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<\/a><\/p>\nI can never say enough good things<\/strong> about Hot Air\u2019s Ed Morrissey<\/strong><\/a>, whom I call \u201cblogfather\u201d because it was his initial blog, Captain\u2019s Quarters<\/strong><\/a>, that first piqued my interest in blogging. Ed managed to blog in a way that was smart, gentlemanly and fair and I thought I might be able to do that, too.<\/p>\n Heh. Clearly I have not managed to be as smart, gentlemanly or fair as he, but I am glad I took the plunge; blogging has changed my life, very much for the better \u2014 both personally and professionally \u2014 in that it has taught me how to slow down, take a breath and consider the Marquis of Queensbury Rules before jumping into a fray. I sometimes do revert to Bad Lizzie, but I am learning<\/em> how to be more gentlemanly; it\u2019s slow-going since, as long-time readers know, I was raised by blade-in-mouth barbarians.<\/p>\n Still I credit my blogfather for the lessons, and also for the encouragement. When I wondered whether I was wasting my time and ought to throw in the towel, Ed was really supportive. \u201cJust keep writing,\u201d he said, \u201cand stay true to yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n I\u2019m glad I took his advice.<\/strong> Who would have thought a few years later I would be editing his First Mate Marcia\u2019s wonderful columns<\/strong><\/a> for Patheos?<\/p>\n Watch Blogfather Ed, interviewed by Reason\u2019s<\/strong><\/a> Nick Gillespie, who here sports Fu Manchuesque whiskers and denies being the elusive Allahpundit. Both smart, hard-working and honest fellows. I consider it a distinct honor to be considered a friend working in a neighboring field. Sort of. On the periphery.<\/p>\n