: About Me

My writing and reporting background dates to 1984, when I was chosen my high school's editor-in-chief. I never hesitated to write boldly from the start. I remember the high school principal calling me after I criticized his decision to eliminate field trips.

I can't believe that was a generation ago - 23 years.

I have experienced so much since then and it makes me wonder what the next 23 years (if I'm around that long) have in store for me.

Some of the highlights of my writing career: Covering the University of Arizona men's basketball team that won the 1997 NCAA title, interviewing childhood idol Dr. J at a celebrity golf event in Tucson, and traveling to Australia to cover the UA basketball team during its tour there following the 1997 season.

I have also thankfully been able to travel around the U.S. while covering the Wildcats, including memorable trips to the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., New York City and Maui. I've covered three Final Fours, the inaugural game for the Arizona Diamondbacks, a couple of Fiesta Bowls, and many NBA, NFL and major-league baseball games.

I no longer work for a newspaper, having spent the last eight years trying to hone my business skills as a manager at home retailer Bed Bath and Beyond. I recently earned a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix and intend to pursue a Web design career. It is my goal to own a Web design company.

Some personal highlights are the birth of my daughter Mackenzie in 2004, and my chance to grow a relationship with my stepson Chase, who is 7.

My passion is ...

Writing and creating web sites

I know too much about ...

Sports

My parents always told me ...

I had my head on straight

My childhood ambition ...

To be a pro baseball player

My favorite memory ...

Standing on the court in Indianapolis after Arizona won the NCAA basketball title.

Why I write ...

To express myself in the best way

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

Shrek with my daughter and SportsCenter

My first job ...

Cleaning dishes at a cafeteria

My best moment ...

Earning my Bachelor's degree with my parents at the ceremony

My inspiration ...

my nephew Ian (please visit http://www.ianmichaelbeal.com) who should be with us today but died as a result of unsafe work conditions

Personal Finance > Real Estate Why invest in real estate

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