Choosing a Pick Material

Jeffrey Plotzker, a former New York State Department of Health healthcare program specialist, enjoys playing guitar in his spare time. Guitarists like Jeffrey Plotzker need to put a fair amount of thought into what, to a casual observer, would seem to be the smallest and least significant tool in their arsenals: the pick.

The material a pick is made from can have a significant effect on playing style and musical quality. Guitarists often prefer specific picks based on the music being played and personal preferences.

Plastic and nylon picks are among the most common and have been a standard since their introduction in the 1920s. Different plastics offer variating advantages, such as a powdery texture which helps in gripping or flexibility and durability to match the now-banned turtle-shell picks. Nylon picks, meanwhile, provide bright notes and great flexibility and often show up in the hands of players seeking a more vintage-style sound.

Some guitarists turn to less common materials, such as stone, wood, leather, or steel. These can vary significantly within type, but the general rule with these picks is that harder and denser ones lead to crisper, brighter sounds, and more flexible materials tend to create a warmer sound. Steel picks can also offer improved ergonomics for those who like the tones produced by the coins so-often used as picks in moments of desperation or improper preparation.

Four Facts about the Guitar

A former Healthcare Program Specialist for the New York State Department of Health, Jeffrey Plotzker possesses technical skills in mathematical analysis and financial management along with strong interpersonal skills like critical thinking and effective communication. When away from work, Jeffrey Plotzker is fond of playing the guitar.

Believed by many to be the second most popular musical instrument in the world, the guitar belongs to the string family. The two most common types of guitars are the acoustic and electric. Guitars have at least four strings - the guitar with the largest number of strings has 18.

Listed below are some interesting and little-known facts about the guitar.

1. The oldest guitar, estimated to be about 3,500 years old, is kept in Cairo’s Archaeological Museum. It was believed to come from Persia, and is called a Tanbur.

2. The smallest guitar in the world can be found at New York’s Cornell University. It is ten micrometers long, or 1/100th of a millimeter. Its strings are 50 nanometers thick. It is made of crystalline silicon.

3. The largest guitar in the world was created by the Academy of Science and Technology in Texas. A model of a Gibson Flying-V, it measures 43 feet long and is 16 feet across.

4. The most expensive guitar was sold for $2.8 million in efforts to raise funds for the tsunami victims on the Indian Ocean in 2004. The fund raising drive was called “Reach Out to Asia.” The guitar was signed by guitar greats such as Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, and Bryan Adams.

KPMG Enterprise

An experienced financial manager and analyst, Jeffrey Plotzker most recently served as a healthcare program specialist with the New York State Department of Health (DOH) Office of Health Insurance Programs (OHIP). Jeffrey Plotzker’s work with the DOH OHIP involved overseeing audit initiatives from multiple government organizations as well as the private sector conglomerate KPMG.

Beyond its extensive audit and tax regulation advisory functions, KPMG offers a range of targeted services. As one example, the KPMG Enterprise division is explicitly dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build successful businesses.

In addition to assisting individual entrepreneurs, KPMG Enterprise works with family businesses and fast-growing companies to offer strategic solutions that are tailored to meet the specific size and challenges of each enterprise. Emphasizing the importance of personalized dedication, KPMG Enterprise representatives offer clients a single point of contact for KPMG’s vast stores of information and consulting expertise. Spanning the globe with locations in 156 different countries, the KPMG Enterprise advisor network offers direct client interaction on a 24/7 basis.

Hiking Trip Inspired Recent Wins for Tennis Star Novak Djokovic

A former landscaper, Jeffrey Plotzker spent the past two years as a healthcare program specialist and auditor with the New York State Department of Health. Outside of furthering his career, Jeffrey Plotzker enjoys going for hikes.

Hiking has obvious physical benefits, but it can also be a way to clear your mind and reflect upon what's important. That's what renowned tennis star Novak Djokovic did following a disappointing result at the 2018 French Open. The native of Serbia, along with his wife Jelena, embarked on a five-day hiking trip that included a three-hour ascent up Montagne Sainte-Victoire, a mountain near Aix-en-Provence that has long served as a source of inspiration for artists. Upon reaching the top, Djokovic thought of his passion for tennis and the emotion it provokes within him. He came down with a renewed sense of excitement for the sport and has been one of the world's best players ever since.

Djokovic won Wimbledon shortly after and, on September 9, won the US Open, which marked the third time he has won both tournaments in a calendar year. It was also his 14th career Grand Slam tournament win. Following the win, he credited his recent success to that hiking trip in France.

Routines and Consistency Are Key to Reaching Fitness Goals

Jeffrey Plotzker is a respected presence in the Albany, New York, community who has conducted audits for the New York Department of Health. An outdoors enthusiast, Jeffrey Plotzker enjoys fitness activities in his free time. 

Reaching fitness goals requires consistent effort over an extended period of time. There is no training program that can get around this fundamental requirement, which makes pursuit of fitness much more like a marathon than a sprint. 

One aspect of this involves setting overarching goals at the outset and then breaking down the steps to achieve them. This could involve working with a fitness trainer who helps to develop a specific routine, or it could involve setting aside specific periods of time for aerobic workouts such as jogging, cycling, and swimming. 

After getting the nuts and bolts of an overall strategy and a specific routine in place, be sure to devote all of your energy to each particular workout and recognize that specific results will only come gradually. By consistently following the routine while focusing on related aspects of health such as nutrition and quality sleep, your fitness goals will eventually come into focus.

How to Find the Right Hiking Boots

The recipient of a bachelor's degree in actuarial and mathematical science from State University of New York at Albany, Jeffrey Plotzker is a financial and data analyst who most recently served as a healthcare program specialist with the New York State Department of Health. Outside of his professional pursuits, Jeffrey Plotzker is a fitness enthusiast who enjoys hiking. 

A comfortable and durable pair of hiking boots or shoes can make a world of difference in both your safety and how much you enjoy yourself during a strenuous trek. While there isn't one perfect-fitting boot for everyone, there are general guidelines you should follow when searching for the footwear that fits you best. 

For starters, know your size. Before going into a store, you should know the width and length of your foot as well as the arch length, which can be measured using specially-calibrated fitting devices. Moreover, you should wait until late in the day, when your feet are larger and stretched out from the day's activities, to try on boots. It's also important to wear appropriate socks when trying them on and to spend enough time walking around in the store to make a proper assessment. If you can, find an inclined surface and see how they fit and feel walking up and down a hill. 

Beyond size, you should purchase boots or shoes appropriate for your hiking interests. For example, lightweight, low-cut hiking shoes are preferred among day hikers with light backpacks, but those who enjoy multi-day trips with heavier backpacks are usually better off purchasing high-cut backpacking boots featuring a sturdier sole and greater support.

Regular Exercise Can Benefit Mental Well-Being

The recipient of a bachelor's degree in actuarial and mathematical science from State University of New York at Albany, Jeffrey Plotzker is a former health care program specialist with the New York State Department of Health. Outside of his professional pursuits, Jeffrey Plotzker pursues an active lifestyle through regular exercise.

While exercising on a regular basis can lead to physical benefits such as increased strength and flexibility, it is also an important measure in the fight against depression, anxiety, and other conditions relating to mental health. Studies have shown that even modest amounts of exercise can help relieve stress, help you sleep better, and improve your memory. Regular exercise may even help treat mild to moderate cases of depression just as effectively as prescribed medication and without the negative side effects. This is because physical activity promotes neural growth, reduces inflammation, and releases endorphins, all of which promote a sense of calmness and well-being.

One study conducted by University College London researchers suggested that three exercise sessions per week could reduce the risk for depression by 20 percent. These benefits have become so accepted in mainstream medical society that doctors now regularly prescribe exercise to treat depression.

Myths About Learning the Guitar

Jeffrey Plotzker, a former healthcare program specialist for the New York State Department of Health, has worked in healthcare since 2016. Outside of work, Jeffrey Plotzker enjoys playing the guitar.

Below are several myths about learning the guitar:

Players have to start young
Learning to play the guitar is slightly easier for children, since their brain has more plasticity and they have fewer responsibilities taking up their time. But that doesn’t mean a person can’t learn guitar effectively if they start later in life.

Music theory doesn’t matter
New players don’t need to learn how to read music before they can play the guitar well. They don’t even need to know music theory to play the guitar. But if they want to understand the guitar, they need to understand music theory, which helps musicians create and play their own music.

The first guitar must be expensive
When players buy their first guitar, they often mistakenly believe expensive guitars sound better and are easier to play. In reality, new players just need a decent guitar, not a top-of-the-line one, when learning.

Great players have natural talent
Some players are naturals when it comes to guitar. They learn quickly and probably play guitar along with several other instruments. But very few people belong in this group. And regardless of whether someone is naturally talented or not, they still have to develop calluses on their fingers, listen to their mistakes on the strings, and put in plenty of hours of practice before getting good.

Hiking to Kaaterskill Falls

Most recently a healthcare program specialist through Public Consulting Group, Jeffrey Plotzker worked for the New York State Department of Health in the Office of Health Insurance Programs. When not engaged in professional endeavors, Jeffrey Plotzker is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys hiking on trails in New York.

An avid hiker can find many scenic and beautiful hikes through the Catskill Mountains in New York State. One of the most popular is to Kaaterskill Falls, located near Haines Falls in the 7,620-acre Kaaterskill Wild Forest. Unique in its relative ease, the trail to Kaaterskill Falls entices hikers eager to catch a glimpse of the towering, two-tiered, 260-foot waterfall.

The trek to Kaaterskill Falls has been simplified following extensive updates in 2016. Now, hikers can access trails that lead to either the top or bottom of the falls from one starting point. In addition, they will find viewing platforms and additional scenic overlooks over the length of the trail. 

The Kaaterskill Falls trail is, in general, steep and rocky. Running along the Spruce Creek, hikers will find steep, slippery cliffs that can be very dangerous. Officials require hikers to stay on the marked trail at all times to avoid serious injury.

Safety Tips for Solo Hikers

An actuarial and mathematical science graduate from the State University of New York and former healthcare program specialist at the New York State Department of Health, Jeffrey Plotzker enjoys hiking in his spare time. Hikers like Jeffrey Plotzker take many precautions before setting out.

While hiking safety is important for everyone, solo hikers must take extra precautions due to the lack of potential immediate assistance. Solo hikers, for instance, should generally stick to well-traveled trails, especially for their first hikes, to minimize the chance of getting lost or stranded. They should also make sure someone knows exactly which trail they're on and how long they plan to be gone, so if something goes wrong on the trail, rescue can come sooner rather than later.

Foreknowledge and good planning are also key to a good solo hiking experience. Before setting out, hikers should have a good sense of how long they can hike and what their fatigue thresholds are, and should avoid excessive challenges. They should also make good preparations, including not only food and water but a first aid kit, a headlamp, and appropriate weather gear, even if the forecast doesn't predict inclement weather.

What to Look for When Choosing a Backpack for Hiking

The recipient of a bachelor's degree in actuarial and mathematical science from the State University of New York at Albany, Jeffrey Plotzker most recently served as a healthcare program specialist with the New York State Department of Health. Outside of his professional pursuits, Jeffrey Plotzker enjoys hiking. 

Preparing for a lengthy hike involves more than just picking an interesting route and following through. One of the most important requirements for venturing into the woods is a backpack capable of holding all of your essential items, while not being too difficult to carry. One of the first things you should do when purchasing a new backpack is consider how long you will be hiking. If you're going on a day or weekend trip, a 30- to 50-liter lightweight pack will be sufficient, although it requires careful planning to ensure you fit everything you need. For trips lasting longer than five nights or winter treks extending overnight, consider purchasing a 70-liter bag, which can accommodate a four-season tent and extra clothing.

Once you have an appropriately-sized backpack chosen, you should consider how it fits on your back. The ideal backpack should comfortably grip your hips and cover your torso. You can also look into load lifter straps and sternum straps to alleviate any comfort concerns. Additionally, make sure to select a backpack with shoulder straps that curve to conform to your body shape and a padded hip belt, especially if you're carrying more than 10 pounds.

Fundamental Financial Analysis Tools for Organizations

With experience in healthcare and insurance auditing, Jeffrey Plotzker previously served as a program specialist with a New York State Department of Health program. Among Jeffrey Plotzker’s areas of extensive knowledge are data and financial analysis as it relates to forecasting for businesses and other organizations. 

One of the fundamental techniques of forecasting is trend analysis, also known as time-series analysis. Incorporating historical data provided by past financial statements, this approach also takes data from forward-looking pro forma financial statements and employs ratio analysis to create a coherent, long-term organizational picture. With consistent trends and variations over time factored in, this analysis enables future cash flow, revenue, and profit prospects to be assessed with a reasonable amount of certainty. 

Benchmarking expands the analytical scope to entire markets and industries and provides a financial snapshot of the company’s comparative strengths and weaknesses. This is critical in identifying inefficiencies and competitive advantages, which tie into the corporate bottom line and how attractive a company is to equity investors.

Three Must-Try Hikes in New York State

A longtime New York resident, Jeffrey Plotzker has gained extensive work experience in a variety of settings and most recently worked for two years as a healthcare program specialist. Beyond his professional pursuits, Jeffrey Plotzker enjoys hiking.

When people think of New York, the booming metropolis of New York City is often the first thing that comes to mind. However, the state is quite large, with plenty to offer outside of the Big Apple. Below are three must-visit trails for hiking enthusiasts in New York.

1. Cascade Mountain - One of the 46 peaks in the Adirondack Mountains, the Cascade Mountain peak hike is arguably the most popular and suitable for individuals of varying fitness levels. It's slightly less than five miles, but includes a campground at its summit where you can rest and even prepare a meal.

2. Harriman State Park - Located near Tuxedo, New York, Harriman State Park offers some of the best views in the state as it is home to more than 30 lakes and reservoirs as well as 200 miles of hiking trails. Be sure to check out the abandoned Black Ash Mine if you get a chance. 

3. Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail - A half-hour drive from the equally-impressive Watkins Glen State Park, Buttermilk Falls offers a variety of short, but strenuous trails with a high incline. However, the reward at the top of the trail--the swimming area at the base of Buttermilk Falls--is well worth the climb.