Saturday, March 7, 2009

Form letter response from Kohl's

I rec'd a form letter touting Ms. Spears as an international celebrity as their reason for keeping her as the spokesperson for Kohl's--just as another Dr. Laura fan said. My email response to Kohl's was simple: "Shame on you!"

Read form letter and my letter to them here:

Dear Valued Customer: Thank you for contacting Kohl's about our selection of Britney Spears as the 2009 Candie's Girl. We regret that you have concerns regarding this decision. Ms. Spears is an international celebrity and pop culture icon who embodies the spirit of the Candie's brand and personifies the iconic Candie's Girl; self confident and stylish. We respect Ms. Spears' right to privacy, and her personal life does not reflect the views of Kohl's Department Stores. It is not our intent to offend our customers, and your feedback will be shared with Kohl's Executives for future decisions. We value the opinions of all our customers and appreciate you taking the time to contact us. Sincerely, Erica K. Representative Dear Ms. Shamion: I got your email address through Dr. Laura, and I’m disheartened to see that your company, Kohl’s, hooked up with Britney Spears to sell your merchandise (to young girls, no less). It’s hard enough for parents to teach values and decency to their children, let alone having to go into your store to shop for our daughters with Britney’s influence. Britney Spears isn’t a good role model; if anything, she’s the last thing that I would want my daughter or granddaughter to emanate. Indeed, Britney’s slutty behavior on the stage, as well as her incredibly irresponsible parenting are behaviors I would want to shield my daughters from. Believe me, I won’t be shopping at your store. And I’ll be telling my friends with daughters to steer clear from Kohl’s too! Word of mouth is an incredible marketing tool. Shame on you!

Sincerely, Wendy S. Komancheck ~Journalist ~

Monday, February 9, 2009

Updated Profile: If I was a bird, I would be a goldfinch!

If I was a bird, I would be a goldfinch. I have quite a few pounds to lose, so I refuse to publish anymore pix of me until I lose them. I hope that's sooner than never, but we will see.

This won't be a long or philosophical blog--just an update of sorts. I decided to delete the Notebook from my favorite movies. I do love the story line, but the naughtiness of it makes me think I'll be selling my DVD on Amazon. My sons are growing up and I don't want them to view things that are immoral, and that movie definitely has some moral flaws in it.

Sorry, Nicholas Sparks, but your movie has moved down on my top ten list. Unfortunately, I don't have any modern movies that I really like. I'm currently borrowing English comedy and mystery t.v. shows from the local library. For a good laugh, I highly recommend "Keeping Up Appearances." Patricia Routledge is a blast--especially if you like slap-stick comedy. Recently, my husband bought the five seasons on DVD for me, so I can keep watching and laughing...

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Mental Health-Lancaster County Woman Talks about Seasonal Affective Disorder

Ephrata Review Correspondent, Wendy Komancheck, sat down with Heather Muha of WITF to talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The show is scheduled to run on Friday, February 6, 2008 at 8:30 p.m.

Komancheck has been suffering with the affects of SAD for most of her life. She uses a Go Lite P2 that emits blue light which converts the light to stimulate the brain to uplift her mood and energy level. Although, nothing can compare to a Lancaster county summer day, the Blue Light gives Komancheck enough light to stimulate her brain to produce more serotonin to get through the winter.

Komancheck also discussed other techniques that she finds helpful in managing the lethargy and depression that she experiences during the winter. Some of these techniques include daily walks, yoga, cognitive therapy, and connection to her church. Komancheck does use medication and Vitamin D3 to help manage her anxiety and depression symptoms too.

Muha asked Komancheck some of the thoughts and feelings that she experiences with SAD. Komancheck says, “I feel anxious and despairing. My symptoms can begin as early as August or as late as the beginning of November when we switch our clocks back an hour. But I feel better once the warm weather in spring returns.”

Komancheck also states that in summer time she feels her best because of the longer days, warmer weather, and brighter sunshine. “I enjoy going to my son’s Little League games and working in my garden,” she says of some of the activities that elevate her mood in the spring and summer.
The National Institute on Mental Health (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-what-every-woman-should-know/complete-publication.shtml#pub2 ) says, “Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is characterized by a depressive illness during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. The depression generally lifts during spring and summer. SAD may be effectively treated with light therapy, but nearly half of those with SAD do not respond to light therapy alone. Antidepressant medication and psychotherapy also can reduce SAD symptoms, either alone or in combination with light therapy.”
A prolific freelance writer for an assortment of business and trade magazines, Komancheck has covered the mining industry in Alaska to worldwide Fair Trade organic teas and the Kona Coffee Festival in Hawaii. Also, she’s written for the Ephrata Review, Lancaster Newspapers, and Pa. regional magazines for the past seven years. In addition to her Ephrata Review articles, her writing credits have appeared in business, trade and regional magazines. Komancheck’s writing focus includes agriculture, business, local politics, and Pa. German culture.