Customer Service It
Resume:
***** ******* ***** ***** ****************@*****.***
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 http://www.linkedin.com/in/travistaylor1
John Travis Taylor
Objective To obtain a position that will enable me to use my strong organizational
skills, editorial background, and ability to work well with people.
Experience 2012–Present Bleacher Report Telecommute
Writer
● Research and write articles on various sports-related topics for
publication online and in thrice-weekly newsletter.
● Ensure accuracy of information reported, including names, stats,
events and history of specific sport and participants.
● Featured Columnist.
2010–2012 Ignite Health Irvine, CA
Proofreader
● Reviewed material to identify errors in spelling, grammar,
punctuation and language usage, as well as inconsistencies with
style guides depending on the type of material (i.e., AMA or AP
guidelines), in both digital and print forms.
● Ensured accuracy of presentation, including sequential
numbering of references, numbers and a complete and accurate
listing of references using specific styles.
Identified areas where overall sense, continuity and clarity may
●
not be consistent within and across branded material.
2008–2010 Demand Media Santa Monica, CA
Freelance Writer
● Researched and wrote articles for informational websites on
selected topics.
● Worked independently and effectively to meet necessary
deadlines.
● Completed articles are currently posted on websites including,
eHow.com, About.com, Answerbag.com and Trails.com.
2010 Better Nutrition Magazine El Segundo, CA
Copyeditor
● Proofread and copy edited articles for publication, ensuring correct
grammar and content of articles.
Contacted and obtained images of products from companies to use
●
in features.
Wrote informative advertisements for products featured in
●
magazine, coordinated facts and made relevant to readers.
2007 Victorian Homes Magazine Orange, CA
Editorial Intern
● Wrote feature articles focusing on Victorian architecture and
furniture; interviewed and wrote narratives about Wes Cowan and
Maureen Taylor; coordinated facts and wrote the announcement of
Victorian themed events; proofread and copy edited completed
work.
● Recruited new and returning advertisers, exhibited interpersonal
skills and innovation in securing financial backing through
advertising.
● Nominated for the Amy Foundation Writing Award.
2007 Cal State Fullerton, Daily Titan Fullerton, CA
Reporter
● Wrote articles for school newspaper both assigned pieces and
submitted and approved topics, copy edited stories submitted by
fellow students.
● Assisted with production from inception to print, formatted lay out of
articles and photographs in Adobe InDesign.
th
● Selected journalist for 50 Anniversary Edition.
2000–2001 Parade Magazine New York, NY
Photo Researcher
● Researched photographs to be printed in magazine with
corresponding articles; archived and organized data base of
photographs to ensure the most applicable image was selected in a
timely manner to meet pending deadlines.
● Received, archived and coordinated the receipt of photographs for
the yearly photo contest; corresponded with the 120 selected
finalized to verify and confirm received data and image; complied
data and submitted to editors for final decision.
● Assumed additional responsibilities with the copy editing department
by reviewing print work to ensure readiness for print.
1998–2001 TNG Temporary Service New York, NY
Proofreader
● Reviewed and analyzed legal and financial documents and
implemented necessary corrections in the corresponding word
processing system.
1998–2001 Genesis Repertory Ensemble New York, NY
Marketing/Promotions
● Recruited advertisers for entertainment group; exhibited
interpersonal skills, networking and determination to market
advertising space for local businesses.
● Effectively met print deadlines and followed up with advertisers to
ensure satisfaction and continued support.
2003–2010 Claim Jumper Restaurant Monrovia, CA
Server
● Provide timely and efficient customer service for diners in a fast
paced environment; utilize ability to multi-task and maintain a
positive attitude.
● Manage cash and credit payments; responsible for balancing
payments received with quantity of purchase.
Education 2006–2008 Cal State University Fullerton, CA
● B.A., Communications Print Journalism
2004–2006 Mount San Antonio College Walnut, CA
● A.A., Communications
Technical Skills Adobe InDesign, PhotoShop, Final Cut Pro, Microsoft Word, Microsoft
Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, MAC and PC Platforms.
Links to published stories:
Has the Line Between Reality and the Ring Been Crossed Too Far?
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1339792-wwe-has-the-line-between-reality-and-the-ring-been-crossed-
too-far
Link to all articles on Bleacher Report:
http://bleacherreport.com/users/1320778-travis-taylor
Floods and Droughts
http://www.ehow.com/info_8305532_effects-floods-droughts.html
Causes and Effects of Floods
http://www.ehow.com/info_8291793_causes-effects-floods.html
Restaurants Near Lime Rock, CT
http://www.ehow.com/info_8288833_restaurants-near-lime-rock-ct.html
Cons of Offshore Drilling in Alaska
http://www.ehow.com/info_8274816_cons-offshore-drilling-alaska.html
Historical Homes Near Tallassee, AL
http://www.ehow.com/info_8266832_historical-homes-near-tallassee-al.html
The History of Placenta Cream
http://www.ehow.com/about_5606436_history-placenta-cream.html
Microsoft’s New Desktop Is Actually a Desk
http://www.dailytitan.com/2007/06/microsoftsnewdesktopisactuallyadesk/
Swag for Reviews – the New Way to Advertise
http://www.dailytitan.com/2007/06/swagforreviewsthenewwaytoadvertise/
Staph On the Rise Among Athletes
http://www.dailytitan.com/2006/12/staphontheriseamongathletes/
After my letters of recommendation, I have included published stories that are no longer available online.
Additional writing samples are available upon request.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
FROM: MIKE THARP
RE: LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FOR TRAVIS TAYLOR
Travis and I have known each other since January 2007, when he enrolled in the Feature Writing course I taught at
Cal State Fullerton University (where I was a teacher for seven years). The course is a tough one, and in it I try to instill
the same journalistic values and virtues I learned as a reporter/bureau chief with the Wall Street Journal for 14 years in
Dallas, Tokyo and San Francisco; as a correspondent with the New York Times in Tokyo; as a bureau chief/
correspondent for U.S. News & World Report in Tokyo and Los Angeles for 14 years; and for six years as a contributor
to People Magazine.
Over the course of the semester, Travis did something rare in my classes: he got an A on every writing
assignment. Student journalists must produce two feature stories a week, with at least one interview per story. At first, I
assign the subjects; as they gain my confidence, I let them pick the ideas. In both categories, Travis excelled.
For an assigned story with a military theme, for instance, he profiled a U.S. Navy petty officer who served two tours in
the Vietnam War, after first being rejected by the Navy; for a story with a law enforcement theme, he examined the
national issue of racial profiling through the local eyes of police officer Raymond Alvarado. He wrote a delightfully
mocking self-obituary.
It was in the stories he generated himself where Travis showed a true talent for imagination and execution. He
consistently wrote longer than the assigned two pages, and I'm glad he did because his stories were well worth reading.
He chronicled the tragic history of the Von Erich brothers, all dead or dying from their involvement in professional
wrestling; he conjured a marvelous feature linking Southern California weather, rogue waves and the Salem witchcraft
trials--and made the story believable. In a business story which could've appeared in most newspapers, Travis wrote
about the pros and cons of hybrid vehicles.
Besides the variety and quality of these and other stories, they all showed yet another rare trait among student
journalists: they were fundamentally sound in all the technical parts of writing: grammar, spelling, syntax. I spent part of
every class I taught for seven years drilling student journalists on these technical mistakes by writing their own
(anonymously) on the whiteboard, then Socratically asking them why the example was wrong. Travis knew so much
about this critical part of writing that I had to ask him not to answer, so that others could learn. If I could hire him
tomorrow as a copy editor, I would.
In my class, Travis Taylor stood out in two of the most vital ways a journalist must: in story ideas and in executing
them in an almost error-free style. That's a rare double--especially for a younger journalist. In addition, he is a nice guy,
a fun man and a polite person--in short, his character is strong.
I strongly recommend Travis to your attention and hope you consider him for whatever position he may be interested
in. I know you will be glad you have done so, if you decide to bring him on board. His ability and maturity are precious
assets among today's generation.Thank you for your consideration of my former student journalist, and please feel free
to contact me if you need further information.
Yours truly,
Mike Tharp
Local News Editor
Merced Sun-Star
******@*********-****.***
To Whom It May Concern,
From August 20, 2007 to December 5, 2007, Travis Taylor worked as my editorial intern at Victorian
Homes magazine, a national publication with a circulation of 75,000. During that time he far exceeded my
expectations, and was always willing to take on more work, no matter how busy he was. His tasks
included answering e-mail and voice mail, interviewing people for articles, working closely with our
advertisers, writing and producing stories and ordering images to run in the magazine.
He multitasks well and maintains his deadlines, both extremely important traits for someone in the
publishing industry. His writing abilities evident in his clips are excellent. On top of this, his buoyant
attitude, paired with his professional demeanor, made him an asset in our busy editorial environment: a
publishing company with 19 national magazines.
I highly recommend Travis Taylor for a position with your company. If you have any further questions, you
may contact me by e-mail at ******.*********@***-*****.*** or by phone at 714-***-****, ext. 235.
Sincerely,
Merrie Destefano, Editor
Victorian Homes magazine
APG-Media
265 S. Anita Drive, Suite 120
Orange, CA 92707
eHow.com: About MythVideo TV Shows
MythVideo is quite possibly the future of digital video recording. While only having been around for less
than a decade, MythVideo has quietly transformed from a mere application into a full-blown media center.
Every day more and more people are abandoning the traditional ways of listening to music and watching
television and going all digital. Its faster, easier, the quality is better, the content is greater and it is much
more convenient.
Background
MythVideo started in 2002, as a way for creator Isaac Richards to get better television than what he was
receiving from the digital box provided by his cable company. Conceived as a better alternative to other
digital video recorders, MythVideo is a plug-in application that allows users to have control over and better
manage their digital photo, video and music collections. Well-received by the online community when it
debuted, now there are users across the world.
MythTV
The Television section of MythVideo is by far the most popular and the original point of MythVideo, an
open-source personal video recorder that organizes digital videos and saves them on the back-end
server. MythTV is for personal use and involves ripping your DVDs onto MythVideo, being careful not to
violate any copyright laws. MythTV is divided into sections: selection pages, manager pages and video
setting pages. The selection page is where you can browse through your video collection, find what you
want and play it. MythTV can also provide you with an RSS feed reader, weather and will play all those
DVD’s you just burned onto it.
Set-up
The set-up for MythVideo is simple and doesn't require having a computer right next to your television.
You can actually use multiple computers to run it, simply by having one run the back end database
(storage), one for recording and one for the front-end (viewing). Then you can connect the software up to
a smaller device, such as a mini-computer, to be near your television, thus eliminating bulk, clutter and
load noise from your running system. On the other hand, you can have everything run from one computer,
as the original version intended.
Features
In addition to TV, MythVideo also works with music, photos, video and the web. One of its best features is
called, of course, MythWeb. This is a remote access tool that is web based and allows users to take
advantage of web tools by providing an easy to use interface with MythTV’s data listings to find what you
want to watch and record them. Once you’ve used it for a bit, MythWeb will be able to find similar shows,
notify you of any conflicts such as overlapping time frames and allow you to see thumbnails of the first
few minutes of each show.
Warning
Perhaps the biggest pitfall with MythVideo is the DVD ripping. Make sure not to violate any copyright
laws, as they differ by country.
TUSK Magazine: Are Hybrids Worth It?
Any licensed driver worth his weight in salt knows the dread that wells up when passing a gas
station. It begins when the fuel gage starts to creep toward that big E. The unlucky motorist begins to feel
the burn in the pocket. Steeping out of the car at the pump it’s easy to imagine Tennessee Ernie Ford
signing, “You load sixteen tons, what do you get? Another day older and deeper in debt.”
It seems as if the numbers creep up a little bit more each time the sun rises. Nationally the
country is paying just over $3 a gallon. In California, $3 was reached last year. San Francisco has the
highest gas in the country, $3.58.
So what exactly is the modern day consumer supposed to do? The answer could be hybrids.
With over 205,000 sold in 2005, hybrids are considered by some to be the wave of the future.
They are normal, fuel-efficient cars that have two motors under the hood-an electric motor and a gasoline-
powered motor. The electric motor powers the car when driving at low speeds or in stop and go traffic.
The gas engine is for sudden bursts or for maintaining high speeds, such as driving on the freeway.
Unlike electric cars, hybrids never have to be plugged in to re-charge. Every time the car breaks
the electric battery is given a boost. Also, the gas motor will take over and charge the battery when it is
low. All done by computer.
The downside? Cost. While hybrids are extremely fuel efficient, 48 to 60 miles per gallon, they
tend to cost about $5000 more than a normal car. Advocates say the money saved on gas offsets the
cost.
Nicole LeDuc, who drives a 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid, agrees. “I think it’s better,” said LeDuc.
“You get to use the car pool lane as a single driver. With it, you get to feel as if you are doing something
better for the environment.”
But not everyone agrees with LeDuc. Philip Dunn, writing for Physorg.org, said that while
consulting manufactures Web pages for mileage tips for hybrids, he found that they list the exact same
ones as they give for regular cars-drive slow, no sudden starts, don’t idle the car for long periods. Dunn
also discovered that real mileage for hybrids is roughly 10 percent less than claimed.
Many automakers may also be pushing hybrids for reasons other than the environment. It is in
many of their best interests to produce hybrids in order not to violate the Corporate Average Fuel
Economy Standard.
According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, CAFÉ is the sales weighted
average fuel economy, expressed in miles per gallon, for a manufacturers entire fleet of automobiles or
light trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or less. What that means is that if a car
company can sell one hybrid with a gas mileage of 60 miles per gallon, then they can sell four larger and
more expensive cars that get less gas mileage.
CAFÉ was enacted into law by Congress in 1975, in response to the ’73-’74 Arab oil embargo.
The idea was to put better cars on the road and decrease our dependency on foreign oil.
The United States is pushing hard for the hybrids to become more widely used. The government
is offering tax benefits for people who buy hybrids to offset the extra cost of buying. Any purchase of a
hybrid between 2006 and 2007 enables a taxpayer to $3400 in federal tax credits.
According to HybridCenter.org, the Toyota Prius nets owners $3100, while the Honda Civic Hybrid
earns its owners $2,100. In New York State, Gov. George Pataki is pushing an energy reduction plan that
would include a $2,000 tax credit, discounted highway tolls and high occupancy vehicle lanes access. All
for owning a hybrid. New Yorkers could end up saving $5,400.
The cost of repairs has deterred some from buying. A new battery for a hybrid can run nearly
$5,000. The Honda Insight Hybrid battery, for example, runs $3,600. Having two engines means twice the
chance of engine problems.
To offset this fear, carmakers are offering long warranties. Honda provides an 8-year, 80,000-mile
warranty. Toyota gives buyers 8 years or 100,000 miles.
Hybrids are also becoming more prevalent. Honda, Toyota, Ford, Lexus, Mercury and Nissan all
have hybrids currently available. Scheduled for release in 2007 are the Saturn Aura Hybrid sedan, Chevy
Malibu Hybrid and Mazda Tribute Hybrid. The following year will see two more cars from Saturn, a Ford
Fusion Hybrid, a Mercury Milan Hybrid and a newly designed Toyota Prius, the most popular of the
Hybrids.
“Hybrids are the way to go,” said an employee of Montclair Honda, who asked to remain
anonymous. “I don’t know who’s got the better one, but they’re the way to go.”
The pros and cons of hybrids can be discussed all day. But one point must remain clear: cars
have been around for 100 years, and they still haven’t been perfected.
eHow.com: How to Publish Inventions
Introduction
You have spent months, possibly even years, working on your invention. It is a brand-new idea, one that
you feel will revolutionize an industry or change the way we live our lives. So, now what? What are the
steps to publish your invention? In order to publish your invention, you have to take every precaution to
protect it. In the United States there is a one-year grace period between the time you first mention or write
about your invention and the time you patent it. This is not so in the rest of the world.
Process
Step 1
Determine whether your invention is patentable. There are three categories that your invention must fit
into: novelty, non-obviousness or utility. A novelty invention is one that is new or original. Non-
Obviousness means an invention cannot, at the time of invention, be considered something of ordinary
skill level to somebody else in the inventions field. Utility is defined as useful, not frivolous and having
some kind of convenient use.
Step 2
Contact the United States Patent and Trademark Office (either by phone or in person) and search their
database for any similar existing invention or patent. This is important to make sure that your idea is
original. The office will not issue a patent for your invention if there is any kind of similar product already
registered in the system.
Step 3
Pay any applicable fees and apply for your patent using the electronic filing system available through the
US Patent and Trademark Office's website. The EFS is one of the best ways to publish your invention and
secure your patent since it allows any web-based computer to file the correct applications without
downloading any new software. A complete list of pertinent fees is posted at the website.
Step 4
Wait for patent approval. If you receive your patent, you may begin marketing and publishing your
invention. Selling your patent is one way to go, as are exclusive rights to one party or company, non-
exclusive rights or manufacturing it yourself.
Tips
Obtaining a patent prior to publication will not hamper your ability to publish your invention. In fact,
performing this step first will provide you with even more protection for your creation.
Warnings
Making your invention public, either through a lecture, symposium or other display before securing your
patent, could seriously hamper your ability to obtain a patent. In many European countries, any public
disclosure of an invention before filing for or receiving a patent will immediately cause you to lose patent
protection.
TUSK Magazine: Cameras and Society
A Kenneth Cole shoe ad once proclaimed, “You are on camera an average of 10 times a day.”
They almost got it right. With the combined number of cameras in society citizens are actually being taped
around 300 times a day from the very moment they step outside of their house.
The eye of big brother is everywhere, from cell phone cameras to security cameras, from red light
cameras to closed circuit television cameras. Many people don’t give cameras a second thought. Yet they
are always there.
The two most common types of cameras encountered are red light cameras and closed-circuit
television. Red light cameras are designed to aid police and curb accidents by monitoring intersections
and ticketing offenders. The cameras photograph the driver and their license plate. The photograph
allows a separate company to compare the license number to DMV records and issue a ticket. CCTV are
digital cameras that are wired to a network, use no tapes, and are accessed anywhere in the world.
The modern day citizen, while cognizant of cameras, is unaware how quickly they are taped.
“When I get to the school or the office, that’s when they tape me,” said Andrea Heckman, 34, a
financial-aid consultant for a university.
The taping actually starts much earlier. On a typical day a person leave’s for work early in the
morning. They are caught on camera by their neighbor’s security feed. Driving through town they are
videotaped by in-dash cameras in police cars. At most intersections they are caught once again by red
light cameras. The downtown parking garage, or the university parking lot, is rigged from top to bottom
with security lenses keeping cars safe. The elevator at work has a camera in the ceiling, in case of
emergency. The lobby of their office building or school is also wired for security.
All this, before the morning bagel.
But despite the ill feelings that may accompany the prevalence of so many cameras, they are
working. Red light cameras help authorities catch dangerous drivers who put others at risk. According to
2000 figures, there were 106,000 crashes, 89,000 injuries and 1,036 deaths attributed to red light running,
which occurs every 20 minutes.
But red light cameras are changing all of that. With roughly 75% of Americans supporting
cameras, it’s easy to see why. In the U.K., violations dropped by 55%. In Oxnard, Calif. and Fairfax City,
Va., there has been a 40% decline in total accidents, with front to side accidents reduced by 70%.
There is also a development called the spillover effect. When one camera is set up, every
intersection in the surrounding area sees a reduction in accidents. The downside is that while side-impact
accidents have been reduced, there has been an increase in rear-end collisions.
These camera’s have proved safer for police officers and pedestrians and have saved the country
$14 million dollars in wages. The cameras reduce the workload of police officers.
Fifty cities in the U.S. now have red light cameras and some foreign countries have had them
since the 70’s. They are perfectly legal, too. Having a license to drive puts you in the public light. There is
no law that says you cannot be observed while driving.
But not everyone is convinced that those big cameras at the intersection are so good. Matthew
Phillips, 29, says he saw the camera flash on his car even when he stopped at the light.
“I was right on the line when it flashed,” said Phillips. “It was as if it were priming up just in case I
decided to run the light. I was nervous at first, but then I was like, ‘Screw you, I’m not breaking the law.’”
Another aspect of security in our society is the use of CCTV. There are 25 million CCTV’s
worldwide and they record everything from the day-to-day routine at work to the guy picking a wedgie on
the street. They can be, and usually are linked together to transfer info and images anywhere. This
means someone could be away on a business trip and watch the nanny in their house 1000 miles away.
Some people feel that the linkage of CCTV creates an opportunity for crime.
“If they can hack into bank and business databases, what’s to stop them from breaking into this
and watching us in our homes or seeing when we are at work?” said Jesus Tinoco, 41.
Nevertheless, police departments are utilizing CCTV to fight crime. The NYPD has over 3,000
cameras at their disposal. The Chicago Police Department has 2,250 and both Baltimore and New
Orleans have over 1,000.
But it is not just law enforcement that has jumped on the bandwagon. In Houston, the
transportation authority tapped into the existing CCTV system to monitor the highways. Now able to watch
90% of the roads, they passed a law that is referred to as the Six-Minute Rule. Research has shown that
ever minute a vehicle is stopped on the side of the road results in four minutes of congestion. If there is
an accident, flat tire or any kind of roadside emergency, help will be there within six minutes.
Closer to home, at Cal State Fullerton, security refused to comment on the use of cameras on
campus. However, if a student logs onto their Titan Online portal, they will notice a button that say’s
“Webcam.” Clicking on that button brings up a 15 minute delayed feed of the Quad and Nutwood Avenue.
Contact this candidate