Shandi Huber

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Liz Lundstrum Plays “Would You Rather…”

March 8, 2013 in Uncategorized | No comments

kirvin bbb TD 44 of 163 - compressedOne of my favorite ways of really getting to know more about a person is putting them to the test of given extreme circumstances, which of the situations would you select as the lesser of two evils better known as “Would you rather…” For those who might be slightly unfamiliar with this, (although those select few are also the individuals who will not be reading this blog, as they are currently living somewhere in the middle of nowhere underneath a very large rock) you present a person with two situations – would you rather have situation A or would you rather have situation B? I have found this friendly party game offers insight into not only what people consider precious and valuable, but it’s also sometimes very humorous.

So, I had the opportunity to present the following Would You Rather situations to Kirvin Doak’s own Liz Lundstrum. Liz has lived in Las Vegas for a little more than 10 years and holds down the fort on media buying for a stellar roster of clients including Blue Man Group, Jersey Boys, Peepshow, Rock of Ages, Million Dollar Quartet, Absinthe, Nevada Mining Association, The Venetian, Wolfgang Puck and Golden Rainbow. Check out her answers to the following questions:

 

  • Would you rather live in an igloo for the rest of your life or live in a tepee for the rest of your life?

Liz doesn’t mind the cold. She answered: Igloo

  • Would you rather hear the good news first or hear the bad news first?

Liz answered: Definitely the bad news first.

  • Would you rather be fluent in all foreign languages or be a master of every musical instrument?

Liz answered: ALL the foreign languages

  • Would you rather win the lottery or live twice as long?

Liz debated on this answer, but ultimately came to the conclusion of: Win the lottery – I don’t want to live twice as long if I ran out of money.

  • Would you rather take a European sight-seeing vacation or take a relaxing Caribbean vacation?

Liz just returned from an awesome time in the Caribbean, but she answered: The Caribbean, I feel like I need to see more of it.

  • Would you rather watch a movie without audio and subtitles or listen to a movie without the picture?

Liz likes her visuals. She answered: Watch the movie

  • Would you rather always know when someone is lying or always get away with lying?

Clearly, Liz is an honest person. She answered: Know when someone is lying.

  • Would you rather be forced to eat your favorite food every day for the rest of your life or never be allowed to eat your favorite food ever again?

Liz likes what she likes. She answered: Forced to eat her favorite food every day for the rest of her life.

 

Care to know more about Liz and what she selects when faced with ridiculous and zany situations? Feel free to comment with your own favorite “Would You Rather…” question.

Until next time,

Shandi Huber

 

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Unwavering faith

January 18, 2013 in Uncategorized | No comments

PerhapsNotre Dame Fighting Irish this is the wrong time to speak out about certain matters pertaining to a stand-out college athlete. Perhaps there never really is a good time to speak out about it. However, as a Notre Dame fan, it’s difficult to read such shocking news and not feel the need to stand by my team and remain loyal to the only team that I have felt a particular kind of passion for every time those players take the field.

I won’t say whether or not I believe that Manti had a hand in this prank or is the victim of some elaborate scheme, but I will say that this does not waver my loyalty and faith in a team. This does not waver my belief in his ability to play football nor does it waver my decision to be a fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. For those who possess a hatred for Notre Dame, please understand that in no way should this deem me, or any other loyal fan for that matter, ignorant or pretentious. It merely means that I have a team that I have loyalty to, regardless of my reasons. You’d be lying if you told me you wouldn’t do the same for a team that you pledge your allegiance to. And no, I’m not a Notre Dame alumna. No, I don’t have family that graduated from there. No, my entire family does not cheer for Notre Dame.

Regardless of why a Notre Dame fan is a fan, we stand by our team in the good times and the bad. Keep in mind; I discovered my love for the team in my senior year of high school when they were sitting pretty with a 3-9 record under Mr. Weis. Not exactly a record that gets anyone excited or jumping on any kind of bandwagon. We’ve triumphed in tremendous victories but also faced difficult defeats. No matter the outcome of this revelation of a fake ex-girlfriend; no matter the truth behind this bizarre story; I will continue to stand by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

And if you want me to be frank, I’ll still probably buy a Te’o jersey if he is selected in the upcoming NFL draft.

˜Shandi Huber

 

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Home for the holidays in Vegas

November 27, 2012 in Just For Fun | No comments

Working in an office with a majority of transplants from all over the contiguous United States, many of us at Kirvin Doak Communications go home for the holidays, making the trek back to the cities and small towns where we grew up. This year, however, a few of us decided to spend the Thanksgiving weekend in Las Vegas – our second home.

For those who celebrate, Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for your blessings, and my favorite part – feast on ridiculous amounts of food until you reach the certain level of fullness where you consider unbuttoning your pants for a little breathing room (I tend to refrain as it often crosses a line of appropriateness – depends on your audience, I suppose). At first, I questioned my decision on staying in town in order to save money for my flight home for Christmas. Originally from Ohio, it’s hard to get home as often as I would like with the obscene prices for flights, time zone changes, etc. However, I realized that after living in Las Vegas for more than a year, I have come to embrace the city as a little piece of home, or a second home with loved ones and dear friends that I know I will cherish for the rest of my life.

On Thanksgiving evening, I went over to a friend’s apartment and enjoyed the holiday with wine, massive quantities of turkey and great company (and the new episode of Glee, but that goes without saying). It was nice to reflect on the feelings of independence and maturity that we all felt in our lives; that we were content spending a holiday away from family, but still having that sense of peace and comfort of being with loved ones. Overall, it was a fantastic night and a holiday memory that I will treasure 

˜ Shandi Huber

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The Joy of Motherhood

May 15, 2012 in Kirvin Doak News | 1 comment

Yesterday, was Mother’s Day and as I ran around town finishing my errands clerks and servers wished me a “Happy Mother’s Day” – it sort of annoyed me as I am not a mother, I am not going to be a mother and I made a choice not to be a mother.  However, as I settled in for the evening I began to  realize that I am a mother of sorts.  I am the mother to my staff: Brad, Alison, Lindsey, Matt, Devin, Kristin, Shandi, Carolyn, Ryan, Wendy and Eleni at Kirvin Doak Communications.  If being a mother means glowing with pride for their accomplishments, cheering them on with their projects, giving them wings to fly and believing in them and their abilities – well then I am a pseudo mom.  If the joy of motherhood is anything close to the love, pride and happiness I feel for my staff then you can wish me a Happy Mother’s Day ever year.  

˜Terri Maruca

 

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A lesson of etiquette and grace: BGCLV’s Steak & Burger

March 16, 2012 in Client news | 2 comments

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the second annual Steak & Burger event for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas at the Renaissance Hotel. Walking in, I anticipated a wonderful event as I have previously attended Girls Day and am familiar with the powerful mission of the clubs. Little did I know, however, how moved I would be by the courage and sheer grace displayed by a group of teens.  

The evening began with a quick introduction by master of ceremonies, Chet Buchanan, who asked us all at the table to introduce ourselves with our name, where you work/which club you attend and what our career aspirations are. As the teens listed off impressive dreams of becoming a professional soccer player, a video game designer or an oncologist, I took a second to reflect that these aspirations are truly inspired by the guidance of the Boys & Girls Clubs.

As conversations continued, I got to know a little bit more about the importance of the clubs to these kids, and what it means for them in their lives. The gratitude exuded throughout the room, as the teens discussed their experiences at their respective club. Many look to the volunteers as mentors and, most times, as an adult figure in their lives to lead them down the right path in life. It’s hard to imagine not having someone like that in your life growing up as a kid while being exposed to constant pressures such as peer approval, let alone gangs and drugs. It warms my heart knowing that even though some of these kids may not have the luxuries I did growing up, someone out there is willing to take a chance on them and give them an opportunity to achieve their dreams. And it makes me want to be one of those people.

The evening was meant to serve as a lesson in etiquette and teach the young adults proper dining techniques as well as conversation tips for future career networking opportunities. And not to say this wasn’t accomplished but I think many of the adults in the room left with an important lesson or reminder; the importance of our youth and the power of giving back.

For those who may also be interested in getting involved, I encourage you to check out the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas website, or stop by the Club Blue Las Vegas mixer for professionals under 40 on April 12 at 6 p.m.

˜Shandi Huber

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Inside a foodie’s heaven: A first experience at Texas de Brazil

October 20, 2011 in Uncategorized | No comments

Last week, I had the opportunity to enjoy my first experience at a Brazilian Steakhouse and new client, Texas de Brazil. I was excited and anxious as the fateful day came on Friday, October 14 when Alison Monaghan and I set off to the Las Vegas restaurant at Town Square Shopping Center.

Upon arrival, my eyes immediately gravitated to the massive salad and appetizer area and I knew I was in for a treat. As our waitress explained the concept of the authentic churrascaria, my mouth watered over the descriptions of the seasoned cuts of beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and Brazilian sausage. For those who may not know what a Brazilian Steakhouse is, I’ll provide the short version: It’s every meat lover’s dream. For a single flat-rate, diners receive a two-sided place card, which they can turn from green to red at their discretion; green signifying, “Bring on the gauchos,” and red meaning, “I can’t eat another bite.”

The overall experience at Texas de Brazil is rather unique and can be overwhelming to first timers, especially for those who enjoy food as much as I do and want to try everything. For those who may find themselves in this predicament in the future, here are some DO’s and DON’Ts for the “most incredible dining experience.”

DO:
• Try the sweet fried bananas, especially in between varieties of meats to cleanse the palate.
• Pace yourself. The constant presentation of meat can be irresistible, but if you have to pass on a round, I promise the restaurant won’t be in short supply of your favorite cut.
• Save room for dessert. With mouth-watering options such as Brazilian cheesecake or Chocolate Mousse Cake, you can’t go wrong.
DON’T:
• Overload at the salad and appetizer area. While it’s tempting with the magnitude of tasty selections, you’ll want to be hungry for your main course.
• Forget about the great promotions that the restaurant offers including happy hour prices and the half price on a second bottle of South American wines offer on Thursdays.

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More Than Just a Golf Tournament: How One Las Vegas Girl Found Hope

July 27, 2011 in Client news | No comments

Working on the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open has been a blast these past two months, and I have learned a lot from the experience. I knew from our messages and working with the tournament team that our work is important to the community and impacts children every day. But I guess you never truly realize the powerful effects the Shriners Hospitals and the tournament can have on a single family until you experience it for yourself.
I had the opportunity to meet the Perkins family and young Alissa, 2, at the Informational Reception at TPC Las Vegas on Tuesday, July 19. You cannot help but be captivated by Alissa and her spunky energy. Born in 2009 with Fibular Hemimelia, her parents searched for options on lengthening her leg or amputation. It was at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open that they met Katie Walker, a former Shriners patient and the 2009 Shriners Hospitals for Children patient ambassador. After Katie and her family shared their experience with the health care system, the Perkins family had found their answers and hope they had been searching for. Just a short year and two surgeries later, Alissa had received her first prosthesis and was walking one month later.
Her journey with how she came to find the Shriners Hospitals for Children and successful recovery premiered in the Tale of Two Patients video and shown at the Informational Reception on Tuesday evening. As guests from the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Salt Lake City, Crimson Links and the Las Vegas community watched as Alissa’s journey was recounted, there was hardly a single dry eye in the room.
I knew when I first jumped on board to work with the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open team that I was working for a wonderful cause. Little did I know my passion for the tournament and the hope and support it brings to families would be forever deep rooted in my heart from meeting a 2-year-old girl named Alissa.

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Local community shows support at Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open TweetUp for a Cause, June 15 at The Sporting House

June 20, 2011 in Client news | No comments

A tweetup, for those who may not know, is by definition a social gathering or get together with friends and followers from Twitter. At the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open Tweetup on Wednesday, June 15, new and old friends alike gathered at The Sporting House inside New York-New York Hotel & Casino to show support for the Shriners Hospitals for Children. For a $10 donation, guests enjoyed a private seating area to watch Game 7 of the NHL finals, appetizers and the positive sentiment from showing support for a cause that impacts the lives of children and their families every day. 

Guests began arriving shortly before 5:30 p.m. for the tweetup and immediately began generating buzz on Twitter for the tournament, Sept. 25 – Oct. 2 at TPC Summerlin and the Shriners Hospitals for Children.  Ready to tweet the night away, I was excited to see how many people from the local community and members of the media who came out to offer their patronage.

At the entrance each guest was given a golf tee to redeem for a signature cocktail deemed “Fairway to Heaven,” and one ticket to the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. Appetizers, provided by The Sporting House, included a new twist on shrimp cocktail and delectable lamb chops and were a big hit with all the guests. Throughout the evening, raffle winners were announced and were excited to win prizes such as Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open merchandise and a limited edition print of The Hill, TPC Summerlin’s hospitality venue.

The positive energy could be felt in the air as new friends mingled and one of the tournament’s own, Mike Zampini, celebrated his birthday complete with an Ohio State University-themed chocolate mousse cake.

After a successful evening, the tweetup raised $500 for the Shriners Hospitals for Children. But that’s not it—the evening will be remembered by many as a night that displayed the strength of a community’s love for a wonderful cause.

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Girl Power at Girls Day 2011

May 31, 2011 in Client news | 4 comments

On Saturday, May 21, The Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas, Nevada hosted the annual Girls Day, a day full of games, prizes and of course, girl power. Arriving at 11am sporting my Girls Day 2011 pink t-shirt, I was very surprised to see how the large number of local women who were there to donate their time for a wonderful cause.

Engulfed in a sea of pink, I anticipated the moment that I would meet the young girl I would be matched with for the day. After amazing performances by an 8-year-old superstar on the drums and Las Vegas native, singing sensation Lex Rox, the time finally came. I met 9-year-old Jasmyn from the Boulder City Boys & Girls Club of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Jasmyn and I spent the day playing different games like Soccer Dribble and Dart Throw. I quickly learned her favorite sport is soccer, and she even taught me how to play the game, Ladder Ball. As we only had about two hours to participate in all the games and eat lunch, we were quickly trying to squeeze in the Airbrush Tattoo artist, the photo booth and refreshing Sno-cones with only ten minutes before the exciting prize give-away. If you didn’t walk away with a sense of goodwill, you could absolutely feel the message of self-assurance and compassion in the room. 

It was a great experience to see firsthand the positive influence young women today can have on our youth. I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to volunteer and participate and can only hope that I will be standing in line next year, with the same feelings of anticipation of which young girl I will be paired with for a day.

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