an album together, and are on the bill together for this summer's Rock the Bells tour, and here the two talk about it.
Nas also revealed today that he'll be fielding a little contest to name his baby with Kelis.
"I've been thinking about kinda putting something online: 'Choose his name,' " the Queens legend added with a smile. "You get a couple stacks for that. We take care of you for that. You win something real. But we're thinking now."
-MTV News
He's joking. (durr thanks Mark)

subset: commoncrawl


text:
MOLGW is an open-source project published under the GPL license.
This offers lots of freedoms to the users: the freedom to use, to modify, and to publish the modifications.
However, if you use MOLGW for a scientific publication, we would greatly appreciate a citation to our papers.
And in particular to
|Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
|Service de Recherches de Métallurgie Physique


text:
"Drunk Admin Web Hacking Challenge 1" is the name of virtual machine which has been created for training purposes. You can grab it from here. Inside archive you will find ready to launch Vmware virtual machine. If you prefer VirtualBox (like I do) you can also use it. Simple create new virtual machine and mount pwnlab-03-cl2.vmdk as hard disk. Important notice! Do not expose that virtual machine to external network (that applies to all virtual machines created for training). You can use host only or internal network with some dhcp server. There are plenty tutorials, about setting your own pentesting lab, in the internet so if you don't have one just google it. I'll maybe write about my configuration later (but honestly it's nothing new or revelatory in it). After everything is set up we are ready to lunch our test.
If you want to finish this challenge alone stop reading here.
FINAL GOAL: Reveal the hidden message for a date arrange that Bob sent to Alice.
Challenge accepted!!
After setting everything up I started my check with discovering target's IP.
Looks like virtual machine got IP 192.168.56.102. Let's look what is running there:
Got ssh and apache running. I've launched DirBuster against Apache and opened browser. Looks like image hosting web app.
Before any further tests I've opened Burpsuite and tunneled browser through its proxy. Let's host some image. After uploading it you can see it hosted, let's check the uploaded image.
It has been put in images folder and it has been renamed. That new name looks like md5 hash, but from what. There's easy way to find that. I went to Burpsuite, find my POST and sent it to repeater. My first thought was that this hash is generated from filename so firstly I've changed name from "a.png" to "b.png" and posted it. I've got response:
Before any further tests I've opened Burpsuite and tunneled browser through its proxy. Let's host some image. After uploading it you can see it hosted, let's check the uploaded image.
It has been put in images folder and it has been renamed. That new name looks like md5 hash, but from what. There's easy way to find that. I went to Burpsuite, find my POST and sent it to repeater. My first thought was that this hash is generated from filename so firstly I've changed name from "a.png" to "b.png" and posted it. I've got response:
First question here... where is my new file name... that Set-Cookie looks promising. I've copied that string and pasted to browser adding extension (png). Here it is, that's my image:
Now I know that this hash is name related and I decided to try to bruteforce it. Let's start with md5…
Bingo! Now I can move on. Let's see if we can upload php…
I was expecting that…let's try some tricks. First…change name to png.php.Looks better. Fast check in browser:
Bullseye! Ok, we can upload php, it's piece of cake now. Let's go big with reverse php shell (grabbed from here). I've encoded it with base64 and pasted to repeater. Post and...
What the...!? There must be some filter looking inside uploaded file for php shell sights. Maybe that filter is not perfect... if I can only see it... wait a minute... after googling for php view file content I got this:
File responsible for uploading is called upload.php so my final php code looked like this:
Let's send it... success! Let's see it.
That's not what we are looking for... check source:
Hello my friend! I was correct. There's a method looking inside uploaded file and checking it's content against defined words.
I'm not php developer but I've seen some php code here and there and remembered that there's something that goes $_REQUEST [''] which works like $_GET['']. That method is not prohibited so let's check if it'll work.
Now I have local file inclusion. Going with php shell from here is not difficult, just send code like that:
and enjoy:
I've uploaded page with phpinfo() to find out about disabled functions and there were couple. That's why I used exec() in reverse shell. It has one disadvantage..it returns only last line of stdout, but knowing that I'll just redirect output to files and then view them.You can push reverse shell here by visiting:
and catching the connection with:
Now with shell access we can go through filesystem. I spawned bash using python and command:
cause it looks clearer. It may seems easy but sometimes it is not trivial to find what we are looking for (I'm reffering to hacking challenges like this one). It is a good idea to have a list of directories worth to look through. Here we start in webapp directories so let's look for anything interesting:
Hmm... file ".proof" doesn't fit here. Inside I found secret code. Maybe it's bob password. Fast check with ssh... nope... Let's write that down and check other files.
There wasn't anything interesting in webapp folders so I went to user's home.
Hmm public_html inside bob's folder. I went to browser to check it and read all files there. It's encryption/decryption mechanism with some message encrypted in index.php. I've played a while here to find connection with that secret message I found in webapp folder. I have to say this part was quite a puzzle for me. After some time I've decided to check if that secret pass is encoded. Firs the easiest one... base64... decoded... typed... Bingo! I've found the secret message! By the way... check that destination in google maps and look on the photo placed north from that place. Maybe there's Bob somewhere. Job's done. But that's not all…
Earlier I've presented the path I followed when I beat that challenge the first time. After that I read about nasty tricks to hide php backdoors in code. It was here (it's polish page so you probably won't understand it). If you want a translation of that page leave comment and I'll contact the author and try to write something here. Let's go back to the "Drunk Admin Web Hacking Challenge 1"... with knowledge about filter from upload.php I decided to hide my code using, this method:
Nice functions php, can't say (: Before going crazy with some big-all-have-php-shell I've checked disabled functions in phpinfo() again. Probably most shells would need some fixes and that's not my game here. I'm currently discovering Metasploit framework so I've decided to use its payload here. Looking on the php limitations I've crossed php payload out. That still leaves me few other payloads types. I chose the python one. Generating python payload is quite simple:
I thought that I'll just post it using original upload.php but there was "base64" string in it... so not this time. That's it! I have enough, I'm breaking with you original upload.php. I needed my own upload page on the server. I've grabbed some code from here. I couldn't upload it because there were too many restricted strings in it so I base64 encoded it and uploaded in this form:
Now you see why that article about php backdoors was so helpful for me. I've bypassed security check in upload.php and sent my own upload script to server. Below you can see it in action.
And here's my python payload on the server.
To start Metasploit listener I've typed:
and then I fired payload using simple php shell:
Got Meterpreter session:
That's all! I have to say that I liked that challenge. Maybe because it's about web app and as web developer I can move around easier. Thanks for reading! cya


text:
For years the Cole Mill Road family has enjoyed meeting for fellowship, support and nurture in smaller, organized groups within the church. Each family and individual is assigned to a Care group that is nurtured by at least one of our elders. These groups serve to support us in times of need and to keep us connected and informed in our church life.
The care groups meet regularly on the fourth Sunday of each month at a time determined by each group. They will often meet more casually at other times and are asked to take their turn supporting the monthly worship service at the Forest at Duke Retirement Community.
The care group ministry is facilitated by Ministry Leaders Carrie Doyle and Bethany Gray.


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"Being verily one, the Self-of-all-beings-and-elements is present in every being. It is beheld onefold and manifold simultaneously, like the moon reflected in water."- Amrtabindu Upanisad 11-12
"There is but one moon in the nightly firmament, yet it is reflected in numerous water jars standing in the moonlight. The jars, perishable clay, are compared to individuals."
- Heinrich Zimmer, Philosophies of India


text:
Dear Valued Customers:
We have previously released the reminder regarding the strike initiated by Tugs and Pilots in Sweden from November and friendly informed you to adjust your operation schedules so as to reduce the possible impact.
Now we are glad to inform you that the strike has been relieved and relevant transportation and operation are returning to normal.
We sincerely appreciate all your kind understanding and truly thank for your continuous support.
With Best Regards
COSCON SHIPPING Lines


text:
One of the biggest complaints that most Long Beach, CA property owners have is that they struggle to find reliable plumbers when they are needed. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (323) 426-5769 for all of your plumbing needs – whether emergency or not. We have a team of plumbing experts on hand in our company who will not only arrive at your property on time; they also have the necessary knowledge and experience to ensure that any repairs or installations of new products are performed correctly.
Water Heater Repairs and Replacements
Properties that are more than 10 to 15 years old will usually require plumbing repairs in the form of replacement water heaters. These devices are expensive and can cause a substantial amount of damage if they are not installed properly. In many cases, home insurance companies will not pay out claims for water damage caused by water heaters if they have not been installed by an experienced and registered Long Beach plumbing company either. Each plumber who works for us is able to perform this task correctly.
Emergency Plumbing Long Beach – (323) 426-5769
Water leaks that go undetected can cost property owners thousands of dollars over the course of a few months. When a Long Beach plumber from our company is called out to perform leak detection services, the job is done as efficiently as possible. Unlike many other plumbing companies, we also have the correct type of equipment to detect a slab leak – regardless of how small it may be at the time. Our plumbing contractors are able to perform extensive drain cleaning and repair services as well, ensuring that the water supply on your property remains as sanitary and safe as possible.
As most property owners know, a plumbing emergency will usually not happen at the most convenient time of day. This is why we are proud to be able to offer emergency plumbing Long Beach customers can trust for quality service at a fair price. Regardless of whether you may have a blocked drain, clogged toilet or a burst water pipe causing damage to your property, we will be able to get issues like these sorted at virtually any time of the day or night – even over weekends and during holiday periods.
24 Hour Long Beach Plumbers | Schedule an Appointment Today!
If you have been struggling to find plumbing contractors that are experienced, reliable and reputable, you need look no further. We are ready to take your call at any time of the day or night and will ensure that any plumbing problems you have are sorted out as quickly and professionally as possible. Call us today to schedule an appointment with us.
Long Beach, CA 90846, 90847, 90848, 90853, 90888, 90515, 90801, 90802, 90803, 90804, 90805, 90807, 90808, 90809, 90810, 90813, 90814, 90815, 90822, 90831, 90832, 90833, 90834, 90835, 90840, 90842, 90844, 90845


text:
Steelers' Troy Polamalu says he'll retire
Report: Polamalu will call it quits
Troy Polamalu's iconic football career is over. The Uniontown Herald-Standard reported last night that the eight-time Pro Bowl safety told Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney he will retire rather than return for a 13th season.
"Maybe it was a sign for me to retire when I chase my kids around and couldn't catch them," Polamalu told the newspaper. "It was either a sign for me to retire or a sign for them to begin training."
The four-time All-Pro, who will turn 34 later this month, had two years remaining on his contract but had seen his play dip significantly from his prime. The 2010 NFL Defensive Player of the Year missed nine games in 2012 with a calf injury and four games in 2014 with a knee injury.
"I did not seriously consider playing elsewhere," Polamalu said. "It was just whether or not I wanted to play."
Source: Bell faces three-game ban
Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell is facing a three-game suspension after his arrest on DUI and marijuana charges last August, a person with direct knowledge of the suspension told The Associated Press. Bell is expected to appeal the suspension. Bell was arrested last August after a traffic stop in a northern Pittsburgh suburb along with then-teammate LeGarrette Blount. The 23-year-old Pro Bowler ended up pleading no contest and was sentenced to 15 months of probation and entered into a diversion program.
Giants-Jets square off in preseason
The Giants-Jets preseason rivalry, which began in 1969, turns 47 years old this year. Their traditional Week 3 matchup will be played between Aug. 27-30 with specific date and time to be determined, the league announced yesterday as it released the preseason schedule. The Giants trail the series 24-21-1 but won last year's matchup, 35-24.NHLBruins lose; Isles, Wings earn berthsRoberto Luongo earned his 401st career win and Jaromir Jagr got his 1,800th career point as the host Panthers beat the Bruins, 4-2. The Bruins trail the Senators by two points and the Penguins by one for the eighth and final spot in the Eastern Conference, and Pittsburgh has a game in hand on the other two teams. The Bruins have the tiebreaker over the Senators. The Islanders and Red Wings clinched berths when Boston lost . . . Carey Price notched his team-record 43rd victory of the season as the host Canadiens beat the Red Wings, 4-3, on an overtime goal by Lars Eller. Despite the loss, Detroit reached the postseason for the 24th consecutive season.
The Blues trailed the first-place Predators by nine points in the Central Division on Feb. 24 -- and celebrated their first division title since 2011-12 last night. Paul Stastny scored what proved to be the winning goal as the host Blues beat the Blackhawks, 2-1, and the combination of the St. Louis victory and Nashville's defeat gave the Blues the division title . . . Jason Pominville scored with 2:03 remaining in regulation and Jason Zucker (two goals) added an empty-netter to give the Wild a 4-2 victory over the Predators. Minnesota extended its franchise-record road winning streak to 12 games. . . . Jiri Hudler scored twice as the host Flames clinched a playoff berth for the first time in six years with a 3-1 win over the Kings, eliminating the defending Stanley Cup champions from playoff contention . . . The Jets clinched a berth despite losing to the host Avalanche, 1-0, in a shootout.
NBACurry scores 45, sets mark for treys
Stephen Curry shot 8-for-13 from three-point range, breaking his own NBA record for most threes in a season, and had 45 points and nine assists as the host Warriors beat the Trail Blazers, 116-105.
Curry, who shot 17-for-23 overall, entered the game four shy of his mark of 272 three-pointers, which he set two years ago in the season finale at Portland, and hit six before halftime.
Klay Thompson scored 26 points for the Warriors. LaMarcus Aldridge scored 27 points and Damian Lillard added 20 points and eight assists for the Trail Blazers.
Pau Gasol had 16 points and 15 rebounds for the Bulls, who erased a 19-point halftime deficit and beat the host Heat, 89-78. The Bulls were outscored 33-12 in the second quarter but went on a 39-8 run to open the second half. -- AP
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text:
Gas Service Area
CLICK HERE for the map PDF file
*Please note that this is not a definitive coverage map. This map is intended to serve as a reference.
Gas service is available to most streets within Charlottesville City limits and limited service is available to urban Albemarle County.
If you are interested in getting gas in your home or want to know if a specific address has access to gas utilities, please contact the Gas Marketing Office at (434) 970-3812


text:
Was nervous
I was very nervous at first because I had never been sued before but Mr. Valkenet put me at ease immediately. I trust that he has my best interest in mind and will help me through this experience.
- Teresa V Cowan
Very helpful
Called about a concern with my house and he was able to point me in the right direction. Never felt like he was disinterested or was trying to rush me off the phone.
- anonymous
Real estate contract
Thorough, answered all my questions in a way I could understand and was upfront about hourly rate and pricing
- anonymous
Awesome Service / Remarkable Results
Ian, was professional, articulate and exceptional at contract lawyer. Through his outstanding execution Ian negotiated an amenable resolution to my business and real estate concerns. I highly recommend Ian and will re-hire him for future legal matters.
- Tim
Action Against FormerTenant
I hired Ian to pursue a former tenant for unpaid damages and fees. He filed court action against the former tenant and then successfully negotiated a settlement on my behalf. I was referred to his firm by a friend and will not hesitate to refer others to him. Hopefully, I will not need his services again, but if end up with any similar problems, I will not hesitate to hire him again.
- anonymous
Thorough and Thoughtful
Thomas patiently listened to our concerns and questions and offered us a lot of information about our rights, legal options and courses of action. The knowledge and confidence he gave us immediately reduced our stress levels and helped us make the best decision for our situation. Highly recommended.
- Amancia E
Wealth of Knowledge
Thomas returned my call promptly and was able to provide me with a wealth of information. His professionalism and guidance was a breath of fresh air. Great listener and not only will you get a quick educational session, you will leave his meeting with a clear action plan.
- Kya
Thank Goodness for Mr. Valkenet
I had to hire Mr. Valkenet for a traffic court case. I know it is rare to hire a lawyer for these types of cases but I wanted to make sure that I was supported when going in front of the judge. For my case there was the potential that I would have been taken advantage of and Mr. Valkenet made sure that did not happen. I am grateful for Mr. Valkenet's professionalism and his availability by phone. I hope to not have to hire a lawyer again but if I do I will definitely call Mr. Valkenet.
- anonymous
Always thoroughly communicated throughout the entire process. Handled the case with much "vigor" and concern…..Therefore, it's no surprise that I (and others I know) came out with such a great "victory"!
Thank you Mr. Valkenet….You're definitely at the top of my referral list!!
- Stuart Fitzgerald
Ian saved the case!
After the sudden death of our attorney, Ian stepped in at the last minute to pickup the case, understand the issues, and work with us to a judgement in our favor at trial. Throughout this process we were impressed with Ian's patience, advice and attention to detail. The judge at trial also commented about Ian's organized submission of evidence and preparation for trial.
- anonymous
Very informative
I emailed Mr. Valkenet and he quickly responded with some availability for a phone conference. He understood my situation and provided detailed answers and advise. Very helpful. Would recommend.
- anonymous
Very Informative Consult
I emailed an initial inquiry to Mr. Valkenet and received a quick response with times available for a phone consultation. During the consultation Mr. Valkenet happily answered all of my questions and gave me an approach for my case that I should consider. The phone consultion was very informative.
- anonymous
Very Helpful
Mr. Valkenet was extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. He answered all my questions clearly and concisely. he is a true professional.
- Shane
Great response!
Mr. Valkenet was great help guiding me with asking the right question. Thank you.
- anonymous
Don't Leave Home Without It
I'd like to thank Mr. Valkenet for the broad based, expert counsel I received during our recent consultation, regarding a dispute with a physician and any possible resultant defamation. Although a person may feel that they have a valid basis for a formal complaint against a professional, it's wise to seek advice from an attorney specializing in your legal issue beforehand. I believe I benefited from a very in-depth discussion with Mr. Valkenet, confident in the knowledge and experience he aptly seemed to possess in the matter. Should you have a litigation or a contract problem, I would recommend meeting with Mr. Valkenet for a very competent legal assessment.
- Mark Serinis
Selfless problem solver
I called to retain Mr. Valkenet for foreclosure representation. Two minutes into the conversation he inquired which bank my mortgage was with and I told him, "PNC Financial Corporation." Immediately, he advised me of PNC's client status with his firm and the conflict of interest prevents him from representing me.
He advised me, however of what I could do and sent me an email citing contact information of an attorney he respected both for work ethic and results. In my search for an effective and proactive lawyer, not one time did any of the 12 professionals advise me of the solutions he provided. He had a plan after 4 minutes. I paid him no money and he asked for none and my phone call was after business hours when he could have ignored the call and/or hurriedly ended it, but he didn't. It's rare when people give without expecting anything in return and I wish I could retain him. I know why PNC retained him…he's a sure thing. He knows both sides of the equation. He's got the answers. And, most of all, he makes the time. You want the best? Well, he is.
- Roxanne
Working with Mr. Valkenet was excellent in every way. It was a great experience and I'd recommend him to any one that needs representation.
- anonymous
expedient and positive results
I had a dispute with an employer over wages and hired the services of Mr. Valkenet to help me. he was very responsive and helpful. as soon as he got on board I had almost immediate results from my employer and got back what was owed to me. he is very friendly and intelligent. I highly recommend his services
- vernon
Real Estate Contract Advice
I reached out to Ian regarding a contract dispute over a real estate purchase. He responded promptly with thorough, sound advice and I was able to resolve my situation later that same day. If you need fast, helpful legal advice – call or email Ian.
- Tim Youse
Ian is an excellent lawyer!! He is professional and knowledgable in his practice. After hiring and working with him, I would absolutely recommend him to anyone needing a lawyer.
- Rachel
Very responsive and insightful
Quick consultation that was very specific and to the point concerning my issue.
- Sean Pauley
Very professional and helpful
He is such an informative, patient and concerned attorney. He gave us all attention and advise regardless of our decision of hiring him.
Will definitely come back to him whenever needed.
- Mohamed Shaheen
Practical consultation Freely Given
Mr. Valkenet gave me specific procedures and indicated when I might need to further consult an attorney. He definitely is not looking to charge clients for what they don't need.
- anonymous
Best legal consultation!!
Called and spoke with me at a very professional level showing ample concern with my case and gave me free consultation and advice on how to handle my situation without me needing to pay a dime. Without a doubt in my mind I would use him without hesitation. I highly recommend this attorney!!!
- Shawn
Expertise and professionalism at its best
Tom was irreplaceable during my litigations. My matter, to me, seemed so immense and consuming. That was until I spoke to Tom Valkenet.
His knowledge and professionalism is second to none. I was thoroughly pleased with my time in conversation and in email with mr. Valkenet. He was never too busy for a quick phone call and would ALWAYS respond to emails in a timely matter. Tom seemed more like an old friend who just happened to be a lawyer than someone I had just met. With Mr. Valkanent, in my experience, you are more than just money coming into the office. He treats you with a personable experience, something no amount of money can replace. I would recommend him to anyone that needed litigation help.
- Joseph
Excellent attorney
Ian was knowledgeable about my options and helpful in achieving my goal. He worked fast and efficiently, and helped easing the tension in stressful situations. Highly recommended.
- anonymous
Knowledgeable attorney
I called Mr. Valkenet to inquire about my case. Unfortunately he does not practice in my area. He spoke with me and gave me great advice, even though he knew i would be unable to hire him. I really appreciate that he took the time to speak to me and hope I can find a lawyer in my area that is as good as him.
- Andrea
Last Minute Lifesaver!
Ian has helped me with several Big Last Minute cases. Every time I've had issues he has only had days to prepare and he has never told me He can't help me. Every time we have gone to court he has won the cases for me. One of the times he had a lawsuit dropped with a phone call. Either I'm extremely lucky, or Ian is that good. I'm leaning towards the second reason. I highly recommend using the Valkenet Team for any of your legal matters. They have for sure earned a life long client from me. Thank you!
- anonymous
Excellent attorney!
Mr. Ian Valkenet was wonderful! His professional and personable demeanor eased an otherwise stressful situation! I spent less than five minutes in court and with his help and legal counsel my case was immediately dismissed! I certainly would advise anyone seeking a reputable and outstanding attorney to contact Mr. Valkenet!
- Hillary
He worked relentlessly
Ian was amazingly helpful and did everything he could to get me the best result possible. He was thorough throughout the entire process and spent a lot of time researching and communicating with the State. I am very satisfied and I would highly recommend him to anyone I know.
- Maya
Great Consultation
I felt Mr. Valkenet was very helpful and ethical in resolving a dispute as well as in dealing with me as a client. I left the conusultation with a lot of respect for him both professionally and personally.
- anonymous
Outstanding Attorney
I spoke with Thomas and he was very professional and knowledgeable. Gave me the information I needed for now without pressuring me to hire him. He's a rare find and I highly recommend him. Thanks Thomas.
- Joe
A profesional, first rate attorney
I found Mr. Valkenet on the aavo.com website and based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews, decided to called his office. I had just signed a contract for a new home and wanted an attorney to take a look at the documents during a rescission period I was feeling somewhat uneasy about. After faxing him the paperwork, we agreed on a flat fee that seemed quite reasonable and it soon became evident that I had made the right choice. Not only is Mr. Valkenet knowledgeable, trustworthy and responsive, he's easygoing, practical and has a great sense of humor. Emails were returned promply, sometimes within minutes and I found his advice invaluable. He even wrote an addendum on my behalf even though it wasn't part of the original fee agreement. In the end, I rescinded the contract with the builder but the legal fee was money well spent. Mr. Valkenet is a professional, first rate attorney and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone.
- Andrew
Very thorough analysis
While he couldn't help me directly in my family estate issue, Thomas provided me a through analysis of what he found that was very helpful. I appreciated it, and maybe some day we can meet on Wyndhurst, an old family place of business for me. I will send me a heritage handbag. I have hundreds of them. Cheers.
- Pat
Excellent Attorney
Consistent with the other reviews, Thomas is very responsive to the needs of his clients. He is able to communicate with you in a way that puts you at ease as well as break down complicated subjects so you can understand them. He is very engaging and makes you feel like a close family member or friend.
- anonymous
Advice gave me peace of mind.
I called to consult about a civil demand case and Mr. Valkenet was very patient and helpful. He outlined things for me clearly and provided me with the information to make a decision about my situation going forward.
- Kara
Legal Question for Expungements
Ian was fantastic, even though I didn't like the answer, he was very professional and quick to respond with the answer. He also took the time to research the for any possible other outcomes. It is because of attorneys like Ian that I became a paralegal.
- anonymous
Excellent Attorney
Ian is a amazing intelligent and informative Attorney. He is very personal and explained every detail through our process. We felt very confident with our decision to use Ian that we have obtained his services on more than one occasion for our real estate needs.
- anonymous
Highly recommend him- amazing experience
Ian was extremely informative, did thorough research into my case and was readily available whenever I needed him regardless of the time of day. Ian was someone who I felt I was in good hands and who made sure that I was thoroughly prepared for my case as well as being supportive and attentive during the hearing. He also made sure that he would be there for my hearing regardless of his busy schedule that day and always made sure that the stress was put on him instead of myself. I would not have won my case or kept my sanity if it wasn't for him. I highly recommend him.
- Megan
Gave concise and helpful advice
Ian knew exactly what I needed to know about the problem I called him about. He gave straight forward advice and told me what I needed to hear. He was extremely personable and while I ultimately did not need representation, I would absolutely use him if the need arose.
Thanks Ian!!!
- David
Great lawyer
Mr. Valkenet helped us very much with an unusual situation that had a positive outcome. He was very responsive, fair with his prices, down to earth and we felt treated with respect. Would definitely use him again if ever the need were to arise.
- Bill
No "DOUBTING THOMAS" here…
Most of the time, due to constraints, and just being busy with daily life in general, few people have the time to even say a lingering good morning or even read the day's paper; much less spend a minute to read something from a stranger. Let's face it-we're just so active these days, there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day. So when I posted a question a few days ago, I really didn't expect to get as detailed an answer as Mr. Valkenet gave me. Right off the bat, I could tell he's not only knowledgeable, but he's very responsive…you know what I mean…it's as if he's right there actually speaking with you. Believe me, those are probably the two most important traits I look for when considering hiring an attorney to help me fight for my rights. It's truly a personal thing.
I've had my doubts about lawyers and whether they're trustworthy or whether they even know what they're talking about or not. But after getting such an informed opinion, I know first and foremost that I can trust Thomas Valkenet; and secondly, I know he knows what he's doing. It takes a genuine compassion for people to be able to not only take time away from your own schedule, but to spend that time reading questions and then fully answering them as well. Who even does that for someone they don't know? I'm pretty sure he has enough to keep him busy in the course of a day…that's why I have such positive things to say about the way he shares information. He actually cares!
Until I posted the question I had about the difference between a Motion, a Petition and a Request, I had no idea which would be appropriate to use for my cause. But after Mr. Valkenet gave me details and helped me figure it out, I found myself in a place of better understanding. He used easily understood words so I would have a clear picture of the situation and my options in dealing with them. So let me tell you something, if you need someone to help you navigate through the murky waters of the legal system, and you have doubts, you should definitely speak with Mr. Thomas Valkenet…you will no longer be a "DOUBTING THOMAS" either. I'm sure with all his many years of experience, and his impeccable reputation, he'll be able to advise you and help you determine what course of action to take in order to get the best outcome possible.
I am thankful to him for allowing me to benefit from his wisdom and experience. That's pretty generous of him to do if you ask me. I'd highly recommend him to anyone seeking legal advice–I seriously doubt you could ever find better!
You will not regret using this firm -My great experience – Reputable, Responsive and Reassuring
Reputable, Responsive, and Reassuring, definitely needed when you're going through a legal matter and you'll find that here. I reached out to Young&Valkenet law firm through AVVO.com and got an email reply from them the same day (I'm still waiting to hear back from all the other places I contacted btw)! Always wondered about businesses, who use a site like this and never respond to potential customers? Anyways, that's definitely NOT an issue with this firm.
Right from the start with the little information I provided through the site, they had ALREADY obtained copies of pertinent accessible information for me FREE OF CHARGE , and included meaningful "what to expect information" in their very first email reply to me! Super awesome and much appreciated during a rather stress filled time for me and my family.
During my free consultation, it was all I could ask for from beginning to end. I discussed this case with Thomas Valkenet . He was thorough with his review, patient in his legal jargon explanations, and most importantly HONEST. My case is complex and so I was concerned he would not "get it". But he got it! He impressively outlined all its nuances. He walked me through all my different options and outcomes to consider ( even though the most favorable to me likely meant no case for him).
Mr. Valkenet provided me with a referral to a trusted colleague he believed can help. Actually he did more than that. He emailed me and the person he referred me to explaining what I needed and offering to discuss the details with them directly – 1 hour after we met! No follow-ups…no begging…just REAL HELP. I am keeping this firm's card close for all my future legal matters because if they can help, I know they will. And I'll be happy to have them do it!
Oh, also their offices are in a convenient location with free parking (a prize asset for the area). The entire staff was super friendly. Great people and service! Definitely a firm embracing the future (did I mention they blog too ?).
- Natasha
Top Consumer Advocate
Mr. Valkenet has provided me with great information, and it particularly addressed specific elements that I could use to help myself on a pro se basis. Sometimes, a creditor is just not right when they post erroneous information on a consumer report. Thus, potential creditors and employers will take what they see on a consumer report at face-value. Unfortunately, a consumer is usually not knowledgeable of what can be done to remedy these issues. This is why I appreciated Mr. Valkenet's advise. Not only was Mr. Valkenet precise with the information that was provided, he showed a measure of confidence in the information that was provided, and wasn't inclined to pressure a consumer into a consultation for hefty up-front fees. Some lawyers will give you sparse amounts of information, which will lead a consumer to paying hefty fees for a consultation, with the lawyer not being able to help you, or offer any relevant information. Mr. Valkenet not only provided the information, there was no pressure to pay money for additional information. With that being said, Mr. Valkenet not only wins my respect, I am now moved to go retain him for any future legal matter. He deserves a GOLD STAR!!
- anonymous
Swift reply, with considerations offered that hadn't occurred to me.
Frankly, the title sums things up nicely. My question concerned issues related to a real estate transaction and Atty Valkenet identified potential estate planning concerns in his reply, in addition to answering the original question. His swift response did well to assist me in pinpointing my focus as I go forward.
- Ron
Unemployment Claim Case
Mr. Valkenet represented me in a case involving an unemployment claim. He was the ultimate professional without the ego! He had full knowledge of the unemployment process and was able to clearly break it down into layman's terms so that I too was able to understand the intricacies of the situation. Whether speaking to me, the hearing examiner or the parties on the "other side", his demeanor was at all times respectful and attentive. I would highly recommend Mr. Valkenet to anyway seeking legal services.
- Beth
Ian took my call on a Saturday and he gave me sound advice about what I should do next regarding a property I have in Baltimore. He was very helpful and even did research while I was on the phone to help me figure out what was going on with a property I have in Baltimore. There aren't many lawyers that would do this on a Saturday morning.
- Heema Balram
Great Attorney, Very Thorough and Professional
I had a difficult situation when a real estate deal fell through and the seller wanted to retain my earnest money deposit when there was a contingency stating that the deposit be returned to me in this specific circumstance. Over 3 months of talking back and forth with the seller, they determined that they were entitled to a large portion of the deposit. I contacted Ian based on his excellent reviews on Avvo. He gave me pricing information up front and worked quickly to give me his understanding of the situation. He wrote a demand letter to the seller with the threat of a lawsuit if the money wasn't returned to me in full in 2 weeks. Within that time frame I received a document from the seller releasing the full deposit to me and a week later I received the check in the mail.
I have never needed to hire an attorney for anything before, and I was wary of hiring one from the internet, but this experience has been great. I highly recommend Ian and his associates.
- anonymous
Thorough and Prompt
Ian went over our purchase agreement and assured us that my concerns were already addressed in it (I had sent him it with the seller's edits and my comments). He pointed out a concern of his and advised us to address it in the agreement by stipulating that we have a separate agreement on that issue (the sales price factored in allowing the seller to live rent free for up to 9 months after the closing). His price of $250 was very reasonable and it included a half hr phone discussion; though we didn't take advantage of this, we did have a question about being married and being on the deed vs. the mortgage. He explained to us a statute in MD that makes for an equitable distribution in the event of a divorce. I highly recommend Ian and would contact him in the future.
- anonymous
The right man for the job!!!
Ian is an outstanding lawyer who is knowledgable and most importantly a tough negotiator. This was my first time ever needing a lawyer and I would recommend his firm to any of my family or friends.
- anonymous
Call him!
I called looking for representation concerning a complicated real estate purchase. He answered my questions and referred me to another lawyer who answered even more questions. Both of them were excellent!! They gave me great advise and pointed me in the direction I needed to go. I would definitely use these guys in the future.
- Sherry
Exceptional service and effort
ian Valkenet is an amazing lawyer and one who will go the extra mile for his clients. His knowledge of the law and attention to detail are second to none. He put in tireless effort to work for me and I trust him with any matter. I would hire him in a second! He is a true professional who will work relentlessly for you and your family. I could not have had a better attorney.
- anonymous
Very helpful and knowledgeable
I had a question on Christmas Eve and email Ian. He called me back within 20 minutes and answered all of my questions and guided me through through the process. He promptly followed up a few days later to make sure everything was going right on my end. Great and dependable lawyer.
- Kait
Helpful and knowledgable
Ian helped me with an issue with an old landlord. The problem was resolved quickly and easily thanks to his help. I highly recommend his services.
- anonymous
Easy to work with, smart, and very helpful!
In my experience working with Mr. Valkenet, he was always personable, thorough, and very professional. His expertise on a wide range of legal topics was clear during consultations and he was able to explain all possible legal outcomes. When I had questions or concerns outside our meetings, he returned my calls quickly. I have consulted with him to help me work through wills, real estate transactions, and employment contracts–he has always delivered on-time and I have been very happy with his work. I would highly recommend Mr. Valkenet for any legal issue you might have!
- Matthew
Very Professional
Just spoke for a few minutes, but Mr. Valkenet was informative about my situation. Gave good advice and talked to me in a way that I felt that I wasn't wasting his time and made my case feel important.
- BradBravman
Pretty Dawg-Gone Amazing 🙂 Talk to this guy. He's the real deal and knows his stuff.
I am probably a challenging prospective client to speak to. Thomas was great at reining me in and keeping me focused on the facts. He gave us excellent insight into our tangled web of a case without bad mouthing his competition and was very professional. Wish I'd spoken to him first, but he did give us clear directions on how to make the most of our legal representative we have now.
Thank you Thomas … we so appreciate your time!
- anonymous
faith in lawyers restored
I spoke with Mr Valkenet in regards to a claim I was trying to file and his honesty and professionalism made it very easy to understand my situation better.
- Brianna
five stars in the area of contract law
Very helpful with answering my questions of how to defend against a contractor's claim. He found several areas of weakness in the plaintiff's case and was extremely knowledgeable and responsive in assisting me…highly recommend.
- anonymous
Telephone Consultation
Spoke with Mr. Valkenet over the phone regarding a potential case. I explained the details regarding our situation and he offered guidance and also discussed similar cases that he was aware of. He referred me to another attorney due to the area where I live and the extra cost it would be for travel (very kind to think of that). I can only hope that the next attorney I speak with is as kind as him.
- anonymous
Review of Ian Valkenet
Ian was very helpful in reviewing and making changes to my outdated employment documents. He was able to point out specific areas that needed to be changed in order to protect me as an employee, that I would not have been able to do on my own. I greatly appreciate how professional and timely Ian was and I would highly recommend him.
- Katie
Mr. Ian returned my call in a timely manner,he explained to me the pros and cons of a case with me and I understood what was being said. Very very polite and helped me to have the upper hand on my debt collection case.Thank you so much!
- anonymous
I highly recommend Ian Valkenet..
Ian Valkenet took the time to thoroughly explain different aspects of my case. He is compassionate, kind, patient and very easy to talk to. I highly recommend Mr. Valkenet for your legal needs.
- Mj
Excellent Lawyer
I talked to Ian on the phone for legal advice. he was informative and helpful the entire time. I would absolutely seek his help again in the future if needed. He is an excellent lawyer, and I strongly recommend him.
- Maria
Down to earth and knowledgeable.
I would recommend Ian Valkenet for the shear fact he is motivated, enthusiastic, and well informed. He takes the time to listen and truly understand your unique situation. During our conversations Ian demonstrated more knowledge and confidence then lawyers I used in the past with 20yrs experience.
- Tim
Thank you, Ian
Ian agreed to offer me legal advice when I had an unexpected run-in with a debt collector.
He walked me through my rights, what to expect from the collection agency, and how to best handle my situation.
Not only was he remarkably responsive, but his answers to my numerous questions were incredibly detailed and thought out. Ian never made me feel as if I was inconveniencing him, or that my problems were not worth his time.
He was both incredibly friendly, and knowledgable, and he will be the first person I reach out to for any future legal needs.
- anonymous
Ian Valkenet — Highly recommended.
I've worked with Ian recently on a judgment that I needed vacated due to lack of credibility. I've initially contact Ian Valkenet via phone and spoke with him on the situation. He was very attentive, clear and detailed on how the process works and what I can do to vacate such judgment. It was inviting that his firm segment the process step by step, which had helped me understand the process more easily. Finally when I've met Ian Valkenet in the courtroom, I found him to be extremely knowledgeable, professional, personable and overall a down to earth person to work with. I was very impressed when he spoke in front of the judge and had my judgment quickly vacated and cleared my name. He's very confident and passionate in his work and Ian has my highest recommendation. — Gary
- Gary
Personable & trustworthy
We had a great experience with Ian as our attorney. He was knowledgable, always available, and he showed a lot of compassion for our situation. I would definitely recommend him to anyone in need of his services!
- Marilyn
Needed Legal Advice on the Fly
Was looking for legal advice on Avvo, found this attorney who posted many answers. Called his office for legal advice on a tough situation I was facing and he took the time out of his day to answer my question, I highly recommend this lawyer. Not only was his advice right on the spot, but clearly explained to me in lay terms how to seek the relief I was requesting.
- anonymous
Fantastic, Trustworthy, and Very Knowledgeable Lawyer
Recently, Ian helped me navigate the very difficult and very complex Landlord/Tenant laws within the courts of Maryland.
I was recently faced with a very tough situation where a guest tenant in my apartment did not move out after my lease ended. Maryland laws protected my guest from having to leave my apartment, and I was left to bear the full costs of my guest's actions.
With Ian's brilliant legal knowledge of the Maryland Landlord/Tenant Laws and his familiarity with the Maryland court system, he was able to help me with this very difficult problem. He laid out several step by step plans and allowed me to select the plan that I was comfortable in pursuing to help me resolve the situation I was in.
Ian is a very knowledgeable, trustworthy, honest, and well organized lawyer who understands how the Maryland court system works. I highly recommend Ian to anyone who is need of legal assistance.
- anonymous
Real estate
Mr. Valkenet is very knowledgeable and response very quickly to my question. I personally sent Mr. Valkenet an email to further explain my case and informed me how I could handle it and if not please give him a call for further assistance.
- Ophelia
Helped answer civil summons question
I had a legal question concerning a civil summons resulting from a traffic accident. Mr. Valkenet answered my email on a Saturday only hours after my request for information. He explained that my insurance company would handle legal issues. If I feel that the insurance company is not being responsive I will definitely use his services. Thanks again for the quick response and informative information.
- Bill C
Great lawyers!
I consulted Mr. Valkenet in a series of issues and he seems diligent, honest, and knowledgeably. I highly recommend him in the Maryland Metropolitan area.
- Dina
Fantastic consultation!! Very professional and informative.
Met Mr. Valkenet today in reference to a dispute with a former employer threatening suit. Mr. Valkenet was very welcoming and reassuring. I left the consultation feeling relieved and worry free. Should I need his assistance in the future with this matter or any other, I am confident he would be a tremendous asset.
- anonymous
Happy Customer//Unathorized Loan
Mr. Valkenet was very forth coming and honest. He helped me out tremendiously on my civil suit against a big bank (Ex Bf took out autoloan with me listed as a co-signer, never signed or authorized the loan). (We won) He and his peers kept me up to date on what was going on with the communication between the bank and when I sat down to discuss the whole case he got me mentally prepaired for what could (and thankfully did not) happen. I highly recommend his law firm.
- sofortunateaf
Great consultation
Spoke to Mr. Valkenet today about a legal issue in Maryland, and I was completely impressed.
First of all he was "all business" in his demeanor, launching immediately into a series of insightful questions to better understand my situation. I appreciated his directness, because if I were to retain him to do this work, I would assume he'd be just as efficient when I'm paying for his time.
Second, he shared his opinions freely without trying to sell me on his services.
Third, he was quite knowledgeable about the issues I was facing.
The value of the consultation was superb.
- Malcolm
Was confused and little scared.
To have an attorney write and basically "hey ,you don't need an attorney at this stage" felt not just good,but refreshing. There are good, trust worthy,moral attorney's out there folks,Thomas C .Valkenet proves it. Highly recommend.
- kirkroberts90
responsive and helpful
Mr. Valkenet gave me a quick, responsive and helpful answer.
- anonymous
Complimenting Professional Advice
I recently submitted a real estate boundary issue on the AVVO website. It was answered promptly and professionally by Mr. Valkenet. I also spoke with him and he was most kindly on the phone. He offered additional very helpful "pro bono" information via a website link. If I lived in the great State of Maryland, I would most definitel seek his professional advice on real estate legal issues.
- Kate
Highly Recommended
Ian is an excellent lawyer. He is extremely professional, has good communication skills, and is knowledgeable of his craft. He always made it a priority to make me feel comfortable and to make sure I understood everything going on. I highly recommend Ian to anyone.
- Denae
Expungement Question
I had a question for Ian about how to get a nolle prosequi ruling expunged from my record. His response was quick, informative, and detailed. He outlined the process thoroughly in a way that was easy to understand. I highly recommend his services.
- Dave H.
Very Impressed
I was thoroughly impressed with Mr. Valkenet's compassion and professionalism during his recent representation of my elderly mother. He kept my family informed with timely updates and he ultimately delivered the successful results we had hoped for. Should you find yourself in need of an attorney, I would highly recommend Ian Valkenet.
- anonymous
Glad we met
Ian made me feel comfortable, he was very patient when I may have called him with tons of questions. I felt that I was guided through this process with no surprises. Ian has only been practicing for a year but, he is confident, knowledgeable and hard working. I would like to Thank You whole heartedly Ian, you are awesome.
- anonymous
Smart, Organized, Supportive!!!
Ian was so helpful! Our case needed professional handling, and that was what we got. I cannot recommend Mr. Valkenet or his firm anymore highly!
- anonymous
Second time hiring Mr. Valkenet
Even after emailing Ian during a Ravens game he responded super quick. On a Sunday.
I hired Ian for my troubled friend who has some crazy 4 cases. His price was amazing for the value you get. Mark my words- he will expensive one day very soon. He saved my friend from a trap and saved him from doing one year for a simple driving case (connected to 3 criminal cases).
We have 3 more cases to go so ill be back im sure. Thanks again Ian!
- anonymous
Recent trial with Ian representing me
Ian is an excellent criminal lawyer. He comes from a bloodline of amazing attorneys as well. He recently co counseled a large case for me and helped get a sentence below the guidelines. I'm going to keep an eye on his criminal law future because he will go far.
- anonymous
Knowledgeabe and honest
Mr. Valkenet helped me resolve a problem with a neighbor over a dispute related to our utilities easement agreement. He was knowledgeable, honest, and provided thoughtful advice that helped inform our plan of action. Without him, this dispute would not have been resolved. I highly recommend him to anyone needing a trustworthy lawyer who cares about his clients.
- Maria
Incredibly Responsive with Great Advice
Ian worked with myself and my roommates to settle a dispute with a neighboring landlord. He was able to help us understand our rights on the matter and worked extremely quickly to allow us to reach a satisfactory settlement of the issue. I would definitely recommend Ian, as he was quite knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.
- Brian
Prompt compasionate lawyer
Mr. Valkenet responded quickly and with compassion to my issue. He took the time to look into my problem and responded with knowledgeable advise.
- Denise
Very helpful
Mr. Valkenet contacted me through this website and had answered my questions over the phone with great knowledge and concern
- Peter
out of state contractor
I was facing a year in jail and a $5,000 fine, but I walked out with PBJ. Many thanks.
- Stephen
Review for Tom Valkenet
My husband and I have asked for Tom Valkenet's expertise in real estate twice in one year. I have used various law firms throughout the years but Tom is a truly trusted attorney and from day one made you feel like a friend not just a client. Tom is all of the above (trustworthy, responsive, knowledgeable and will keep you informed) but it goes beyond that with him, he takes your case to heart.
- Trudie
Provided solid, real-world advice
Provided timely advice – would defintely recommend him to friends and colleagues.
- anonymous
Job well done!!!
Thomas provided us with excellent service. We were well informed throughout the entire process. Thomas is a very knowledgeable lawer who cares about his clients and does not hesitate in obtaining results. He was a pleasure to work with!
- David
Thomas Valkenet was the most impressive lawyer I have had the pleasure of dealing with.
Mr. Valkenet handled a situation that had been lingering for 2 years; and once he was on the case, he was able to resolve it for us within 45 days. We have never been as impressed with an attorney and as elated with the timing and outcome of the case as we were with him. We highly recommend Thomas Valkenet and commend him on his dedication to his profession and clients, his tenacity and expertise.
- Judy
Thomas Valkenet, Miracle Worker!
Despite our circumstances, working with Mr. Valkenet was truly a pleasure and we were very lucky to have him work on our case. Throughout our entire ordeal, he kept us well-informed and was extremely responsive, knowledgeable, and steadfast in getting a quick and successful resolution to an extremely difficult task. Our sincere thanks and appreciation for a job well done! We'd recommend Mr. Valkenet to anyone!
- Kelly
Great Attorney: Thomas C Valkenet
Mr. Valkenet has been an exceptional attorney over the past 11 years. I have used his services for several different occasions and have been very pleased with his work. His responce time to my needs has been great. Each time I speak with Mr. Valkenet , he puts my mind at ease and I feel calmed. I have trusted him with all of my family personal information and will continue to do so.
- anonymous
Resourceful, Effective, and Responsive
I've known Tom for a few years and he has handled a number of disputes for me. From advising me about the law, litigation, and negotiation to court appearances, Tom is effective, resourceful, and available. He is a pleasure to speak with in person and on the telephone. He practices with style because he enjoys his job. Whether you are a large company or a small business, Tom is the right litigator.
- anonymous
Got the job done!
Mr. Valkenet helped resolve a dispute when my neighbor cut our cable/internet cable because she believed it was on her property. He was so kind and helpful, always available to answer my questions. He gave me great advice and wrote an effective letter that led to the resolution of this dispute. I trust him and I have already recommended him to my friends.
- Claire
My Go-To
He makes an extra effort to assure clients' understanding throughout entire litigation process. There's a genuine and trustworthy component to his expertise that makes the decision to do business with him that much simpler; not to mention, every case he defended (for me) and won. He is extremely helpful, knowledgeable, professional, and I would recommend Ian Valkenet to anyone seeking legal services in the Baltimore Area.
- Corina
Excellent Advice
My fiance and I are 1st time homebuyers, and I originally went to Mr. Valkenet for advice on a real property/title question about the process for changing my fiance's last name on the deed after the wedding.
Mr. Valkenet's response was both timely and comprehensive, but more importantly he went a step further and explained that from his perspective the real issue we should consider was the different types of joint-ownership recognized in Maryland. He then provided a detailed description of each of the 3 types and how our eligibility for Tenancy by the Entireties would change when our marital status changed.
His thoroughness demonstrated his full command of the applicable legal concepts, and a real value in Mr. Valkenet's service was his ability to explain the different types of joint-ownership in such a way that a non-legal person could understand them. He provided "real-life examples" that illustrated how the 3 different types of ownership would change the result of a given situation.
He also gave some information about the process of executing a quitclaim deed and made himself available for any additional questions we may have.
While an answer to my original question would have been great in and of itself, Mr. Valkenet went the extra mile to explain an issue he perceived to be more relevant for us–an issue we may have never really recognized on our own. Mr. Valkenet provided a great combination of technical expertise and customer service.
- anonymous
Have you ever been in the depths of despair…stressed, feeling hopeless and helpless…desperately searching for some light ? Ian T. Valkenet provided that light….unemployed and facing eviction my family turned to Ian for assistance. Ian armed with his knowledge , professionalism, and supreme negotiating skills rescued my family from a very tragic situation. Without question Ian T. Valkenet is a fine attorney…..but in my humble opinion he is an even better man.


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Stay informed on our latest news!
Stay informed on our latest news!
Philistines is a play written by Maxim Gorky in 1901 that comes across as if it had been written yesterday in terms of the setup of its central problem. It turns out that conflicts between generations never go away and the task of young people is to make it clear to older people what the best way to live is. Young people have always been decadent and older people cling excessively to their past. Gorky presages the Revolution of 1905 with his text. We do not yet know what kind of revolution the stage version of this play will bring with it in 2018.
Premiere: 16 March 2018 on the Big Stage.
Director: Kertu Moppel (guest)
Art Director: Arthur Arula (guest)
Video Designer: Emer Värk (guest)
Music Designer: Lauri Kaldoja (guest)
Translated by Sven Karja
Cast: Indrek Sammul, Kaie Mihkelson, Liisa Saaremäel, Robert Annus, Hendrik Toompere jr, Ivo Uukkivi, Liisa Pulk (guest), Marta Laan, Lauri Kaldoja (guest), Jüri Tiidus.
|Start time
|Big stage
|Buy tickets
|viimaseid kordi
|Big stage
|Buy tickets
|viimast korda
|Big stage
|Buy tickets


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A round up of things that the Improved Apps folk chat about over a cuppa coffee!
By Sophie Wyard – Marketing Manager @ Improved Apps
We're a diverse bunch at Improved Apps and we enjoy sharing a story or two… our news… and views… over a cup of coffee or around the water cooler (and an occasional beer!)
So, we thought why not share a few of our newly discovered noteworthy news stories, fascinating facts, helpful hints, as well as the things that have made us smile or simply laugh out loud.
As our apps support the entire gamut of Salesforce users from sys admins to sales reps; from marketing managers to business analysts and from trainers to support staff, (and bearing in mind we're all human), we hope that there is something of interest to everyone.
Happy reading!


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The pricing puts the smartphone in the mid-range category where it will compete against the popular OnePlus 2, Moto X Style and the recently launched Yu Yutopia from Micromax, once it is available in India. HTC One X9 packs decent specifications and boasts a metal unibody design that resembles the look and feel of the recently launched HTC One A9.
The handset features a 5.5-inch full HD (1080p) IPS display on the front accompanied by the dual front-facing BoomSound speakers with Dolby audio. HTC has integrated the smartphone with MediaTek's top-end Helio X10 octa-core SoC along with 3GB of RAM. The smartphone has 32GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to a good 2TB via microSD card.
Coming to the camera, you will find a 13MP rear snapper with OIS (optical image stabilisation), support for 4K video recording and dual-tone LED flash. The front is equipped with HTC's signature ultrapixel selfie camera of aperture f/2.0 with support for 1080p video recording. There is no word about the Android version the smartphone will come with but we expect HTC to ship the handset with Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box.
The dual-SIM 4G enabled smartphone has a thickness of 7.99mm and is backed by a nonremovable 3,000mAh . It will be available in silver and gunmetal grey colour options. Details on its availability in the Indian market is awaited.


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If you cancel your booking before the appointment has started, depending on the cancellation policy, you may or may not be charged for the booking.
I did not turn up for my appointment
Your service provider has the right to charge you for no show. Waiving the no-show charges will be at the discretion of your service provider.
The service provider did not turn up for the appointment or was double booked
There may be instances where the service provider overlooked the appointment schedule and/or double booked. In these rare instances, the service provider should have cancelled your appointment or rescheduled. You will not be charged for these rare instances.


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7'0 x 22" x 2 7/8" - 58.1 L poly
A best seller for 10 years, this mini-longboard bridges the gap between the more performance oriented M-13 hybrid model and our longboard line. Low entry rocker for trimming and enough tail rocker to stay high performance. The bottom goes from flat entry with concave to vee out the tail.


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Renovating your bathroom can be an expensive task, especially if you're looking to replace multiple fixtures. However, when it comes to the bathroom, Miseno has you completely covered with products at prices that won't blow your budget out of the water. Whether you're searching for a lone faucet or matching pieces for an entire bathroom remodel, Miseno is great to consider for its classic look and combination of affordability and durability.
The full Miseno catalog is expansive, and with so many options it can be hard to narrow down which fixtures will work best for you. To help condense your search, we've compiled this guide that dives into the catalog and highlights products by area.
The bathroom sink is not only where you wash your hands; it's where you brush your teeth, put on your makeup, fix your hair, and shave your face. Because the sink has so many uses, it's important to have a sturdy surface and a splash-free unit to keep your bathroom accessible and organized.
Miseno sinks come in porcelain or stainless steel and are built well with a cost-effective quality. Once you lock down the material of your sink, you'll need to choose its finish, shape, size, and installation type. Sink installation depends on your style and what kind of countertop you might already have. Drop in sinks, per their name, are dropped into a countertop cutout with a lip that overflows onto the counter itself. Undermount sinks, also per their name, are mounted underneath the counter, keeping water well contained, and have no lip. Want to see a real-life example? Check out this ADA compliant Miseno Undermount Porcelain Bathroom Sink (pictured above) that has a rear drain and overflow. And, at just a little over $100, this Miseno model is a budget-conscious alternative to bigger brands like TOTO and Duravit.
The type of sink you purchase may in turn affect your faucet choice. When it comes to Miseno bathroom faucets, bear in mind that there are two installation types available: widespread and single hole. Widespread faucets come with two levers to control hot and cold temperatures, and typically require more countertop space for installation. Single hole faucets, as one might imagine, are fitted into a single hole, and are perfect for smaller bathroom spaces. Both types are great on a budget- all Miseno faucets on SUPPLY.com are under $200.
Sinks and faucets can take some time to coordinate, but there is less mixing and matching to worry about when purchasing a Miseno toilet. These china classics all have the highest possible MAP rating, meaning that they can flush up to 1000 grams of waste at a time. They sit at a comfortable height for most adults, include a sanitation bar to keep water within the tank, and versions with two flush types are available: gravity, which literally flushes with the force of gravity, and siphon jet, which flushes with an assisted pressure mechanism.
No matter which option you go with, your toilet choice will depend more on personal design tastes and installation requirements (floor or wall) than on price; Miseno toilets have all the durability and utility you need in a modern toilet that look similar to Kohler products but with a range of price options that will surely fit anyone's budget. This Miseno Elongated Toilet is ADA compliant, WaterSense certified (uses 20% less water than the standard), and comes with a toilet seat. Like the rest of the Miseno toilets, its simplicity makes it both affordable and adaptable across various bathroom design themes (plus it doesn't hurt that most Miseno toilets come in around half the price of your average toilet on the market today).
Though the toilet is an absolute necessity for any bathroom, the shower and tub can be just as essential and, if your space allows for them, are generally more fun when it comes to spending both your time and your money.
For both tub/shower combos and standing showers, you can always continue to build and replace parts with faucets, trims, and showerheads. Drain strainers, for a shower without a tub, come as linear, round, or square depending on your shower shape. As for the top of the shower, full-spray showerheads are inexpensive and easy to install. Faucets come in a package deal of showerheads attached to an arm with trims, which contain the lever that controls water flow and temperature. Packages are also available with tub faucets included- this is a great way to purchase all your items so that they are guaranteed to match and function.
If you don't need the package and have a tub already, you might be interested in a Miseno tub spout. The tub spout essentially acts as a faucet for the tub, controlling the flow of water into the tub itself. A typical tub spout comes with an automatic shower diverter, which is the tab you push or pull to redirect the flow of water from the tub spout to the showerhead. This floor-mounted tub faucet is another option to consider, and comes with a diverter that switches flow of water to an accessory handshower.
Tub faucets are especially compliant with freestanding bathtubs, which rest upon a surface away from the wall, like this Miseno soaking tub (pictured above). Drop in tubs, like the sink, fit into a preexisting space; the same can be said with three wall alcove tubs. Freestanding tubs tend to be more expensive but are easier to install (bonus: they're also a 2018 tub trend). To help make your decision, consider which features you want in your bath. Miseno freestanders, which have a style similar to Duravit tubs, are all considered soaking tubs. Drop in and alcove tubs have whirlpool and air massage options, which are differentiated by jets of water and jets of air, respectively.
Modern and modest, Miseno is your go-to brand if you're looking for solid value in the bathroom. Featuring subtle looks, Limited Lifetime Warranty, and easy installation instructions, Miseno products will fit with ease into your bathroom, and your budget.
Give our SUPPLY.com product experts a call at 888-426-2323 with any questions, and check out all that Miseno has to offer below if you'd like to explore further!


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At the risk of being branded a complete lunatic and losing all 8 of you avid readers . . . . (read at your own risk) . . .
What is Starbucks making? A new scone? Or perhaps something more sinister . . .like making people LGBT! (*cue the shocked gasps from the crowd*)
So while trying to decide whom to vote for among such wonderful Presidential candidates this year (*said sarcastically, of course*) I find myself once again puzzled by the LGBT, shall we say demographic? I posted some time ago about a company who embraces gay marriage in my blog post, "Dump Starbucks - Why dump Starbucks?". I would like to apologize for giving you false information. Mr. Schultz did not say if you are for traditional marriage you should buy stock elsewhere. (Or if he did I couldn't find it on the internet.)
Subsequently, I have discovered this video of Mr. Schultz's actual speech. You can click it to hear the words from the horse's mouth directly. He did not say if you support traditional marriage to buy your stock elsewhere, he only says if you can find a stock that earned more than the 38% Starbucks earned you are free to buy your stock elsewhere. So I apologize for posting incorrectly about this company . . . who I still won't buy an $8.00 coffee from.
My concern is not about the validity of the internet, which we all know to be flawed. Including my information back some time ago about this company. My concern is with the rampant LGBT movement which is still world-wide only 5% of the population. (According to Wikipedia only 3.8% of Americans identify as LGBT, see article. Gallup also suggest we as Americans overestimate how many of us are LGBT as at least 25% of people, see article. Most reports are proving less than 5% of the world's population, men and women combined, are LGBT.)
But now that many television programs and movies include some type of LGBT relationship and/or reference I am confused as to where this is all coming from, being that the market for such media is very . . . . VERY . . . limited.
In an effort to, again, not offend anyone we have perpetuated a lifestyle that clearly only a small percentage of the world participates in or perhaps it is confined to southern California where many television programs originate.
So let's give Starbucks a lot of leeway here and say that 15% of their employees are LGBT that would be 30,000 people in their company, when in all actuality it may be closer to 5,000 people. Maybe a marked more than 30,000 people employed by Starbucks are LGBT, I don't have that statistic. Which could simply mean that Starbucks attracts LGBT people as employees because of their advertised acceptance or . . . . it could mean that people are "turning" LGBT after drinking Starbucks coffee. I'm just sayin'.
Have a great day . . . . and try not to take things you read on the internet TOO seriously, like I did.


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This book–the text of seven lectures given to students at Cornell University in 1965– should be required reading for every teacher, regardless of the subject they teach. While the topics covered may not quicken the pulse of those not excited by explorations of natural science, anyone interested in how to bring complex issues alive for their students can take away volumes of lessons from this justifiably esteemed little book,
On page one, Feynman states his intention: "…I would like to be understood in an honest way rather than in a vague way." He goes on to do a bang-up job of it. Even while he apologizes that "…it is impossible to explain honestly the beauties of the laws of nature in a way that people can feel, without their having some deep understanding of mathematics. I am sorry, but this seems to be the case," he generally eschews the use of mathematics, instead relying on captivating and memorable metaphors and demonstrations.
Feynman's humor and humility ("I think I can safely say that nobody understands quantum physics.") glow from the page, and complex ideas, couched in this inviting warmth, seem more accessible and comprehensible. Perhaps more endearing, however, is his enthusiasm. As he states near the end of the book, "The age in which we live is the age in which we are discovering the fundamental laws of nature, and that day will never come again." Not only was Feynman one of the foremost discoverers of that age, he also, to our great benefit, was among its best teachers.


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Rock Requiem - Stars That Left Us Too Soon
for Coffeerooms by Mike Jefferson
Looks like Amy Winehouse shouldn't have said no, no, no to rehab after all. The recent passing of the overindulgent chanteuse brings to mind a slew of rock and rollers who lived full-throttle and ran out of gas young. Like Winehouse, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan and Janis Joplin went to rock and roll heaven at age 27 (ed. note: also Kurt Cobain and Brian Jones). Hmm...does that mean if you don't join "the 27 Club" you're gonna be okay? Nah. John Lennon (40), John Bonham (32), Steve Marriott (44) and Elvis (42) were called to that great concert hall in the sky at a relatively young age. Here are some other lesser known but no less important musicians that left us too soon:
Chris Wood (Traffic)
Fellow Traffickers Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi called Wood the heart and soul of the band. Well, by 1974 that soul was wearing down. Wood, who had aversion to flying, started drinking to relax. Then he started drinking in order to perform, then he started drinking in order to fall asleep, then he started drinking to...well, you get the picture. Self taught on the sax and flute, Wood's genius for improvisation began to evaporate. Toward the end of Traffic's final tour he lurched about on stage, fell off the stage or wasn't on stage at all. He once spent half a concert arguing with a fan while the rest of the band played on. Traffic's demise was in part due to Wood's erratic performances. He tried to record a solo album, Vulcan, but drugs and alcohol kept him from finishing it. He died of pneumonia on July 12, 1983, age 39.
Richard Manuel (The Band)
Manuel sang like a tortured soul. He was. His vocal for the Depression era saga "King Harvest (Has Surely Come)" was impassioned; his faltering falsetto for "Whispering Pines" was a desperate cry from a lost man wallowing in the throes of insecurity and depression. Whether he was frustrated that his skills as a composer had deserted him or tired of being on the road, he partied like a condemned man. After The Band played their Last Waltz concert in 1976, Manuel dried out, eventually touring with the reconstituted group in 1983. But the demons returned and Manuel slowly slipped into his old habit of singing only as well as his sobriety allowed. When alcoholism proved to be to slow (he drank eight bottles of Grand Marnier per day and snorted enough Peruvian marching dust to bury a village), Manuel hung himself on March 4, 1986. He was 42.
Paul Kossoff (Free/Back Street Crawler)
Guitarist Paul Kossoff was all of 20 when Free scored a worldwide top ten hit with the iconic "All Right Now." Despite his wailing, expressive style, "Koss" was insecure. He stood a gnome-like 5' 2" and was playing in a rock band without the approval of his father, actor David Kossoff. When 18-year old bassist Andy Fraser began to exert more control over the group adding keyboards and showing Kossoff how to play his parts, Kossoff stepped up his use of Mandrax to ease his troubles. Downs and alcohol seldom mix well on stage; Fraser left the band when Kossoff's addiction made a mess of their performances. Free was finished soon after. Kossoff did solo album, played on Jim Capaldi's first solo album, Oh How We Danced and formed his own group, Back Street Crawler. But Kossoff's performances began to mirror those of his party buddy, Chris Wood, leading to a bet among Island Records staffers whether Kossoff or Wood would die first. Kossoff won the bet, but it wasn't easy. He O'D'ed on his way to New York and was clinically dead for nearly forty-five minutes. Given a second chance at life, Kossoff, admittedly lost without his Free band mates, accelerated his drug use. He suffered a heart attack on a flight from Los Angeles to New York on March 19, 1976. This time he was dead for sure, age 25.
Terry Kath (Chicago)
File Kath's death under accidental stupidity. A brilliant guitarist with an earth-shattering, guttural singing voice, Kath was one of the axe men admired by Jimi Hendrix (others were the equally tragic Paul Kossoff and Randy California of Spirit). A founding member of jazz/rock giants Chicago, Kath voiced their signature songs "Free," "Make Me Smile," "Out in the Country" and "Colour My World." By 1978, Kath was planning a solo album, but had also fallen into substance abuse to ease his boredom. On January 25 while attending a party at a roadie's home, Kath began playing Russian Roulette with a pistol. His final words to concerned onlookers were, "Don't worry, it's not loaded." He was 31.
Pete Ham and Tom Evans (Badfinger)
With hits like "Come and Get it," "No Matter What," "Day After Day" and "Without You" (Harry Nilsson's cover of "Without You" went to #1), the members of Badfinger should have been set for life. Instead, when guitarist/vocalist Pete Ham tried to write a check to cover his mortgage, he discovered he only a few dollars in the bank. He and the rest of the band had been swindled out of millions by their manager, Stan Polley, who had convinced them to leave the safe confines of The Beatles record label, Apple for Warner Brothers. Embroiled in a law suit with his new record company, unable to provide for his family, Ham hanged himself on April 25, 1975 at age ...you got it, 27.
Tom Evans had never been a tower of strength and when his best friend committed suicide, he wanted to join him in the next world. After an argument with band mate Joey Molland over royalties, Evans went out to his garden and hanged himself. His son found the 36-year old guitarist the following morning on November 19, 1983.
Duane Allman and Berry Oakley (Allman Brothers)
It wasn't a thirst for drink or drugs that did in guitarist Duane Allman and bassist Berry Oakley. It was speed - and not the pharmaceutical kind. At 24, Duane Allman's signature high-pitched slide guitar work for Aretha Franklin ("The Weight"), Boz Scaggs ("Loan Me a Dime") and Wilson Pickett ("Hey Jude") and his recordings with the Allman Brothers and Derek and the Dominoes had already made him a legend. On October 28, 1971 during a break from recording the next unnamed Allman Brothers album in Macon, Georgia, Allman took a motorcycle ride. He saw a peach truck attempting to make a turn in front of him. Inexplicably, the truck stopped in mid-turn at an intersection. Allman tried to stop, but lost control of his bike. He was thrown from the bike and died from internal injuries. The Allman Brothers next album, dedicated to Duane, was called Eat a Peach.
A little over a year later on November 11, 1972, bassist Berry Oakley was riding his bike
three blocks from where Allman had died when he hit a bus. Like Allman, Oakley was also thrown from his bike. He landed on his head, but he walked away from the accident and refused medical treatment. Suffering from a severe headache he went to a hospital a few hours later, but it was too late - he died as a result of a fractured skull. Like Allman, Oakley was 24.
Felix Pappalardi (Mountain)
A ripple of surprise went through the music world when 43 year-old Mountain bassist and Cream producer Felix Pappalardi was shot dead by his wife and collaborator, lyricist/graphic artist Gail Collins on April 17, 1983. But those that knew the couple weren't all that shocked. Pappalardi had a roving eye and Collins knew it.
As Cream's producer, Pappalardi often recorded with the trio, adding unusual instrumentation associated with classical music. Along with fellow bass players Jack Bruce, Andy Fraser and Rick Grech, Pappalardi's full-bodied sound helped popularize the instrument. But after three albums with gargantuan guitarist Leslie West in Mountain with West turning his amp up to 11, Pappalardi started to lose his hearing, forcing him into semi-retirement. That meant he could do interesting side projects like 1976's Creation with a Japanese rock band by the same name, but it also meant too much time for groupies and girlfriends. Collins and Pappalardi maintained they had an open marriage...and Pappalardi apparently tested their claim.
Collins, who served two years of a four year sentence for criminally negligent homicide, maintained the shooting was an accident. Commenting on Pappalardi's death, the never subtle West said, "Buy your wife a diamond ring, some flowers, a pushup bra. Don't buy her a gun."
Ron "Pigpen" McKernan (Grateful Dead)
The Dead's bluesman was a drinker in a group that ate acid like Pez. His taste in the blues and his taste for booze made him the odd man out, although he excelled when he was given the spotlight to wail "Turn on Your Lovelight," "Hard to Handle" or "Big Boss Man." When keyboard player Tom Constanten took over Pigpen's spot on keyboards at live gigs Pigpen appeared less on stage, diving deeper into the bottle. McKernan developed a form of cirrohis of the liver and was advised to stop touring and warned that if he didn't stop drinking he'd simply stop. With a bottle in his hand, Pigpen accompanied the Dead on their Europe '72. He died from a gastrointestinal hemmorage on March 8, 1973 having packed a lot of living into his 27 years.
Others gone too soon include Tammi Terrell, Marvin Gaye's singing partner (24, brain cancer), T. Rex founder Marc Bolan (car accident at age 29...One headline read "T. Wrecks"...ouch), Queen's flamboyant front man Freddie Mercury (AIDS, 42) and folkie Tim Hardin, composer of "If I Were a Carpenter" and "Reason to Believe" (39, heroin overdose). (ed. note: I can't leave off Gram Parsons, age 26, overdose of morphine or Otis Redding, plane crash)


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corkboard project
ac and i live right above our neighborhood hardware store. i never thought i'd get so into a shop like that but i find myself in there at least twice a week looking for odds and ends. for the past few weeks as i waited in the check out line i would look at these dark cork tiles in the sale bin and think "those are cool". until last night i couldn't think of any way to use them (i don't have an office and there's not really a clear "work" area in the house). but then it hit me- i always clip random recipe and food articles so why not use it in the kitchen. the whole room is still white (a comprise because i couldn't decide on a color yet) so i thought it would be a great way to organize my clips and bring some color into the room.
so, for about $24 i scooped up two packs of dark cork tiles and used the included sticky-squares to place them on the wall [bigger pictures right here]. ac liked it so much he suggested we do the whole wall (or at least more space) in the tiles. i'm going to live with this for a few days and see how it feels but if you're looking for a way to bring some color (and function) to a small space, these cork tiles are a great (and super affordable) way to do that. you can pick up the same tiles right here and here ($12.19 for a pack of 4 squares) or find a similar cork product at your local hardware or craft store. [you can also grab a roll of lighter-colored cork material right here]


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It's the season for colorful summer themed sweets and these ADORABLE Flip Flop Cupcakes!! These cuties always bring smiles and the best part is that they are so easy to make!
The cheerful color, design, & pattern options are endless, and the theme is perfect for so many events– summertime birthdays for all ages, beach parties, pool parties…or just because they are too cute not to make at least once!
We're using one of my favorite decorating mediums today… candy coating! I LOVE candy coating (aka compound chocolate, chocolate bark, candy melts, etc.) because it is so easy to work with.
Candy coating can be easily melted in the microwave, piped, & applied to your cakes and cupcakes in minutes. No need to wait hours for decorations to firm up as with gum paste and fondant accents. An added bonus is that they can be made in advance & will add depth to your design too!
You can find pre-colored candy coating (Wilton Candy Melts for example), but you can also tint white candy coating to all sorts of bright colors using (oil based) candy coloring. *Do not add regular frosting/fondant coloring gels to your chocolate as it will cause it to seize.
Let's get started!
Below, you can see my tinted white candy coating– After melting the coating in the microwave, I tinted the pink & blue shades using Wilton Candy Coloring. The yellow was pre-colored Candy Melts (Wilton).
Flip flops are pretty simple to freehand, but you may like to use a template to ensure that everything is about the same size. I slid my template beneath my waxed paper (on a cookie sheet)– I piped the melted chocolate from a disposable piping bag with the tip snipped off. (If you'd rather use a piping tip, it would be about the equivalent of a Wilton 10.)
As an optional step, I also piped small little flowers, stars, & hearts using a piping bag with a small opening. These will be my accents for the flip flops later.
More piping…this time in blue. After piping my chocolate designs, I chilled them in the freezer for about 5 minutes until firm.
Time to start decorating! I flipped the chilled flip flops over so that the smooth sides were facing up. Then, I piped on the straps with buttercream (using a small round piping tip (3)) –You could do this step in candy coating also, but I thought that buttercream was a little faster.
In the photo, I applied a dot of buttercream to the center of the straps & then placed a chocolate flower on top. This raises the decoration a bit & acts as a nice glue also.
I love these colors together!
The straps & dots are buttercream…everything else is candy coating. (Buttercream colors: Americolor Deep Pink coloring gel, Electric Pink, Lemon Yellow, & Sky Blue).
Now for our cupcakes!
I tinted a crusting vanilla buttercream with Americolor Sky Blue & Americolor Ivory coloring gel. Some of my cupcakes were frosted entirely in ivory, but others like the one below were half and half. (Use your vanilla buttercream of choice. If you don't already have a favorite, we highly recommend our Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting recipe!)
One of the most important parts of decorating these cupcakes with buttercream is remembering to pipe the two medium sized dots. (You can use a Wilton 10 or Wilton tip 12 (or just snip the end off of your disposable piping bag).
These dots will prop up our flip flops so that they sit at a nice angle. Of course, you could simplify things and lightly press the flip flops into classic swirls also. Either way, you're going to have some CUTE cupcakes.
If working in advance, you can store these toppers in a cool room and then chill just before applying them to the cupcake so that they are easier to handle.
Finished! I love how these came out, so simple and cute! If you give these a try, we'd love to see!
**Looking for more beach cupcake fun? You may like our colorful Crab & Fish Beach Cupcake Tutorial!:
Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget that we have a huge collection of favorite recipes for cakes, cupcakes, frostings, and fillings in our Recipes Section!


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Click here to Buy:
- Buy @ CD BABY!
- Dear Folks, This CD is the culmination of many months during 2005. The production of these musical works by some of the Bay Area's finest musicians, were written predominantely by L.S.'s leader, Lauren Murphy. This project was financed totally by the producer. The musicians featured are responsible for hundreds of works with many famous musicians, and they are part of our Lansdale Station family. A % of proceeds from this CD continues to aid the musicians of New Orleans & the Delta affected by Hurricane Katrina. A portion of the sale of each CD will go directly to them via Tipitina's Foundation.
- Dedicated to The South Louisiana Delta.... MAGNOLIA HEART was Recorded, Mixed, & Mastered at reknown Plant Studios. COVER ART DESIGN BY BOB MINKIN. Graced with the talents of producer/husband/vocalist, Judge Murphy, multi talented Keyboardist & slide guitarist Chip Roland, Engineer Enrique Gonzales Muller, Guitar virtuoso Robert Powell, Blues Big Boy Rich Kirch, Bass Man Liam Hanrahan, and Percussionist extraordinair John Hasty, this project rocks and rolls like the muddy river herself~ More mp3 samples @ distribution page.