Former InformationWeek Editor-in-Chief Laton McCartney has landed on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Laton’s February 7 appearance focused on his latest book: “The Teapot Dome Scandal: How big oil bought the White House and tried to steal the whole country.”

Nope, the book isn’t about the current Bush administration. Rather, it focuses on Warren G. Harding’s presidency in the early 1920s. The book is receiving rave reviews. If you missed Laton on Jon Stewart, here’s a link to the video of his appearance.

I first met Laton in June of 1992. I was a recent college graduate seeking a big break in a bad job market.

I scored an interview with Laton, and somehow landed a job as assistant editor. Within a couple of years, Laton was among the key leaders who transformed InformationWeek into the first “business and technology” magazine written for CIOs. I was along for the ride.

Some of my best memories — and experiences — in high-tech media come from my time at InformationWeek, where I worked from 1992 to early 1996. Some talented friends (such as John Soat) are still at IW. Reading Soat’s regular IT Confidential column is a healthy reminder of good, drama-filled journalism at a time when many bloggers don’t bother to check their facts.

I suspect I had more than a dozen mentors during my first few years at InformationWeek. They each served me well. By the time I was 24, IW had me out interviewing Bill Gates, John Chambers and other household names from high-tech.

More than a decade — and 20 pounds — later, this industry continues to serve me well. But I will never forget my first big career break.

Thank you, Laton. Congrats on your new book. And best wishes to all of the InformationWeek veterans who showed me the ropes as I struggled to master basic high-tech journalism skills.