Dr. Miczak's Best Picks

Dr. Miczak's Best Picks - MICZAK.com

Tuesday, 22 May 2007

Can You Canoe?
Now Playing: Turkey Swamp Park's 2007 Outdoor Expo'

Boating anyone? Turkey Swamp Park hosted its annual Outdoor Expo' on May 20th. This gives the park a chance to showcase its recreational facilities for camping, fishing, boating and mountain biking. If you recall, by God's grace, yours truly participated in and WON the Advanced Division of the 2005 Woods Hollow Mountain Bike Race. This competition is sponsored by the same park system as the Ourdoor Expo'. Here in the photo, Magda and me took about a half hour to navigate the lake. High winds blew us off course until we were able to regain our bearings. I was in the back steering and would like to think some of my Native American genes helped in that endeavor!

Mind you, the last time I was canoeing was with my husband before we were married and this is our 28th wedding anniversary coming up in July! As if this were not enough fun for the day, Magda and me tackled the 50 foot rock climbing wall right after our Lewis & Clark reinactment,(May is the anniversary of the Lewis & Clark expedition).

Yes, that's me all the way on the right in the Athleta Alpine pants made especially for such adventures. I got about half way up and found myself dangling and holding on only with my hands, (look Mom, no feet!) I regained my footing and continued a bit higher but the wall is shaped like an inverted pyramid. So as you climb, you find that you are reaching back over your shoulders as the rock juts out above you. Repelling down was a bit spooky but my cable held and I returned to earth safely, thank God. It was a gorgeous day and the rain actually held off until evening. We were truly blessed to be out and about in creation.

If you want to experience something truly spiritual, get away all by yourself to a lonely, secluded place in the woods to sing, worship and pray. Jesus did that himself and I believe it is a great way to renew your spirit. I thought, "Wow, wouldn't it be great to have some annointing oil with me?" Then I found the Victorie website which not only compounds oils based on Biblical formulas but sells jewelry to carry the oil in. It has been awesome to have on my person, a little oil to pray and to bless with.

I ordered this Beloved Etched Necklace shown here in .925 sterling silver. The Beloved Necklace has a 20" Chain and retails for $79.95. The pendant is 1" tall and 3/4" wide. This does not include the bail. It will hold approximately 1 ML (20-25 drops) of perfume or anointing oil. It comes packaged in a velour jewelry box with a funnel to fill the pendant.
I have found that the oil does leak out if you lay down with the Beloved Necklace pendant on, however in a v-neck blouse or open shirt, this will not be a problem. The Oil of Joy and Holy Anointing Oil especially are so very fragrant that just the scent of them reminds you to pray.

Victorie Biblical Oils and Gifts
Visit them online for a full selection of oils, candles and gifts.

In my chaplaincy, I use this gold toned anointing oil holder shown below from Abba Oil. This lovely oil holder has the name Yeshua etched on the side and has a rubber ring inside which makes it virtually leak-proof.

This holds a bit more oil without any loss and allows me to take it with me when visiting the sick in the nursing homes and hospitals. The key chain loop keeps it fastened in my bag so it goes where I do.
Abba Oil

The last anointing oil holder that I have is also a necklace. It is an antique design pewter perfume bottle with pewter chain. The weight of the bottle is 2-1/4 oz. so it is a bit heavy around the neck.

A glass perfume bottle sits inside the scrolled pewter vessel. 2"Lx1.5Wx3.5" diam., chain 14.5"L. This is a very ornate oil holder and I wear it to more formal events and gatherings. Pewter traditionally contains lead, so I do not wear either the chain or the pendant next to my skin but only over clothing. It really holds A LOT of oil and the metal dipper attached to the non-leaking screw cap is a lovely touch.

The point is that no matter which anointing oil and holder you choose, do avail yourself and your ministry of these spiritual "boosters". As a chaplain on call, I have to be ready to pray in all sorts of circumstances. When I serve in a formal church setting which is about twice monthly, I still bring my own fragrant oil with me. I pray first for myself to be strong so that I may minister to others. Having my oils with me for the ministry or even alone out in the woods allows me to enjoy the sweet fragrance of prayer anytime and anywhere. Bless Yah all you people and forget not His benefits!

Posted by Author at 1:47 PM EDT
Updated: Thursday, 31 May 2007 7:52 PM EDT
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Friday, 11 May 2007

Renewal for Body and Spirit
Now Playing: Beautiful Bibles, Songs of Praise
Beautiful Bibles, Psalms of Praise

This issue, I am reviewing two exciting new Bibles and a hymnal.

Archaeological Study BibleThe first Bible I reviewed is published by Zondervan in the NIV or New International Version translation and is called the Archaeological Study Bible. At over 2,000 pages it has nearly 500 color photographs and free software which places the entire Bible with pictures at your fingertips. It also has 8,000 study notes with Christ’s words in red.
The Archaeological Study Bible is full of research, archaeological findings and artifacts from Bible lands and cultures. It is the history and culture of the peoples of the Bible that gives us fresh insight as to the deeper meanings of customs of that day and time.

What is really edifying is the inclusion of information found in the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls. These scrolls were first discovered in 1947 in the area of Qumran Palestine in eleven caves in and around the Wadi Qumran (on the northwest shore of the Dead Sea) in the West Bank. The texts are of great religious and historical significance, as they are alleged to be practically the only known surviving Biblical documents written before AD 100. The Greek Septuagint was written around 200 BC by comparison. Bibles written before 1947 such as the King James Version, did not have the advantage of access to older documents as these to compare texts. Today, the more modern translations do and the NIV takes advantage of these later archeological finds. This is a heavy Bible but perfect for referencing cultural practices and beliefs of the Bible. It also brought home to me that the Bible speaks of many tribes and ethnic groups albeit having come from Noah’s three sons. All the same, customs and practices did vary between groups. The Archaeological Study Bible does an excellent job of taking one through not only the history but the cultures that represent the Bible.

Archaeological Study Bible
ISBN-10 0-310-92605-X
Price: U.S. $49.99/CAN $65.99
For more information, visit:
Zondervan

The Holy Bible English Standard Version
The Holy Bible English Standard Version, Thinline, Trutone Edition published by Crossway Books and Bibles.
When William Tyndale began illegally publishing his New Testament in the common English language, he made his Bibles quite small. One reason is that they were easier to smuggle in undetected by the Anglican state church of England. The other reason is that a Bible which fit into the hand was more likely to be read and used in a person’s everyday life. This was very important to Tyndale’s mission whose translations make up to nearly 80% of the King James Version Bible. He was eventually arrested and burned at the stake with a manuscript copy of his New Testament tied to his chest. So great was the fear that the common man should read the holy writ and come to God directly without intercession of kings, priests or bishops.

The Holy Bible English Standard Version by Crossway Bibles follows through on this time tested concept. This is a beautiful thin Bible with gold gilding on the edges and a satin bookmark. The cover’s design is filigree with a buttery soft leather like binding. This is the complete Old and New Testament all in a lightweight, thin binding.

The English Standard Version is a very literal translation which leaves out much of the denominational bias found in many Bibles. It is refreshing to read what was actually conveyed, rather than a paraphrase of someone else’s understanding. There are brief study notes at the bottom of the page but they in no way hinder the enjoyment of the text itself which is so very well rendered. Here is the 23rd Psalm:

The Lord Is My Shepherd-ESV
A Psalm of David.
23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

You’ll notice that only the archaic pronouns are missing and the text reads so beautifully without losing any of its poetic verse. The entire Bible is like this, literal without sacrificing the innate beauty of the scriptures. Extra features often found in a larger family Bible include a dedication page, record entries for births, marriages and deaths, a table of weights and measures, full color maps and a substantial concordance. It is about the size of the Common Book of Prayer and is the one Bible to take everywhere. On vacation, to keep with you for comfort or sharing the Gospel with others. A lovely work from Crossway Books and Bibles.

The Holy Bible English Standard Version
ISBN-13:978-1-58134-721-0
Price: $29.99
For more information, visit:
Crossway Books and Bibles

African American Heritage Hymnal

African American Heritage Hymnal published by GIA, (Gregorian Institute of America), Publications Inc. Compilers of this hymnal took great care to notate traditional hymns the way they are actually sung in African American churches. This project took eight years to complete but the results are incredible. This unique hymnal contains 575 Hymns, Spirituals and Gospel Songs traditionally enjoyed in African American Churches.
This hymnal is a treasure of the specific arrangements which are still sung in many established African American churches. Many such hymns had been handed down for generations until pioneers such as Thomas Andrew Dorsey, began doing formal writing and composing for commercial distribution of his songs. Dorsey actually began his career as “Georgia Tom” singing off-color blues throughout the south. However soon his fortunes dwindled and reaching an epiphany, he began to write gospel music with much the same syncopation and chording found in his blues compositions. His, “Walking Up the King’s Highway” was made famous by Mahailia Jackson who was one Dorsey’s song demonstrators. Dorsey wrote the songs and Jackson would sing them to audiences in hopes they would purchase his sheet music. Another of Dorsey’s compositions found in the African American Heritage Hymnal is, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” sung by Jackson at the funeral of Martin Luther King Jr. Gospel Pearls, first published in 1921 by the National Baptist Convention, is a wonderful example the transition from learning hymns by ear to using the “shape note“ system to read music. Shape Notes were developed as a system to teach rural parishioners with no access to formal music lessons to sight read music by associating each note’s pitch with a specific shape. The first book printed with shaped noteheads, using "patent notes" was the Easy Instructor, by Wm. Smith and Wm. Little in 1801. The shapes used then are still in use to this day. So they were by 1921 long in use for teaching hymns and spiritual songs.
Other Black composers such as Lucie C. Cambell, (“He’ll Understand and say ‘Well Done‘”), softened the ethnic call and response of traditional field “hollers” and work songs. Poetic lyrics to stir the spirit were added to many such hymns. What emerged was a more mainstream form of this tradition. Gospel Pearls was the first “Gospel” Hymnal so titled for use in the church as the word gospel was not yet widely used to describe spiritual songs. Often used by the church deacons who to this day lead the congregation in devotionals before the start of service, Gospel Pearls allows the leader to sing or line out each verse for the church to follow. This sort of call and response method is indigenous to many African tribes and has found its way into not only religious music but secular blues, popular and hip hop arrangements.

The African American Heritage Hymnal is a complete church or corporate worship hymnal as it has the traditional responsive readings arranged according to subject and occasion in the front of the book. The hymns are then arranged in headings of “God Our Father”, “Jesus Christ”, “The Church”, “Life in Christ”, etc. Perhaps one of the best features is the exhaustive indexing of scriptural passages related to hymns and composers, authors and sources with a topical index.
Rich touches such as hymn number 484, “Ezekiel Saw De Wheel” and “Ain’t-A That Good News”, which was sung by the world traveled Fisk Jubilee Singers, retains the accent and flavor of how the song was originally sung. Others such as “Mayenziwe / Your Will be Done” uses African phonetics and is taken from a South African traditional song. Likewise “Thuma Mina” is a Zulu spiritual from South Africa. This is a rare glimpse into the culture and history of Black Gospel music. The African American Heritage Hymnal belongs in every complete church hymnal collection as it is just as much of Americana as the many folk genres that comprise the matrix of American music. Look for more reviews of GIA Publications in our upcoming issues!

African American Heritage Hymnal
ISBN - 1-57999-124-6
Price: $15.00
Deluxe Leatherbound
Price: $40.00
49 Hidden Treasures from the AAHH CD
Price $25.95
For more information, visit:
GIA Publications, Inc.

Posted by Author at 4:29 PM EDT
Updated: Wednesday, 16 May 2007 11:28 AM EDT
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Spring Things for Fitness
Now Playing: Check Out the X-Training BLOG Now!
Spring is BACK and summer is close on her heels! See my latest entry in my X-Training Blog

Posted by Author at 3:16 PM EDT
Updated: Friday, 11 May 2007 3:24 PM EDT
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Wednesday, 9 May 2007

Electrified Performance
Now Playing: Amplified Benefits

Amplified Benefits...

I started out with a steel stringed acoustic guitar purchased at age 11. I loved everything about that old guitar from the woodsy smell to the feel of fretting those first chords. I never even thought about playing an electric guitar. The tone of my acoustic was so warm and mellow. Later on, I discovered the Autoharp and began playing at folk festivals, camps and schools. I even played on television with a lapel mike clipped on which picked up the sound as I played and sang, “Freight Train”.

Today in addition to playing live and in concert, I have a fully blossomed music ministry called Harp Hymns playing in much larger venues than before. The sound systems where I perform are not always reliable so I have assembled my own stage equipment “to go” to avoid unwanted surprises. One question you might ask is, “Am I at the point in my performing career that I need pickup amplification?” The answer to this question became painfully clear to me when while doing a performance at a very large church, one of the ministers came running up to me with a microphone and kneeled by my harp for the whole song! It was so distracting, I could barely finish. Lightening struck twice when at yet another church, the guitar player ran up with a mike and did the same thing while I was performing. That was it. When Oscar Schmidt, (Washburn Guitars), came out with their OS150FCE Ltd Edition solid body Autoharp with a pickup, shown here on the lower right, I was ready. However, what I got was far more than just amplification.

What is the best way to amplify? Some seasoned acoustic performers like Brian Bowers have used a lapel microphone to amplify his acoustic, single key harps. This man travels and does concerts all over the country and seems to have this problem in check. Also Mr. Bowers will use 5-6 single keyed harps during his performance so it really would be a lot to have pickups on ALL those instruments. So for his style and performance needs, the lapel mike works quite well. As mentioned before, I have used a lapel mike myself for a television appearance, (this is standard equipment on a television set), and it was fine for sitting down and playing. However, in actual performances, I use a Slider Strap and play standing up. If you move around too much while playing, your harp can knock into the lapel mike or even move out of range to pick up the sound. You also do not have the luxury of equalization to fine tune the “tone” of your instrument for the performance. OS150FCE Ltd Edition Autoharp has a three band equalization on board as well as a volume control knob so you needn’t go back to the amp to adjust those settings. They can be done on the fly in between sets or even while performing. Sort of makes a lapel mike seem pretty primitive by comparison, doesn’t it?

Electronic pickups can also be added to acoustic harps but if your instrument has a large sound hole it could cause feedback when a pickup is added. That’s why most electric guitars today are “solid body” in construction. A sound hole, which is wonderful for acoustic playing, will often feedback into the pickup, causing undesirable sounds and results. Not exactly what one would be looking for while playing before a large crowd. An instrument with a smaller, decorative sound hole which is higher up and further away from the pickup would most likely be a good candidate for amplification. Keep in mind too that where increased volume on an acoustic Autoharp came from more vigorous strumming, with an electric harp, it comes from turning up the amp. This has actually allowed me to work on more precise picking and gentle strumming without trying to force more volume out of the instrument. The OS150FCE is hands down, the best Autoharp Oscar Schmidt has made to date but it has far more to offer than a beautiful flame top finish. This instrument has got, well, soul!

What is the best type of amp to use with an autoharp? Well, what you don’t want to use is a guitar amp. An autoharp is best amplified by a keyboard amp which will help retain its original, sweet tones and sounds. The range of a keyboard amp is actually closer than that of a guitar amp for the Autoharp. I use an Ultratone K450FX, 45 watt keyboard amp with three separate channels.

It has a rich 10" Bugera speaker which faithfully reproduces both my harp and drum machine signals. Weighing in at about 32.19 lbs it is a fat-heavy amp but has a 24-bit digital FX with 100 presets, Feedback Detection, full 3-channel operation with separate volume controls and FX sends per each channel plus an additional XLR mic input for connecting dynamic microphones. The 5-band EQ section allows me to truly fine tune my sound. There is even a CD input plus a headphone output. All of these extra channels mean that I can hook up my XLR cabled vocal microphone, (the Shure SM58 is the industry standard as far as vocal mikes are concerned), and my Autoharp as well as an extra microphone and/or drum machine. I have a music ministry to nursing homes and hospitals so it is always great to get one of the patients up to sing a hymn. Having multiple channels for an extra microphone is really necessary for this sort of application. Depending on your playing needs, anywhere from a 20 to a 50 watt amp should be enough to amplify your harp without getting too heavy to tote from gig to gig. Bigger venues will often have their own amps and PA systems that you can and should plug into unless you enjoy lifting amps weighing over 60 lbs.

What about stompboxes and foot pedals? These are commonly known as distortion pedals and mostly used with electric guitars to heighten its range of effects. Depending on your level of comfort with “tampering” with the purist sound of an acoustic harp, you have your choice of various enhancements. One that I like to use is a chorus pedal. It swells the sound of the harp so beautifully that its almost like a “chorus” of harps playing along with you. I use a BOSS Super Chorus Ch-1 which came out in 1989 for guitarists as shown in this this very cool, vintage ad.

So why should guitar players only have all the great effects? I’ve heard of an Autoharp player down in Nashville Tennessee who uses a flanger pedal with amazing effects. What is so fantastic about stomp boxes or foot pedals is that you control the amount of distortion by dialing in your settings on the pedal. Therefore you can have a slight amount of distortion or a lot, your choice. One thing is for sure, I don’t believe any instrument sounds good when these effects are overdone.

What other things can I add to enhance my harp’s performance? Well, one thing you will definitely need now is a chromatic tuner. Tuning by ear with a keyboard is fine if your are playing alone but with an electric Autoharp you will be asked to play along with others because you can now compete with volume. If you can only afford one tuner for both your acoustic and electric harps, I would pick the KORG CA-30. It has a built in mike to listen to your acoustic and a ? jack to plug into your electric harp. If you only have electric instruments, then the BOSS TU-2 Foot Pedal Tuner is the best choice. It has a bright red LED display and can be used for silent tuning even on a dark stage between sets. Very easy to use and quite accurate. The BOSS TU-2 is just another accessory that can be found in nearly every serious musician's gig bag.

The second thing you might consider is using a drum and bass machine. I came upon this revelation quite by inspiration. I am also saving you a lot of time and gas by telling you just what works and what does not here! After returning a Digi-Tech guitar modulator that kept cutting off my Autoharp’s pickup, I purchased a used BOSS DR Rhythm DR-3 from my local music shop. I never saw a drum machine before and only by divine providence did I even know to ask for one.

It had no instruction booklet because I purchased it second-hand but within that weekend, I had it up and running to accompany me on many of my harp hymns and contemporary Gospel songs. I suddenly sounded like a trio! I sang the melody, did the chords with my Autoharp and the bass and drums were added by the machine. I often use two amps for stereo effect and plug the drum and bass machine into both amps. You really can’t beat that combination as all of the layered sounds explode from the drum machine when you hook it up that way. The DR-3 offers various keys and rhythms to suit the style or genre you play. With 100 preset rhythms, it is also very useful for song writing. I've only needed to purchase the Foot Pedal accessory, (BOSS FS-5U), which starts and stops the drum machine for me without my having to take my hands off the harp. I now can give very polished performances of my ministry music that people can both hear and enjoy. So that is what amplification is all about. Enhancing, not over-powering the sound of your instrument. One patient said to me after my performance using all the equipment that I have described here, “At least you know that now we can hear you.” Many of the people whom I play for are hard of hearing. These words truly hit home and confirmed that I’m on the right track in reaping amplified benefits. Praise God! END By Dr. Marie J. Miczak Be sure to visit Dr. Miczak's Author's Website

To see the equipment and instruments mentioned in this article, visit the linked websites below:

Oscar Schmidt Autoharps-Washburn Guitars

BOSS / Roland DR-3, Super Chorus & TU-2

Roland's Christian Worship Connection Newsletter

Slider Instrument Straps

Behringer K450FX Keyboard Amp & PA System

IN OUR UPCOMING ISSUE...

We will be reviewing the latest, cutting edge digital recording studios with on board CD burners! You won't want to miss this review as we test the best of the best recording studios which allow you to arm multiple tracks and then burn a polished master CD onboard!

Posted by Author at 9:36 PM EDT
Updated: Wednesday, 9 May 2007 9:38 PM EDT
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Friday, 23 March 2007

New Homepage Article....Coming Soon
Now Playing: Music's Healing Power Gets Amplified!

Here is a preview of the latest Homepage Article for www.miczak.com!:

Music's Healing Power Gets Amplified!

Music does so much to lift the human spirit. Doctors have found a decrease in depression in those who play or passively listen to live music especially. Martin Gizzi of New Jersey Neuroscience Institute says that he has seen music decrease a patient’s need for medication such as sedatives. In Alzheimer’s patients especially, he said it can promote “clarity of thinking” while reducing irritability and promoting calm. One study has shown a decreased heart rate and blood pressure level for those who play or listen to a soothing instrument such as the guitar and harp.

Many purists wrestle with the question of amplification but when playing in larger venues, it becomes something for serious consideration. Does it detract or enhance the benefits seen in acoustic instruments? I now use a keyboard amp and multi-channel foot pedal for effects. It is a good thing that I do because some of the people I play for can not hear very well. Still, with proper placement of the speakers, they are able to enjoy the performance. I caught up with Bob Williams, owner of Music and Things where I purchased my new OS 150FCE Limited Edition Electric Autoharp. His is an online musician’s supply store with, “Instruments and supplies you need at a price you can afford.” Bob is himself a seasoned musician and did a fabulous job of tuning my electric Autoharp before shipping. He spoke of a Tennessee Autoharp artist who added a flanger to his electric instrument with beautiful effects. I’m exploring new territory myself by adding “colors” such as chorus, phase shifter and a bass/drum machine. So far the swirling of the phaser or phase shifter is by far the most favorite of my pedal effects. I added this effect during rehearsal the other night and everyone could hear the enhanced difference. Some said they couldn't believe how good the Autoharp sounded! Keep in mind, most people are not familiar with the Autoharp and unamplified, it can sometimes sound "brighter" than a mellow guitar or bass. However, that is the signature sound of the Autoharp. My goal is not to obscure it's uniqueness but to bring it out. That is too why a keyboard amp is preferable to a guitar amp. Guitar amps do not retain enough of the original sound quality of the Autoharp.

Mary Ann Johnston is editor of The Autoharp Quarterly and herself an avid Autoharp player. In fact we will be featuring her personal insights on playing the Autoharp right here in an upcoming issue. One of the biggest yearly events for Autoharp players of every distinction is the Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering in PA. The Autoharp Quarterly is the magazine for Autoharp enthusiasts with great instrument tips, songs and other artists to draw from. Dedicated artists like these are keeping this instrument alive. Now with the interest in everything Celtic and Old English from clothing to music, interest in traditional folk harp music is on the rise.

One of the other things I have added now that I am playing more is a strap. I chose the Slider Strap because it evenly distributes the instrument’s weight, (about 11 lbs) over my shoulders, allowing me to play longer and in total comfort. The inventor of the Slider Strap also makes similar design straps for Nickleharpas,(don't ask), banjos and guitars. It will improve your performance the first time you strap it on. For more information and pictures, visit the website links below. If you would like to know more about my music ministry and Autoharp performances or see the dates where I will be appearing, please check back here. Below are links to this article's featured companies.

Music & Things - Bob Williams-owner Music and Things

The Slider - Autoharp Strap Slider Autoharp / Guitar Straps

The Autoharp Quarterly - Mary Ann Johnston - Editor
The Autoharp Quarterly

Mel Bay Publications Inc. - Sheet Music Books and Instructional lessons for instruments of all kinds. (We are now reviewing their selection of Celtic and Scottish Music Books for the Autoharp).
Mel Bay Publications

Reverend Dr. Marie J. Miczak
Published Author-Editor
Ordained Ecumenical Minister
Harp Hymns Ministry

Posted by Author at 4:23 PM EDT
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Monday, 17 July 2006

The New York Philharmonic Orchestra
Mood:

cool
Now Playing: Opening Season of Concerts in the Parks

On Monday, July 10th at 8 pm, the curtain went up on the New York Philharmonic's Concerts in the Parks. It was a beautiful evening which opened the season with the New York Philharmonic Brass.

They opened with Fanfare from La Peri and went right into the Earl of Oxford's March which is from 15th century Englands's tripping of the colors. Departing from there we moved south to France with a three movement piece called Dances from the Danserye.

Actually we ventured all around the world and on to Italy with the Sonata pian e forte, Debussy's "The Girls with the Flaxen Hair" and "Golliwogg's Cake-Walk" which is a light ballroom dance made famous by the Castles.

That was the bridge to the more modern Jazz pieces as well as popular music done with Music for Shea featuring, "Take me Out to the Ballgame" and Cohen's "Yankee Doodle Dandy". The concert wrapped with examples of New Orleans blues and Berstein's "America" from West Side Story.

The orchestra did a fabulous encore from John Phillips Sussa's Pensylvannia Ave. March and a few others. What a delightful evening event! A very ecclectic mix of some of the best music the orchestra has to feature the brass section. We plan to again attend the next performance of Westfield Symphony Orchestra and the New York City Opera when they perform on September 27th at PNC Arts Center. Highly recommended!

Classically yours,

Dr. Marie J. Miczak

Posted by Author at 1:28 PM EDT
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Monday, 13 February 2006

On the Slopes!
Mood:

cool
Now Playing: Winter Olympics Noreaster Style

With more than 21 inches of fluffy, white snow dropped on us, we couldn't resist taking to the slopes with our Surfster Ice sled, Scott Goggles and Snow Board Gloves. We were all wearing our Dorfman-Pacific fur Bomber hats too!

What a beautiful day! Bright sunshine, clear skies and even a Kestrel Hawk gliding over the hills. He must have see MY Kestrel weather meter. We had a great day out but must admit the powder was very light so we didn't get much speed today. That's o.k. Better days!

Magda Miczak and Dr. Marie Miczak taking a break during a day of snow surfing. Photographed is the Surfster Ice. Hats by Dorfman-Pacific. Weather Meter around Dr. Miczak's neck is by Kestrel.

Posted by Author at 8:30 PM EST
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Friday, 13 January 2006

Ice Theatre Of New York's Winter 2006 Season!
Mood:

lyrical
Now Playing: Ivana Trump & Dick Button Honor Aja Zenova this Season

Here is Dick Button, Moira North, Aja Zenova, Ivana Trump and David Liu at the Ice Theatre of New York's Home Season kick off on Ice at the the Sky Rink, Chelsea Piers, lower Manhattan. This was their 21st Anniversary Gala to benefit the troop.

Click the links to be taken to the full gallery of the Winter Sports Special featuring clothing, ice skates and other exciting items.

May God bless,

Dr. Marie Miczak

Posted by Author at 6:34 PM EST
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Tuesday, 5 July 2005

Our Summer 2005 X-Training Sports Gallery is Here!
Mood:

chillin'
Now Playing: Athleta, Dorfman-Pacific Hats & HighGear Hit the Trail

Hey Gang!

A sizzling hot summer is no reason to stay home! The proper clothing, gear and equipment will make your time in the great outdoors even more fun than you can imagine. We are covering cycling, walking and hiking as ways to enjoy your summer while staying fit for the upcoming skating season.

So there is a whole world of adventure out there and with the right equipment, you'll discover its an adventure waiting to unfold!

Visit: https://www.angelfire.com/ak/anakee/xtraining/

Now get out there!

Dr. M.

Posted by Author at 4:39 PM EDT
Updated: Tuesday, 5 July 2005 4:41 PM EDT
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Monday, 29 November 2004

See Dr. Marie Miczak On CBS News and in More Magazine Online!
Now Playing: Video Clips from the CBS Early Show
Here is the CBS Early Show Broadcast with Dr. Marie Miczak who was phtographed and featured in More Magazine's Jan. 2005 Issue. A video clip of the program, Dr. Miczak's homepage and Figure Skating Guide were all included on the
CBS Early Show webpage.

Reaching For More

From: CBS Early Show / NEW YORK, Nov. 29, 2004

'Reaching For More'

Rene Syler and Dr. Marie Miczak (Photo: CBS/The Early Show)

(CBS) Three years ago, at the age of 44, Dr. Marie Miczak decided to pursue her long-time dream, to learn how to ice skate.

"I enjoy the freedom of getting out and expressing myself. And, you know, the freedom of movement. I think it's the closest thing you're going to get to flight," she says.

The Early Show co-anchor Rene Syler decided to join her.

"I hadn't been on the ice since I was a kid. I use to love ice-skating, but stopped when my family moved. Now I missed it," says Syler. "So, earlier this year I laced up at the ripe young age of 41 and was shocked at how much just came flowing back to me once I hit the ice. Today I skate at least once a week."

The Early Show is pairing with More magazine to profile women in their 40s and older who are reaching for the things in life they still long to do.

"I think 40 is still a huge milestone for women. Forty might be the new 20, or maybe 50 is the new 30," says Peggy Northrop, editor-in-chief of More. "As you become more competent in your life, especially if you have kids and your kids have gotten a little bit older, you think, 'What happened to the fun in my life. If not now, when am I going to try all of the things I've been dreaming about over the years?'"

In the December-January issue, More profiles several women who had a life-changing event that spurred them on to try something they always wanted to do.

Northrop offers some tips on how women can pay attention and put fun back in their lives:

Identify Your Passions: Sometimes you may have to think back to what you liked to do as a kid. Think back to those times. Maybe you like to perform or you love to cook. That will help you get in touch with your passion.

Choose Something Doable: Just because you love to perform, you don't want to say, 'I'm going to do Broadway auditions.' You probably don't have time to do that. There may be a tap class at the gym you may devote an hour a week to. Make something you can achieve and feel success with.

Find A Partner: It makes you less likely to quit, and its fun to have someone to explore a new passion with.

Talk Or Write About It: You just need to brag on yourself. Talk to other people, or keep a practice log or diary. It will help you remind yourself of what a great experience you're having and help you take on new challenges.

(?MMIV, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

Posted by Author at 8:26 PM EST
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